Proton Transfer via Arginine with Suppressed pKa Mediates Catalysis by Gentisate and Salicylate Dioxygenase.

Gentisate and salicylate 1,2-dioxygenases (GDO and SDO) facilitate aerobic degradation of aromatic rings by inserting both atoms of dioxygen into their substrates, thereby participating in global carbon cycling. The role of acid-base catalysts in the reaction cycles of these enzymes is debatable. We present evidence of the participation of a proton shuffler during catalysis by GDO and SDO. The pH dependence of Michaelis-Menten parameters demonstrates that a single proton transfer is mandatory for the catalysis. Measurements at variable temperatures and pHs were used to determine the standard enthalpy of ionization (ΔHion°) of 51 kJ/mol for the proton transfer event. Although the observed apparent pKa in the range of 6.0-7.0 for substrates of both enzymes is highly suggestive of a histidine residue, ΔHion° establishes an arginine residue as the likely proton source, providing phylogenetic relevance for this strictly conserved residue in the GDO family. We propose that the atypical 3-histidine ferrous binding scaffold of GDOs contributes to the suppression of arginine pKa and provides support for this argument by employing a 2-histidine-1-carboxylate variant of the enzyme that exhibits elevated pKa. A reaction mechanism considering the role of the proton source in stabilizing key reaction intermediates is proposed.

Enhancement of in situ detection and imaging of phytohormones in plant tissues by MALDI-MSI using 2,4-dihydroxy-5-nitrobenzoic acid as a novel matrix.

Phytohormones possess unique chemical structures, and their physiological effects are regulated through intricate interactions or crosstalk among multiple phytohormones. MALDI-MSI enables the simultaneous detection and imaging of multiple hormones. However, its application for tracing phytohormones is currently restricted by low abundance of hormone in plant and suboptimal matrix selection. 2,4-Dihydroxy-5-nitrobenzoic acid (DHNBA) was reported as a new MALDI matrix for the enhanced detection and imaging of multiple phytohormones in plant tissues. DHNBA demonstrates remarkable sensitivity improvement when compared to the commonly used matrix, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB), in the detection of isoprenoid cytokinins (trans-zeatin (tZ), dihy-drozeatin (DHZ), meta-topolin (mT), and N6-(Δ2-isopentenyl) adenine (iP)), jasmonic acid (JA), abscisic acid (ABA), and 1-aminocyclo-propane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) standards. The distinctive properties of DHNBA (i.e. robust UV absorption, uniform matrix deposition, negligible background interference, and high ionization efficiency of phytohormones) make it as an ideal matrix for enhanced detection and imaging of phytohormones, including tZ, DHZ, ABA, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and ACC, by MALDI-MSI in various plant tissues, for example germinating seeds, primary/lateral roots, and nodules. Employing DHNBA significantly enhances our capability to concurrently track complex phytohormone biosynthesis pathways while providing precise differentiation of the specific roles played by individual phytohormones within the same category. This will propel forward the comprehensive exploration of phytohormonal functions in plant science.

The antibacterial and inhibition effect of chitosan grafted gentisate acid derivatives against Pseudomonas fluorescens: Attacking multiple targets on structure, metabolism system, antioxidant system, and biofilm.

This work aimed to investigate the antibacterial ability and potential mechanism of chitosan grafted gentisate acid derivatives (CS-g-GA) against Pseudomonas fluorescens. The results showed that CS-g-GA had a significant suppressive impact on the growth of Pseudomonas fluorescens, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were 0.64 mg/mL and 1.28 mg/mL, respectively. Results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and alkaline phosphatase (AKPase) confirmed that CS-g-GA destroyed the cell structure thereby causing the leakage of intracellular components. In addition, 1 × MIC of CS-g-GA could significantly inhibit the formation of biofilms, and 74.78 % mature biofilm and 86.21 % extracellular polysaccharide of Pseudomonas fluorescens were eradicated by CS-g-GA at 2 × MIC. The results on the respiratory energy metabolism system and antioxidant system demonstrated that CS-g-GA caused respiratory disturbance and energy limitation by influencing the key enzyme activities. It could also bind to DNA and affect genetic metabolism. From this, it could be seen that CS-g-GA had the potential to control foodborne contamination of Pseudomonas fluorescens by attacking multiple targets.

User-friendly platform for analysis of high mass intact proteins and glycopeptides by laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry based on copper oxide particles.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) based on micro/nanostructured materials with different natures has received increasing attention for the analysis of a wide variety of analytes. However, up to now, only a few studies have shown the application of simple platforms in MALDI-MS for the identification of intact proteins. The present work reports on the application of copper oxide particles (Cu2O PS), obtained by a greener route, in combination with low amounts of 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) as a novel hybrid platform. The combined Cu2O PS@DHB matrix, containing only 2.5 mg mL-1 of particles and 10 mg mL-1 of DHB, was easily applicable in MALDI-MS without surface modification of target plates. Under optimal conditions, the analysis of intact proteins up to 150,000 Da was possible, including immunoglobulin G, bovine serum albumin, and cytochrome C with adequate spot-to-spot signal reproducibility (RSD < 10%). In addition, the analysis of glycopeptides from IgG digests was carried out to prove the multipurpose application of the Cu2O PS@DHB platform in the low m/z range (2500-3000 Da). From the obtained results, it can be concluded that the optical and surface properties of as-synthesized Cu2O PS are likely to be responsible for the superior performance of Cu2O PS@DHB in comparison with conventional matrices. In this sense, the proposed user-friendly methodology opens up the prospect for possible implementation in bioanalysis and diagnostic research.

Submicron 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid-TiO2 composite particles for enhanced MALDI MS imaging of secondary metabolites in the root of differently aged baical skullcap.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) has become an attractive technique for the localization and visualization of small molecules in various biological tissue sections. In this work, submicron 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid-TiO2 composite particles (3,4-DHB-TiO2 CPs) were synthesized for enhanced MALDI MSI of secondary metabolites in the root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (baical skullcap). Submicron TiO2 particles were synthesized as starting materials by using a facile sol-gel method and chemically modified with six analogs of dihydroxybenzoic acids (DHB) (2,3-DHB, 2,4-DHB, 2,5-DHB, 2,6-DHB, 3,4-DHB, and 3,5-DHB). Among them, 3,4-DHB-TiO2 CPs provided superior performance in MALDI MSI of small molecules. Compared with conventional matrices, such as 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,5-DHB) and α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA), 3,4-DHB-TiO2 CPs exhibited low background noise and high detection sensitivity for the visualization of spatial distribution patterns of secondary metabolites in the roots of differently aged S. baicalensis by using MALDI MSI. The age-related spatial and content changes of flavonoids in S. baicalensis roots were demonstrated and further validated by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). This work provides a potential organic-inorganic hybrid matrix for MALDI MSI of secondary metabolites in plant tissues.

Homogentisic Acid and Gentisic Acid Biosynthesized Pyomelanin Mimics: Structural Characterization and Antioxidant Activity.

Pyomelanin mimics from homogentisic acid (HGA) and gentisic acid (GA) were biosynthesized by the oxidative enzyme T. versicolor laccase at physiological pH to obtain water soluble melanins. The pigments show brown-black color, broad band visible light absorption, a persistent paramagnetism and high antioxidant activity. The EPR approach shows that at least two different radical species are present in both cases, contributing to the paramagnetism of the samples. This achievement can also shed light on the composition of the ochronotic pigment in the Alkaptonuria disease. On the other hand, these soluble pyomelanin mimics, sharing physico-chemical properties with eumelanin, can represent a suitable alternative to replace the insoluble melanin pigment in biotechnological applications.

A new sensor based on an amino-montmorillonite-modified inkjet-printed graphene electrode for the voltammetric determination of gentisic acid.

An amperometric sensor based on an inkjet-printed graphene electrode (IPGE) modified with amine-functionalized montmorillonite (Mt-NH2) for the electroanalysis and quantification of gentisic acid (GA) has been developed. The organoclay used as IPGE modifier was prepared and characterized by infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, CHN elemental analysis, and thermogravimetry. The electrochemical features of the Mt-NH2/IPGE sensor were investigated by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The sensor exhibited charge selectivity ability which was exploited for the electrochemical oxidation of GA. The GA amperometric response was high in acidic medium (Brinton-Robinson buffer, pH 2) due to favorable interactions between the protonated amine groups and the negatively charged GA. Kinetic studies were also performed by cyclic voltammetry, and the obtained electron transfer rate constant of 11.3 s-1 indicated a fast direct electron transfer rate of GA to the electrode. An approach using differential pulse voltammetry was then developed for the determination of GA (at + 0.233 V vs. a pseudo Ag/Ag+ reference electrode), and under optimized conditions, the sensor showed high sensitivity, a wide working linear range from 1 to 21 µM (R2 = 0.999), and a low detection limit of 0.33 µM (0.051 ± 0.01 mg L-1). The proposed sensor was applied to quantify GA in a commercial red wine sample. The simple and rapid method developed using a cheap clay material could be employed for the determination of various phenolic acids.

Marine Fungus Aspergillus chevalieri TM2-S6 Extract Protects Skin Fibroblasts from Oxidative Stress.

The strain Aspergillus chevalieri TM2-S6 was isolated from the sponge Axinella and identified according to internal transcribed spacer (ITS) molecular sequence homology with Aspergillus species from the section Restricti. The strain was cultivated 9 days on potato dextrose broth (PDB), and the medium evaluated as antioxidant on primary normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF). The cultivation broth was submitted to sterile filtration, lyophilized and used without any further processing to give the Aspergillus chevalieri TM2-S6 cultivation broth ingredient named ACBB. ACCB contains two main compounds: tetrahydroauroglaucin and flavoglaucin. Under oxidative stress, ACCB showed a significant promotion of cell viability. To elucidate the mechanism of action, the impact on a panel of hundreds of genes involved in fibroblast physiology was evaluated. Thus, ACCB stimulates cell proliferation (VEGFA, TGFB3), antioxidant response (GPX1, SOD1, NRF2), and extracellular matrix organization (COL1A1, COL3A1, CD44, MMP14). ACCD also reduced aging (SIRT1, SIRT2, FOXO3). These findings indicate that Aspergillus chevalieri TM2-S6 cultivation broth exhibits significant in vitro skin protection of human fibroblasts under oxidative stress, making it a potential cosmetic ingredient.

Roles of the Gentisate 1,2-Dioxygenases DsmD and GtdA in the Catabolism of the Herbicide Dicamba in Rhizorhabdus dicambivorans Ndbn-20.

3-Chlorogentisate is a key intermediate in the catabolism of the herbicide dicamba in R. dicambivorans Ndbn-20. In this study, we identified two gentisate 1,2-dioxygenases (GDOs), DsmD and GtdA, from Ndbn-20. The amino acid sequence similarity between DsmD and GtdA is 51%. Both of them are dimers and showed activities to gentisate and 3-chlorogentisate but not 3,6-dichlorogentisate (3,6-DCGA) or 6-chlorogentisate in vitro. The kcat/Km of DsmD for 3-chlorogentisate was 28.7 times higher than that of GtdA, whereas the kcat/Km of DsmD for gentisate was only one-fourth of that of GtdA. Transcription of dsmD was dramatically induced by 3-chlorogentisate but not gentisate, whereas gtdA was not induced. Disruption of dsmD resulted in a significant decline in the degradation rates of 3-chlorogentisate and dicamba but had no effect on the degradation of gentisate, whereas the result of disruption of gtdA was converse; the disruption of both dsmD and gtdA led to the inability to degrade 3-chlorogentisate and gentisate. This study revealed that 3-chlorogentisate but not gentisate or 3,6-DCGA is the ring-cleavage substrate in the dicamba degradation pathway in R. dicambivorans Ndbn-20; DsmD is specifically responsible for cleavage of 3-chlorogentisate, whereas GtdA is a general GDO involved in the catabolism of various natural aromatic compounds.

Novel absorbance peak of gentisic acid following the oxidation reaction.

Gentisic acid (GA), a metabolite of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), and homogentisic acid (HGA), which is excreted at high levels in alkaptonuria, are divalent phenolic acids with very similar structures. Urine containing HGA is dark brown in color due to its oxidation. We recently reported a new oxidation method of HGA involving the addition of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) with sodium hypochlorite pentahydrate (NaOCl·5H2O), which is a strong oxidant. In the present study, we attempted to oxidize GA, which has a similar structure to HGA, using our method. We herein observed color changes in GA solution and analyzed the absorption spectra of GA after the addition of NaOH with NaOCl·5H2O. We also examined the oxidation reaction of GA using a liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometer (LC/TOF-MS). The results obtained indicated that GA solution had a unique absorption spectrum with a peak at approximately 500 nm through an oxidation reaction following the addition of NaOH with NaOCl·5H2O. This spectrophotometric method enables GA to be detected in sample solutions without expensive analytical instruments or a complex method.

OffsampleAI: artificial intelligence approach to recognize off-sample mass spectrometry images.

BACKGROUND: Imaging mass spectrometry (imaging MS) is an enabling technology for spatial metabolomics of tissue sections with rapidly growing areas of applications in biology and medicine. However, imaging MS data is polluted with off-sample ions caused by sample preparation, particularly by the MALDI (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization) matrix application. Off-sample ion images confound and hinder statistical analysis, metabolite identification and downstream analysis with no automated solutions available. RESULTS: We developed an artificial intelligence approach to recognize off-sample ion images. First, we created a high-quality gold standard of 23,238 expert-tagged ion images from 87 public datasets from the METASPACE knowledge base. Next, we developed several machine and deep learning methods for recognizing off-sample ion images. The following methods were able to reproduce expert judgements with a high agreement: residual deep learning (F1-score 0.97), semi-automated spatio-molecular biclustering (F1-score 0.96), and molecular co-localization (F1-score 0.90). In a test-case study, we investigated off-sample images corresponding to the most common MALDI matrix (2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, DHB) and characterized properties of matrix clusters. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our work illustrates how artificial intelligence approaches enabled by open-access data, web technologies, and machine and deep learning open novel avenues to address long-standing challenges in imaging MS.

Discrimination of bovine milk from non-dairy milk by lipids fingerprinting using routine matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry.

An important sustainable development goal for any country is to ensure food security by producing a sufficient and safe food supply. This is the case for bovine milk where addition of non-dairy milks such as vegetables (e.g., soya or coconut) has become a common source of adulteration and fraud. Conventionally, gas chromatography techniques are used to detect key lipids (e.g., triacylglycerols) has an effective read-out of assessing milks origins and to detect foreign milks in bovine milks. However, such approach requires several sample preparation steps and a dedicated laboratory environment, precluding a high throughput process. To cope with this need, here, we aimed to develop a novel and simple method without organic solvent extractions for the detection of bovine and non-dairy milks based on lipids fingerprint by routine MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MS). The optimized method relies on the simple dilution of milks in water followed by MALDI-TOF MS analyses in the positive linear ion mode and using a matrix consisting of a 9:1 mixture of 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid and 2-hydroxy-5-methoxybenzoic acid (super-DHB) solubilized at 10 mg/mL in 70% ethanol. This sensitive, inexpensive, and rapid method has potential for use in food authenticity applications.

Rapid quality control of medicine and food dual purpose plant polysaccharides by matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.

With their multiple biological activities and health benefit effects, polysaccharides from medicine and food dual purpose plants (MFDPPPs) have been extensively applied in many fields, including in medical treatments, stock farming, and cosmetics. However, to date, quality issues of MFDPPPs and technologies for the analysis of polysaccharides have posed challenges to chemists. Reported herein is a rapid and high-throughput quality control method for analyzing MFDPPPs, based on matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). For the analysis of illegally added and doped substances, ferroferric oxide nanoparticles were employed as the MALDI matrix to avoid small molecule interference. Qualitatively, high sensitivity was obtained for both illegal drugs and glucose. Quantitatively, the best linear response (R2 > 0.99) was attained in the concentration range from 0.005 to 1 mg mL-1 for glucose. For the analysis of polysaccharides, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid/N-methylaniline was employed as the MALDI matrix to increase the detection sensitivity and mass range coverage. Furthermore, the established method was successfully applied to the analysis of supplements from Astragalus polysaccharides and Lentinan real samples, showing its potential in quality control for MFDPPPs.

Complex Mitochondrial Dysfunction Induced by TPP+-Gentisic Acid and Mitochondrial Translation Inhibition by Doxycycline Evokes Synergistic Lethality in Breast Cancer Cells.

The mitochondrion has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for novel cancer treatments because of its essential role in tumorigenesis and resistance to chemotherapy. Previously, we described a natural compound, 10-((2,5-dihydroxybenzoyl)oxy)decyl) triphenylphosphonium bromide (GA-TPP+C10), with a hydroquinone scaffold that selectively targets the mitochondria of breast cancer (BC) cells by binding to the triphenylphosphonium group as a chemical chaperone; however, the mechanism of action remains unclear. In this work, we showed that GA-TPP+C10 causes time-dependent complex inhibition of the mitochondrial bioenergetics of BC cells, characterized by (1) an initial phase of mitochondrial uptake with an uncoupling effect of oxidative phosphorylation, as previously reported, (2) inhibition of Complex I-dependent respiration, and (3) a late phase of mitochondrial accumulation with inhibition of α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (αKGDHC) activity. These events led to cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase and cell death at 24 and 48 h of exposure, and the cells were rescued by the addition of the cell-penetrating metabolic intermediates l-aspartic acid ß-methyl ester (mAsp) and dimethyl α-ketoglutarate (dm-KG). In addition, this unexpected blocking of mitochondrial function triggered metabolic remodeling toward glycolysis, AMPK activation, increased expression of proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (pgc1α) and electron transport chain (ETC) component-related genes encoded by mitochondrial DNA and downregulation of the uncoupling proteins ucp3 and ucp4, suggesting an AMPK-dependent prosurvival adaptive response in cancer cells. Consistent with this finding, we showed that inhibition of mitochondrial translation with doxycycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic that inhibits the 28 S subunit of the mitochondrial ribosome, in the presence of GA-TPP+C10 significantly reduces the mt-CO1 and VDAC protein levels and the FCCP-stimulated maximal electron flux and promotes selective and synergistic cytotoxic effects on BC cells at 24 h of treatment. Based on our results, we propose that this combined strategy based on blockage of the adaptive response induced by mitochondrial bioenergetic inhibition may have therapeutic relevance in BC.

Uncovering matrix effects on lipid analyses in MALDI imaging mass spectrometry experiments.

The specific matrix used in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI IMS) can have an effect on the molecules ionized from a tissue sample. The sensitivity for distinct classes of biomolecules can vary when employing different MALDI matrices. Here, we compare the intensities of various lipid subclasses measured by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) IMS of murine liver tissue when using 9-aminoacridine (9AA), 5-chloro-2-mercaptobenzothiazole (CMBT), 1,5-diaminonaphthalene (DAN), 2,5-Dihydroxyacetophenone (DHA), and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB). Principal component analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed significant matrix effects on the relative signal intensities observed for different lipid subclasses and adducts. Comparison of spectral profiles and quantitative assessment of the number and intensity of species from each lipid subclass showed that each matrix produces unique lipid signals. In positive ion mode, matrix application methods played a role in the MALDI analysis for different cationic species. Comparisons of different methods for the application of DHA showed a significant increase in the intensity of sodiated and potassiated analytes when using an aerosol sprayer. In negative ion mode, lipid profiles generated using DAN were significantly different than all other matrices tested. This difference was found to be driven by modification of phosphatidylcholines during ionization that enables them to be detected in negative ion mode. These modified phosphatidylcholines are isomeric with common phosphatidylethanolamines confounding MALDI IMS analysis when using DAN. These results show an experimental basis of MALDI analyses when analyzing lipids from tissue and allow for more informed selection of MALDI matrices when performing lipid IMS experiments.

Crystal structures, dissolution and pharmacokinetic study on a novel phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor chlorbipram cocrystals.

Cocrystallization of chlorbipram (ChBP), a novel phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE) inhibitor with water insoluble property developed in our lab, was performed to improve the physicochemical properties and bioavailability in the present study. Three new cocrystals with fumaric aicd (FA), gentisic acid (GA) and salicylic acid (SA) as coformers were synthesized and fully characterized by using the combination of multi-techniques. The cocrystals are phase stable even under high humidity conditions. In vitro study indicates that the solubility of ChBP-GA and ChBP-SA cocrystals increase to 3724.4 ±â€¯58.7, 2897.4 ±â€¯81.9 µg/mL in comparison with ChBP (2561.3 ±â€¯150.4 µg/mL), the intrinsic dissolution rates (IDRs) of ChBP-GA and ChBP-SA cocrystals (721.3 ±â€¯8.0, 614.4 ±â€¯13.2 µg/min/cm2) are both higher than ChBP (537.9 ±â€¯12.0 µg/min/cm2). The blood concentration peak values of ChBP-GA and ChBP-SA cocrystals (165.8 ±â€¯50.9, 105.3 ±â€¯35.6 ng/mL) are both higher than ChBP (51.3 ±â€¯15.1 ng/mL) in in vivo evaluation. It presents the same order in in vitro/vivo study: ChBP-GA > ChBP-SA > ChBP > ChBP-FA. ChBP-FA cocrystal presents a longer elimination half life (t1/2 = 10.0 ±â€¯2.6 h), which makes it a potential candidate for prolonged controlled release formulation. ChBP-GA and ChBP-SA cocrystals both present enhanced solubility and bioavailability in comparison with ChBP, making them a better candidate for the solid dosage formulation development.

Preparation of Progesterone Co-Crystals Based on Crystal Engineering Strategies.

Three co-formers of 2-chloro-4-nitroaniline (CNA), 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB), and 4,4'-biphenol (DOD) were selected to prepare the co-crystal of progesterone (PROG) based on crystal engineering strategies. These co-crystals were successfully obtained via slow evaporation from different solutions and were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. Different binding networks were observed in the co-crystal structures of PROG. The PROG-CNA co-crystal had the fastest rates and highest concentrations of PROG in PBS solution compared with PROG or other co-crystals in the dissolution experiments. This might be attributable to more stable and abundant interactions between the PROG and CNA molecules. Our investigations provide positive support for the selection of suitable co-formers using crystal engineering strategies.

Improving Antioxidant Activity of ß-Lactoglobulin by Nature-Inspired Conjugation with Gentisic Acid.

Dietary phenolic compounds display strong antioxidant capabilities but face limited practical applications as a result of their poor biocompatibility (high immune resistance). Some food proteins possess mild antioxidant capabilities but are often not sufficient to maintain a reactive oxidative species balance. In this study, we overcome these barriers by covalently conjugating a natural phenolic antioxidant, gentisic acid (GA), onto an antioxidant protein, ß-lactoglobulin (ßLG). Upon optimization of conjugation conditions, we confirm the formation of ßLG-GA conjugates with mass spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible absorption. Surface charge analysis revealed a saturation molar ratio of 150:1 (GA/ßLG), while far-ultraviolet circular dichroism revealed substantial changes in the protein secondary structure upon conjugation. The antioxidant capability of resultant conjugates was probed by monitoring the decay of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical content via time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, which suggested two possible pathways to scavenge radicals, i.e., the antioxidant GA on the protein surface and the protein conformational change that exposes more antioxidant amino acids. To our best knowledge, this work is the first report on the fabrication of a dual-effect antioxidant biopolymer using a nature-inspired template via covalent linking with the antioxidant mechanism probed. Our findings are essential for opening a new route to design functional materials with enhanced antioxidant activity and biocompatibility.

Effect of gentisic acid on the structural-functional properties of liposomes incorporating ß-sitosterol.

Multifunctional liposomes incorporating ß-sitosterol were developed for delivery of gentisic acid (GA). The interactions of both compounds with phospholipid bilayer were interpreted viaeffects of different ß-sitosterol content (0, 20 and 50 mol %) and different gentisic acid to lipid ratio (nGA/nlip from 10-5 to 1) on membrane fluidity and thermotropic properties. Multilamellar vesicles of phosphatidylcholines (with size range between 1350 and 1900 nm) effectively encapsulated GA (54%) when nGA/nlip was higher than 0.01. Suppression of lipid peroxidation was directly related to concentration of GA. The resistance to diffusion of gentisic acid from liposomes increased for ˜50% in samples incorporating 50 mol % ß-sitosterol compared to sterol-free liposomes. Finally, simulated in vitro gastrointestinal conditions showed that the release was mainly affected by low pH of simulated gastric fluid and the presence of cholates in simulated intestinal fluid, rather than by enzymes activity.

Combination Strategy of Reactive and Catalytic Matrices for Qualitative and Quantitative Profiling of N-Glycans in MALDI-MS.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of N-glycans by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) is hampered mainly by the low ionization efficiency of analytes and their poor cocrystallization with traditional organic acid matrices. In the present study, a combination strategy of reactive and catalytic matrices (CSRCM) was proposed for the on-target derivatization and detection of reducing N-glycans: a novel reactive matrix, i.e., 2,5-dihydroxybenzohydrazide (DHBH), having a skeleton structure similar to that of DHB, was designed and synthesized, and this reactive matrix was mixed with catalytic matrix DHB to form a rationally combinatorial matrix (DHB/DHBH). Qualitatively, DHB/DHBH could improve the ionization efficiency of reducing carbohydrates significantly. Quantitatively, the acid-base chemistry of DHB/DHBH leads to a uniform cocrystallization of analytes-matrix mixtures. Consequently, CSRCM provides accurate quantitation for N-glycans with high derivatization efficiency and good linearity (R2 > 0.99) within 2 orders of magnitude on the basis of an internal standard method. Furthermore, the CSRCM was successfully applied to evaluating N-glycan in serum samples of colorectal cancer patients, thus showing potential in clinical applications for biomarker discovery.