Comparative Analysis of Microbicidal and Anti-inflammatory Properties of Novel Taurine Bromamine Derivatives and Bromamine T.

Taurine, the most abundant free amino acid in leukocyte cytosol traps hypohalous acids (HOCl and HOBr) to produce N-chlorotaurine (taurine chloramine, NCT and N-bromotaurine (taurine bromamine, Tau-NHBr,) respectively. Both haloamines show anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. However, the therapeutic applicability of Tau-NHBr is limited due to its relatively poor stability. To overcome this disadvantage, we have synthesized the stable N-bromotaurine compounds N-monobromo-2,2-dimethyltaurine (Br-612) and N-dibromo-2,2-dimethyltaurine (Br-422). The aim of this study was to compare anti-inflammatory and microbicidal properties of Br-612 and Br-422 with that of Tau-NHBr and bromamine T (BAT). We have shown that all the tested compounds show similar anti-inflammatory properties. Importantly, the stable N-bromotaurine compounds exerted even stronger microbicidal activity than Tau-NHBr. Finally, for the purpose of topical application of these compounds we have developed a carbomer-based bioadhesive solid dosage form of BAT and Br-612, featuring sustained release of the active substance.

Resonantly enhanced second-harmonic generation in zinc vapor.

Coherent second-harmonic radiation has been generated in atomic zinc vapor at 1792.5 and 1601 A from the 5(1)S(0)and 4(1)D(2) states, respectively, by two-photon resonance enhancement. Measurements of the ratio of second-to third-harmonic generation suggest the occurrence of static electric fields of ~5 kV/cm. These fields are caused by ionization of ~2% of the atoms in the focal volume of the incident laser beam.

Generation of continuously tunable coherent vacuum-ultraviolet radiation (140 to 106 nm) in zinc vapor.

It is shown that resonantly enhanced, four-wave frequency mixing in Zn vapor provides coherent vacuum-ultraviolet radiation that is continuously tunable over the range 140.4 to 106.3 nm (or ~23000 cm(-1)).