Design, synthesis and DNA interaction studies of new fluorescent platinum complex containing anti-HIV drug didanosine.

Forming coordination complexes with nucleoside analogues may be helpful in studying anti-tumour activity of them. Therefore, to improve the clinical efficacy of nucleoside analogue and design new ones, a new fluorescent platinum (Pt) complex with anti-human immunodeficiency virus drug didanosine (ddI); K[PtCl(OCH3)2(ddI)]; was synthesized and characterized. The ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, infrared, thermogravimetric analysis, mass assignments and elemental analysis confirmed the preparation of the complex. The molecular ion peaks seen at the positive mass spectrum of Pt complex confirm coordination of the drug to metal centre. The interaction of this complex with calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA) was studied using several spectroscopic techniques such as UV absorption, fluorescence spectroscopy and dynamic viscosity measurements. Hyperchromism of the band in the UV-vis spectra and the intrinsic binding constant (0.56 ± 0.25) × 104 M-1, decreasing in Hoechst-DNA fluorescence by adding Pt complex concentration and also relatively small changes in DNA viscosity indicated that this complex could interact as a groove-binder. According to the UV spectra and the fluorescence quenching of the complex in our case seems to be primarily caused by complex formation between the Pt complex and DNA. The thermodynamic parameters showed that hydrogen bond and van der Waals interactions play main roles in the binding of Pt complex to ct-DNA. The free energy values are negative, showing the spontaneity of the Pt complex-DNA binding. The docking simulation was performed and the results confirm a preference of groove site of synthesized complex on DNA helix. The knowledge gained from this study will be helpful to further understand the DNA binding mechanism and can also provide much fruitful information for designing a new type of anti-cancer drugs.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Impedimetric aptasensor for kanamycin by using carbon nanotubes modified with MoSe2 nanoflowers and gold nanoparticles as signal amplifiers.

An aptamer based impedimetric method is described for the determination of kanamycin. A hydrothermal route was applied to synthesize molybdenum selenide nanoflowers (MoSe2) which are promising materials for use in sensing interfaces due to their high specific surface and excellent electrical conductivity. Carbon nanotubes were then decorated with the MoSe2 nanoflowers and gold nanoparticles (AuNP/CNT/MoSe2) and placed on a glassy carbon electrode to serve as a signal amplifier. An amino-terminal kanamycin-specific aptamer was covalently linked to carboxy groups of acid-oxidized CNTs on the electrode to act as the signalling probe. The various steps during the construction of the modified electrode were monitored by scanning electron microscopy, wavelength-dispersive and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. The change in electrochemical signal was quantified by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, typically at a working voltage of 0.22 V vs. Ag/AgCl. The calibration plot is linear in the 1 pM-0.1 nM and 100 nM-10 µM kanamycin concentration range and has a 0.28 pM detection limit. The assay is outstandingly selective, sensitive, stable and reproducible. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Influence of the ultrasound-assisted synthesis of Cu-BTC metal-organic frameworks nanoparticles on uptake and release properties of rifampicin.

In this work, we study uptake and release properties of rifampicin (denoted henceforth as Rif) from ultrasound-assisted synthesis Cu-BTC nanoparticles in comparison with bulk Cu-BTC and activated carbon. To explore the absorption ability of the Cu-BTC to Rif, fresh sample of Cu-BTC was immersed in an aqueous solution of Rif and were monitored in real time with UV/vis spectroscopy. Results show that the adsorbed quantity of Rif over nano Cu-BTC (denoted henceforth as I) is much higher than those over a bulk Cu-BTC (denoted henceforth as II) and activated carbon. In compound I and all of the nano-MOFs the channel length is decreased so that the amount of adsorption is increased a little. The samples were characterized with X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and UV/vis spectroscopy.

Efficient removal of crystal violet and methylene blue from wastewater by ultrasound nanoparticles Cu-MOF in comparison with mechanosynthesis method.

The present investigation reports the synthesis of CuBTC (BTC=1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate) metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) under solid-state conditions and ultrasound irradiation. Herein, we study uptake and release properties of crystal violet (CV) and methylene blue (MB) from ultrasound nano-CuBTC MOF in comparison with mechanosynthesis method (bulk structure). The ultrasound-assisted methods give a decrease in the surface area as calculated from the reduced nitrogen adsorption capability. In comparison, the uptake of guest molecules on ultrasound nano-CuBTC is remarkable and clearly exceeds that of bulk structure in the aqueous solution of guests. In bulk compound the channel length is increased so that the amount of adsorption is decreased a little. The small guest enters and leaves the cavity rapidly, whereas larger guests enter slowly due to their size relative to the size of the gaps in the capsule. As a result, the uptake and release of MB from CuBTC is faster than that of CV.

Aptamer-based electrochemical biosensor by using Au-Pt nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes and acriflavine platform.

Herein, an ultrasensitive electrochemical aptasensor for quantitative detection of bisphenol A (BPA) was fabricated based on a novel signal amplification strategy. This aptasensor was developed by electrodeposition of gold-platinum nanoparticles (Au-PtNPs) on glassy carbon (GC) electrode modified with acid-oxidized carbon nanotubes (CNTs-COOH). In this protocol, acriflavine (ACF) was covalently immobilized at the surface of glassy carbon electrode modified with Au-PtNPs/CNTs-COOH nanocomposite. Attachment of BPA-aptamer at the surface of modified electrode was performed through the formation of phosphoramidate bonds between the amino group of ACF and phosphate group of the aptamer at 5'end. By interaction of BPA with the aptamer, the conformational of aptamer was changed which lead to retarding the interfacial electron transfer of ACF as a probe. Sensitive quantitative detection of BPA was carried out by monitoring the decrease of differential pulse voltammetric (DPV) responses of ACF peak current with increasing the BPA concentration. The resultant aptasensor exhibited good specificity, stability and reproducibility, indicating that the present strategy was promising for broad potential application.

Deposition of silver nanoparticles on polyester fiber under ultrasound irradiations.

The polyester fiber containing Ag nanoparticles was prepared through the chemical reduction under ultrasound irradiation. Influences of reduction reagents on the morphological properties of Ag nanoparticles@polyester fiber were studied. The sizes of metallic nanoparticles vary significantly with the types of reduction reagents used in the synthesis. A strong reduction reaction promotes a fast reaction rate and favors the formation of smaller nanoparticle. A weak reduction reagent induces a slow reaction rate and favors relatively larger particles. The products were investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD).

Surface-Renewable AgNPs/CNT/rGO Nanocomposites as Bifunctional Impedimetric Sensors.

ABSTRACT: In this study, glassy carbon electrode modified by silver nanoparticles/carbon nanotube/reduced graphene oxide (AgNPs/CNT/rGO) composite has been utilized as a platform to immobilize cis-dioxomolybdenum (VI)-salicylaldehyde-histidine (MoO2/Sal-His). The modified electrode shows two reversible redox couples for MoO2/Sal-His. Electrocatalytic oxidation of cysteine (CySH) and electrocatalytic reduction of iodate on the surface of the modified electrode were investigated with cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy methods. The presence of MoO2/Sal-His on AgNPs/CNT/rGO shifted the catalytic current of iodate reduction to a more positive potential and the catalytic current of cysteine oxidation to a more negative potential. The change of interfacial charge transfer resistance (R ct) recorded by the modified electrode was monitored for sensitive quantitative detection of CySH and iodate. Moreover, the sensor has a good stability, and it can be renewed easily and repeatedly through a mechanical or electrochemical process.

Relationship of Attachment Styles and Emotional Intelligence With Marital Satisfaction.

BACKGROUND: The early relationships between infant and care takers are significant and the emotional interactions of these relationships play an important role in forming personality and adulthood relationships. OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to investigate the relationship of attachment styles (AS) and emotional intelligence (EI) with marital satisfaction (MS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional research, 450 married people (226 male, 224 female) were selected using multistage sampling method in Mashhad, Iran, in 2011. Subjects completed the attachment styles questionnaire (ASQ), Bar-On emotional quotient inventory (EQ-i) and Enrich marital satisfaction questionnaire. RESULTS: The results indicated that secure attachment style has positive significant relationship with marital satisfaction (r = 0.609, P < 0.001), also avoidant attachment style and ambivalent attachment style have negative significant relationship with marital satisfaction (r = -0.446, r = -0.564) (P < 0.001). Also, attachment styles can significantly predict marital satisfaction (P < 0.001). Therefore, emotional intelligence and its components have positive significant relationship with marital satisfaction; thus, emotional intelligence and intrapersonal, adaptability and general mood components can significantly predict marital satisfaction (P < 0.001). But, interpersonal and stress management components cannot significantly predict marital satisfaction (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: According to the obtained results, attachment styles and emotional intelligence are the key factors in marital satisfaction that decrease marital disagreement and increase the positive interactions of the couples.

Bifunctional impedimetric sensors based on azodicarboxamide supported on modified graphene nanosheets.

Herein, gold-coated graphene oxide nanosheets hybrid material (GO/AuNPs) with exceptional physical and chemical properties has been utilized as a novel platform for electrode modification. The synthetic method of GO/AuNPs involves anon-covalent functionalization of exfoliated GO with AuNPs based on the reduction of the Au(III) complex by sodium citrate. The prepared GO/AuNPs hybrid exhibits the dispersion of high density AuNPs which were densely decorated on the large surface area of GO. The GO/AuNPs modified glassy carbon (GC) electrode was employed as a sensing platform to immobilize azodicarboxamide (ACA). The morphology, structure and electrochemical performance of the sensor were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results indicate that the modified electrode has a notable bifunctional catalytic activity. Electrocatalytic oxidations of cysteine and electrocatalytic reduction of iodate at the surface of modified electrode were investigated with different technique.

A novel impedimetric aptasensor, based on functionalized carbon nanotubes and prussian blue as labels.

A simple and feasible electrochemical sensing protocol was developed for the detection of bisphenol A (BPA) by employing the gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), prussian blue (PB) and functionalized carbon nanotubes (AuNPs/PB/CNTs-COOH). An aminated complementary DNA as a capture probe and specific aptamer against BPA as a detection probe was immobilized on the surface of a modified glassy carbon (GC) electrode via the formation of covalent amide bond and hybridization, respectively. The proposed nanoaptasensor combined the advantages of the in situ formation of PB as a label, the deposition of neatly arranged AuNPs, and the covalent attachment of the capture probe to the surface of the modified electrode. Upon addition of target BPA, the analyte reacted with the aptamer and caused the steric/conformational restrictions on the sensing interface. The formation of BPA-aptamer complex at the electrode surface retarded the interfacial electron transfer reaction of the PB as a probe. Sensitive quantitative detection of BPA was carried out based on the variation of electron transfer resistance which relevant to the formation of BPA- aptamer complex at the modified electrode surface. Under the optimized conditions, the proposed aptasensor exhibited a high sensitivity, wide linearity to BPA and low detection limit. This aptasensor also displayed a satisfying electrochemical performance with good stability, selectivity and reproducibility.

A label-free aptasensor based on polyethyleneimine wrapped carbon nanotubes in situ formed gold nanoparticles as signal probe for highly sensitive detection of dopamine.

Herein, a highly sensitive and selective aptamer biosensor for quantitative detection of a model target, dopamine (DA), was developed by using a gold (Au) electrode modified with highly dispersed gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and acid-oxidized carbon nanotubes (CNTs-COOH) functionalized with polyethyleneimine (PEI). Amine-terminated12-mercaptureprobe (ssDNA1) as a capture probe and specific DA-aptamer (ssDNA2) as a detection probe was immobilized on the surface of a modified electrode via the formation of covalent amide bond and hybridization, respectively. Methylene blue (MB) was used as the redox probe, which was intercalated into the aptamer through the specific interaction with its guanine bases. In the presence of DA, the interaction between aptamer and DA displaced the MB from the electrode surface, rendering a lowered electrochemical signal attributed to decreased amount of adsorbed MB. The developed electrochemical DA aptasensor showed a good linear response to DA from 5 to 300nM with detection limit of 2.1nM. The biosensor also exhibited satisfactory selectivity and could be successfully used to detect DA in blood serum sample.

An electrochemical dopamine aptasensor incorporating silver nanoparticle, functionalized carbon nanotubes and graphene oxide for signal amplification.

In this work, immobilization of a dopamine (DA) aptamer was performed at the surface of an amino functionalized silver nanoparticle-carbon nanotube graphene oxide (AgNPs/CNTs/GO) nanocomposite. A 58-mer DA-aptamer was immobilized through the formation of phosphoramidate bonds between the amino group of chitosan and the phosphate group of the aptamer at the 5' end. An AgNPs/CNTs/GO nanocomposite was employed as a highly catalytic label for electrochemical detection of DA based on electrocatalytic activity of the nanocomposite toward hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Interaction of DA with the aptamer caused conformational changes of the aptamer which, in turn, decreased H2O2 oxidation and reduction peak currents. On the other hand, the presumed folding of the DA-aptamer complexes on the sensing interface inhibited the electrocatalytic activity of AgNPs/CNTs/GO toward H2O2. Sensitive quantitative detection of DA was carried out by monitoring the decrease of differential pulse voltammetric (DPV) responses of AgNPs/CNTs/GO nanocomposite toward H2O2 oxidation. The DPV signal linearly decreased with increased concentration of DA from 3 to 110nmolL(-1) with a detection limit of 700±19.23pmolL(-1). Simple preparation, low operation cost, speed and validity are the decisive factors of this method motivating its application to biosensing investigation.

Design of ultrasensitive bisphenol A-aptamer based on platinum nanoparticles loading to polyethyleneimine-functionalized carbon nanotubes.

Here, a highly sensitive electrochemical aptasensor based on a novel signal amplification strategy for the determination of bisphenol A (BPA) was developed. Construction of the aptasensor began with the deposition of highly dispersed platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs)/acid-oxidized carbon nanotubes (CNTs-COOH) functionalized with polyethyleneimine (PEI) at the surface of glassy carbon (PtNPs/PEI/CNTs-COOH/GC) electrode. After immobilizing the amine-capped capture probe (ssDNA1) through the covalent amide bonds formed by the carboxyl groups on the nanotubes and the amino groups on the oligonucleotides, we employed a designed complementary BPA-aptamer (ssDNA2) as a detection probe to hybridize with the ssDNA1. By adding BPA as a target, the aptamer specifically bound to BPA and its end folded into a BPA-binding junction. Because of steric/conformational restrictions caused by aptamer-BPA complex formation at the surface of modified electrode, the interfacial electron transfer of [Fe(CN)6](3-/4-) as a probe was blocked. Sensitive quantitative detection of BPA was carried out by monitoring the decrease of differential pulse voltammetric responses of [Fe(CN)6](3-/4-) peak current with increasing BPA concentrations. The newly developed aptasensor embraced a number of attractive features such as ease of fabrication, low detection limit, excellent selectivity, good stability and a wide linear range with respect to BPA.

Design of folding-based impedimetric aptasensor for determination of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

In this work, a novel sensing nanocomposite with highly dispersed platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) functionalized with polyethyleneimine (PEI) has been developed as a platform for immobilization of diclofenac (DIF) aptamer. PtNPs/PEI/CNTs nanocomposite provided abundant NH2 groups for the immobilization of DIF-specific aptamer. Attachment of DIF-aptamer at the surface of modified electrode was performed through the formation of phosphoramidate bonds between the amino group of PEI and the phosphate group of the aptamer at the 5' end. Nickel hexacyanoferrate (NiHCF) as signal probe was electrodeposited at the surface of nanocomposite by a simple electrodeposition method including two consecutive procedures. Under optimal conditions, DIF was detected by impedance spectroscopy (EIS) quantitatively. By adding DIF as the target at the surface of modified electrode, the aptamer specifically binds to DIF and its end folds into a DIF-binding junction, which leads to retarding the interfacial electron transfer of the probe at the surface of modified electrode. Sensitive quantitative detection of DIF was carried out by monitoring the increase of charge transfer resistance (Rct) by increasing the DIF concentration. The proposed aptasensor showed a good detection range from 10 to 200 nM with an unprecedented detection limit of 2.7 nM.

Design and characterization of electrochemical dopamine-aptamer as convenient and integrated sensing platform.

Here, an ultrasensitive label-free electrochemical aptasensor was developed for dopamine (DA) detection. Construction of the aptasensor was carried out by electrodeposition of gold-platinum nanoparticles (Au-PtNPs) on glassy carbon (GC) electrode modified with acid-oxidized carbon nanotubes (CNTs-COOH). A designed complementary amine-capped capture probe (ssDNA1) was immobilized at the surface of PtNPs/CNTs-COOH/GC electrode through the covalent amide bonds formed by the carboxyl groups on the nanotubes and the amino groups on the oligonucleotides. DA-specific aptamer was attached onto the electrode surface through hybridization with the ssDNA1. Methylene blue (MB) was used as an electrochemical indicator that was intercalated into the aptamer through the specific interaction with its guanine bases. In the presence of DA, the interaction between aptamer and DA displaced the MB from the electrode surface, rendering a lowered electrochemical signal attributed to a decreased amount of adsorbed MB. This phenomenon can be applied for DA detection. The peak current of probe (MB) linearly decreased over a DA concentration range of 1-30 nM with a detection limit of 0.22 nM.

Controlled uptake and release of imatinib from ultrasound nanoparticles Cu3(BTC)2 metal-organic framework in comparison with bulk structure.

The porosity of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is an important point concerning the possible use of such functional materials for different purposes. In this work, we study uptake and release properties of imatinib (IM) from nano Cu(II)-MOF in comparison with bulk Cu(II)-MOF. To explore the absorption ability of the Cu(II)-MOF to IM, fresh sample of Cu3(BTC)2 was immersed in an aqueous solution of IM and were monitored in real time with UV/vis spectroscopy. Results show that the adsorbed quantity of IM over nano Cu3(BTC)2 (I) is much higher than those over a bulk Cu3(BTC)2 (II).

Immobilized organoruthenium(II) complexes onto polyethyleneimine-wrapped carbon nanotubes/in situ formed gold nanoparticles as a novel electrochemical sensing platform.

The polyethyleneimine (PEI) wrapped multi-walled carbon nanotubes functionalized with a carboxylic acid group (CNTs-COOH) gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-modified gold (Au) electrode has been utilized as a platform to immobilize organoruthenium(II) complexes (ORC). The surface structure and composition of the sensor were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Electrocatalytic reduction of iodate and nitrite on the surface of modified electrode was investigated with cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and hydrodynamic voltammetry methods. The cyclic voltammetric results indicated the ability of AuNPs/PEI/CNT-COOH/ORC modified Au electrode to catalyze the reduction of this compound. AuNPs/PEI/CNTs-COOH nanocomposite combined the advantages of PEI-well dispersed CNTs-COOH and in situ formed AuNPs.

Ultrasound-assisted coating of polyester fiber with silver bromide nanoparticles.

The growth of silver bromide nanoparticles on polyester fiber was achieved by sequential dipping steps in alternating bath of potassium bromide and silver nitrate under ultrasound irradiation. The effects of ultrasound irradiation, concentration and sequential dipping steps in growth of the AgBr nanoparticles have been studied. Particle sizes and morphology of nanoparticle are depending on power of ultrasound irradiation, sequential dipping steps and concentration. These systems depicted a decrease in the particles size accompanying an increase in the sonication power. Results suggest that an increasing of sequential dipping steps and concentration led to an increasing of particle size. The physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles were determined by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Synthesis and characterization of Ag nanoparticles@Polyethylene fibers under ultrasound irradiation.

The polyethylene fibers containing Ag nanoparticles were prepared through the chemical reduction under ultrasound irradiation. The effect of reducing reagent, power of ultrasound irradiation, reaction time and temperature in growth of the nanometric Ag were studied. Particle sizes and morphology of nanoparticle are depending on power of ultrasound irradiation. Results show a decrease in the particles size as increasing power of ultrasound irradiation. Also, an increase in temperature led to increase of particle size. The polyethylene fibers containing Ag nanoparticles were characterized with powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Dense coating of surface mounted CuBTC Metal-Organic Framework nanostructures on silk fibers, prepared by layer-by-layer method under ultrasound irradiation with antibacterial activity.

The growth of Cu(3)(BTC)(2) (BTC=1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate), also known as CuBTC and HKUST-1, Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) nanostructures on silk fibers were achieved by layer-by-layer technique in alternating bath of Cu(OAc)(2) · 2H(2)O and H(3)BTC solutions under ultrasound irradiation. The effect of pH, reaction time, ultrasound irradiation and sequential dipping steps in growth of the CuBTC Metal-Organic Framework nanostructures has been studied. These systems depicted a decrease in the size accompanying a decrease in the sequential dipping steps. In addition, dense coating of silk fibers with CuBTC MOF results in decrease the emission intensity of silk fibers. The silk fibers containing CuBTC Metal-Organic Framework exhibited high antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The samples were characterized with powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRD analyses indicated that the prepared CuBTC MOF nanostructures on silk fibers were crystalline.