Decolorization and detoxication of malachite green by engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae expressing novel thermostable laccase from Trametes trogii.

Malachite Green (MG) is a widely used industrial dye that is hazardous to health. Herein, the decolourisation and detoxification of MG were achieved using the engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae expressing novel thermostable laccase lcc1 from Trametes trogii. The engineered strain RCL produced a high laccase activity of 121.83 U L-1. Lcc1 was stable at temperatures ranging from 20 ℃ to 60 ℃ and showed a high tolerance to organic solvents. Moreover, Lcc1 could decolorize different kinds of dyes (azo, anthraquinone and triphenylmethane), among which, the decolorization ability of MG is the highest, reaching 95.10 %, and the decolorization rate of other triphenylmethane dyes also over 50 %. The RCL decolorized about 95 % of 50 mg L-1 of MG dye in 10 h at 30 ℃. The MG degradation products were analyzed. The industrial application potential of the RCL was evaluated by treating industrial wastewater and the decolourisation rates were over 90 %.

Effective Decolorization and Detoxification of Single and Mixed Dyes with Crude Laccase Preparation from a White-Rot Fungus Strain Pleurotus eryngii.

To fully harness the potential of laccase in the efficient decolorization and detoxification of single and mixed dyes with diverse chemical structures, we carried out a systematic study on the decolorization and detoxification of single and mixed dyes using a crude laccase preparation obtained from a white-rot fungus strain, Pleurotus eryngii. The crude laccase preparation showed efficient decolorization of azo, anthraquinone, triphenylmethane, and indigo dyes, and the reaction rate constants followed the order Remazol Brilliant Blue R > Bromophenol blue > Indigo carmine > New Coccine > Reactive Blue 4 > Reactive Black 5 > Acid Orange 7 > Methyl green. This laccase preparation exhibited notable tolerance to SO42- salts such as MnSO4, MgSO4, ZnSO4, Na2SO4, K2SO4, and CdSO4 during the decolorization of various types of dyes, but was significantly inhibited by Cl- salts. Additionally, this laccase preparation demonstrated strong tolerance to some organic solvents such as glycerol, ethylene glycol, propanediol, and butanediol. The crude laccase preparation demonstrated the efficient decolorization of dye mixtures, including azo + azo, azo + anthraquinone, azo + triphenylmethane, anthraquinone + indigo, anthraquinone + triphenylmethane, and indigo + triphenylmethane dyes. The decolorization kinetics of mixed dyes provided preliminary insight into the interactions between dyes in the decolorization process of mixed dyes, and the underlying reasons and mechanisms were discussed. Importantly, the crude laccase from Pleurotus eryngii showed efficient repeated-batch decolorization of single-, two-, and four-dye mixtures. This crude laccase demonstrated high stability and reusability in repeated-batch decolorization. Furthermore, this crude laccase was efficient in the detoxification of different types of single dyes and mixed dyes containing different types of dyes, and the phytotoxicity of decolorized dyes (single and mixed dyes) was significantly reduced. The crude laccase efficiently eliminated phytotoxicity associated with single and mixed dyes. Consequently, the crude laccase from Pleurotus eryngii offers significant potential for practical applications in the efficient decolorization and management of single and mixed dye pollutants with different chemical structures.

Unveiling of the antileishmanial activities of Linalool loaded zinc oxide nanocomposite through its potent antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects.

This study aimed to produce linalool loaded zinc oxide nanocomposite (LZNPs) and assess its in vitro and in vivo antileishmanial effects against Leishmania major. LZNPs was produced through the synthesis of an ethanolic solution containing polyvinyl alcohol. The average size of LZNPs was determined to be 105 nm. The findings indicated that LZNPs displayed significant (p < 0.01) antileishmanial effects on promastigotes and amastigotes. Following exposure of promastigotes to LZNPs, there was a notable rise in the percentage of early and late apoptotic cells from 9.0 to 57.2 %. The gene expression levels of iNOS, IFN-γ, and TNF-α in macrophages were upregulated in a dose-dependent approach following exposure to LZNPs. LZNPs alone and in conjunction with glucantime (Glu) resulted in a reduction in the diameter and parasite load of CL lesions in infected mice. Treatment of the CL-infected mice with LZNPs at 25 and 50 mg/kg mainly in combination with Glu-reduced the tissue level of malondialdehyde (MDA), increased both gene and protein expression of the antioxidant enzymes as well as raised the expression level of IFN-γ and IL-12 cytokines, whereas caused a significant reduction in the expression level of IL-4. The present study shows that LZNPs has potent antileishmanial effects and controls CL in a mice model through its antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. Further investigation, especially in clinical trials, could explore the potential use of this nanocomposite in managing and treating CL.

Characterization of Evodia rutaecarpa (Juss) Benth honey: volatile profile, odor-active compounds and odor properties.

BACKGROUND: Aroma is one of the most important quality criterion of different honeys and even defines their merchant value. The composition of volatile compounds, especially the characteristic odor-active compounds, contributes significantly to the aroma of honey. Evodia rutaecarpa (Juss) Benth honey (ERBH) is a special honey in China with unique flavor characteristics. However, no work in the literature has investigated the volatile compounds and characteristic odor-active compounds of ERBHs. Therefore, it is imperative to conduct systematic investigation into the volatile profile, odor-active compounds and odor properties of ERBHs. RESULTS: The characteristic fingerprint of ERBHs was successfully constructed with 12 characteristic peaks and a similarity range of 0.785-0.975. In total, 297 volatile compounds were identified and relatively quantified by headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, of which 61 and 31 were identified as odor-active compounds by relative odor activity values and GC-olfactometry analysis, respectively, especially the common 22 odor-active compounds (E)-ß-damascenone, phenethyl acetate, linalool, cis-linalool oxide (furanoid), octanal, hotrienol, trans-linalool oxide (furanoid), 4-oxoisophorone and eugenol, etc., contributed significantly to the aroma of ERBHs. The primary odor properties of ERBHs were floral, followed by fruity, herbaceous and woody aromas. The partial least-squares regression results showed that the odor-active compounds had good correlations with the odor properties. CONCLUSION: Identifying the aroma differences of different honeys is of great importance. The present study provides a reliable theoretical basis for the quality and authenticity of ERBHs. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Biocompatible Monophosphonated Trityl Spin Probe, HOPE71, for In Vivo Measurement of pO2, pH, and [Pi] by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy.

Hypoxia, acidosis, and elevated inorganic phosphate concentration are characteristics of the tumor microenvironment in solid tumors. There are a number of methods for measuring each parameter individually in vivo, but the only method to date for noninvasive measurement of all three variables simultaneously in vivo is electron paramagnetic spectroscopy paired with a monophosphonated trityl radical, pTAM/HOPE. While HOPE has been successfully used for in vivo studies upon intratissue injection, it cannot be delivered intravenously due to systemic toxicity and albumin binding, which causes significant signal loss. Therefore, we present HOPE71, a monophosphonated trityl radical derived from the very biocompatible trityl probe, Ox071. Here, we describe a straightforward synthesis of HOPE71 starting with Ox071 and report its EPR sensitivities to pO2, pH, and [Pi] with X-band and L-band EPR spectroscopy. We also confirm that HOPE71 lacks albumin binding, shows low cytotoxicity, and has systemic tolerance. Finally, we demonstrate its ability to profile the tumor microenvironment in vivo in a mouse model of breast cancer.

Synthesis and characterization of a biocompatible 13C1 isotopologue of trityl radical OX071 for in vivo EPR viscometry.

We describe the synthesis, characterization, and application of an isotopologue of the trityl radical OX071, labeled with 13C at the central carbon (13C1). This spin probe features large anisotropy of the hyperfine coupling with the 13C1 (I = 1/2), leading to an EPR spectrum highly sensitive to molecular tumbling. The high biocompatibility and lack of interaction with blood albumin allow for systemic delivery and in vivo measurement of tissue microviscosity by EPR.

Comparative analysis of Fenghuang Dancong, Tieguanyin, and Dahongpao teas using headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and chemometric methods.

Fenghuang Dancong, Tieguanyin, and Dahongpao teas are belonged to semi-fermented oolong teas and are famous for their unique aroma. However, reports regarding the systematic comparison, differentiation, and classification of the volatile components of these three types of oolong teas are lacking. In this study, we aimed to establish a method for distinguishing these three types of oolong teas. The volatile components in a total of 21 tea samples of these three types of oolong teas were extracted, determined, and identified by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In addition, chemometric methods such as hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), principal component analysis (PCA), and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were used for distinguishing and classifying the three types of oolong teas on the basis of the similarities and differences in the volatile components. The results showed that 125 volatile components were extracted and identified from the three types of oolong teas, among which 53 volatile components overlapped among the samples. The results of HCA indicated that the samples of each of the three types of oolong teas could be placed in one category when the t value was 220. The results of PCA and OPLS-DA showed that the volatile components such as dehydrolinalool, linalool oxide II, linalool, α-farnesene, linalool oxide I, ß-ocimene, nerolidol, cis-3-butyric acid folate, myrcene, and (Z)-hexanoic acid-3-hexenyl ester are the characteristic components, which can be used to distinguish the three types of oolong teas. We developed a simple, fast, and efficient method for distinguishing three types of oolong teas and provided a feasible technique for the identification of oolong tea types.

Design of multifunctional C@Fe3O4-MoO3 binary nanocomposite for applications in triphenylmethane textile dye amelioration via ultrasonic adsorption and electrochemical energy storage.

In this paper, we present the synthesis of C@Fe3O4-MoO3 binary composite were prepared through the facile hydrothermal process. The ultrasonic aided adsorption efficacy was evaluated by studying triphenylmethane dye's adsorption potential. The ultrasonic aided adsorption capacity towards crystal violet was 993.6 mg/g, which is remarkably higher and best fitted with the Langmuir isotherm model and followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. The electrochemical studies working electrode have been prepared with 80 wt% active material, 10 wt% carbon black, and 10% polyvinylidene difluoride to evaluate energy storage characteristics. The C@Fe3O4-MoO3 demonstrated an excellent specific capacitance of 40.94 F/g with better retention and stability, making it a potential cathode material for next-generation electrochemical energy storage devices.

Light synergistically promotes the tea green leafhopper infestation-induced accumulation of linalool oxides and their glucosides in tea (Camellia sinensis).

Linalool, which is one of the most representative aroma substances in tea, is transformed into other aroma-related compounds, including linalool 3,6-oxides and linalool 3,7-oxides. The objective of this study was to elucidate the linalool oxide synthesis pathway and its response to stress in tea. By feeding experiment, chemical synthesis, and compound analysis, it was found that linalool can be transformed to linalool oxides via 6,7-epoxylinalool. The conversion rate from 6,7-epoxylinalool to linalool oxides was relatively high under acidic conditions. Four linalool oxide glucosides obtained from tea were structurally characterized. Additionally, tea green leafhopper infestation was observed to activate the whole metabolic flow from linalool into linalool oxides and their glucosides (p < 0.01). Moreover, light treatments further increased the accumulation of linalool oxides and their glucosides (p < 0.05). These results will be useful for elucidating the mechanism mediating linalool oxides content changes in response to stress in tea.

Anthraquinone acted as a catalyst for the removal of triphenylmethane dye containing tertiary amino group: Characteristics and mechanism.

Herein, we found that anthraquinone (AQ) acted as a catalyst for the rapid and effective removal of triphenylmethane dye containing tertiary amino group (TDAG). Results showed that AQ had an enhanced catalytic reactivity towards the removal of TDAG compared to hydro-quinone, which was further proved and explained using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. AQs could achieve a TDAG removal efficiency and rate of approximately 100% and 0.3583 min-1, respectively, within 20 min. Quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) tests indicated that the superoxide radical (O2•-) generated through the catalytic reduction of an oxygen molecule (O2) by AQ contributed to the effective removal of the TDAG. In addition, it was found that the electrophilic attack of the O2•- radical on the TDAG was the driving force for the dye degradation process. Decreasing the pH led to protonation of the substituted group of AG, which resulted in formation of an electron deficient center in the TDAG molecule (TDAG-EDC+) through delocalization of the π electron. Therefore, the possibility of the electrophilic attack for the dye by the negative O2•- radical was significantly enhanced. This study revealed that the H+ and the O2•- generated by the catalytic reduction of O2 have synergistic effects that led to a significant increase in the dye removal rate and efficiency, which were higher than those obtained through persulfate oxidation.

Removal of triphenylmethane dyes by Streptomyces bacillaris: A study on decolorization, enzymatic reactions and toxicity of treated dye solutions.

This study revealed Streptomyces bacillaris as an efficient biological agent for the removal of triphenylmethane (TPM) dyes. The isolate decolorized Malachite Green (MG), Methyl Violet (MV), Crystal Violet (CV), and Cotton Blue (CB) effectively. S. bacillaris in the treated dye solutions were analyzed for enzyme production, and the cell biomass was observed for functional groups and cell morphology. The treated dye solutions were also analyzed for degraded compounds and their toxicity. Results revealed high decolorization activities for MG (94.7%), MV (91.8%), CV (86.6%), CB (68.4%), attributed to both biosorption and biodegradation. In biosorption, dye molecules interacted with the hydroxyl, amino, phosphoryl, and sulfonyl groups present on the cell surface. Biodegradation was associated with induced activities of MnP and NADH-DCIP reductase, giving rise to various simpler compounds. The degraded compounds in the treated dyes were less toxic, as revealed by the significant growth of Vigna radiata in the phytotoxicity test. There were no significant changes in cell morphology before and after use in dye solutions, suggesting S. bacillaris is less susceptible to dye toxicity. This study concluded that S. bacillaris demonstrated effective removal of TPM dyes via biosorption and biodegradation, rendering the treated dyes less toxic than untreated dyes. Findings in this study enabled further explorations into the potential application of lesser-known actinobacteria (i.e. Streptomyces sp.) for dye removal.

Facile synthesis of multifunctional C@Fe3O4-MoO3-rGO ternary composite and its versatile roles as sonoadsorbent to ameliorate triphenylmethane textile dye and as potential electrode for supercapacitor applications.

The toxic wastewater effluents from textile dyes have been a significant environmental threat worldwide in recent decades. Against this backdrop, this study investigates the performance of C@Fe3O4-MoO3-rGO as a sonoadsorbent to ameliorate crystal violet (CV) dye from the aqua matrix and further explores its potential as an electrode in supercapacitor applications. The phase purity, crystal structure, surface morphology, thermal stability and magnetic behaviour characteristics of the composite were studied using various characterisation techniques such as powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman Spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Vibrating-sample magnetometry (VSM). From the Langmuir isotherm model, the synthesised sonoadsorbent exhibited a maximum adsorption capacity of 1664.26 mg/g for crystal violet, which is remarkably high. Further, to its inherited magnetic characteristics, the composite can be easily separated from the solution by using an external magnet. Furthermore, the working electrode was synthesised with 80% active material, 10% carbon black, and 10% polyvinylidene difluoride to investigate its suitability in supercapacitor applications. The C@Fe3O4-MoO3-rGO composite exhibited an excellent capacitance value of 180.36 F/g with commendable cycling stability, making it suitable as a potential cathode material for the next generation supercapacitors.

Senicapoc treatment in COVID-19 patients with severe respiratory insufficiency-A randomized, open-label, phase II trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the current study was to determine if treatment with senicapoc, improves the PaO2 /FiO2 ratio in patients with COVID-19 and severe respiratory insufficiency. METHODS: Investigator-initiated, randomized, open-label, phase II trial in four intensive care units (ICU) in Denmark. We included patients aged ≥18 years and admitted to an ICU with severe respiratory insufficiency due to COVID-19. The intervention consisted of 50 mg enteral senicapoc administered as soon as possible after randomization and again after 24 h. Patients in the control group received standard care only. The primary outcome was the PaO2 /FiO2 ratio at 72 h. RESULTS: Twenty patients were randomized to senicapoc and 26 patients to standard care. Important differences existed in patient characteristics at baseline, including more patients being on non-invasive/invasive ventilation in the control group (54% vs. 35%). The median senicapoc concentration at 72 h was 62.1 ng/ml (IQR 46.7-71.2). The primary outcome, PaO2 /FiO2 ratio at 72 h, was significantly lower in the senicapoc group (mean 19.5 kPa, SD 6.6) than in the control group (mean 24.4 kPa, SD 9.2) (mean difference -5.1 kPa [95% CI -10.2, -0.04] p = .05). The 28-day mortality in the senicapoc group was 2/20 (10%) compared with 6/26 (23%) in the control group (OR 0.36 95% CI 0.06-2.07, p = .26). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with senicapoc resulted in a significantly lower PaO2 /FiO2 ratio at 72 h with no differences for other outcomes.

Light-driven bio-decolorization of triphenylmethane dyes by a Clostridium thermocellum-CdS biohybrid.

Widespread application of synthetic dyes could generate colored wastewaters causing a range of serious environmental problems. Due to the complex nature of effluents from textile industries, it is difficult to obtain satisfactory treatment of dyes-contaminated wastewater using one single method. Biohybrids coupling of photocatalysts and biocatalysts have great potential in environmental purification. However, how to select suitable organisms and enhance the hybrid's catalytic activities remain challenging. Here, a novel biohybrid system (Clostridium thermocellum-CdS), created for light-driven biodecolorization under thermophilic treatment by using non-photosynthetic microorganism C. thermocellum self-photosensitized with CdS nanoparticles was established. The biohybrids exhibited remarkable decolorization effects on triphenylmethane dyes. The highest decolorization rate was 0.206 min-1. More importantly, enhanced catalytic activities of cadmium sulfide (CdS)-based biohybrids by controlling the particle sizes of semiconductors were demonstrated. Biohybrids systems (Clostridium thermocellum-CdS) through the self-precipitation of CdS with different particle sizes not only showed dramatic changes in the optical properties but also exhibited a very different decolorization rate. This work can not only further broaden targeted applications of CdS-based biohybrids but also demonstrate a promising route for improving biohybrids corresponding photocatalytic capabilities through in situ precipitation CdS with different particle sizes.

A novel co-catalyzed system between persulfate and chlorite by sonolysis for removing triphenylmethane derivative.

Triphenylmethane (tpm) derivatives (e.g. tpmCV) have threatened the safety of the aquatic environment due to the potential toxicity and carcinogenicity. In this study, the novel ultrasonic/persulfate/chlorite (US/S2O82-/ClO2-) oxidation process was developed for the effective removal of tpmCV in wastewater. The apparent non-integer kinetics (n around 1.20) of tpmCV degradation under different factors (R2Adj > 0.990) were investigated, respectively. Inhibiting effects of anions were greater than those of cations (except Fe(II/III)). The adding of micromolecule organic acids could regulate degradation towards positive direction. The double response surface methodology (RSM) was designed to optimize tpmCV removal process, and the acoustic-piezoelectric interaction was simulated to determine the propagation process of acoustic wave in the reactor. The possible degradation pathway was explored to mainly include carbonylation, carboxylation, and demethylation. The estimated effective-mean temperature at the bubble-water interface was calculated from 721 to 566 K after introducing the ClO2-, however, the adsorption or partitioning capacity of tpmCV in the reactive zone was widened from 0.0218 to 0.0982. The proposed co-catalysis of US/S2O82-/ClO2- was based on the determined active species mainly including ClO2, SO4⋅-, and ⋅OH. Compared with other US-based processes, the operating cost (3.97 $/m3) of US/S2O82-/ClO2- with the EE/O value (16.8 kWh/m3) was relatively reduced.

Treatment with senicapoc, a KCa 3.1 channel blocker, alleviates hypoxaemia in a mouse model of acute respiratory distress syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by pulmonary oedema and severe hypoxaemia. We investigated whether genetic deficit or blockade of calcium-activated potassium (KCa 3.1) channels would counteract pulmonary oedema and hypoxaemia in ventilator-induced lung injury, an experimental model for ARDS. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: KCa 3.1 channel knockout (Kccn4-/- ) mice were exposed to ventilator-induced lung injury. Control mice exposed to ventilator-induced lung injury were treated with the KCa 3.1 channel inhibitor, senicapoc. The outcomes were oxygenation (PaO2 /FiO2 ratio), lung compliance, lung wet-to-dry weight and protein and cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). KEY RESULTS: Ventilator-induced lung injury resulted in lung oedema, decreased lung compliance, a severe drop in PaO2 /FiO2 ratio, increased protein, neutrophils and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in BALF from wild-type mice compared with Kccn4-/- mice. Pretreatment with senicapoc (10-70 mg·kg-1 ) prevented the reduction in PaO2 /FiO2 ratio, decrease in lung compliance, increased protein and TNF-α. Senicapoc (30 mg·kg-1 ) reduced histopathological lung injury score and neutrophils in BALF. After injurious ventilation, administration of 30 mg·kg-1 senicapoc also improved the PaO2 /FiO2 ratio and reduced lung injury score and neutrophils in the BALF compared with vehicle-treated mice. In human lung epithelial cells, senicapoc decreased TNF-α-induced permeability. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Genetic deficiency of KCa 3.1 channels and senicapoc improved the PaO2 /FiO2 ratio and decreased the cytokines after a ventilator-induced lung injury. Moreover, senicapoc directly affects lung epithelial cells and blocks neutrophil infiltration in the injured lung. These findings indicate that blocking KCa 3.1 channels is a potential treatment in ARDS-like disease.

Perfluoro-tert-butanol for selective on-resin detritylation: a mild alternative to traditionally used methods.

Solid-phase synthesis of cyclic, branched or side-chain-modified peptides typically involves introduction of a residue carrying a temporary side-chain protecting group that undergoes selective on-resin removal. In particular, Nα-Fmoc-Nε-(4-methyltriphenylmethyl) (Mtt)-protected lysine and its shorter analogues are commercially available and extensively used in this context. Nevertheless, rapid reliable methods for on-resin removal of Mtt groups in the presence of tert-butyloxycarbonyl (Boc) groups are needed. Current commonly used conditions involve low concentrations (1-3%) of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in dichloromethane, albeit adjustment to each specific application is required to avoid premature removal of Boc groups or cleavage from the linker. Hence, a head-to-head comparison of several deprotection conditions was performed. The selected acids represent a wide range of acidity from TFA to trifluoroethanol. Also, on-resin removal of the N-(4-methoxytriphenylmethyl) (Mmt) and O-trityl groups (on serine) was investigated under similar conditions. The mildest conditions identified for Mtt deprotection involve successive treatments with 30% hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) or 30% perfluoro-tert-butanol [(CF3)3COH] in dichloromethane (3 × 5 or 3 × 15 min, respectively), while 30% HFIP, 30% (CF3)3COH, or 10% AcOH-20% trifluoroethanol (TFE) in CH2Cl2 (3 × 5 min) as well as 5% trichloroacetic acid in CH2Cl2 (3 × 2 min) enabled Mmt removal. Treatment with 1% TFA with/without 2% triisopropylsilane added (3 × 5 min), but also prolonged treatment with 30% (CF3)3COH (5 × 15 min), led to selective deprotection of an O-Trt group on a serine residue. In all cases, the sequences also contained N-Boc or O-tBu protecting groups, which were not affected by 30% HFIP or 30% (CF3)3COH even after a prolonged reaction time of 4 h. Finally, the optimized conditions involving HFIP or (CF3)3COH proved applicable also for selective deprotection of a longer resin-bound peptide [i.e., Ac-Gly-Leu-Leu-Lys(Mtt)-Arg(Pbf)-Ile-Lys(Boc)-Ser(tBu)-Leu-Leu-RAM-PS] as well as allowed for an almost complete deprotection of a Dab(Mtt) residue.

Biological Applications of Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Viscometry Using a 13C-Labeled Trityl Spin Probe.

Alterations in viscosity of biological fluids and tissues play an important role in health and diseases. It has been demonstrated that the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum of a 13C-labeled trityl spin probe (13C-dFT) is highly sensitive to the local viscosity of its microenvironment. In the present study, we demonstrate that X-band (9.5 GHz) EPR viscometry using 13C-dFT provides a simple tool to accurately measure the microviscosity of human blood in microliter volumes obtained from healthy volunteers. An application of low-field L-band (1.2 GHz) EPR with a penetration depth of 1-2 cm allowed for microviscosity measurements using 13C-dFT in the living tissues from isolated organs and in vivo in anesthetized mice. In summary, this study demonstrates that EPR viscometry using a 13C-dFT probe can be used to noninvasively and rapidly measure the microviscosity of blood and interstitial fluids in living tissues and potentially to evaluate this biophysical marker of microenvironment under various physiological and pathological conditions in preclinical and clinical settings.

Targeting Kca3.1 Channels in Cancer.

The Kca3.1 channels, previously designated as IK1 or SK4 channels and encoded by the KCNN4 gene, are activated by a rise of the intracellular Ca2+ concentration. These K+ channels are widely expressed in many organs and involved in many pathologies. In particular, Kca3.1 channels have been studied intensively in the context of cancer. They are not only a marker and a valid prognostic tool for cancer patients, but have an important share in driving cancer progression. Their function is required for many characteristic features of the aggressive cancer cell behavior such as migration, invasion and metastasis as well as proliferation and therapy resistance. In the context of cancer, another property of Kca3.1 is now emerging. These channels can be a target for novel small molecule-based imaging probes, as it has been validated in case of fluorescently labeled senicapoc-derivatives. The aim of this review is (i) to give an overview on the role of Kca3.1 channels in cancer progression and in shaping the cancer microenvironment, (ii) discuss the potential of using Kca3.1 targeting drugs for cancer imaging, (iii) and highlight the possibility of combining molecular dynamics simulations to image inhibitor binding to Kca3.1 channels in order to provide a deeper understanding of Kca3.1 channel pharmacology. Alltogether, Kca3.1 is an attractive therapeutic target so that senicapoc, originally developed for the treatment of sickle cell anemia, should be repurposed for the treatment of cancer patients.

Synthesis and Redox Properties of Water-Soluble Asymmetric Trityl Radicals.

Tetrathiatriarylmethyl (trityl) radicals have been recently shown to react with biological oxidoreductants including glutathione (GSH), ascorbic acid (Asc), and superoxide anion radical (O2•-). However, how the substituents affect the reactivity of trityl radicals is still unknown. In this work, five asymmetric trityl radicals were synthesized and their reactivities with GSH, Asc, and O2•- investigated. Under aerobic conditions, GSH induces fast decays for the thioether- (TSA) and N-methyleneglycine-substituted (TGA) derivatives and slow decay for the 4-carboxyphenyl-containing one (TPA). Under anaerobic conditions, the direct reduction of these radicals by GSH also occurs with rate constants (kGSH) from 1.8 × 10-4 M-1 s-1 for TPA to 1.0 × 10-2 M-1 s-1 for TGA. Moreover, these radicals can also react with O2•- with rate constants (kSO) from 1.2 × 103 M-1 s-1 for ET-01 to 1.6 × 104 M-1 s-1 for TGA. Surprisingly, these radicals are completely inert to Asc in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Additionally, the substituents exert an important effect on redox potentials of these trityl radicals. This work demonstrates that the redox properties of the trityl radicals strongly depend on their substituents, and TPA with high stability toward GSH shows great potential for intracellular applications.