Multi-objective evolutionary design of adenosine receptor ligands.

A novel multiobjective evolutionary algorithm (MOEA) for de novo design was developed and applied to the discovery of new adenosine receptor antagonists. This method consists of several iterative cycles of structure generation, evaluation, and selection. We applied an evolutionary algorithm (the so-called Molecule Commander) to generate candidate A1 adenosine receptor antagonists, which were evaluated against multiple criteria and objectives consisting of high (predicted) affinity and selectivity for the receptor, together with good ADMET properties. A pharmacophore model for the human A1 adenosine receptor (hA1AR) was created to serve as an objective function for evolution. In addition, three support vector machine models based on molecular fingerprints were developed for the other adenosine receptor subtypes (hA2A, hA2B, and hA3) and applied as negative objective functions, to aim for selectivity. Structures with a higher evolutionary fitness with respect to ADMET and pharmacophore matching scores were selected as input for the next generation and thus developed toward overall fitter ("better") compounds. We finally obtained a collection of 3946 unique compounds from which we derived chemical scaffolds. As a proof-of-principle, six of these templates were selected for actual synthesis and subsequently tested for activity toward all adenosine receptors subtypes. Interestingly, scaffolds 2 and 3 displayed low micromolar affinity for many of the adenosine receptor subtypes. To further investigate our evolutionary design method, we performed systematic modifications on scaffold 3. These modifications were guided by the substitution patterns as observed in the set of generated compounds that contained scaffold 3. We found that an increased affinity with appreciable selectivity for hA1AR over the other adenosine receptor subtypes was achieved through substitution of the scaffold; compound 3a had a Ki value of 280 nM with approximately 10-fold selectivity with respect to hA2AR, while 3g had a 1.6 µM affinity for hA1AR with negligible affinity for the hA2A, hA2B, and hA3 receptor subtypes.

Polarization-based colour tuning of mixed colloidal quantum-dot thin films using direct patterning.

Colloidal quantum-dots (cQDs) are finding increasingly widespread application in photonics and optoelectronics, providing high brightness and record-wide colour gamuts. However, the external quantum efficiencies in thin-film device architectures are still limited due to losses into waveguide modes and different strategies are being explored to promote the outcoupling of emission. Here we use a template-stripping-based direct-patterning strategy to fabricate linear gratings at the surface of cQD thin films. The linear gratings enhance optical outcoupling through Bragg scattering, yielding bright emission with a strong degree of linear polarization. By patterning linear gratings with different periodicities and orientations onto a film of mixed-colour cQDs, we demonstrate polarization-based active colour tuning of the thin-film emission.

Parathyroid Hormone in Pregnancy: Vitamin D and Other Determinants.

We aimed to assess the parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentration in pregnant women at the beginning of pregnancy (1st trimester) and within days before delivery (3rd trimester) and evaluate its determinants. From September 2014 through December 2015 in a cross-sectional study, 204 women in the 1st trimester of pregnancy and 203 women in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy were recruited. Blood samples were collected to measure PTH and circulating 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations. Lifestyle and demographic data were collected using a questionnaire. Serum 25(OH)D and PTH were inversely correlated in both early and late pregnancy. Our analyses suggest that in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, a 25(OH)D level of 18.9 ng/mL (47.3 nmol/L) could serve as an inflection point for the maximal suppression of PTH. Statistically significant determinants of PTH concentrations in multiple regression were 25(OH)D concentrations, season, multiparity and education of the partner (all p < 0.05) in early pregnancy. In late pregnancy, 25(OH)D concentrations and country of origin were statistically significant determinants of PTH concentrations (all p < 0.05). These factors and their effect on PTH appear to be vastly determined by 25(OH)D; however, they might also affect PTH through other mechanisms besides 25(OH)D.

Accurate non-invasive image-based cytotoxicity assays for cultured cells.

BACKGROUND: The CloneSelect Imager system is an image-based visualisation system for cell growth assessment. Traditionally cell proliferation is measured with the colorimetric MTT assay. RESULTS: Here we show that both the CloneSelect Imager and the MTT approach result in comparable EC50 values when assaying the cytotoxicity of cisplatin and oxaliplatin on various cell lines. However, the image-based technique was found non-invasive, considerably quicker and more accurate than the MTT assay. CONCLUSIONS: This new image-based technique has the potential to replace the cumbersome MTT assay when fast, unbiased and high-throughput cytotoxicity assays are requested.

Unprecedented water addition to the α,ß-unsaturated enone bond, mediated by the combination of carbonate and platinum(II).

The cytostatic compounds cis-[Pt(A9pyp)(dmso)Cl(2)] (1) and [Pt(A9pyp)(dmso)(cbdca)] (2) (A9pyp=(E)-[1-(9-anthryl)-3-(2-pyridyl)-2-propenone) as carrier ligand; cbdca=cyclobutane dicarboxylate) have been found to add water across the enone C==C bond of the ligand A9pyp. The water addition occurs in the presence of carbonate buffer, and has been followed in detail using NMR and ESI-MS spectroscopy. The spectroscopic data clearly indicate that the platinum(II) ion, the carbonate species, and the proximity of the enone C==C bond to the metal ion, are all required for this unusual hydration. A difference in kinetics is observed between chloride and cbdca, showing that the Pt-ligand dissociation plays an important role in the hydration kinetics.

Copper curcuminoids containing anthracene groups: fluorescent molecules with cytotoxic activity.

The coordination chemistry of the new curcuminoid ligand, 1,7-(di-9-anthracene-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione), abbreviated 9Accm has been studied, resulting in two new copper-9Accm compounds. Compound 1, [Cu(phen)Cl(9Accm)], was synthesized by reacting 9Accm with [Cu(phen)Cl(2)] in a 1:1 ratio (M:L) and compound 2, [Cu(9Accm)(2)], was prepared from Cu(OAc)(2) and 9Accm (1:2). UV-vis, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) measurements were some of the techniques employed to portray these species; studies on single crystals of free 9Accm, [Cu(phen)Cl(9Accm)] and [Cu(9Accm)(2)(py)] provided detailed structural information about compounds 1 and 2·py, being the first two copper-curcuminoids crystallographically described. In addition the antitumor activity of the new compounds was studied and compared with free 9Accm for a number of human tumor cells. To provide more insight on the mode of action of these compounds under biological conditions, additional experiments were accomplished, including studies on the nature of their interactions with calf thymus DNA by UV-vis titration and Circular Dichroism. These experiments together with DNA-binding studies indicate electrostatic interactions between some of these species and the double helix, pointing out the weak nature of the interaction of the compounds with CT-DNA. The intrinsic fluorescence of the free ligand and both copper compounds provided valuable information over the cellular process and therefore, fluorescence microscopy studies were performed using a human osteosarcoma cell line. Studies in vitro using this technique suggest that the action of these molecules seems to occur outside the nuclei.

Defect-Tolerant Plasmonic Elliptical Resonators for Long-Range Energy Transfer.

Energy transfer allows energy to be moved from one quantum emitter to another. If this process follows the Förster mechanism, efficient transfer requires the emitters to be extremely close (<10 nm). To increase the transfer range, nanophotonic structures have been explored for photon- or plasmon-mediated energy transfer. Here, we fabricate high-quality silver plasmonic resonators to examine long-distance plasmon-mediated energy transfer. Specifically, we design elliptical resonators that allow energy transfer between the foci, which are separated by up to 10 µm. The geometry of the ellipse guarantees that all plasmons emitted from one focus are collected and channeled through different paths to the other focus. Thus, energy can be transferred even if a micrometer-sized defect obstructs the direct path between the focal points. We characterize the spectral and spatial profiles of the resonator modes and show that these can be used to transfer energy between green- and red-emitting colloidal quantum dots printed with subwavelength accuracy using electrohydrodynamic nanodripping. Rate-equation modeling of the time-resolved fluorescence from the quantum dots further confirms the long-distance energy transfer.

Synthesis, crystal structure, studies in solution and cytotoxicity of two new fluorescent platinum(II) compounds containing anthracene derivatives as a carrier ligand.

Two new cytotoxic fluorescent platinum(II) compounds, cis-[Pt(A9opy)Cl2] (1) and cis-[Pt(A9pyp)(DMSO)Cl2] (2),have been designed, synthesized, and characterized by IR, 1H NMR, and 195Pt NMR spectroscopy; electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS); and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The carrier ligands selected for thesynthesis of these fluorescent platinum(II) compounds are E-2-[1-(9-anthryl)-3-oxo-3-prop-2-enylpyridine] (abbreviatedas A9opy) and E-1-(9-anthryl)-3-(2-pyridyl)-2-propenone (abbreviated as A9pyp). The compound cis-[Pt(A9opy)Cl2](1) comprises a peculiar cis-platinum(II) organometallic compound, in which the platinum(II) ion is bound to the photoisomerizable carbon-carbon double bond of the carrier ligand. The effects of the metal-ion coordination on the photoisomerization of the carbon-carbon double bond of the ligand have been studied. In contrast, the carrier ligand A9pyp used for the synthesis of the cis-[Pt(A9pyp)(DMSO)Cl2] compound (2) does not undergo such anisomerization process and remains in the E conformation, while coordinated to the platinum(II) ion through the nitrogen of the pyridine ring. In addition to the synthesis and characterization, solution studies of both compounds have also been performed in detail, including NMR and ESI-MS spectroscopy. Moreover, a high degree of cytotoxicactivity of compound 1 was found, as compared to cisplatin and its corresponding platinum-free molecule, in a series of human tumor cell lines. Compound 2 was also found to be highly active against these cell lines but appeared less active compared to the platinum-free molecule.

High-temperature growth of thick-shell CdSe/CdS core/shell nanoplatelets.

To optimize the optical properties of semiconductor nanoplatelets, simple routes to add high-quality shells are needed. We demonstrate uniform growth of CdS shells on CdSe nanoplatelets at 300 °C, overcoming limitations of previous low-temperature syntheses. We obtain core/shell nanoplatelets with spectrally narrow (20 nm) and efficient emission for shells up to 4 nm thick.

Polarization Multiplexing of Fluorescent Emission Using Multiresonant Plasmonic Antennas.

Combining the ability to localize electromagnetic fields at the nanoscale with a directional response, plasmonic antennas offer an effective strategy to shape the far-field pattern of coupled emitters. Here, we introduce a family of directional multiresonant antennas that allows for polarization-resolved spectral identification of fluorescent emission. The geometry consists of a central aperture surrounded by concentric polygonal corrugations. By varying the periodicity of each axis of the polygon individually, this structure can support multiple resonances that provide independent control over emission directionality for multiple wavelengths. Moreover, since each resonant wavelength is directly mapped to a specific polarization orientation, spectral information can be encoded in the polarization state of the out-scattered beam. To demonstrate the potential of such structures in enabling simplified detection schemes and additional functionalities in sensing and imaging applications, we use the central subwavelength aperture as a built-in nanocuvette and manipulate the fluorescent response of colloidal-quantum-dot emitters coupled to the multiresonant antenna.

Ligation strategies for targeting liposomal nanocarriers.

Liposomes have been exploited for pharmaceutical purposes, including diagnostic imaging and drug and gene delivery. The versatility of liposomes as drug carriers has been demonstrated by a variety of clinically approved formulations. Since liposomes were first reported, research of liposomal formulations has progressed to produce improved delivery systems. One example of this progress is stealth liposomes, so called because they are equipped with a PEGylated coating of the liposome bilayer, leading to prolonged blood circulation and improved biodistribution of the liposomal carrier. A growing research area focuses on the preparation of liposomes with the ability of targeting specific tissues. Several strategies to prepare liposomes with active targeting ligands have been developed over the last decades. Herein, several strategies for the functionalization of liposomes are concisely summarized, with emphasis on recently developed technologies for the covalent conjugation of targeting ligands to liposomes.

Quinoxaline-2-carboxamide as a carrier ligand in two new platinum(II) compounds: Synthesis, crystal structure, cytotoxic activity and DNA interaction.

The search for platinum compounds structurally different from cisplatin has led to two new platinum(II) compounds containing quinoxaline-2-carboxamide as a carrier ligand, i.e. cis-[Pt(qnxca)(MeCN)Cl2] (1) and the [Pt(qnxca-H)(dmso)Cl] (2). Both compounds have been synthesized and characterized using different spectroscopic methods. In addition, single-crystal structures have been determined by X-Ray diffraction for both compounds. In each case a square planar Pt(II) is present; in (1) the qnxca is monodentate and neutral, whereas in (2) the ligand has lost a hydrogen, to form the anionic chelating ligand abbreviated as qnxca-H. The biological activity of both compounds has been investigated in a panel of seven human tumour cells, displaying poor cytotoxic activity, compared to cisplatin. The interaction of the new compounds with 1 or 2 equiv. of 9-ethylguanine has been studied using (1)H NMR, (195)Pt NMR and ESI-MS spectroscopy, finding poor reactivity of 1 towards the model base, forming only the monosubstituted adduct. Surprisingly, compound 2, which is more sterically crowded, interacts more efficiently with the 9-EtG, forming a bifunctional adduct with two 9-EtG with substitution of the dmso and the chloride ligand. Unwinding studies of pUC19 plasmid DNA by compound 1 show similar unwinding properties to cisplatin.

Cellular accumulation and DNA platination of two new platinum(II) anticancer compounds based on anthracene derivatives as carrier ligands.

The anticancer properties of two new fluorescent platinum(II) compounds, cis-[Pt(A9opy)Cl(2)] and cis-[Pt(A9pyp)(dmso)Cl(2)] are described. These compounds are highly active against several human tumor cell lines, including human ovarian carcinoma sensitive and cisplatin-resistant cell lines (A2780 and A2780R). To study the cellular processing of these new compounds, a series of in vitro studies have been performed, including the investigation of intracellular platinum accumulation and DNA-platination experiments in A2780 and A2780R cells. Compared to cisplatin, both compounds are accumulated highly in both sensitive and resistant cell lines, and more platinum has been found to bind to the nuclear DNA. Interestingly, cis-[Pt(A9opy)Cl(2)] shows high accumulation and DNA adduct formation in the resistant cell line A2780R, as compared to the sensitive counterpart A2780 cell line. This suggests that cis-[Pt(A9opy)Cl(2)] is able to overcome some of the well-known resistance mechanisms in this cell line, such as decreased cellular uptake and increased DNA repair.

Cytotoxic activity and cellular processing in human ovarian carcinoma cell lines of a new platinum(II) compound containing a fluorescent substituted propylene diamine ligand.

A new fluorescent platinum(II) compound containing the N,N'-bis-(anthracen-9-ylmethyl)propane-1,3-diamine as a carrier ligand has been designed, synthesized and characterized. High cytotoxic activity of cis-[Pt(bapda)Cl2] is observed in A2780 and A2780R cells (human ovarian carcinoma sensitive and cisplatin-resistant, respectively). Nevertheless, cross-resistance to platinum from cis-[Pt(bapda)Cl2] in the A2780R cells was found. To study the role of GSH towards inactivation of cis-[Pt(bapda)Cl2], GSH-depleted and non-depleted A2780R cells were used in several in vitro studies. The results suggest that cis-[Pt(bapda)Cl2] is not susceptible to the inactivation by GSH. Cellular processing of bapda and cis-[Pt(bapda)Cl2] was followed using fluorescence microscopy in the A2780, the A2780R and GSH-depleted A2780R cells. Interestingly, differences in the cellular processing followed by fluorescence microscopy between normal and GSH-depleted A2780R cells have been observed for the carrier ligand. Sequestration of these compounds in acidic lysosomes is visible after incubation in most cases, and no fluorescence was observed in the nucleus. Interaction of cis-[Pt(bapda)Cl2] with calf thymus DNA strongly suggests that the this new platinum(II) compound intercalates between the DNA base pairs. Additionally, the reaction of cis-[Pt(bapda)Cl2] with 9-ethylguanine appears to be very slow, as studied by 1H and 195Pt NMR spectroscopy.

Relevance of the leaving group for antitumor activity of new platinum(II) compounds containing anthracene derivatives as a carrier ligand.

A new anticancer-active platinum(II) compound [Pt(A9pyp)(dmso)(cbdca)], containing the E-1-(9-anthryl)-3-(2-pyridyl)-2-propenone ligand (abbreviated as A9pyp) has been synthesized by the replacement of the anionic chloride ligands in cis-[Pt(A9pyp)(dmso)Cl(2)] by the dianionic chelating cyclobutanedicarboxylate ligand (abbreviated as cbdca). The in vitro relevance of the leaving group of these new platinum(II) compounds has been investigated. Measurements of the time-dependent intracellular accumulation of both compounds in human ovarian carcinoma cell lines show that the leaving group affects their cellular uptake. In addition, the leaving group also influences DNA platination, and, therefore, has an effect on the biological activity against a pair of human ovarian carcinoma cell lines, i.e. sensitive and resistant to cisplatin.

A novel ruthenium(III) complex with a tridentate dianionic P,O,O-ligand showing high cytotoxic activity.

Tris(o-anisyl)phosphane was reacted with ruthenium(III) chloride forming a novel Ru(III) complex of formula [Ru(PAn(3))(P(An)(phenolate)(2))Cl] containing a tridentate dianionic P,O,O-ligand and a bidentate neutral P,O ligand. The tridentate ligand was formed by elimination of two methyl groups from the starting ligand in the reaction with the ruthenium salt. The molecular structure was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The compound shows a high cytotoxic activity in ovarian cancer cell lines comparable with cisplatin and overcoming cisplatin-resistance.

Mechanistic implications of the active species involved in the oxidation of hydrocarbons by iron complexes of pyrazine-2-carboxylic acid.

The reactivity towards H(2)O(2) of the complexes [Fe(pca)(2)(py)(2)].py (1) and Na(2){[Fe(pca(3))](2)O}.2H(2)O.CH(3)CN (2) (where pca(-) is pyrazine-2-carboxylate) and their catalytic activity in the oxidation of hydrocarbons is reported. Addition of H(2)O(2) to 1 results in the formation of a dinuclear Fe(III)-(mu-O)-Fe(III) species characterized spectroscopically and by cyclic voltammetry. By contrast, treatment of 2 with H(2)O(2) results in the formation of mononuclear iron(II) complexes, [Fe(pca)(2)(solvent)(2)]. The experimental results indicate that the catalytic activity of the starting complexes 1 and 2 is strongly dependent on the species formed in solution.

Versatility in the binding of 2-pyrazinecarboxylate with iron. Synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of iron(II) and iron(III) complexes.

The synthesis and characterization of two new iron(II) complexes, [Fe(pca)2(py)2].py (1) and {[Fe(pca)2(H2O)].H2O}n (2) and one new iron(III) complex, Na2{[Fe(pca)()]2O}.2H2O.2CH3CN (3) (pca- stands for 2-pyrazinecarboxylate), are reported. Complex 1 is obtained from the reaction of iron powder with 2-pyrazinecarboxylic acid. The reaction of Fe(ClO4)3.10H2O with Hpca in the presence of 3 equiv. of Bu4NOH yields 2, whereas the presence of NaOH yields 3. The molecular structure of 1 contains an iron(II) ion with a pseudo-octahedral environment resulting from the coordination of two pca- ligands in a bidentate chelating fashion and two pyridine molecules; pi-pi stacking interactions between pyridine and pyrazine rings lead to a one-dimensional chain. Complex 2 is an iron(II) coordination polymer with an infinite zig-zag motif and an Fe...Fe separation of 7.1 A. In 2, the pi-pi stacking interactions involving the pyrazine rings and the strong hydrogen bonds between the coordinated water molecule and the carboxylate oxygens of two pca- ligands result in a three-dimensional network structure. Complex 3 consists of an anionic micro-oxo-bridged diiron(III) core with two crystallographically distinct iron(iii) ions; the negative charge is compensated by two sodium cations. Complex 3 is assembled in a three dimensional network structure through coordination of Na(I) and hydrogen bond interactions. Temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility and Mössbauer spectroscopic studies indicate that 1 and 2 have similar magnetic properties. Both complexes are paramagnetic above 12 K, whereas antiferromagnetic ordering is observed below 12 K. The magnetic properties of reveal strong intramolecular antiferromagnetic interactions between the two iron(III) ions with a J value of -221 cm(-1); no long range intermolecular magnetic coupling is observed between 295 and 4.2 K.