Gold nanoparticle based plasmon resonance light-scattering method as a new approach for glycogen-biomacromolecule interactions.

A model was developed for the interactions between glycogen and biomacromolecules by gold nanoparticle plasmon resonance light-scattering method. The interactions between glycogen and biomacromolecules can alter the aggregation status of gold nanoparticles, which produced intensity changes in plasmon resonance light-scattering. This is a sensitive method to study the interactions between glycogen and biomacromolecules from nano- to micromolar level. And it is also a simple method that measurement can be carried out with a common fluorospectrometer using label-free gold nanoparticles as the transducer.

J-aggregates of diprotonated tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin induced by ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate.

The J-aggregation behavior of diprotonated tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (H2TPPS4(2-)) in aqueous solution in the presence of the hydrophilic ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (bmimBF4) was investigated in detail using UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, resonance light scattering (RLS) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. With the addition of bmimBF4, increasing peaks appeared at a wavelength of 490 nm in the absorption spectra to account for the formation of H 2TPPS4(2-) J-aggregates. In addition, the experimental results also showed decreased fluorescence emission, enhanced RLS signals, intensified Raman scattering peaks, and the disappearance of NMR signals to further indicate that porphyrin J-aggregates exist in the studied system. NMR shifts of bmimBF 4 toward high field occurred corresponding to H2, H4, and H5 in the cationic imidazolium ring (bmim+), suggesting that bmim+ enters the magnetic shielding domain of the anionic phenyl sulfonate ion owing to the association process between the "large" cation and anion. Additionally, the fact that the absorption spectral shifts occurred in the nonprotonated porphyrin TPPS4(4-) further indicates the existence of the ion association effect of bmim+, which functions as an important factor in porphyrin aggregation.

Free-radical scavenging capacity using the fenton reaction with rhodamine B as the spectrophotometric indicator.

A spectrophotometric method was developed to measure antioxidant free-radical scavenging capacity. Rhodamine B (RhB) was oxidized by hydroxyl radical generated via the Fenton reaction to yield a photoinactive RhB product. RhB absorption at 550 nm was restored when antioxidant agents scavenged hydroxyl radical to protect RhB from oxidation. On the basis of the dose response of antioxidant recovery capacity, a model was developed to calculate the free-radical scavenging ability. This method was sensitive to a wide range of antioxidant activity with ascorbic acid reference set as one; the antioxidant recovery capacity of quercetin was 635 compared to 2 for benzoic acid.

[Study on determination of acetamiprid and interaction between acetamiprid and deoxyribonucleic acid by resonance light scattering].

The interaction between acetamiprid and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was used to determine acetamiprid by resonance light scattering (RLS). The RLS signals of DNA were greatly enhanced by acetamiprid in the spectrum region of 300-600 nm. The spectrum peak is around 316.0 nm. The optimum conditions: pH is 1.73; the concentration of DNA is 2.0 microg x mL(-1)bration curve is 0-2. 25 pg * mLU , with the detection2limit of 0. 2 ig * mL '. The acetamiprid in river water sample was determined. The results were satisfactory, and the recovery rates were in the range of 98%-106%. The interaction mechanism of acetamiprid and DNA was discussed: the interactions between acetamiprid and nucleic acid base include electrostatic effect and Tr-r cumulate effect.

[Study on the chemical reaction of DNA with Congo red].

The interaction of deoxyribonucleic acid(DNA) and Congo red (GGH) was investigated by UV-Vis spectrophotometry in Tris-HCl solution (pH 4.56). When DNA was added into GGH solution, the color of the system changed from red to purple, which indicated the formation of the DNA-GGH complex. The maximum absorption of the complex is at 600 nm. The molar absorptivity measured at this wavelength epsilon = 1.41 x 10(5) L x cm(-1) mol(-1), the maximum binding number is n = 32, and the detection limit is c = 8.04 x 10(-8) mol x L(-1). The basic reaction condition of best pH value, time, and temperature, and the interference of different materials on the system were also studied. The ionic strength could affect the absorption of the system. The interaction of small molecule and DNA, the molecule structure, and the relationship between the molecule conformation and the distribution of electron cloud were studied.

Studies on a high encapsulation of colchicine by a niosome system.

To prepare niosomes which have high encapsulation capacity for soluble drugs, starting from Span 60 and cholesterol, an improved method, evaporation-sonication method, was proposed. The corresponding niosomes show a good stability at least 40 days. Colchicine was chosen as a model drug for examining the capsulation capacity of these niosomes. To obtain the highest encapsulation efficiency, several factors including the structure of surfactant, level of lipid, content of drug and cholesterol were investigated and optimized. The inner cause was also discussed. The results indicate that the Span 60 is the most ideal surfactant among four kinds of Span. Furthermore, the release studies of colchicine and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in vitro from niosomes exhibited a prolonged release profile as studied over a period of 24 h. The results demonstrated that niosomes prepared in this way not only have high encapsulation capacity but also is expected that side effects of drugs may be reduced. It still suggests that this method may be used extensively in the field of encapsulation soluble drugs.

Investigation of the effect of space environment on the contents of atropine and scopolamine in Datura metel by capillary zone electrophoresis.

The seeds of Datura metel were carried aboard a retrievable satellite and exposed to space environment. The effects of space environment (weightlessness and ionizing radiation) on the contents of atropine and scopolamine in D. metel were investigated by using an effective capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) method, which employed 50 mmol/l phosphate buffer (pH 8) containing 10% (v/v) tetrahydrofuran as the running buffer. The results showed that the contents of atropine and scopolamine varied to some extent, and the earth-control group has the lowest content of atropine. However, the variation of atropine and scopolamine contents in three groups was not obvious based on t-test. At the same time, the optimization of the separation was discussed in detail and the two compounds were completely separated within 10 min with satisfactory repeatability and calibration linearity.

Characterization of hemoglobin immobilized on gamma-zirconium phosphate.

The fact that different gamma-zirconium phosphate (gamma-ZrP) preintercalation method induced varied degree and type of conformational change of the adsorption protein was confirmed by characterization techniques including circular dichroism (CD), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis. The results indicated that the association of hemoglobin with gamma-ZrP preintercalated using butylamine was correlated with conformational change in the secondary structure of the protein. gamma-ZrP which was preintercalated with tetra (n-butylammonium) hydroxide caused the conformational change of Hemoglobin in both the secondary structure and the tertiary structure. X-ray powder diffraction analysis was used to analyze the crystalline structure of the nanocomposites prepared by relamination. The adsorption isotherms of Hemoglobin on different matrices were set up and fitted with Langmuir and Freundlich equations.

Spectroscopic study on the interaction between methylene blue and chondroitin 4-sulfate and its analytical application.

The interaction of Methylene Blue (MB) with chondroitin-4-sulfate (CHS) has been investigated using spectroscopic techniques, including UV-Vis absorption, Rayleigh resonance scattering (RRS), and circular dichroism (CD). The addition of CHS caused a decrease in the absorbance of MB at 664 nm with a new absorption band appearing at 570 nm, enhanced RRS at 314 nm and 560 nm, and also resulted in an intense CD signal at 568 nm. The Scatchard model has been applied to calculating the binding constant and the number of binding sites. The calculated parameters are consistent with the experimental results. The factors affecting the interaction were investigated. Quantitative spectroscopic methods were developed for the first time. They are based on the fact that a decrease in the absorption at 664 nm and an enhancement of the RRS intensity at 314 nm are proportional to the concentration of CHS added in a certain range. Satisfactory results were obtained on the determination of synthetic samples.

Capillary electrophoretic behaviors of pharmacologically active xanthones from Securidaca inappendiculata with beta-cyclodextrin as a buffer additive.

The capillary electrophoretic (CE) behaviors of ten xanthones in the presence of beta-cyclodextrin (CD) are investigated, and apparent analyte-selector binding constants between beta-CD and the xanthones in the CE running buffer are calculated to elucidate the migration order. Also, the separation selectivity with beta-CD additive is compared with that of sulfated beta-CD additive. It is indicated that beta-CD can greatly change the separation selectivity of xanthones, and the electrophoretic behaviors of xanthones are rather different when using beta-CD from that when using sulfated beta-CD as an additive.

Molecular spectroscopic studies on the interaction of glycosaminoglycans with brilliant cresol blue and its analytical application.

The interaction of brilliant cresol blue (BCB) with glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), such as heparin (Hep) and chondroitin 4-sulfate (CS), in aqueous solution has been studied by spectrophotometry and light scattering spectroscopy. Absorbance of BCB at 632 and 594 nm decreased on addition of Hep or CS with the appearance of a new blue-shifted absorption band at 550 nm, which indicated that new metachromatic complex formed. The linear decrease in absorbance of BCB at 632 nm was observed. In addition, Hep was more effective than CS (1.7 times) in decreasing absorbance of BCB. The stoichiometry of Hep or CS with BCB was determined by spectrophotometric titration and the MacIntosh extraction method. The result showed that the stoichiometry of BCB/Hep was 1.8 times that of BCB/CS. These results suggested that the interaction between GAGs and BCB was the result of electrostatic forces, and the differences between Hep and CS were attributed to the different negative charge numbers on repetitive disaccharides unit. Studies on the effects of alcohol and urea indicated that GAGs only interacted with the aggregates of BCB. Moreover, a strong light scattering signal was observed after mixing BCB with GAGs. Furthermore, the light scattering intensity at light scattering bands was proportional to the concentration of Hep or CS added when the concentration of BCB was constant.

Spectroscopic studies on the spontaneous assembly of phenosafranin on glycosaminoglycans templates.

Spectroscopic studies showed that binding of phenosafranin (PSF) molecules to glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) resulted in the following observations: (i) appearance of a 52.6 nm hypsochromic shift of the visible absorption band; (ii) static quenching of fluorescence from PSF; (iii) induction of strong circular dichroism (CD) signal of PSF. Stoichiometry of the PSF-GAGs complex was determined by spectrophotometric titration, spectrofluorimetric titration and MacIntosh extraction method. These studies demonstrated the formation of the extended helical PSF array aligned on the helical backbone of GAGs templates by electrostatic force, and the dimeric binding mode of PSF to each anionic site was proposed. The comparative studies between PSF-heparin (Hep) and PSF-chondroitin 4-sulfate (CS) complexes revealed that: (i) stoichiometry of PSF-Hep complex was 1.8 times of PSF-CS complex; (ii) Hep was more effective than CS (1.8 times) in decreasing the absorbance of PSF; and (iii) Stern-Volmer constants of the Hep-PSF system were greater than that of the CS-PSF system. These differences were attributed to the different charge density on the Hep and CS molecules, which in turn suggested that the electrostatic force was dominant in the interaction between PSF and GAGs.

Rayleigh light scattering study on the supramolecular interactions of beta-cyclodextrin derivatives with tetrakis(4-methoxylphenyl)porphyrin.

The supramolecular interactions of beta-cyclodextrin(beta-CD) and four kinds of alkylated beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CDs), i.e. heptakis (2,6-di-O-isobutyl)-beta-cyclodextrin (Ob-beta-CD), heptakis (2,6-di-O-n-octyl)-beta-cyclodextrin (Oc-beta-CD), heptakis (2,6-di-O-n-dodecyl)-beta-cyclodextrin (Od-beta-CD) and heptakis (2,6-di-O-n-hexadecyl)-beta-cyclodextrin (Oh-beta-CD) with tetrakis(4-methoxylphenyl)porphyrin (TMOPP) have been investigated by Rayleigh light scattering (RLS) technique. Beta-CDs form 2:1 inclusion complex with TMOPP following an obvious RLS enhancement of TMOPP. The inclusion abilities of different beta-CDs were compared. The results show that the inclusion ability of beta-CDs is related to the size of the alkylated substituent. Thus, a new mechanism of inclusion interaction has been proposed. The exact stoichiometric ratios and the association constants of the inclusion complexes have been examined by application of curve fitting method.

[Study on the reaction of Lys-ZCN-CTMAB complex].

The interaction of lysozyme (Lys), O-{2-[alpha-(2-Hydroxy-5-Sulphophenlylazo)-benzylidene] hydrazino} benzoic acid (ZCN) and cetyltrimethy ammonicumbromide (CTMAB) was investigated by UV spectrophotometric method. The effect of temperature, time, and ion intensity in the buffer solution (pH 4.46) on reaction system was determined. Linear range of the reaction was 0-10 microg x mL(-1). The molar absorptivity was epsilon = 4.6164 x 10(5) L x cm(-1) x mol(-1). The reaction mechanism and interference of inorganic substance, biological substance and surface active agent to the reaction was investigated. Study system was established.

[Study on determination of protein with Arsenazo I using resonance light scattering technique].

A new RLS (Resonance light scattering) probe is presented in this paper. In the Britton-Robinson buffer at pH 3.29, Arsenazo I combines with proteins by intermolecular forces, resulted in an enhanced Rayleigh light scattering. The RLS intensity reaches maximum at 400 nm and is proportional to the concentration of protein. A novel method for the determination of micro-amount of protein is developed. The assay is simple, rapid and sensitive with a detection limit at 60 ng.mL-1 and a linear range up to 18 micrograms.mL-1. This method is applied to the determination of human serum protein, and the results, compared to Bradford method, is satisfactory. The interaction of Arsenazo I with BSA, gamma-G, oval albumin, lysozyme, pepsin are investigated and the mechanism of RLS is also discussed.

Entrapment and release difference resulting from hydrogen bonding interactions in niosome.

In this study the influence of hydrogen bonding interaction between niosomal membrane and solutes on the drug loading and release was investigated. Salicylic acid (SA) and p-hydroxyl benzoic acid (p-BA) were selected as models. Niosomes were prepared with 1:1 molar ratios of various surfactants and cholesterol by film hydration technique, and the corresponding formulation variables were optimized to achieve the maximum entrapment efficiencies (EE%). The EE% of different formulations followed the trend Span 60>Span 40>Span 20>Span 80. Additionally, it was also found that the EE% of p-BA was much higher than that of SA. This difference may be due to the formation of hydrogen bond between p-BA and niosomal membrane, and the corresponding interaction diagram has been proposed and confirmed indirectly by UV spectroscopy method. The quantitative analysis of hydrogen binding interaction between solutes and niosome has been finished firstly, and the corresponding entrapment equilibrium constant K has been calculated as well. Moreover, in vitro the release of both drugs from niosomes was examined in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF), respectively. The results indicated that the release of p-BA in SIF was much slower than that in SGF, and the release rate of SA in SGF is apparently slower than that in SIF. The possible mechanism was given as well.

[Research progresses of anabolic steroids analysis in doping control].

Anabolic steroids, a kind of physiological active substance, are widely abused to improve athletic performance in human sports. They have been forbidden in sports by the International Olympic Committee since 1983. Since then, many researchers have been focusing their attentions on the establishment of reliable detection methods. In this paper, we review the research progresses of different analytical methods for anabolic steroids since 2002, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, immunoassay, electrochemistry analysis and mass spectrometry. The developing prospect of anabolic steroids analysis is also discussed.

Enhanced anodic Ru(bpy)3(2+) electrogenerated chemiluminescence by polyphenols.

Anodic Ru(bpy)3(2+) electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) can be enhanced by polyphenols in alkaline solution. Spin trapping-electron spin resonance (ESR) experiments verified that reactive oxygen species (ROS) were generated during the electrolysis of Ru(bpy)3(2+) in alkaline solution, and oxidation of quercetin enhanced Ru(bpy)3(2+) ECL at anodic potential by producing additional ROS. This ECL enhancement can be used to analyze real sample and evaluate antioxidant activity of polyphenols.

Gastrodin interaction with human fibrinogen: anticoagulant effects and binding studies.

In an effort to identify the anticoagulant activity of gastrodin (GAS) and to investigate the possibility of its use as a novel anticoagulant drug, the binding characteristics of GAS to human fibrinogen (Fg) were studied by using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) biosensor, anticoagulant animal experiments, and a molecular docking simulation. Real-time kinetic analysis with the QCM biosensor revealed that the in vitro binding of GAS to Fg was strong under physiological ionic conditions as the determined equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) was 1.94 x 10(-6) M. To check whether this strong binding may influence the natural coagulation function of Fg, the in vivo effect of GAS on the coagulation system of rats was examined. The results showed that GAS can significantly prolong the coagulation time (CT) and decrease the Fg content, while it had no effect on the activated kaolin partial thromboplastin time (KPTT) or prothrombin time (PT) in rats. To clarify the mechanism of the specific interaction, a molecular docking simulation was also performed to provide reasonable binding models for the interaction of GAS with Fg at the atomic level. GAS binds strongly to the inherent polymerization sites "a" and "b" (holes) on the Fg molecule with similar binding free energies of about -34 kJ mol(-1). Altogether, these findings confirmed first that GAS possesses anticoagulant activity and that the possible anticoagulation mechanism of GAS mainly involves its interference with the knob-to-hole interactions between fibrin molecules, thereby effectively inhibiting the formation of clots and decreasing the risk of thrombosis. The study has also shown the potential usefulness of QCM biosensor technology for the rapid screening of drug-protein interactions.

Selection of ligands for affinity chromatography using quartz crystal biosensor.

This paper described a new strategy for rapid selecting ligands for application in affinity chromatography using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) biosensor. An aminoglycoside antibiotic drug, kanamycin (KM), was immobilized on the gold electrodes of the QCM sensor chip. The binding interactions of the immobilized KM with various proteins in solution were monitored as the variations of the resonant frequency of the modified sensor. Such a rapid screen analysis of interactions indicated clearly that KM-immobilized sensor showed strong specific interaction only with lysozyme (LZM). The resultant sensorgrams were rapidly analyzed by using a kinetic analysis software based on a genetic algorithm to derive both the kinetic rate constants (k(ass) and k(diss)) and equilibrium dissociation constants (K(D)) for LZM-KM interactions. The immobilized KM showed higher affinity to LZM with a dissociation constant on the order of 10(-5) M, which is within the range of 10(-4)-10(-8) M and suitable for an affinity ligand. Therefore, KM was demonstrated for the first time as a novel affinity ligand for purification of LZM and immobilized onto the epoxy-activated silica in the presence of a high potassium phosphate concentration. The KM immobilized affinity column has proved useful for a very convenient purification of LZM from chicken egg white. The purity of LZM obtained was higher than 90%, as determined by densitometric scanning of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of purified fraction. These results confirmed that the selected KM ligand is indeed a valuable affinity ligand for purification of LZM. The new screening strategy based on a QCM biosensor is expected to be a promising way for rapid selecting specific ligands for purifying other valuable proteins.