A pentameric TRPV3 channel with a dilated pore

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are a large, eukaryotic ion channel superfamily that control diverse physiological functions, and therefore are attractive drug targets1-5. More than 210 structures from more than 20 different TRP channels have been determined, and all are tetramers4. Despite this wealth of structures, many aspects concerning TRPV channels remain poorly understood, including the pore-dilation phenomenon, whereby prolonged activation leads to increased conductance, permeability to large ions and loss of rectification6,7. Here, we used high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) to analyse membrane-embedded TRPV3 at the single-molecule level and discovered a pentameric state. HS-AFM dynamic imaging revealed transience and reversibility of the pentamer in dynamic equilibrium with the canonical tetramer through membrane diffusive protomer exchange. The pentamer population increased upon diphenylboronic anhydride (DPBA) addition, an agonist that has been shown to induce TRPV3 pore dilation. On the basis of these findings, we designed a protein production and data analysis pipeline that resulted in a cryogenic-electron microscopy structure of the TRPV3 pentamer, showing an enlarged pore compared to the tetramer. The slow kinetics to enter and exit the pentameric state, the increased pentamer formation upon DPBA addition and the enlarged pore indicate that the pentamer represents the structural correlate of pore dilation. We thus show membrane diffusive protomer exchange as an additional mechanism for structural changes and conformational variability. Overall, we provide structural evidence for a non-canonical pentameric TRP-channel assembly, laying the foundation for new directions in TRP channel research.

Synthesis of Carbonyl-Containing Oxindoles via Ni-Catalyzed Reductive Aryl-Acylation and Aryl-Esterification of Alkenes

Carbonyl-containing oxindoles are ubiquitous core structures present in many biologically active natural products and pharmaceutical molecules. Nickel-catalyzed reductive aryl-acylation of alkenes using aryl anhydrides or alkanoyl chlorides as acyl sources is developed, providing 3,3-disubstituted oxindoles bearing ketone functionality at the 3-position. Moreover, nickel-catalyzed reductive aryl-esterification of alkenes using chloroformate as ester sources is further developed, affording 3,3-disubstituted oxindoles bearing ester functionality at the 3-position. This strategy has the advantages of good yields and high functional group compatibility.

Molecular Design, Preparation, and Characterization of Fluoro-Containing Polyimide Ultrafine Fibrous Membranes with High Whiteness, High Thermal Stability, and Good Hydrophobicity

Polymeric ultrafine fibrous membranes (UFMs) with high thermal stability and high whiteness are highly desired in modern optoelectronic applications. A series of fluoro-containing polyimide (FPI) UFMs with high whiteness, good thermal stability, and good hydrophobicity were prepared via a one-step electrospinning procedure from the organo-soluble FPI resins derived from a fluoro-containing dianhydride, 4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene) diphthalic anhydride (6FDA), and various diamines containing either pendant trifluoromethyl (–CF3) groups or alicyclic units in the side chains. The obtained FPI UFMs, including FPI-1 from 6FDA and 3,5-diaminobenzotrifluoride (TFMDA), FPI-2 from 6FDA and 2′-trifluoromethyl-3,4′-oxydianiline (3FODA), FPI-3 from 6FDA and 1,4-bis[(4-amino-2-trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]benzene (6FAPB), FPI-4 from 4,4′-bis[(4-amino-2-trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]biphenyl (6FBAB), and FPI-5 from 6FDA and 4’-tert-butyl-cyclohexyl-3,5-diaminobenzoate (DABC) showed whiteness indices (WI) higher than 87.00 and optical reflectance values higher than 80% at the wavelength of 457 nm (R457), respectively. The FPI-5 UFM, especially, showed the highest WI of 92.88. Meanwhile, the prepared PI UFMs exhibited good hydrophobic features with water contact angles (WCA) higher than 105°. At last, the PI UFMs exhibited good thermal stability with glass transition temperatures (Tg) higher than 255 °C, and the 5% weight-loss temperatures (T5%) higher than 510 °C in nitrogen.

Reactivity of 4,5-Dichlorophthalic Anhydride towards Thiosemicarbazide and Amines: Synthesis, Spectroscopic Analysis, and DFT Study

The cyclic anhydrides are broadly employed in several fields, such as the chemical, plastic, agrochemical, and pharmaceutical industries. This study describes the chemical reactivity of 4,5-dichlorophthalic anhydride towards several nucleophiles, including thiosemicarbazide and different amines, to produce the carboxylic acid derivatives resulting from anhydride’s opening, namely, phthalimide and dicarboxylic acid (1–12) products. Their chemical structures are confirmed by NMR, IR and MS spectra analyses. Density–functional theory (DFT) studies are performed using (DFT/B3LYP) with the 6-311G(d, p) basis sets to recognize different chemical and physical features of the target compounds.

Plasmon-Enhanced Electrochemiluminescence of PTP-Decorated Eu MOF-Based Pt-Tipped Au Bimetallic Nanorods for the Lincomycin Assay

Plasmonic bimetal nanostructures can be employed to amplify electrochemiluminescence (ECL) signals. In this work, a high-performance ECL platform was constructed using a europium metal-organic framework (MOF) as a luminophore and Au-Pt bimetallic nanorods (NRs) as a plasma source. Due to the SPR effect of Au-Pt NRs, the aptasensor exhibits 2.6-fold ECL intensity compared to that of pure polyaniline (PANI)-decorated perylene tetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCA)/Eu MOF. Moreover, decoration with PTP greatly enhances the conductivity and stability of Eu MOF, resulting in sizeable plasmon-enhanced electrochemical luminescence. The as-designed plasmon-enhanced ECL aptasensor displayed highly sensitive detection for lincomycin (Lin). The as-proposed aptasensor could quantify Lin from 0.1 mg/mL to 0.1 ng/mL with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.026 ng/mL.

Talarodrides A-F, Nonadrides from the Antarctic Sponge-Derived Fungus Talaromyces sp. HDN1820200

Six new nonadride derivatives, named talarodrides A-F (1-6), were isolated from the Antarctic sponge-derived fungus Talaromyces sp. HDN1820200. All structures including the absolute configurations were deduced by extensive spectroscopic analysis and computational ECD calculations. Compounds 1-4 share a rare caged bicyclo[4.3.1]-deca-1,6-diene with a bridgehead olefin and maleic anhydride core skeleton, while compounds 5 and 6 possess the first case of a naturally occurring 5/7/6 methanocyclonona[c]furan skeleton. Talarodride A (1) and talarodride B (2) showed selective inhibitory effects against Proteus mirabilis and Vibrio parahemolyticus with MICs of 3.13-12.5 μM.

A moisture-tolerant route to unprotected α/β-amino acid N-carboxyanhydrides and facile synthesis of hyperbranched polypeptides

A great hurdle in the production of synthetic polypeptides lies in the access of N-carboxyanhydrides (NCA) monomers, which requires dry solvents, Schlenk line/gloveboxe, and protection of side-chain functional groups. Here we report a robust method for preparing unprotected NCA monomers in air and under moisture. The method employs epoxy compounds as ultra-fast scavengers of hydrogen chloride to allow assisted ring-closure and prevent NCA from acid-catalyzed decomposition under moist conditions. The broad scope and functional group tolerance of the method are demonstrated by the facile synthesis of over 30 different α/β-amino acid NCAs, including many otherwise inaccessible compounds with reactive functional groups, at high yield, high purity, and up to decagram scales. The utility of the method and the unprotected NCAs is demonstrated by the facile synthesis of two water-soluble polypeptides that are promising candidates for drug delivery and protein modification. Overall, our strategy holds great potential for facilitating the synthesis of NCA and expanding the industrial application of synthetic polypeptides.

Anhydride-linked β-cyclodextrin-bonded silica stationary phases with enhanced chiral separation ability in liquid chromatography

β-Cyclodextrin can be functionalized by derivation of reactive hydroxyl on the ring due to its special chiral environment and structural characteristics, which can be used to identify or separate a variety of chiral substance. In this manuscript, a series of excellent chiral stationary phases for high-performance liquid chromatography were developed for enantioseparation by using anhydride modified β-cyclodextrin bearing chiral (R/S)-α-phenethylamine or (S)-(+)-2-amino-1-propanol. They were characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and BET. These chiral stationary phases presented good resolution and repeatability, about 17 kinds of enantiomers were effectively separated. And most of enantiomers were separated better than those reported in the literature in the same both normal and reversed phase modes. The RSD values of R_s for repeatability and column-to-column were below 0.44% and 2.83%, respectively. All results revealed that these new CSPs show great prospect for chiral separation in actual applications.

α-Amino acid N-carboxyanhydride (NCA)-derived synthetic polypeptides for nucleic acids delivery

In recent years, gene therapy has come into the spotlight for the prevention and treatment of a wide range of diseases. Polypeptides have been widely used in mediating nucleic acid delivery, due to their versatilities in chemical structures, desired biodegradability, and low cytotoxicity. Chemistry plays an essential role in the development of innovative polypeptides to address the challenges of producing efficient and safe gene vectors. In this Review, we mainly focused on the latest chemical advances in the design and preparation of polypeptide-based nucleic acid delivery vehicles. We first discussed the synthetic approach of polypeptides via ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of N-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs), and introduced the various types of polypeptide-based gene delivery systems. The extracellular and intracellular barriers against nucleic acid delivery were then outlined, followed by detailed review on the recent advances in polypeptide-based delivery systems that can overcome these barriers to enable in vitro and in vivo gene transfection. Finally, we concluded this review with perspectives in this field.

Kill-Resist-Renew Trinity: Hyperbranched Polymer with Self-Regenerating Attack and Defense for Antifouling Coatings

Traditional antifouling coatings are generally based on a single antifouling mechanism, which can hardly meet the needs of different occasions. Here, a single "kill-resist-renew trinity" polymeric coating integrating fouling killing, resistance, and releasing functions is reported. To achieve the design, a novel monomer-tertiary carboxybetaine ester acrylate with the antifouling group N-(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)maleimide (TCB-TCPM) is synthesized and copolymerized with methacrylic anhydride via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization yielding a degradable hyperbranched polymer. Such a polymer at the surface/seawater is able to hydrolyze and degrade to short segments forming a dynamic surface (releasing). The hydrolysis of TCB-TCPM generates the antifouling groups TCPM (killing) and zwitterionic groups (resistance). Such a polymeric coating exhibits a controllable degradation rate, which increases with the degrees of branching. The antibacterial assay demonstrates that the antifouling ability arise from the synergistic effect of "attacking" and "defending". This study provides a new strategy to solve the challenging problem of marine biofouling.

Generation of Mixed Anhydrides via Oxidative Fragmentation of Tertiary Cyclopropanols with Phenyliodine(III) Dicarboxylates

Oxidative fragmentation of tertiary cyclopropanols with phenyliodine(III) dicarboxylates in aprotic solvents (dichloromethane, chloroform, toluene) produces mixed anhydrides. The fragmentation reaction is especially facile with phenyliodine(III) reagents bearing electron-withdrawing carboxylate ligands (trifluoroacetyl, 2,4,6-trichlorobenzoyl, 3-nitrobenzoyl), and affords 95−98% yields of the corresponding mixed anhydride products. The latter can be straightforwardly applied for the acylation of various nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur-centered nucleophiles (primary and secondary amines, hydroxylamines, primary alcohols, phenols, thiols). Intramolecular acylation yielding macrocyclic lactones can also be performed. The developed transformation has bolstered the synthetic utility of cyclopropanols as pluripotent intermediates in diversity-oriented synthesis of bioactive natural products and their synthetic congeners. For example, it was successfully applied for the last-stage modification of a cyclic peptide to produce a precursor of a known histone deacetylase inhibitor.

A Simplified Method of Synthesis to Obtain Zwitterionic Cellulose under Mild Conditions with Active Ionic Moieties

A simplified procedure to synthesize zwitterionic cellulose by means of N-protected aspartic anhydride under mild conditions was developed. The preparation of modified cellulose samples was carried out under heterogeneous, aqueous conditions by reacting NH₄OH-activated cellulose with aspartic anhydrides N-protected with trifluoroacetyl (TFAc) and carbobenzyloxy (Cbz). Modified cellulose samples Cel-Asp-N-TFAc and Cel-Asp-N-Cbz were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and ¹³C solid state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The functionalization degree of each cellulose sample was determined by the ¹³C NMR signal integration values corresponding to the cellulose C1 vs. the Cα of the aspartate residue and corroborated by elemental analysis. In agreement, both analytical methods averaged a grafting degree of 20% for Cel-Asp-N-TFAc and 16% for Cel-Asp-N-Cbz. Conveniently, Cel-Asp-N-TFAc was concomitantly partially N-deprotected (65%) as determined by the ninhydrin method. The zwitterion character of this sample was confirmed by a potentiometric titration curve and the availability of these amino acid residues on the cellulose was inspected by adsorption kinetics method with a 100 mg L⁻¹ cotton blue dye solution. In addition, the synthesis reported in the present work involves environmentally related advantages over previous methodologies developed in our group concerning to zwitterionic cellulose preparation.

DTPAA-Gd Functionalized Ultrasmall Au15NCs Nanohybrids for Multimodal Imaging

INTRODUCTION

Multimodal imaging agent has the potential to overcome the shortage and incorporate the advantages of different imaging tools for extremely sensitive diagnosis. To achieve multimodal imaging, combining multiple contrast agents into a special nanostructure has become a main strategy; However, the combination of all of these functions into one nanoplatform usually requires a complicated synthetic procedure that results in heterogeneous nanostructure.

METHODS

In this study, we develop ultrasmall gold nanoclusters with 15 gold atoms (Au15NCs) functionalized with diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic acid dianhydride (DTPAA-Gd) as an optimized multimodal imaging agent to enhance imaging ability.

RESULTS

The Au15NCs-DTPAA-Gd nanohybrids possess the ultra-small size and are capable of enhancing the contrast in near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF), magnetic resonance (MR) and X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging. Meanwhile, the integrated DTPAA-Gd component not only endow the nanohybrids to produce higher T1 relaxivity (r1 = 21.4 mM-1 s-1) than Omnipaque (r1 = 3.973 mM-1s-1) but also further enhance X-ray attenuation property of Au15NCs. Importantly, the fluorescence intensity of Au15NCs-DTPAA-Gd did not decrease compared with Au15NCs. Ultimately, in vivo imaging experiments have demonstrated that Au15NCs-DTPAA-Gd nanohybrids can be quickly eliminated from the body through the urinary system and has great potential for anatomical imaging.

CONCLUSION

These data manifest Au15NCs-DTPAA-Gd present great potential as a multimodal contrast agent for disease diagnosis, especially for early accurate detection of tumors.

Enzyme-mimetic self-catalyzed polymerization of polypeptide helices

Enzymes provide optimal three-dimensional structures for substrate binding and the subsequent accelerated reaction. Such folding-dependent catalytic behaviors, however, are seldom mechanistically explored with reduced structural complexity. Here, we demonstrate that the α-helix, a much simpler structural motif of enzyme, can facilitate its own growth through the self-catalyzed polymerization of N-carboxyanhydride (NCA) in dichloromethane. The reversible binding between the N terminus of α-helical polypeptides and NCAs promotes rate acceleration of the subsequent ring-opening reaction. A two-stage, Michaelis-Menten-type kinetic model is proposed by considering the binding and reaction between the propagating helical chains and the monomers, and is successfully utilized to predict the molecular weights and molecular-weight distributions of the resulting polymers. This work elucidates the mechanism of helix-induced, enzyme-mimetic catalysis, emphasizes the importance of solvent choice in the discovery of new reaction type, and provides a route for rapid production of well-defined synthetic polypeptides by taking advantage of self-accelerated ring-opening polymerizations.

Nonadride and Spirocyclic Anhydride Derivatives from the Plant Endophytic Fungus Talaromyces purpurogenus

Six new nonadride derivatives (1-6) and three new spirocyclic anhydride derivatives (7-9) were isolated from the endophytic fungus Talaromyces purpurogenus obtained from fresh leaves of the toxic medicinal plant Tylophora ovata. The structures of these compounds were determined by spectroscopic analyses including 1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS, and ECD techniques. Maleic anhydride derivatives 1-9 were evaluated for their in vitro anti-inflammatory activities. Compound 1 showed significant inhibitory activity against NO production in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells with an IC₅₀ value of 1.9 μM. Compounds 2 and 6 showed moderate inhibitory activities toward XOD and PTP1b, respectively, at 10 μM with inhibition rates of 67% and 76%.

Acid anhydride coated carbon nanodots: activated platforms for engineering clicked (bio)nanoconstructs

Activated carbon nanodots functionalized with acid anhydride groups (AA-CNDs) are prepared by one-pot water-free green thermolysis of citric acid. As a proof of concept of their capabilities as appealing and versatile platforms for accessing engineering nanoconstructs, the as-prepared AA-CNDs have been reacted to yield clickable CNDs. Their click bioconjugation with relevant recognizable complementary clickable sugars has led to multivalent CND-based glyconanoparticles that are non-toxic and biorecognizable. The accessibility and intrinsic reactivity of AA-CNDs expand the current toolbox of covalent surface grafting methodologies and provide a wide range of potential applications for engineering (bio)nanoconstructs.

Dispersible hydrolytically sensitive nanoparticles for nasal delivery of thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH)

Nose-to-brain delivery of drugs is affected by nanoparticles (NPs) deposited on the olfactory surface and absorbed directly into the brain. Thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH), a water soluble drug used for treating suicidal patients, was incorporated into a fast degrading poly(sebacic anhydride) (PSA) NPs. NPs were prepared by a solvent-antisolvent process under strict anhydrous environment to obtain high TRH loading and to avoid premature PSA degradation and TRH release. PSA and TRH were dissolved in a mixture of dichloromethane and ethanol and added dropwise to a dispersion of mannitol particles in heptane as an antisolvent. Mannitol powder was included in the antisolvent, so that formed NPs adhered to the mannitol microparticles for easy isolation and immediate dispersion in water prior to use. The size, surface charge, and morphology of the TRH-PSA NPs were determined using dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta-potential, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), respectively. The NPs prepared were uniform and spherical of ~250 nm. Further, the in vitro release profile of TRH from NPs lasted for 12 h with most TRH released within the first hour in water. Concentration dependent cell toxicity studies revealed low toxicity level at low concentrations of the NPs. Surface adsorption of the NPs was also uniform on the cell surface as examined through the odyssey near infrared fluorescence (NIR) images using Indocyanine green (ICG). The NPs are designed to enable direct delivery to the olfactory epithelium using a refillable nasal atomizer that deposits mist onto the olfactory neuro-epithelium.

Gas phase transformation from organic acid to organic sulfuric anhydride: Possibility and atmospheric fate in the initial new particle formation

New particle formation (NPF) process has been observed frequently in various environments and produces a large fraction of atmospheric aerosols. However, the chemical species participating in the nucleation as well as the corresponding nucleation mechanism in the atmosphere still remain ambiguous. Recent research by Leopold et al. shows that cycloaddition reaction of SO₃ to carboxylic acids could contribute to the formation of organic sulfuric anhydride which would have lower vapor pressure compared with the corresponding carboxylic acid and hence kick-start new particle formation in the gas phase. In the present study, energy profile for the formation of 3-methyl-1,2,3-butanetricarboxylic sulfuric anhydride (MBTCSA) through the cycloaddition of SO₃ to 3-methyl-1,2,3-butanetricarboxylic acid (MBTCA) has been investigated using computational methods. As a result, such a process would be effectively barrierless for one of the terminal carboxy group and has very low energy barriers for the other two carboxy groups (0.6 and 2.8 kcal/mol, respectively), indicating the whole process is a plausible gas phase pathway to MBTCSA formation. Furthermore, by evaluating the stability of the generated atmospheric clusters through topological and kinetic analysis, interaction between atmospheric nucleation precursor with MBTCSA is found to be more thermodynamically favourable and stronger than those with sulfuric acid and MBTCA which is identified from further-generation oxidation of a-pinene. Hence MBTCSA is speculated to be a potential participator in the initial new particle formation and the further particles growth.

Zn(OAc)₂-Catalyzing Ring-Opening Polymerization of N-Carboxyanhydrides for the Synthesis of Well-Defined Polypeptides

Despite notable progress, the fabrication of well-defined polypeptides via controlled ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of α-amino acid N-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs) using convenient catalysts under mild conditions in a relatively short polymerization time is still challenging. Herein, an easily obtained catalyst system composed of zinc acetate and aniline was explored to mediate the fast ROP of γ-benzyl-l-glutamate-N-carboxyanhydride (BLG-NCA) monomer, to produce poly(γ-benzyl-l-glutamates) (PBLGs) with controllable molecular weights and narrow dispersity. Considering the excellent cooperative action of zinc acetate and a broad scope of aniline derivatives with different functional groups to control ROP of BLG-NCA, this method may offer a useful platform enabling the rapid generation of end-functionalized PBLG and block copolymers for numerous biomedical applications.

N-Carboxyanhydride Polymerization of Glycopolypeptides That Activate Antigen-Presenting Cells through Dectin-1 and Dectin-2

The C-type lectins dectin-1 and dectin-2 contribute to innate immunity against microbial pathogens by recognizing their foreign glycan structures. These receptors are promising targets for vaccine development and cancer immunotherapy. However, currently available agonists are heterogeneous glycoconjugates and polysaccharides from natural sources. Herein, we designed and synthesized the first chemically defined ligands for dectin-1 and dectin-2. They comprised glycopolypeptides bearing mono-, di-, and trisaccharides and were built through polymerization of glycosylated N-carboxyanhydrides. Through this approach, we achieved glycopolypeptides with high molecular weights and low dispersities. We identified structures that elicit a pro-inflammatory response through dectin-1 or dectin-2 in antigen-presenting cells. With their native proteinaceous backbones and natural glycosidic linkages, these agonists are attractive for translational applications.

A New Pentiptycene-Based Dianhydride and Its High-Free-Volume Polymer for Carbon Dioxide Removal

In addition to possessing excellent chemical, mechanical, and thermal stability, polyimides and polyetherimides have excellent solubility in many solvents, which renders them suitable for membrane preparation. Two new monomers [a pentiptycene-based dianhydride (PPDAn) and a pentiptycene imide-containing diamine (PPImDA)] and a pentiptycene-based polyimide [PPImDA-4,4'-hexafluoroisopropylidene diphthalic anhydride (PPImDA-6FDA)] have been synthesized and characterized by FTIR and ¹ H NMR spectroscopy, gel-permeation chromatography, mass spectrometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, BET surface area, and X-ray diffraction. High-molecular-weight PPImDA-6FDA has remarkable thermal stability and excellent solubility in common organic solvents. It also has an extraordinarily high fractional free volume (0.233) owing to the presence of -C(CF₃ )₂ - units, the rigid diamine, and the pentiptycene moiety in the polymer structure. It has high CO₂ permeability (812 Barrer) owing to poor chain packing, which is caused by the fact that its rigid groups veil the influence of the ethereal oxygen groups in its backbone. It has the highest CO₂ permeability among all reported pentiptycene-containing polymers (about six times higher than that of the most permeable one) without sacrificing selectivity. The high free volume, good microporosity, high solubility in many solvents, and remarkable thermal stability of PPImDA-6FDA point to the great potential of this polymer for CO₂ removal.

Controlled Photoredox Ring-Opening Polymerization of O-Carboxyanhydrides Mediated by Ni/Zn Complexes

Here, we describe an effective protocol that combines photoredox Ni/Ir catalysis with the use of a Zn-alkoxide for efficient ring-opening polymerization, allowing for the synthesis of isotactic poly(α-hydroxy acids) with expected molecular weights (>140 kDa) and narrow molecular weight distributions (Mw/Mn < 1.1). This ring-opening polymerization is mediated by Ni and Zn complexes in the presence of an alcohol initiator and a photoredox Ir catalyst, irradiated by a blue LED (400 - 500 nm). The polymerization is performed at a low temperature (-15 °C) to avoid undesired side reactions. The complete monomer consumption can be achieved within 4 - 8 hours, providing a polymer close to the expected molecular weight with narrow molecular weight distribution. The resulted number-average molecular weight shows a linear correlation with the degree of polymerization up to 1000. The homodecoupling 1H NMR study confirms that the obtained polymer is isotactic without epimerization. This polymerization reported herein offers a strategy for achieving rapid, controlled O-carboxyanhydrides polymerization to prepare stereoregular poly(α-hydroxy acids) and its copolymers bearing various functional side-chain groups.

Multi-responsive polypeptide hydrogels derived from N-carboxyanhydride terpolymerizations for delivery of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

A polypeptide-based hydrogel system, when prepared from a diblock polymer with a ternary copolypeptide as one block, exhibited thermo-, mechano- and enzyme-responsive properties, which enabled the encapsulation of naproxen (Npx) during the sol-gel transition and its release in the gel state. Statistical terpolymerizations of l-alanine (Ala), glycine (Gly) and l-isoleucine (Ile) NCAs at a 1 : 1 : 1 feed ratio initiated by monomethoxy monoamino-terminated poly(ethylene glycol) afforded a series of methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(l-alanine-co-glycine-co-l-isoleucine) (mPEG-b-P(A-G-I)) block polymers. β-Sheets were the dominant secondary structures within the polypeptide segments, which facilitated a heat-induced sol-to-gel transition, resulting from the supramolecular assembly of β-sheets into nanofibrils. Deconstruction of the three-dimensional networks by mechanical force (sonication) triggered the reverse gel-to-sol transition. Certain enzymes could accelerate the breakdown of the hydrogel, as determined by in vitro gel weight loss profiles. The hydrogels were able to encapsulate and release Npx over 6 days, demonstrating the potential application of these polypeptide hydrogels as an injectable local delivery system for small molecule drugs.

Application of Computational Chemical Shift Prediction Techniques to the Cereoanhydride Structure Problem-Carboxylate Complications

Despite the vast array of techniques available to modern-day chemists, structural misassignments still occur. These misassignments are often only realized upon attempted synthesis, when the spectra of synthesized products do not match previously reported spectra. This was the case with marine natural product cereoanhydride. The originally proposed 7-membered ring anhydride (1) was shown to be incorrect, although a likely precursor to the correct structure (2) in both its laboratory synthesis and biosynthesis. Herein, in addition to showing how NMR computations could have been used to arrive at the correct structure, we show that the conversion of 1 to 2 is indeed energetically viable, and we highlight complications in predicting NMR chemical shifts for molecules with acidic protons.

β2, 2 -Amino Acid N-Carboxyanhydrides Relying on Sequential Enantioselective C(4)-Functionalization of Pyrrolidin-2,3-diones and Regioselective Baeyer-Villiger Oxidation

A catalytic enantioselective entry to β^2, 2 -amino acids enabling their direct coupling with nucleophiles is described. The approach is based upon an effective bifunctional Brønsted base catalyzed construction of a quaternary carbon stereocenter at C₄ position of pyrrolidin-2,3-diones. Subsequent regioselective Baeyer-Villiger oxidation of the resultant adducts gives β^2, 2 -amino acid N-carboxyanhydrides as the reactive species, which can further react with nucleophiles. Following this strategy both, β^2, 2 -amino acid derivatives with different functionalities at the newly created stereocenter, and spirocyclic structures can be efficiently prepared.

Enzymatic Kinetic Resolution of Secondary Alcohols Using an Ionic Anhydride Generated In Situ

We developed a method for the resolution of secondary alcohols using an ionic anhydride acylating agent prepared directly in the reaction medium containing the biocatalyst Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB). NMR studies showed that mixing all components at the same time does not interfere with the coupling reaction or the enzymatic activity. After optimization of the reaction conditions, the method allowed the resolution of a number of substrates in very high conversions (46-48 %) and enantiomeric ratios (E>170) along with an easy recovery of both enantiomers without the need for preparative chromatographic separation. Additionally, both the starting ionic acid and the biocatalyst could be recovered and reused up to nine cycles without significant loss of enantioselectivity.

Highly Productive and Enantioselective Enzyme Catalysis under Continuous Supported Liquid-Liquid Conditions Using a Hybrid Monolithic Bioreactor

Enzyme-containing ionic liquids (ILs) were immobilized in cellulose-2.5-acetate microbeads particles embedded in a porous monolithic polyurethane matrix. This bioreactor was used under continuous liquid-liquid conditions by dissolving the substrates in a nonpolar organic phase immiscible with the ILs, thereby creating a biphasic system. Lipases (candida antarctica lipase B, CALB, candida rugosa lipase, CRL) were used to catalyze the enantioselective transesterification of racemic (R,S)-1-phenylethanol with vinyl butyrate and vinyl acetate, the esterification of (+/-)-2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanol with propionic anhydride and the amidation of (R,S)-1-phenylethylamine with ethyl methoxyacetate. With this unique setup, very high productivities, that is, turnover numbers (TONs) up to 5.1×10⁶ and space-time yields (STYs) up to 28 g product L^-1  h^-1 , exceeding the corresponding values for batch-type reactions by a factor of 3100 and 40, respectively, were achieved while maintaining or even enhancing enantioselectivity compared to batch reactions via kinetic resolution. To our best knowledge, this is the first continuously operated bioreactor using supported liquid-liquid conditions that shows these features in the synthesis of chiral esters and amides.

Extremely Stable Supramolecular Hydrogels Assembled from Nonionic Peptide Amphiphiles

Peptide hydrogels with high stability in different media are of great interest in biomedical applications. In this paper, we report an easy, fast, and scalable method for preparing a family of nonionic peptide amphiphiles (PAs) obtained by direct aminolysis of alkyl-oilgo(γ-benzyl-l-glutamate) samples, which were synthesized via the alkyl amine-initiated sequence ring-opening reaction of α-amino acid N-carboxyanhydrides. One great advantage of this method is that vast chemical diversity and large-scale yields can be achieved easily using commercially available hydramines. These PA samples can readily form a clear hydrogel without any external aid and show exceptionally enhanced gelation properties with a critical gelation concentration as low as 0.05 wt %. The hydrogels are highly stable against extreme pH values of 1 and 14 and a high salt concentration of 200 mM NaCl. These properties combined with the shear-thinning properties make these PA hydrogels ideal candidates for the new generation of injectable scaffolds.

Enantioselective CuH-Catalyzed Reductive Coupling of Aryl Alkenes and Activated Carboxylic Acids

A new method for the enantioselective reductive coupling of aryl alkenes with activated carboxylic acid derivatives via copper hydride catalysis is described. Dual catalytic cycles are proposed, with a relatively fast enantioselective hydroacylation cycle followed by a slower diastereoselective ketone reduction cycle. Symmetrical aryl carboxyclic anhydrides provide access to enantioenriched α-substituted ketones or alcohols with excellent stereoselectivity and functional group tolerance.

pH-Triggered Polypeptides Nanoparticles for Efficient BODIPY Imaging-Guided Near Infrared Photodynamic Therapy

An efficient pH-responsive multifunctional polypeptide micelle for simultaneous imaging and in vitro photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been prepared. The goal here is to detect and treat cancer cells by near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging and PDT synchronously. A photosensitizer BODIPY-Br2 with efficient singlet oxygen generation was synthesized at first which owns both seductive abilities in fluorescence emission and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation under light irradiation. Then, amphiphilic copolymer micelles pH-triggered disassembly were synthesized from N-carboxyanhydride (NCA) monomer via a ring-opening polymerization and click reaction for the loading of BODIPY-Br2 by hydrophobic interaction, and the driving force is the protonation of the diisopropylethylamine groups conjugated to the polypeptide side chains. In vitro tests performed on HepG2 cancer cells confirm that the cell suppression rate was improved by more than 40% in the presence of light in the presence of an extremely low energy density (12 J/cm(2)) with very low concentration of 5.4 μM photosensitizer. At the same time, the internalization of the nanoparticles by cells can also be traced by NIRF imaging, indicating that the NIR nanoparticles presented imaging guided photodynamic therapy properties. It provides the potential of using polypeptide as a biodegradable carrier for NIR image-guided photodynamic therapy.

In situ crosslinked smart polypeptide nanoparticles for multistage responsive tumor-targeted drug delivery

Smart tumor-targeted drug delivery is crucial for improving the effect of chemotherapy and reducing the adverse effects. Here, we synthesized a smart polypeptide copolymer based on n-butylamine-poly(L-lysine)-b-poly(L-cysteine) (PLL-PLC) with functionalization of folic acid (FA) and 1,2-dicarboxylic-cyclohexene anhydride (DCA) for multistage responsive tumor-targeted drug delivery. The copolymers (FA-PLL(DCA)-PLC) spontaneously crosslinked in situ to form redox and pH dual responsive FA-PLL(DCA)-PLC nanoparticles (FD-NPs), which had a reversible zeta potential around -30 mV at pH 7.4, but switched to +15 mV at pH 5.0. Moreover, FD-NPs effectively loaded DOX with a loading capacity at 15.7 wt%. At pH 7.4, only 24.5% DOX was released within 60 h. However, at pH 5.0, the presence of 10 mM DTT dramatically accelerated DOX release with over 90% of DOX released within 10 h. Although the FD-NPs only enhanced DOX uptake in FA receptor positive (FR(+)) cancer cells at pH 7.4, a weak acidic condition promoted FD-NP-facilitated DOX uptake in both FR(+) HeLa and FR(-) A549 cells, as well as significantly improving cellular binding and end/lysosomal escape. In vivo studies in a HeLa cancer model demonstrated that the charge-reversible FD-NPs delivered DOX into tumors more effectively than charge-irreversible nanoparticles. Hence, these multistage responsive FD-NPs would serve as highly efficient drug vectors for targeted cancer chemotherapy.

Heterofunctional Glycopolypeptides by Combination of Thiol-Ene Chemistry and NCA Polymerization

Glycopolypeptides are prepared either by the polymerization of glycosylated amino acid N-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs) or by the post-polymerization functionalization of polypeptides with suitable functional groups. Here we present a method for the in-situ functionalization and (co-) polymerization of allylglycine N-carboxyanhydride in a facile one-pot procedure, combining radical thiol-ene photochemistry and nucleophilic ring-opening polymerization techniques, to yield well-defined heterofunctional glycopolypeptides.

Pulmonary Codelivery of Doxorubicin and siRNA by pH-Sensitive Nanoparticles for Therapy of Metastatic Lung Cancer

A pulmonary codelivery system that can simultaneously deliver doxorubicin (DOX) and Bcl2 siRNA to the lungs provides a promising local treatment strategy for lung cancers. In this study, DOX is conjugated onto polyethylenimine (PEI) by using cis-aconitic anhydride (CA, a pH-sensitive linker) to obtain PEI-CA-DOX conjugates. The PEI-CA-DOX/siRNA complex nanoparticles are formed spontaneously via electrostatic interaction between cationic PEI-CA-DOX and anionic siRNA. The drug release experiment shows that DOX releases faster at acidic pH than at pH 7.4. Moreover, PEI-CA-DOX/Bcl2 siRNA complex nanoparticles show higher cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction in B16F10 cells than those treated with either DOX or Bcl2 siRNA alone. When the codelivery systems are directly sprayed into the lungs of B16F10 melanoma-bearing mice, the PEI-CA-DOX/Bcl2 siRNA complex nanoparticles exhibit enhanced antitumor efficacy compared with the single delivery of DOX or Bcl2 siRNA. Compared with systemic delivery, most drug and siRNA show a long-term retention in the lungs via pulmonary delivery, and a considerable number of the drug and siRNA accumulate in tumor tissues of lungs, but rarely in normal lung tissues. The PEI-CA-DOX/Bcl2 siRNA complex nanoparticles are promising for the treatment of metastatic lung cancer by pulmonary delivery with low side effects on the normal tissues.

Application of palladium-catalyzed carboxyl anhydride-boronic acid cross coupling in the synthesis of novel bile acids analogs with modified side chains

Palladium-catalyzed cross coupling of 4-methoxycarbonyl phenyboronic acid with acetylated bile acids in which the carboxyl functions was activated by formation of a mixed anhydride with pivalic anhydride afforded the cross coupled compounds, which were converted in novel side chain modified bile acids by one pot carbonyl reduction/removal of the protecting acetyl groups by Wolff-Kishner reduction. Unambiguous assignments of the NMR signals and crystal characterization of the heretofore unknown compounds are provided.

Molecular conformational analysis, vibrational spectra, NBO, NLO analysis and molecular docking study of bis[(E)-anthranyl-9-acrylic]anhydride based on density functional theory calculations

FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra of bis[(E)-anthranyl-9-acrylic]anhydride were recorded and analyzed. The conformational behavior is also investigated. The vibrational wave numbers were calculated using density functional theory (DFT) quantum chemical calculations. The data obtained from wave number calculations are used to assign vibrational bands obtained in Infrared and Raman spectra. Potential energy distribution was done using GAR2PED program. The geometrical parameters are compared with related structures. The stability of the molecule arising from hyper-conjugative interaction and charge delocalization has been analyzed using Natural Bonding Orbital (NBO) analysis. The Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital (HOMO) and Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital (LUMO) analysis are used to determine the charge transfer within the molecule. Molecular Electrostatic Potential (MEP) was performed by the DFT method. The calculated first hyperpolarizability of the title compound is comparable with the reported values of similar derivatives and is 4.23 times that of the standard nonlinear optical (NLO) material urea and the title compound and its derivatives are an attractive object for future studies of nonlinear optical properties. To evaluate the in silico antitumor activity of the title compound molecular docking studies were carried out against protein Bcl-xL. The (1)H-NMR spectrum is also reported.

[Collagen and Taxifolin-based Material: Production and Properties]

The possibility of producing the material based on collagen and biologically active polyphenol taxifolin was explored, and the properties of the material were studied. The data on the dynamics of the release of polyphenol chemically linked to collagen are represented, and the metal-reducing activity of polyphenol released from the gel is determined. The effect of taxifolin, taxifolin glutarate and gel containing polyphenol on the production of reactive oxygen species by neutrophils stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate was examined. It was shown that polyphenol released from the gel material exerts antioxidant and metal-reducing properties, suggesting that unoxidized polyphenol linked to collagen.

From epoxidized linseed oil to bioresin: an overall approach of epoxy/anhydride cross-linking

Biorenewable resources can be used as green monomers to design tailored structures for formulations that can play an important role as functional materials. The choice of optimal structures depends on the targeted properties and applications. This work focuses on the elaboration of biobased materials with toughened mechanical properties based on epoxidized linseed oil. This result was obtained by an overall approach of cross-linking process, that is, starting with the optimal choice of hardeners and finally favoring the side reactions of polymerization. Therefore, the anionic alternating copolymerization of epoxide with mono- and dianhydrides was investigated to tailor the parameters that led to maximal conversions and properties. The obtained highly cross-linked networks perform well, as demonstrated by good impact strengths, high glass transition temperatures, and excellent thermal stability, which opens up the possibility of using these emergent materials for industrial applications.

Olefin-maleic-anhydride copolymer based additives: a novel approach for compatibilizing blends of waste polyethylene and crumb rubber

In our work processing conditions and mechanical properties of waste polyethylene (PE)/crumb rubber (CR) blends have been improved by new types of compatibilizing additives synthesized from experimental olefin-maleic-anhydride copolymers at our laboratory. Compatibilizing additives have been introduced into the PE/CR blends in 0.2 wt% while CR concentration has been varied between 10 and 50 wt%. For comparison of the effects commercially available MA-g-PO type compatibilizing additives have also been applied. Tensile and Charpy impact tests of the compression moulded samples have been carried out. Several experimental additives have enhanced properties of the PE/CR blends either from the point of view of tensile or Charpy impact strength while commercial additives have had improving effects only on one of the abovementioned mechanical properties but not for both of them simultaneously. Since good mechanical properties could be achieved by our experimental compatibilizers good adhesion in the waste PE/CR samples have been considered and was proven by SEM graphs either.

Antineoplastic agents. 599. Total synthesis of dolastatin 16

The first 23-step total synthesis of the cyclodepsipeptide dolastatin 16 (1) has been achieved. Synthesis of the dolaphenvaline and dolamethylleuine amino acid units using simplified methods improved the overall efficiency. The formation of the 25-membered macrocycle employing lactonization with 2-methyl-6-nitrobenzoic anhydride completed a key step in the synthesis. Regrettably, the synthetic dolastatin 16 (1), while otherwise identical (by X-ray crystal structure and spectral analyses) with the natural product, did not reproduce the powerful (nanomolar) cancer cell growth inhibition displayed by the natural isolate. Presumably this result can be attributed to conformation(s) of the synthetic dolastatin 16 (1) or to a chemically undetected component isolated with the natural product.

Poly(anhydride-ester) and poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) blends: salicylic acid-releasing blends with hydrogel-like properties that reduce inflammation

Polymers such as poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) (PVP) have been used to prepare hydrogels for wound dressing applications but are not inherently bioactive. For enhanced healing, PVP was blended with salicylic acid-based poly(anhydride-esters) (SAPAE) and shown to exhibit hydrogel properties upon swelling. In vitro release studies demonstrated that the chemically incorporated drug (SA) was released from the polymer blends over 3-4 d in contrast to 3 h, and that blends of higher PVP content displayed greater swelling values and faster SA release. The polymer blends significantly the inflammatory cytokine, TNF-α, in vitro without negative effects.

FT-IR and FT-Raman studies of cross-linking processes with Ca(2+) ions, glutaraldehyde and microwave radiation for polymer composition of poly(acrylic acid)/sodium salt of carboxymethyl starch--part I

FT-IR and FT-Raman spectroscopic methods allowed to identify the cross-linking process of the aqueous composition of poly(acrylic acid)/sodium salt of carboxymethyl starch (PAA/CMS-Na) applied as a binder for moulding sands. The cross-linking was performed by chemical methods by introducing cross-linking substances with Ca(2+) ions or glutaraldehyde and by physical way, applying the microwave radiation. It was found that Ca(2+) ions cause formation of cross-linking ionic bonds within carboxyl and carboxylate groups. Glutaraldehyde generates formation of cross-linking bonds with hemiacetal and acetal structures. Whereas in the microwave radiation field, due to dehydration, lattices are formed by anhydride bonds.

Oxidation of microcystin-LR by ferrate(VI): kinetics, degradation pathways, and toxicity assessments

The presence of the potent cyanotoxin, microcystin-LR (MC-LR), in drinking water sources poses a serious risk to public health. The kinetics of the reactivity of ferrate(VI) (Fe(VI)O4(2-), Fe(VI)) with MC-LR and model compounds (sorbic acid, sorbic alcohol, and glycine anhydride) are reported over a range of solution pH. The degradation of MC-LR followed second-order kinetics with the bimolecular rate constant (kMCLR+Fe(VI)) decreasing from 1.3 ± 0.1 × 10(2) M(-1) s(-1) at pH 7.5 to 8.1 ± 0.08 M(-1) s(-1) at pH 10.0. The specific rate constants for the individual ferrate species were determined and compared with a number of common chemical oxidants employed for water treatment. Detailed product studies using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) indicated the oxidized products (OPs) were primarily the result of hydroxylation of the aromatic ring, double bond of the methyldehydroalanine (Mdha) amino acid residue, and diene functionality. Products studies also indicate fragmentation of the cyclic MC-LR structure occurs under the reaction conditions. The analysis of protein phosphatase (PP1) activity suggested that the degradation byproducts of MC-LR did not possess significant biological toxicity. Fe(VI) was effective for the degradation MC-LR in water containing carbonate ions and fulvic acid (FA) and in lake water samples, but higher Fe(VI) dosages would be needed to completely remove MC-LR in lake water compared to deionized water.

Molecular conformational analysis, vibrational spectra, NBO analysis and first hyperpolarizability of (2E)-3-(3-chlorophenyl)prop-2-enoic anhydride based on density functional theory calculations

The conformational behavior and structural stability of (2E)-3-(3-chlorophenyl)prop-2-enoic anhydride were investigated by using density functional theory. The optimized molecular structure, vibrational wavenumbers, corresponding vibrational assignments of (2E)-3-(3-chlorophenyl)prop-2-enoic anhydride have been investigated experimentally and theoretically. The HOMO and LUMO analysis are used to determine the charge transfer within the molecule. The stability of the molecule arising from hyperconjugative interaction and charge delocalization has been analyzed using NBO analysis. The calculated first hyperpolarizability of the title compound is 15.8×10(-30)esu, and is 121.54 times that of the standard NLO material urea and the title compound is an attractive object for future studies of nonlinear optical properties. MEP was performed by the DFT method and the predicted infrared intensities and Raman activities have also been reported.

Effects of spacer chain length of amino acid-based gemini surfactants on wormlike micelle formation

We studied the effects of the spacer chain length of amino acid-based gemini surfactants on the formation of wormlike micelles in aqueous solutions. The surfactants used were synthesized by reacting dodecanoylglutamic acid anhydride with diamine compounds (ethylenediamine, pentanediamine, and octanediamine), and were abbreviated as 12-GsG-12 (s: the spacer chain length of 2, 5, and 8 methylene units). These surfactants yielded viscoelastic wormlike micellar solutions at pH 9 upon mixing with a cationic monomeric surfactant, hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HTAB). We found that the rheological behavior was strongly dependent on the spacer chain length and HTAB concentration. When the shortest spacer chain analogue (12-G2G-12) was used, an increased HTAB concentration resulted in the following structural transformations of the micelles: (i) spherical or rodlike micelles; (ii) anionic wormlike micelles exhibiting a transient network structure; (iii) anionic wormlike micelles with a micellar branching or interconnected structure; and (iv) cationic wormlike micelles. Similarly, when the middle spacer chain analogue (12-G5G-12) was used, a structural transformation from anionic to cationic wormlike micelles occurs; however, molecular aggregates with a lower positive curvature were also formed in this transition region. When the longest spacer analogue (12-G8G-12) was used, the formation of cation-rich molecular aggregates was not observed. These transition behaviors were attributed to the packing geometry of the gemini surfactants with HTAB. Additionally, as the spacer chain length increased, the zero-shear viscosity in the anionic wormlike micellar region decreased, suggesting limited one-dimensional micellar growth of spherical, rodlike, or anionic wormlike micelles.

Molecular conformational analysis, vibrational spectra, NBO analysis and first hyperpolarizability of (2E)-3-phenylprop-2-enoic anhydride based on density functional theory calculations

The conformational behavior and structural stability of (2E)-3-phenylprop-2-enoic anhydride were investigated by using density functional theory. Seventeen possible stable conformations of the title compound were determined and verified with their calculated vibrational frequencies being all positive. The optimized molecular structure, vibrational wavenumbers, corresponding vibrational assignments of (2E)-3-phenylprop-2-enoic anhydride have been investigated experimentally and theoretically using Gaussian09 software package. Potential energy distribution of normal modes vibrations was done using GAR2PED program. The HOMO and LUMO analysis are used to determine the charge transfer within the molecule. The stability of the molecule arising from hyper-conjugative interaction and charge delocalization has been analyzed using NBO analysis. The calculated first hyperpolarizability of the title compound is 12×10(-30) esu and is 92.31 times that of the standard NLO material urea and the title compound is an attractive object for future studies of nonlinear optical properties. MEP was performed by the DFT method and the predicted infrared intensities and Raman activities have also been reported.

Stable biocompatible cross-linked fluorescent polymeric nanoparticles based on AIE dye and itaconic anhydride

Self-assembly of polymeric materials to form nanoparticles is a particularly promising strategy for various biomedical applications, however, these self-assembling systems often encounter the critical micelle concentration (CMC) issue, as the nanoparticles is usually unstable at low concentration. Therefore, stable cross-linked fluorescent polymeric nanoparticles (FPNs) were covalently constructed from an aggregation induced emission (AIE) dye, itaconic anhydride, poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether methacylate and polyethylenimine. These obtained PhE-ITA-20%(80%) FPNs were fully characterized by a series of techniques including (1)H NMR spectra, UV-vis absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra, FT-IR spectra, transmission electron microscopy, gel permeation chromatography, and dynamic light scattering. Such FPNs emitted intense fluorescence due to the introduction of aggregation induced emission dye. More importantly, the FPNs were found extremely stable in physiological solution even below the CMC owing to their cross-linked architectures. Biocompatibility evaluation and cell uptake behavior of the FPNs were further investigated to explore their potential biomedical applications, the demonstrated excellent biocompatibility made them promising for cell imaging.

Photooxidation of cellulose nitrate: new insights into degradation mechanisms

Cellulose nitrate (or nitrocellulose) has received considerable interest due to its uses in various applications, such as paints, photographic films and propellants. However, it is considered as one of the primary pollutants in the energetic material industries because it can be degraded to form polluting chemical species. In this work, the UV light degradation of cellulose nitrate films was studied under conditions of artificially accelerated photooxidation. To eliminate the reactivity of nitro groups, the degradation of ethylcellulose was also investigated. Infrared spectroscopy analyses of the chemical modifications caused by the photooxidation of cellulose nitrate films and the resulting formation of volatile products revealed the occurrence of de-nitration and the formation of oxidation photoproducts exhibiting lactone and anhydride functions. The impact of these chemical modifications on the mechanical and thermal properties of cellulose nitrate films includes embrittlement and lower temperatures of ignition when used as a propellant.

The synthesis and characterization of hydroxyapatite-β-alanine modified by grafting polymerization of γ-benzyl-L-glutamate-N-carboxyanhydride

In this study, hydroxyapatite (HAP) was surface-modified by the addition of β-alanine (β-Ala), and the ring-opening polymerization of γ-benzyl-l-glutamate-N-carboxy-anhydride (BLG-NCA) was subsequently initiated. HAP containing surface poly-γ-benzyl-l-glutamates (PBLG) was successfully prepared in this way. With the increase of PBLG content in HAP-PBLG, the solubility of HAP-PBLG increased gradually and it was ultimately soluble in chloroform. HAP-PLGA with surface carboxyl groups was obtained by the catalytic hydrogenation of HAP-PBLG. In the process of HAP modification, the morphology changes from rod to sheet and from flake to needle. The effect of BLG-NCA concentration on the character of hydroxyapatite-β-alanine-poly(γ-benzyl-l-glutamate) (HAP-PBLG) was investigated. The existence of amino acids on the HAP surfaces was confirmed in the resulting Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. The resulting powder X-ray diffraction patterns indicated that the crystallinity of HAP decreased when the ratio of BLG-NCA/HAP-NH₂ increased to 20/1. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated that the particle size of HAP-PBLG decreased significantly and that the resulting particles appeared less agglomerated relative to that of the HAP-NH₂ crystals. Furthermore, ¹H-NMR spectra and FTIR spectra revealed that hydroxyapatite-β-alanine-poly (l-glutamic acid) (HAP-PLGA) was able to successfully bear carboxylic acid groups on its side chains.

In vitro release of model compounds with different hydrophilicity from poly(ester-anhydride) microspheres

Poly(ester-anhydride) microspheres were prepared using emulsion solvent evaporation technique from two copolymers obtained by polycondensation of sebacic acid (SBA) and oligo(3-allyloxy-1,2-propylene succinate) terminated with carboxyl groups (OSAGE). The SBA content in copolymers was 90 or 70 w/w %, respectively. The size of microspheres obtained was in the range of 2-4 microm (small microspheres) or 12-31 microm (large ones) and depended on stirring conditions used in emulsion formulation process, as well as on concentration of polymer solution used. Poly(ester-anhydride) microspheres were loaded with three model compounds (rhodamine B, p-nitroaniline and piroxicam) with different water solubility. The loading efficiency was dependent on kind of model compound, polymer composition and size of microparticles. Each of three model compounds also exhibited different release profiles. Rhodamine was released very quickly. The release of p-nitroaniline was more prolonged, but showed only little dependence on microsphere size and polymer composition, whereas the piroxicam-loaded microspheres exhibited the most interesting release profile, showing that release rate as well as transport mechanism can be adjusted by changing microsphere size and poly(ester-anhydride) compositions.

Observational insights into aerosol formation from isoprene

Atmospheric photooxidation of isoprene is an important source of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) and there is increasing evidence that anthropogenic oxidant emissions can enhance this SOA formation. In this work, we use ambient observations of organosulfates formed from isoprene epoxydiols (IEPOX) and methacrylic acid epoxide (MAE) and a broad suite of chemical measurements to investigate the relative importance of nitrogen oxide (NO/NO2) and hydroperoxyl (HO2) SOA formation pathways from isoprene at a forested site in California. In contrast to IEPOX, the calculated production rate of MAE was observed to be independent of temperature. This is the result of the very fast thermolysis of MPAN at high temperatures that affects the distribution of the MPAN reservoir (MPAN / MPA radical) reducing the fraction that can react with OH to form MAE and subsequently SOA (F(MAE formation)). The strong temperature dependence of F(MAE formation) helps to explain our observations of similar concentrations of IEPOX-derived organosulfates (IEPOX-OS; ~1 ng m(-3)) and MAE-derived organosulfates (MAE-OS; ~1 ng m(-3)) under cooler conditions (lower isoprene concentrations) and much higher IEPOX-OS (~20 ng m(-3)) relative to MAE-OS (<0.0005 ng m(-3)) at higher temperatures (higher isoprene concentrations). A kinetic model of IEPOX and MAE loss showed that MAE forms 10-100 times more ring-opening products than IEPOX and that both are strongly dependent on aerosol water content when aerosol pH is constant. However, the higher fraction of MAE ring opening products does not compensate for the lower MAE production under warmer conditions (higher isoprene concentrations) resulting in lower formation of MAE-derived products relative to IEPOX at the surface. In regions of high NOx, high isoprene emissions and strong vertical mixing the slower MPAN thermolysis rate aloft could increase the fraction of MPAN that forms MAE resulting in a vertically varying isoprene SOA source.