Degradation of polychlorinated phenols by Streptomyces rochei 303

The strain Streptomyces rochei 303 (VKM Ac-1284D) is capable of utilizing 2-chloro-,2,4-,2,6-dichloro- and 2,4,6-trichlorophenols as the sole source of carbon. Its resting cells completely dechlorinated and degraded 2-, 3-chloro-; 2,4-, 2,6-, 2,3-, 2,5-, 3,4-, 3,5-dichloro-; 2,4-, 2,6-dibromo-; 2,4,6-, 2,4,5-, 2,3,4-, 2,3,5-, 2,3,6-trichlorophenols; 2,3,5,6-tetrachloro- and pentachlorophenol. During chlorophenol degradation, a stoichiometric amount of chloride ions was released and chlorohydroquinols were formed as intermediates. In cell-free extracts of S. rochei, the activity of hydroxyquinol 1,2-dioxygenase was found. The enzyme was induced with chlorophenols. Of all so far described strains degrading polychlorophenols, S. rochei 303 utilized a wider range of chlorinated phenols as the sole sourse of carbon and energy.Abbreviations CP chlorophenol - DCP dichlorophenol - TCP trichlorophenol - TeCP tetrachlorophenol - PCP pentachlorophenol - DBrP dibromophenol - CHQ chlorohydroquinol - DCHQ dichlorohydroquinol - HHQ hydroxyhydroquinol - CHHQ chlorohydroxyhydroquinol - CC chlorocatechol - TLC thin layer chromatography - GC/MC chromato-mass-spectrometry - HPLC high-performance liquid chromatography     

Comparison of DNA‐ and RNA‐based bacterial community structures in soil exposed to 2,4‐dichlorophenol

Aims: To examine the effect of the pollutant 2,4‐dichlorophenol on DNA‐ and RNA‐based bacterial communities in soil. Methods and Results: Soil was exposed to 100 mg kg^?1 of 2,4‐dichlorophenol (2,4‐DCP), and degradation was monitored over 35 days. DNA and RNA were coextracted, and terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP) was used to report changes in bacterial communities in response to the presence of the chlorophenol. The phylogenetic composition of the soil during degradation was determined by creating a clone library of amplified 16S rRNA sequences from both DNA and reverse‐transcribed RNA from exposed soil. Resulting clones were sequenced, and putative identities were assigned. Conclusions: A significant difference between active (RNA‐based) and total (DNA‐based) bacterial community structure was observed for both T‐RFLP and phylogenetic analyses in response to 2,4‐DCP, with more pronounced changes seen in RNA‐based communities. Phylogenetic analysis indicated the dominance of Proteobacteria in both profiles. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study describes the response of soil bacterial communities to the addition of the xenobiotic compound 2,4‐DCP, and highlights the importance of including RNA‐based 16S rRNA analysis to complement any molecular study in a perturbed soil.     

A microtitre chemiluminescence sensor for detection of pyrethroids based on dual‐dummy‐template molecularly imprinted polymer and computational simulation

The residues of pyrethroids in foods of animal origin are dangerous to the consumers, so this study presented a chemiluminescence sensor for determination of pyrethroids in chicken samples. A dual‐dummy‐template molecularly imprinted polymer capable of recognizing 10 pyrethroids was synthesized. The results of computation simulation showed that the specific 3D conformations of the templates had important influences on the polymer' recognition ability. The polymer was used to prepare a sensor on conventional 96‐well microplates, and the sample solution was added into the wells for direct absorption. The absorbed analytes were initiated with the bis(2,4,6‐trichlorophenyl)oxalate–H₂O₂–imidazole system, and the chemiluminescence intensity was used for analyte quantification. Results showed that one assay was finished within 12 min, and this sensor could be reused four times. The limits of detection for the 10 analytes were in the range o0.3–6.0 pg/ml, and the recoveries from the standards of fortified blank chicken samples were in the range 70.5–99.7%.     

Pseudo‐recalcitrance of Chlorophenoxyalkanoate Herbicides – Correlation to the Availability of α‐Ketoglutarate

Cleavage of the ether bond of chlorophenoxyalkanoate herbicides is catalyzed by an α‐ketoglutarate‐linked dioxygenase (TfdA). In this step, α‐ketoglutarate is decarboxylated to succinate and must be regenerated for continual substrate cleavage. Limitations in herbicide degradation are to be expected in the case of a shortage of α‐ketoglutarate. Such a situation was simulated and studied with Delftia (formerly Comamonas) acidovorans MC1 and Rhodoferax sp. P230, which constitutively express etherolytic dioxygenase activity by excreting 2,4‐dichlorophenol (DCP) as a dead‐end product. The results showed that 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetate (2,4‐D) could hardly be cleaved under these conditions which is attributed to the inability to regenerate α‐ketoglutarate from the cleavage products, i.e. succinate and glyoxylate [1 ]. With pyruvate, in contrast, liberated as the oxidized alkanoic acid from the cleavage of (RS )‐2‐(2,4‐dichlorophenoxy)propionate (2,4‐DP), the regeneration of α ‐ketoglutarate seems to be guaranteed from succinate as resulted from the utilization of 2,4‐DP to a considerable amount under these conditions. The extent was limited, however, which was apparently caused by the accumulation of DCP. Continual cleavage of 2,4‐DP could be demonstrated in the presence of Ochrobactrum sp. K2‐14, which functions as a DCP‐consuming strain. Addition of extra metabolites, i.e. α‐ketoglutarate or other readily metabolizable substrates, improved the cleavage of the herbicides. This was most pronounced with 2,4‐D that was found now to be also utilized to a considerable extent. Conversely, the cleavage of the herbicides (2,4‐DP) was reduced and ultimately ceased with cells depleted by starvation of the pool of metabolites. Again, this deficit could be restored by adding α‐ketoglutarate. The limitations in utilizing phenoxyalkanoate herbicides are discussed in terms of pseudo‐recalcitrance owing to deficits in metabolites (α‐ketoglutarate) rather than enzyme activity (TfdA).     

Luminescent sensor for Cd2+, Hg2+ and Ag+ in water based on a sulphur‐containing receptor: quantitative binding–softness relationship

A water‐soluble, high‐output fluorescent sensor, based on a lumazine ligand with a thiophene substituent for Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺ and Ag⁺ metal ions, is reported. The sensor displays fluorescence enhancement upon Cd²⁺ binding (log  β = 2.79 ± 0.08) and fluorescence quenching by chelating with Ag⁺ and Hg²⁺ (log β = 4.31 ± 0.15 and 5.42 ± 0.1, respectively). The mechanism of quenching is static and occurs by formation of a ground‐state non‐fluorescent complex followed by rapid intersystem crossing. The value of the Stern–Volmer quenching rate constant (k_q) by Ag⁺ ions is close to 6.71 × 10¹² mol/L/s at 298 K. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔG, ΔH and ΔS) were also evaluated and indicated that the complexation process is spontaneous, exothermic and entropically favourable. The quantitative linear relationship between the softness values of Klopman (σ_K) or Ahrland (σ_A) and the experimental binding constants (β) being in the order of Hg²⁺ > Ag⁺ > Cd²⁺ suggests that soft–soft interactions are the key for the observed sensitivity and selectivity in the presence of other metal ions, such as: Pb²⁺, Ni²⁺, Mn²⁺, Cu²⁺, Co²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Mg²⁺ ions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived conditional medium promotes Leydig cell anti‐apoptosis and proliferation via autophagy and Wnt/β‐catenin pathway

Leydig cell transplantation is a better alternative in the treatment of androgen‐deficient males. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived conditioned medium (iPS‐CM) on the anti‐apoptosis, proliferation and function of immature Leydig cells (ILCs), and illuminate the underlying mechanisms. ILCs were exposed to 200 μmol/L hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) for 24 hours with or without iPS‐CM treatments. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometric analysis. Cell proliferation was assessed using cell cycle assays and EdU staining. The steroidogenic enzyme expressions were quantified with Western blotting. The results showed that iPS‐CM significantly reduced H₂O₂‐induced ILC apoptosis through down‐regulation of autophagic and apoptotic proteins LC3‐I/II, Beclin‐1, P62, P53 and BAX as well as up‐regulation of BCL‐2, which could be inhibited by LY294002 (25 μmol/L). iPS‐CM could also promote ILC proliferation through up‐regulation of β‐catenin and its target proteins cyclin D1, c‐Myc and survivin, but was inhibited by XAV939 (10 μmol/L). The level of bFGF in iPS‐CM was higher than that of DMEM‐LG. Exogenous bFGF (20 ng/mL) or Wnt signalling agonist lithium chloride (LiCl) (20 mmol/L) added into DMEM‐LG could achieve the similar effects of iPS‐CM. Meanwhile, iPS‐CM could improve the medium testosterone levels and up‐regulation of LHCGR, SCARB1, STAR, CYP11A1, HSD3B1, CYP17A1, HSD17B3 and SF‐1 in H₂O₂‐induced ILCs. In conclusion, iPS‐CM could reduce H₂O₂‐induced ILC apoptosis through the activation of autophagy, promote proliferation through up‐regulation of Wnt/β‐catenin pathway and enhance testosterone production through increasing steroidogenic enzyme expressions, which might be used in regenerative medicine for future.     

Anti‐HSV‐1 and HSV‐2 Flavonoids and a New Kaempferol Triglycoside from the Medicinal Plant Kalanchoe daigremontiana

Kalanchoe daigremontiana (Crassulaceae) is a medicinal plant native to Madagascar. The aim of this study was to investigate the flavonoid content of an aqueous leaf extract from K. daigremontiana (Kd), and assess its antiherpetic potential. The major flavonoid, kaempferol 3‐O‐β‐d ‐xylopyranosyl‐(1 → 2)‐α‐l ‐rhamnopyranoside ( 1 ), was isolated from the AcOEt fraction (Kd‐AC). The BuOH‐soluble fraction afforded quercetin 3‐O‐β‐d ‐xylopyranosyl‐(1 → 2)‐α‐l ‐rhamnopyranoside ( 2 ) and the new kaempferol 3‐O‐β‐d ‐xylopyranosyl‐(1 → 2)‐α‐l ‐rhamnopyranoside‐7‐O‐β‐d ‐glucopyranoside ( 3 ), named daigremontrioside. The crude extract, Kd‐AC fraction, flavonoids 1 and 2 were evaluated using acyclovir‐sensitive strains of HSV‐1 and HSV‐2. Kd‐AC was highly active against HSV‐1 (EC₅₀ = 0.97 μg/ml, SI > 206.1) and HSV‐2 (EC₅₀ = 0.72 μg/ml, SI > 277.7). Flavonoids 1 and 2 showed anti‐HSV‐1 (EC₅₀ = 7.4 μg/ml; SI > 27 and EC₅₀ = 5.8 μg/ml; SI > 8.6, respectively) and anti‐HSV‐2 (EC₅₀ = 9.0 μg/ml; SI > 22.2 and EC₅₀ = 36.2 μg/ml; SI > 5.5, respectively) activities, suggesting the contribution of additional substances to the antiviral activity.     

Degradation of polychlorinated phenols by Rhodococcus chlorophenolicus

Summary An actinomycete, Rhodococcus chlorophenolicus, isolated from a pentachlorophenol-degrading mixed bacterial culture is a polychlorophenol degrader. It was shown to oxidize pentachlorophenol into carbon dioxide and to metabolize also 2,3,4,5-,2,3,4,6-, and 2,3,5,6-tetrachlorophenol, 2,3,4-, 2,3,5-, 2,3,6-, 2,4,6-, and 2,4,5-trichlorophenol, 2,5-, and 2,6-dichlorophenol and tetrachloro-p-hydroquinone in an inducible manner. Pentachlorophenol set on the synthesis of enzymes required for the metabolism of all these chlorophenols and of tetrachloro-p-hydroquinone. 2,4,5-, and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol and 2,5-, and 2,6-dichlorophenol were degraded by R. chlorophenolicus cells only if these had previous contact to pentachlorophenol. Other chlorophenols mentioned were able to set on the synthesis of enzymes for their own degradation. 2,3,4,5-, and 2,3,4,6-tetrachlorophenol, and 2,3,5-, 2,4,5-, and 3,4,5-trichlorophenol were more toxic to R. chlorophenolicus than the other chlorophenols, but nevertheless 2,3,4,5-, and 2,3,4,6-tetrachlorophenol and 2,3,5-trichlorophenol were readily degraded by the bacteria.Abbreviations DCP dichlorophenol - TCP trichlorophenol - TeCP tetrachlorophenol - PCP pentachlorophenol - TeCH tetrachloro-p-hydroquinone An example of numeration: 2345-TeCP, 2,3,4,5-tetrachlorophenol     

An epitope‐imprinted piezoelectric diagnostic tool for Neisseria meningitidis detection

Neisseria meningitidis, a human‐specific bacterial pathogen causes bacterial meningitis by invading the meninges (outer lining) of central nervous system. It is the polysaccharide present on the bacterial capsid that distinguishes various serogroups of N. meningitidis and can be utilized as antigens to elicit immune response. A computational approach identified candidate T‐cell epitopes from outer membrane proteins Por B of N. meningitidis (MC58): (²⁷³KGLVDDADI²⁸² in loop VII and ¹⁷⁰GRHNSESYH¹⁷⁹ in loop IV) present on the exposed surface of immunogenic loops of class 3 outer membrane proteins allele of N. meningitidis. One of them, KGLVDDADI is used here for designing a diagnostic tool via molecularly imprinted piezoelectric sensor (molecularly imprinted polymer‐quartz crystal microbalance) for N. meningitidis strain MC58. Methacrylic acid, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate and azoisobutyronitrile were used as functional monomer, cross‐linker and initiator, respectively. The epitope can be simultaneously bound to methacrylic acid and fitted into the shape‐selective cavities. On extraction of epitope sequence from thus grafted polymeric film, shape‐selective and sensitive sites were generated on electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance crystal, ie, known as epitope imprinted polymers. Imprinting was characterized by atomic force microscopy images. The epitope‐imprinted sensor was able to selectively bind N. meningitidis proteins present in blood serum of patients suffering from brain fever. Thus, fabricated sensor can be used as a diagnostic tool for meningitis disease.     

A sensitive fluorescent nanosensor for chloramphenicol based on molecularly imprinted polymer‐capped CdTe quantum dots

A novel fluorescent nanosensor using molecularly imprinted silica nanospheres embedded CdTe quantum dots (CdTe@SiO₂@MIP) was developed for detection and quantification of chloramphenicol (CAP). The imprinted sensor was prepared by synthesis of molecularly imprinting polymer (MIP) on the hydrophilic CdTe quantum dots via reverse microemulsion method using small amounts of solvents. The resulting CdTe@SiO₂@MIP nanoparticles were characterized by fluorescence, UV–vis absorption and FT‐IR spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. They preserved 48% of fluorescence quantum yield of the parent quantum dots. CAP remarkably quenched the fluorescence of prepared CdTe@SiO₂@MIP, probably via electron transfer mechanism. Under the optimal conditions, the relative fluorescence intensity of CdTe@SiO₂@MIP decreased with increasing CAP by a Stern–Volmer type equation in the concentration range of 40–500 µg L^–1. The corresponding detection limit was 5.0 µg L^–1. The intra‐day and inter‐day values for the precision of the proposed method were all <4%. The developed sensor had a good selectivity and was applied to determine CAP in spiked human and bovine serum and milk samples with satisfactory results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A molecularly imprinted nanofilm‐based quartz crystal microbalance sensor for the real‐time detection of pirimicarb

This study aimed to prepare a novel quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor for the detection of pirimicarb. Pirimicarb‐imprinted poly (ethylene glycol dimethacrylate‐N‐metacryloyl‐(l )‐tryptophan methyl ester) [p (EGDMA‐MATrp)] nanofilm (MIP) on the gold surface of a QCM chip was synthesized using the molecular imprinting technique. A nonimprinted p (EGDMA‐MATrp) nanofilm (NIP) was also synthesized using the same experimental technique. The MIP and NIP nanofilms were characterized via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy, contact angle, atomic force microscopy, and an ellipsometer. A competitive adsorption experiment on the sensor was performed to display the selectivity of the nanofilm. An analysis of the QCM sensor showed that the MIP nanofilm exhibited high sensitivity and selectivity for pirimicarb determination. A liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method was prepared and validated to determine the accuracy and precision of the QCM sensor. The accuracy and precision of both methods were determined by a comparison of six replicates at three different concentrations to tomato samples extracted by using a Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) method. The limit of detection of the QCM sensor was found to be 0.028 nM. In conclusion, the QCM sensor showed good accuracy, with recovery percentages between 91 and 94%. Also, the pirimicarb‐imprinted QCM sensor exhibited a fast response time, reusability, high selectivity and sensitivity, and a low limit of detection. Therefore, it offers a serious alternative to the traditional analytical methods for pesticide detection in both natural sources and aqueous solutions.     

Ratiometric fluorescent detection of Cu2+ based on dual‐emission ZIF‐8@rhodamine‐B nanocomposites

Zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) loading rhodamine‐B (ZIF‐8@rhodamine‐B) nanocomposites was proposed and used as ratiometric fluorescent sensor to detect copper(II) ion (Cu²⁺). Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray powder diffraction, nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms and fluorescence emission spectroscopy were employed to characterize the ZIF‐8@rhodamine‐B nanocomposites. The results showed the rhodamine‐B was successfully assembled on ZIF‐8 based on the π‐π interaction and the hydrogen bond between the nitrogen atom of ZIF‐8 and –COOH of rhodamine‐B. The as‐obtained ZIF‐8@rhodamine‐B nanocomposites were octahedron with size about 150–200 nm, had good water dispersion, and exhibited the characteristic fluorescence emission of ZIF‐8 at 335 nm and rhodamine‐B at 575 nm. The Cu²⁺ could quench fluorescence of ZIF‐8 rather than rhodamine‐B. The ZIF‐8 not only acted as the template to assemble rhodamine‐B, but also was employed as the signal fluorescence together with the fluorescence of rhodamine‐B as the reference to construct a novel ratiometric fluorescent sensor to detect Cu²⁺. The resulted ZIF‐8@rhodamine‐B nanocomposite fluorescence probe showed good linear range (68.4 nM to 125 μM) with a low detection limit (22.8 nM) for Cu²⁺ combined with good sensitivity and selectivity. The work also provides a better way to design ratiometric fluorescent sensors from ZIF‐8 and other fluorescent molecules.     

In vivo quantification of neuro‐glial metabolism and glial glutamate concentration using 1H‐[13C] MRS at 14.1T

Astrocytes have recently become a major center of interest in neurochemistry with the discoveries on their major role in brain energy metabolism. An interesting way to probe this glial contribution is given by in vivo ¹³C NMR spectroscopy coupled with the infusion labeled glial‐specific substrate, such as acetate. In this study, we infused alpha‐chloralose anesthetized rats with [2‐¹³C]acetate and followed the dynamics of the fractional enrichment (FE) in the positions C4 and C3 of glutamate and glutamine with high sensitivity, using ¹H‐[¹³C] magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) at 14.1T. Applying a two‐compartment mathematical model to the measured time courses yielded a glial tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle rate (V_g) of 0.27 ± 0.02 μmol/g/min and a glutamatergic neurotransmission rate (V_NT) of 0.15 ± 0.01 μmol/g/min. Glial oxidative ATP metabolism thus accounts for 38% of total oxidative metabolism measured by NMR. Pyruvate carboxylase (V_PC) was 0.09 ± 0.01 μmol/g/min, corresponding to 37% of the glial glutamine synthesis rate. The glial and neuronal transmitochondrial fluxes (V_x^g and V_xⁿ) were of the same order of magnitude as the respective TCA cycle fluxes. In addition, we estimated a glial glutamate pool size of 0.6 ± 0.1 μmol/g. The effect of spectral data quality on the fluxes estimates was analyzed by Monte Carlo simulations.

     

A new benzimidazole‐based selective and sensitive ‘on–off’ fluorescence chemosensor for Cu2+ ions and application in cellular bioimaging

Two new twinborn benzimidazole derivates ( L and A ), which bonded pyridine via the ester space on the opposite and adjacent positions of the benzene ring of benzimidazole respectively, were designed and synthesized. Compound L displayed fluorescence quenching response only towards copper(II) ions (Cu²⁺) in acetonitrile solution with high selectivity and sensitivity. However, compound A presented ‘on–off’ fluorescence response towards a wide range of metal ions to different degrees and did not have selectivity. Furthermore, compound L formed a 1:1 complex with Cu²⁺ and the binding constant between sensor L and Cu²⁺ was high at 6.02 × 10⁴ M^?1. Job's plot, mass spectra, IR spectra, ¹H‐NMR titration and density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrated the formation of a 1:1 complex between L and Cu²⁺. Chemosensor L displayed a low limit of detection (3.05 × 10^?6 M) and fast response time (15 s) to Cu²⁺. The Stern–Volmer analysis illustrated that the fluorescence quenching agreed with the static quenching mode. In addition, the obvious difference of L within HepG2 cells in the presence and absence of Cu²⁺ indicated L had the recognition capability for Cu²⁺ in living cells.     

Detoxification of insecticides,allechemicals and heavy metals by glutathione S‐transferase SlGSTE1 in the gut of Spodoptera litura

Insect glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs) play important roles in detoxifying toxic compounds and eliminating oxidative stress caused by these compounds. In this study, detoxification activity of the epsilon GST SlGSTE1 in Spodoptera litura was analyzed for several insecticides and heavy metals. SlGSTE1 was significantly up‐regulated by chlorpyrifos and xanthotoxin in the midgut of S. litura. The recombinant SlGSTE1 had V_max (reaction rate of the enzyme saturated with the substrate) and K_m (michaelis constant and equals to the substrate concentration at half of the maximum reaction rate of the enzyme) values of 27.95 ± 0.88 μmol/min/mg and 0.87 ± 0.028 mmol/L for glutathione, respectively, and V_max and K_m values of 22.96 ± 0.78 μmol/min/mg and 0.83 ± 0.106 mmol/L for 1‐chloro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene, respectively. In vitro enzyme indirect activity assay showed that the recombinant SlGSTE1 possessed high binding activities to the insecticides chlorpyrifos, deltamethrin, malathion, phoxim and dichloro‐diphenyl‐trichloroethane (DDT). SlGSTE1 showed higher binding activity to toxic heavy metals cadmium, chromium and lead than copper and zinc that are required for insect normal growth. Western blot analysis showed that SlGSTE1 was induced in the gut of larvae fed with chlorpyrifos or cadmium. SlGSTE1 also showed high peroxidase activity. All the results together indicate that SlGSTE1 may play an important role in the gut of S. litura to protect the insect from the toxic effects of these compounds and heavy metals.     

Physiological properties and substrate specificity of a pentachlorophenol-degradingPseudomonas species

A bacterial strain capable of utilizing pentachlorophenol (PCP) as sole source of carbon and energy for growth was isolated from enrichment cultures containing 100 mg/l PCP in a mineral salts medium inoculated with contaminated soil from a lumber treatment waste site. The isolate, designated strain SR3, was identified as a species ofPseudomonas by virtue of its physiological and biochemical characteristics. Mineralization of PCP byPseudomonas sp. strain SR3 was demonstrated by loss of detectable PCP from growth medium, stoichiometry of chloride release (5 equivalents of chloride per mole of PCP), and formation of biomass consistent with the concentration of PCP mineralized. PCP-induced cells of strain SR3 showed elevated rates of oxygen consumption in the presence of PCP, and with different chlorinated phenols, with complete degradation of 2,3,5,6-, 2,3,6-, 2,4,6-, 2,4-, and 2,6-chloro-substituted phenols. Concentrations of PCP up to 175 mg/liter supported growth of this organism, but maximal rates of PCP removal were observed at a PCP concentration of 100 mg/liter. Based on its degradative properties,Pseudomonas sp. strain SR3 appears to have utility in bioremediation of soil and water contaminated with PCP.Abbreviations DCP dichlorophenol - TCP trichlorophenol - TeCP tetrachlorophenol Contribution No. 750 from the United States Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Research Laboratory, Gulf Breeze, FL32561, USA. A preliminary report of this work has appeared in abstract form (Resnick & Chapman 1990; Abstr. Annu Meet Amer Soc Microbiol Q-70, p. 300).     

Signal‐on fluorescence assay for pyrophosphate ions based on DNA‐stabilized silver nanoclusters

Pyrophosphate anion (P₂O₇^4?, PPi) is considered as a potential biomarker for arthritic diseases because high levels of PPi may result in calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate crystal deposition diseases. In this study, a simple fluorescence method for PPi was demonstrated by organic integration of the efficient fluorescence quenching ability of copper ions to DNA‐scaffolded silver nanoclusters and the strong affinity of PPi towards copper ions. This simple fluorescence sensor showed a low detection limit (0.28 μM based on signal/noise = 3) towards the detection of PPi. Practical application of this method was also validated by detection of PPi in the synovial fluid.     

UV photolysis for enhanced phenol biodegradation in the presence of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP)

A bacterial strain isolated from activated sludge and identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens could biodegrade phenol, but 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP) inhibited phenol biodegradation and biomass growth. UV photolysis converted TCP into dichlorocatechol, monochlorophenol, and dichlorophenol, and this relieved inhibition by TCP. Phenol-removal and biomass-growth rates were significantly accelerated after UV photolysis: the monod maximum specific growth rate (μ _max) increased by 9 % after TCP photolysis, and the half-maximum-rate concentration (K _S) decreased by 36 %. Thus, the major benefit of UV photolysis in this case was to transform TCP into a set of much-less-inhibitory products.     

Synthesis and study on the binding of thiazol‐2(3H)‐ylidine derivative with human serum albumin using spectroscopic and molecular docking methods

In this article, a facile and convenient synthesis of thiazol‐2(3H)‐ylidine derivatives of fatty acid ( 3a – c ) is described. The binding of N′‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐3‐penylthiazol‐2(3H)‐ylidine)octadec‐9‐enehydrazide ( 3a ) with human serum albumin (HSA) is explored using various spectral methods and molecular docking. Fluorescence quenching results show that 3a induces conformational changes in HSA and the polarity around the tryptophan residues is increased. Stern–Volmer quenching plots at different temperatures (298, 305 and 312 K) show that the fluorescence quenching mechanism is static quenching. Synchronous fluorescence, 3D fluorescence spectra, circular dichroism and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy are used to determine the structural change in HSA on interaction with 3a . Förster resonance energy transfer analysis shows that the binding distance (r₀ = 2.78 nm) between HSA (Trp214) and 3a is within the of range 2–8 nm for quenching to occur. The molecular docking study also confirms that 3a is located in subdomain IIA (site I) of HSA and is stabilized by hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic forces.     

Chiral determination of cinchonine using an electrochemiluminescent sensor with molecularly imprinted membrane on the surfaces of magnetic particles

A novel molecular imprinting electrochemiluminescence sensor for detecting chiral cinchonine molecules was developed with a molecularly imprinted polymer membrane on the surfaces of magnetic microspheres. Fe₃O₄@Au nanoparticles modified with 6‐mercapto‐beta‐cyclodextrin were used as a carrier, cinchonine as a template molecule, methacrylic acid as a functional monomer and N ,N ′‐methylenebisacrylamide as a cross‐linking agent. Cinchonine was specifically recognized by the 6‐mercapto‐beta‐cyclodextrin functional molecularly imprinted polymer and detected based on enhancement of the electrochemiluminescence intensity caused by the reaction of tertiary amino structures of cinchonine molecules with Ru(bpy)₃²⁺. Cinchonine concentrations of 1 × 10^?10 to 4 × 10^?7 mol/L showed a good linear relationship with changes of the electrochemiluminescence intensity, and the detection limit of the sensor was 3.13 × 10^?11 mol/L. The sensor has high sensitivity and selectivity, and is easy to renew. It was designed for detecting serum samples, with recovery rates of 98.2% to 107.6%.