DNA stretching on functionalized gold surfaces.

We describe a method for anchoring bacteriophage lambda DNA by one end to gold by Au-biotin-streptavidin-biotin-DNA bonds. DNA anchored to a microfabricated Au line could be aligned and stretched in flow and electric fields. The anchor was shown to resist a force of at least 11 pN, a linkage strong enough to allow DNA molecules of chromosome size to be stretched and aligned.     

Topography of cyclodextrin inclusion complexes : Part I. Classification of crystallographic data of α-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes

The crystallographic and stoichiometric data obtained for 17 different inclusion complexes of α-cyclodextrin are reported. The cell dimensions and space-group symmetries reflect the packing arrangement of the torus-shaped host molecules and are largely determined by the size and ionic character of the guest molecules.In the series acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, the first three complexes with α-cyclodextrin crystallize in a cage-type structure with space group P2₁2₁2₁, which is characteristic or small, non-ionic guest molecules. The valeric acid molecule seems to be too long to be accommodated in a cage structure; thus, the α-cyclodextrin molecules are arranged such that a structure consisting of parallel channels is formed. This packing is typical for the inclusion of long, thin, or ionic guest molecules. A third class of complexes with structures differing from the two described was also observed.A correlation exists between the type of inclusion complex and the volume required for a complex molecule: 1200–≈ 1400 ų for molecular guests, and 1400–1500 ų for ionic guests.     

NMR spectroscopic study of cyclodextrin inclusion complexes with A-007 prodrugs

One- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy was used to demonstrate the formation of inclusion cyclodextrin complexes with several A-007 prodrugs. These complexes are comprised from the encapsulation of the two phenol moieties of the A-007 prodrugs within the cyclodextrin cavity. Considering the size of the two phenol moieties of the A-007 prodrugs compared to the sizes of alpha-, beta-, and gamma-cyclodextrin cavities, we observed complementary binding of the A-007 prodrug with only beta-cyclodextrin, which was also demonstrated spectroscopically. The beta-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes increased the prodrug solubility and modified the prodrug half-life in water. Therefore, beta-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes can be used as an essential form of A-007 prodrug delivery.     

Crystal and molecular structures of cyclomaltoheptaose inclusion complexes with HI and with methanol

β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD; cyclomaltoheptaose; cyclohepta-amylose; C₄₂H₇₀O₃₅) crystallises from aqueous solutions of HI and of MeOH in the form of stout prisms, which are isomorphous to each other with monoclinic space-group P2₁; cell constants for C₄₂H₇₀O₃₅ · 2HI · 8 H₂O: a = 21.25(3), b = 10.28(2), c = 15.30(2) Å, β = 113.25(9)°, and Z = 2; and for C₄₂H₇₀O₃₅ · MeOH · 6.5 H₂O: a = 21.03(3), b = 10.11(2), c = 15.33(2) Å, β = 111.02(9)°, and Z = 2. X-ray counter data were used to determine the structures of both crystals, which belong to the cage type, with β-CD molecules in nearly identical, “round” shapes. In the HI complex, one I^- is located inside, and one outside, the β-CD cavity; in the MeOH complex, the MeOH is within the cavity. The cavity is closed at the O-2,O-3 side by adjacent β-CD molecules, and at the O-6 side by water molecules hydrogen-bonded to the guest and to surrounding β-CD molecules. Interstices between β-CD molecules are filled by water of hydration molecules in distorted co-ordination.     

Study of inclusion complexes of cycloamylose with surfactants by isothermal titration calorimetry

Useful materials can be made from cycloamylose (CA) and the functional properties of CA could be improved by complexation with surfactants. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) was used to investigate interactions between CA and surfactants in buffered solutions. Three surfactants with C₁₂ non-polar tail groups and charged [anionic: sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS); cationic: dodecyl trimethylammonium bromide (DTAB)] or non-charged headgroups [non-ionic: polyoxyethylene 23 lauryl ether (Brij35)] were used in this study. The effects of temperature, pH, and salt concentration were also studied. All three surfactants bound to CA; however, Brij35 binding to CA was negligible. Enthalpy changes associated with binding of surfactants to CA were exothermic except for interactions measured at 50 °C. There was no effect of pH on surfactant demicellization or CA binding. Salt concentration affected surfactant demicellization, but the amount of SDS bound to CA at saturation was unaffected by salt. When the titration curves obtained for CA with SDS and DTAB were fitted, it could be analyzed using a model based on a single set of identical sites.     

Chloro and acetato complexes of platinum(II) with functionalized thioethers

The chloro complexes [PtCl₂(RSR′)₂] (1-10) (RSR′ = MeSCH₂C(O)OMe, 1; MeSCH₂C(O)OEt, 2; MeSCH₂C(O)Omenthyl(−), 3; MeSCH₂CH₂C(O)OMe, 4; , 5; EtSCH₂C(O)Me, 6; MeSCH(Me)C(O)Me, 7; MeSPh, 8; MeS-o-C₆H₄Me, 9; and MeS-o-C₆H₄Et, 10) are obtained in high yield (63-90%) by reaction of [PtCl₂(PhCN)₂] with the proper thioether in 1/2 molar ratio, in anhydrous chloroform, at reflux under argon for ca. 10 h. The X-ray crystal structure of [PtCl₂(MeS-o-C₆H₄Me)₂] (9) shows an almost regular trans square planar geometry (triclinic, space group , a 6.806(1), b 7.789(2), c 10.085(3) Å, α 101.80(2)°, β 69.55(2)°, γ 115.27(2)°, R(F_o) 0.023, ). The dichloro complexes react with silver acetate in a complex manner, which depends on the nature of the thioether, and only with RSR′ = MeSPh the simple diacetato complex [Pt(OAc)₂(RSR′)₂] is obtained as the major product.     

Antibody recognition of chiral surfaces. Structural models of antibody complexes with leucine-leucine-tyrosine crystal surfaces

Molecular models are built of the recognition domains of two antibodies, which are raised and selected against crystals of (L)leucine-(L)leucine-(L)tyrosine. The model of one antibody, which is stereo- and enantioselective, reveals astounding chemical and structural complementarity to the recognized crystal surface. The enantioselective binding of this antibody is explained by the significantly fewer chemical interactions arising in the complex, after docking of the antibody to the (D)Leu-(D)Leu-(D)Tyr crystal face, relative to its enantiomer, the (L)Leu-(L)Leu-(L)Tyr crystal face. The modeling and docking of the second antibody, which is poorly stereoselective and is not enantioselective, indicates that binding is based on electrostatic interactions. The docking models of the antibody-crystal complexes provide a rationale for the experimental results while demonstrating the power of modeling techniques to meet the challenge of describing antibody-antigen interactions in detail.     

Variable antibody-dependent activation of complement by functionalized phospholipid nanoparticle surfaces

A wide variety of nanomaterials are currently being developed for use in the detection and treatment of human diseases. However, there is no systematic way to measure and predict the action of such materials in biological contexts. Lipid-encapsulated nanoparticles (NPs) are a class of nanomaterials that includes the liposomes, the most widely used and clinically proven type of NPs. Liposomes can, however, activate the complement system, an important branch of innate immunity, resulting in undesirable consequences. Here, we describe the complement response to lipid-encapsulated NPs that are functionalized on the surface with various lipid-anchored gadolinium chelates. We developed a quantitative approach to examine the interaction of NPs with the complement system using in vitro assays and correlating these results with those obtained in an in vivo mouse model. Our results indicate that surface functionalization of NPs with certain chemical structures elicits swift complement activation that is initiated by a natural IgM antibody and propagated via the classical pathway. The intensity of the response is dependent on the chemical structures of the lipid-anchored chelates and not zeta potential effects alone. Moreover, the extent of complement activation may be tempered by complement inhibiting regulatory proteins that bind to the surface of NPs. These findings represent a step forward in the understanding of the interactions between nanomaterials and the host innate immune response and provide the basis for a systematic structure-activity relationship study to establish guidelines that are critical to the future development of biocompatible nanotherapeutics.     

Monocyclopentadienyl titanium complexes supported by functionalized carboxylate ligands

The reaction of [TiCp*Cl₃] with [Fe(η⁵-C₅H₅)(η⁵-C₅H₄COOH)] in the presence of NEt₃ yields [TiCp*{(OOC-C₅H₄)FeCp}₃] (1), (Cp = η⁵-C₅H₅). The alkyl complex [TiCp*Me₃] reacts with [FeCp(η⁵-C₅H₄-CH₂COOH)] or anthranilic acid rendering the tris-carboxylate titanium complexes [TiCp*{(OOCCH₂-C₅H₄)FeCp}₃] (2) and [TiCp*{(OOCC₆H₄NH₂)₃] (3), respectively. Complex 3 can be protonated with triflic acid to render [TiCp*{(OOCC₆H₄NH₂)₃].HOTf (4). The reaction of [TiCp*Me₃] with anthranilic acid in a 1:2 M ratio yields the alkyl carboxylate derivative [TiCp*Me{(OOCC₆H₄NH₂)₂] (5). Complex 5 reacts with ^tBuNC to render the iminoacyl complex [TiCp*(η²-MeCN^tBu){(OOCC₆H₄NH₂)₂] (6). The reaction of [TiCp*Cl₃] with the ferroceneacetic acid, gives [TiCp*Cl₂{(OOCCH₂-C₅H₄)FeCp}] (7). The [TiCp*Cl]₂(μ-O)[(ΟΟC-C₅H₄)₂Fe] (8) can be obtained by reaction of [TiCp*Cl₃] with [Fe(η⁵-C₅H₄-COOH)₂] in the presence of a base. The molecular structures of 1 and 8 have been established by X-ray diffraction methods.     

Optical enrichment of dansyl-rac-amino acids by formation of crystalline inclusion complexes with cyclodextrins

Optical enrichment from racemic dansyl-leucine, dansyl-norleucine, and dansyl-phenylalanine with both beta- and gamma-cyclodextrins in water is reported. Initial crystallization yielded the dansyl-L-Leucine isomer complexed in excess with beta-cyclodextrin with an optical purity of 62-78% depending on experimental conditions. The optical purities obtained for L-norleucine and L-phenylalanine were 71 and 64%, respectively. The optical purity can be increased with continued recrystallization. The dansyl-D-leucine isomer was obtained in the mother liquor with an optical purity of 54-93% depending on experimental conditions. The optical purities obtained for D-norleucine and D-phenylalanine were 72 and 58%. The optical purity of the isomer depended on the molar ratio of host:guest and the pH value of the solution. Optimum enrichment of both enantiomers was achieved with host:guest ratios of 2:1 and 3:1. Although maximum crystalline yield of the dansyl-leucine/CD inclusion complex was obtained at a pH of 3.5, optical purity of both enantiomers was less than that obtained at other pHs. The influence of the molar ratio of host:guest and the pH value of the solution are discussed. This method is suitable for large-scale enantiomeric separations.     

Controllable vesicles based on unconventional cyclodextrin inclusion complexes

Vesicles were assembled from an unconventional inclusion complex between β-cyclodextrin (βCD), and N,N′-bis(ferrocenylmethylene)diaminohexane (1). The vesicles formed in water and in a mixed solvent (water/methanol) were observed by transmission electron microscopy. The peculiar inclusion effects of 1·βCD were characterized by UV and cyclic voltammetry. The structure of the complex was characterized by ¹H- and 2D ROESY NMR spectroscopies. The size of the vesicles in water, methanol, and in mixtures of water and methanol was investigated by dynamic light scattering. The vesicles disappeared upon addition of an oxidizing agent. The structures of the inclusion complex and the vesicles formed via the complex are discussed according to the experimental data.     

Copper inclusion in cellulose using sodium d-gluconate complexes

Copper containing cellulose material is of growing interest, e.g. offering alternative in the field of antimicrobials. Solutions of copper d-gluconate complexes (Cu(2+)-DGL) were used to introduce copper ions into a swollen cellulosic matrix. A ligand exchange mechanism forms the chemical basis of the sorption process. Copper sorption in cellulose was studied in the range between pH 6 and 13. An estimate for the complex stabilities of the Cu-cellulose system could be derived from the calculated species distribution of the different Cu(2+)-DGL complexes present. Spectrophotometry and cyclic voltammetry of Cu(2+)-DGL complex solution were used to confirm the presence of different species participating in the ligand exchange reaction. The pH dependent uptake of Cu(2+) ions in the cellulose matrix can be explained on the basis of the relative stabilities of Cu(2+)-DGL complex vs. Cu(2+)-cellulose complexes. In comparison to pH 10, higher copper content was observed at pH 6 and 13. Copper content was limited by carboxyl content of cellulosic materials, thus in analogy to the structure of Cu(2+)-DGL complexes participation of the carboxyl group as complex forming site is proposed. At high Cu(2+)-concentration and longer time of immersion in the copper complex solutions formation of solid deposits was observed on the surface of the treated fibres.     

Actin motion on microlithographically functionalized myosin surfaces and tracks.

High-resolution e-beam patterning exposure of the surface of poly[(tert-butyl-methacrylate)-co-(methyl methacrylate)]-a common e-beam and deep-UV resist used in semiconductor microlithography-induced sharp changes in the surface hydrophobicity. These differences in hydrophobicity resulted in the selective attachment of heavy meromyosin to hydrophobic, unexposed surfaces. The movement of the actin filaments on myosin-rich and myosin-poor surfaces was statistically characterized in terms of velocity, acceleration, and angle of movement. The actin filaments have a smooth motion on myosin-rich surfaces and an uneven motion on myosin-poor surfaces. Interestingly, an excess of myosin sites has a slowing, albeit mild effect on the motion of the actin filaments. It was also found that the myosin-rich/myosin-poor boundary has an alignment-enforcement effect, especially for the filaments approaching the border from the myosin-rich side. Based on these results, we discuss the feasibility of building purposefully designed molecular motor arrays and the testing of the hypotheses regarding the functioning of the molecular motors.     

Study of the inclusion complexes of aromatic molecules with cyclodextrins using ionspray mass spectrometry

The formation of inclusion complexes between cyclodextrins (cyclohexa-, cyclohepta-, and cyclooctamylose) and either 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonate or 2-p-toluidinylnaphthalene-6-sulfonate was investigated by ionspray mass spectrometry operated both in the positive and in the negative ion mode. This soft ionisation technique allowed the detection of the inclusion complexes; the presence of false positives was excluded by increasing the voltage at the orifice which caused breakage of the electrostatic adducts and some fragmentation of the free cyclodextrin molecules, but left the inclusion complexes intact. The spectra recorded in the negative mode showed the presence of complexes formed by two cyclodextrin molecules and one aromatic molecule; such stoichiometry was not detected in the positive mode.     

Convenient framework of poly functionalized (E)-2-benzylideno-(Z)-carbazolylideno cyanoacetamides via rearrangements as an efficient antibiofilm inhibitors with SAR study

A simple and one-pot approach for the synthesis of highly functionalized novel (E)-2-benzylideno-(Z)-carbazolylideno cyanoacetamide derivatives from different 2-(2′,3′,4′,9′-tetrahydro-carbazol-1′-ylidene)-propanedinitriles and aryl/heteroaryl carbaldehydes via vinylogous aldol reaction. The structures of the molecules were designated by FT-IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR studies, elemental and X-ray crystallographic analysis. The synthesized pure products have been screened for in vitro antibiofilm inhibitory activity towards antibiotic-resistant pathogenic organisms. All the synthesized compounds showed biofilm inhibition. Promisingly, the moieties 3a, 3d and 3h showed higher antibiofilm activity at biofilm inhibitory concentration (BIC) (200?μg/mL) against bacterial pathogens. Among the three moieties, 3a showed high prospective against E. coli biofilm with minimal and maximal BIC percentage of 32% (10?μg/mL) and 89% (100?μg/mL) and chosen lowest BIC for further evaluation. Also, the 3a generate ROS two fold at 1?h treatment in E. coli biofilm. The 3a exhibited no toxic effect on cell viability upto 75?μg/mL in HEK293 cell lines. The results of the present study reveal that among (E)-2-benzylideno-(Z)-carbazolylideno cyanoacetamides, (E)-2-benzylideno-6-methyl-2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-1H-carbazol-(Z)-α-carbamino-α-cyano-1-ylidene (3a) could be exploited as an excellent antibiofilm agent against carbapenem-resistant E. coli bacteria strains.     

Arrangement of type IV collagen on NH2 and COOH functionalized surfaces

Apart from the paradigm that cell–biomaterials interaction depends on the adsorption of soluble adhesive proteins we anticipate that upon distinct conditions also other, less soluble ECM proteins such as collagens, associate with the biomaterials interface with consequences for cellular response that might be of significant bioengineering interest. Using atomic force microscopy (AFM) we seek to follow the nanoscale behavior of adsorbed type IV collagen (Col IV)—a unique multifunctional matrix protein involved in the organization of basement membranes (BMs) including vascular ones. We have previously shown that substratum wettability significantly affects Col IV adsorption pattern, and in turn alters endothelial cells interaction. Here we introduce two new model surfaces based on self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs), a positively charged –NH₂, and negatively charged –COOH surface, to learn more about their particular effect on Col IV behavior. AFM studies revealed distinct pattern of Col IV assembly onto the two SAMs resembling different aspects of network‐like structure or aggregates (suggesting altered protein conformation). Moreover, the amount of adsorbed FITC‐labeled Col IV was quantified and showed about twice more protein on NH₂ substrata. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells attached less efficiently to Col IV adsorbed on negatively charged COOH surface judged by altered cell spreading, focal adhesions formation, and actin cytoskeleton development. Immunofluorescence studies also revealed better Col IV recognition by both α₁ and α₂ integrins on positively charged NH₂ substrata resulting in higher phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase recruitment in the focal adhesion complexes. On COOH surface, no integrin clustering was observed. Taken altogether these results, point to the possibility that combined NH₂ and Col IV functionalization may support endothelization of cardiovascular implants. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011;108: 3009–3018. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Force generation by recombinant myosin heads trapped between two functionalized surfaces

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer measurements have revealed that the lever-arm domain of myosin swings when it hydrolyzes Mg-ATP. It is generally accepted that this swing of the lever arm of myosin is the molecular basis of force generation. On the other hand, the possibility that the force might be generated at the interface between actin and myosin cannot be ignored. However, there is a third possibility, namely, that myosin itself generates force without actin. Thus, using recombinant subfragment 1 molecules of Dictyostelium myosin II that were trapped between two functionalized surfaces of a surface-force apparatus, we determined whether myosin itself could actually generate force. Here, we report that, despite the absence of actin, myosin heads themselves have a capacity to generate a force (at least ~0.2 pN/molecule) that is coupled to the structural changes. Although the role of actin should not be neglected because muscle physiologically shortens as a result of the interaction between actin and myosin, in this work the focus is on the question of whether the catalytic domain of myosin has the capacity to generate force.