Preparation and conformational characterization of Cr(III) hemoglobin

Chromium(III) substituted hemoglobin has been prepared. Circular dichroism spectra in the UV region have been recorded in the presence and absence of the allosteric affector inositol hexaphosphate. The reactivity with bromthymol blue and p-mercuribenzoate has been measured. All data indicate a T state (or T state-like) structure, whereas an R structure would be expected from the chromium stereochemistry. Similarities to cobalt(III) hemoglobin suggest that the chromium derivative also exists as an internal hemichrome. Thus, despite major tertiary structure differences, “denatured” hemichromes may have a quaternary structure quite similar to deoxyhemoglobin.     

牛血清白蛋白单克隆抗体杂交瘤细胞株的建立及鉴定

用牛血清白蛋白(BSA)免疫BALB/c小鼠,取其脾细胞与小鼠骨髓瘤细胞SP2/0进行融合,培养上清经过双抗体夹心法检测初步筛选分泌鼠IgG的杂交瘤细胞,将此种杂交瘤细胞注射小鼠产生的腹水用间接ELISA法筛选,获得4株能稳定分泌抗BSA单克隆抗体的杂交瘤细胞株,分别命名为2A5、3A3、3G6、4A8。鉴定结果显示,2A5细胞分泌IgG2a/κ,其余3株细胞分泌IgG1/κ;纯化后4株腹水单抗的纯度达90%以上,对BSA的ELISA滴度均可达到1∶100000以上;4株单抗均不与人以及马、猪、羊、兔、豚鼠等血清发生交叉反应;W estern B lotting试验证明4株单抗均识别分子量为68000的BSA;用间接ELISA法测定4株单抗相对亲和力及相对敏感度大小依次为3A3>2A5>3G6>4A8;杂交瘤细胞株连续培养3个月以及冻存半年后复苏,细胞生长良好,杂交瘤细胞分泌的抗体效价稳定。     

Preparation and characterization of Rhizopus amyloglucosidase immobilized on poly(o-toluidine)

The starch hydrolyzing enzyme amyloglucosidase (AMG) from Rhizopus was immobilized onto the protonated salt (TS) and basic (TB) forms of chemically synthesized poly(o-toluidine) (POT) using adsorption and covalent binding. The polymers were activated with glutaraldehyde prior to covalent bonding. The immobilization efficiency was affected by the pH of the immobilization medium, contact time and amount of enzyme. After immobilization, the pH and temperature were changed to conditions under which the enzyme is most active. Immobilized AMG was more stable with respect to changes in pH and increases in temperature compared to free AMG. The immobilized enzyme retained high catalytic activity after multiple uses and showed enhanced stability with storage compared to free enzyme.     

Mobilization of mitochondrial Ca2+ by hydroperoxy-eicosatetraenoic acid

Hydroperoxy-eicosatetraenoic acids (HPETEs) and less effectively, also hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs) stimulated Ca2+ release from rat liver mitochondria. Ca2+ release is accompanied by intramitochondrial pyridine nucleotide oxidation and hydrolysis. Both Ca2+ release and pyridine nucleotide oxidation are impeded when the flow of electrons between pyridine nucleotides and HPETE is impaired. Measurements of the mitochondrial membrane potential indicate that HPETE-stimulated Ca2+ release is not due to uncoupling of mitochondria. It is suggested that HPETEs and HETEs may act as mobilizers of mitochondrial Ca2+ during signal transduction related to proliferation and tumor promotion.     

Preparation and characterization of a (Cu,Zn)-pMMO from Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath)

We report the preparation of a (Cu,Zn)-particulate methane monooxygenase (pMMO) in which the bulk of the copper ions of the electron-transfer clusters (E-clusters) has been replaced by divalent Zn ions. The Cu and Zn contents in the (Cu,Zn)-pMMO were determined by both inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) and X-ray absorption K-edge spectroscopy. Further characterization of the (Cu,Zn)-pMMO was provided by pMMO-activity assays as well as low-temperature electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy following reductive titration and incubation in air or air/propylene mixtures. The pMMO-activity assays indicated that the (Cu,Zn)-pMMO was no longer capable of supporting catalytic turnover of hydrocarbon substrates. However, the EPR studies revealed that the catalytic cluster (C-cluster) copper ions in the (Cu,Zn)-pMMO were still capable of supporting the activation of dioxygen when reduced, and that the 14N-superhyperfine features associated with one of the type 2 Cu(II) centers in the hydroxylation C-cluster remained unperturbed. The replacement of the E-cluster copper ions by Zn ions did compromise the ability of the protein to mediate the transfer of reducing equivalents from exogenous reductants to the C-clusters. These observations provide strong support for the electron transfer and catalytic roles for the E-cluster and C-cluster copper ions, respectively.     

Preparation and characterization of poly(acrylic acid)-hydroxyethyl cellulose graft copolymer

Poly(acrylic acid) hydroxyethyl cellulose [poly(AA)-HEC] graft copolymer was prepared by polymerizing acrylic acid (AA) with hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) using potassium bromate/thiourea dioxide (KBrO(3)/TUD) as redox initiation system. The polymerization reaction was carried out under a variety of conditions including concentrations of AA, KBrO(3) and TUD, material to liquor ratio and polymerization temperature. The polymerization reaction was monitored by withdrawing samples from the reaction medium and measuring the total conversion. The rheological properties of the poly(AA)-HEC graft copolymer were investigated. The total conversion and rheological properties of the graft copolymer depended on the ratio of KBrO(3) to TUD and on acrylic acid concentration as well as temperature and material to liquor ratio. Optimum conditions of the graft copolymer preparation were 30mmol KBrO(3) and 30mmol TUD/100g HEC, 100% AA (based on weight of HEC), duration 2h at temperature 50°C using a material to liquor ratio of 1:10.     

Preparation, characterization, and properties of chitosan-g-poly(vinyl alcohol) copolymer

The graft copolymer chitosan-g-poly(vinyl alcohol), with nontoxicity, biodegradability, and biocompatibility, was prepared by a novel method. The copolymer with porous net structure was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It is a potential method to combine chitosan with the synthetic polymers. The grafting reactions were conducted with various poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/6-O-succinate-N-phthaloyl-chitosan (PHCSSA) feed ratios to obtain chitosan-g-poly(vinyl alcohol) copolymers with various PVA contents. The chemical structure of the chitosan-g-poly(vinyl alcohol) was characterized by Fourier transform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and SEM were also detected to characterize the copolymer.     

Preparation and characterization of (9-methyladenine)triammineplatinum(II) and trans-dihydroxo(9-methyladenine)triammineplatinum(IV) complexes

The preparation is reported of [(NH₃)₃Pt(9- MeA)] X₂ (9-MeA = 9-methyladenine) with XCl (1a) and XClO₄ (1b) and of trans-[(OH)₂Pt(NH₃)₃- (9-MeA)]X₂ with XCl (2a) and XClO₄ (2b), and the crystal structure of 1b. [(NH₃)₃Pt(C₆H₇N₅)](ClO₄)₂ crystallizes in space group P2₁/n with a = 20.810(7) Å, b = 7.697(3) Å, c = 10.567(4) Å, β = 91.57(6)°, Z = 4. The structure was refined to R = 0.054, R_w = 0.063. In all four compounds Pt coordination is through N7 of 9-MeA, as is evident from ³J coupling between H8 of the adenine ring and ¹⁹⁵Pt. Pt(II) and Pt(IV) complexes can be differentiated on the basis of different ³J values, larger for Pt(II) than for Pt(IV) by a factor of 1.57 (av). In Me₂SO-d₆, hydrogen bonding occurs between Cl^? and C(8)H of 9-MeA as weil as between Cl^? and the NH₃ groups in the case of the Pt(II) complex 1a. Protonation of the 9-MeA ligands was followed using ¹H NMR spectroscopy and pK_a values for the N1 protonated 9-MeA ligands were determined in D₂O. They are 1.9 for 1a and 1.8 for 2a, which compares with 4.5 for the non-platinated 9-MeA. Possible consequences for hydrogen bonding with the complementary bases thymine or uracil are discussed briefly. Protonation of the OH groups in the Pt(IV) complexes has been shown not to occur above pH 1.     

Preparation and characterization of Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase covalently modified by polyunsaturated fatty acids

To improve its stability and lipophilicity, Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) was chemically modified with linoleic and α-linolenic acids using two different methods. Higher retained enzymatic activity has been observed compared with SOD modified by macromolecular substances. Enhanced heat stability, acid and alkali resistance, and anti-pepsin/trypsin ability of the modified SOD were observed compared with those of the natural enzyme, the apparent oil-water partition coefficient being especially increased. The results characterize SOD modified with polyunsaturated fatty acids as a promising pharmacological tool.     

Preparation and characterization of the tissue culture of spruce (Picea excelsa Link)

The paper describes isolation and partial characterization of the tissue culture of the common spruce (Picea excelsa Link). The tissue culture was grown on the medium ofHarvey (1967) modified by increasing the concentration of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) to l mg l^?1 and by omitting the tyrosine. By selective 10-month subculturing the tissue culture was obtained possessing relatively stable properties and giving good yields of biomass. The tissue of the callus was of yellowish colour, compact and homogenous. The obtained tissue culture was characterized by its growth curve and by following the O₂ consumption during the growth.     

Preparation and characterization of a soluble dextran alpha(1) proteinase inhibitor complex

Purified human alpha(1) proteinase inhibitor, a plasma glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 5.3 x 10(4) daltons and a major serine protease inhibitor has been covalently coupled to dextrans with molecular weights of 1.77 x 10(4) and 1.03 x 10(4) daltons. The coupled conjugates were soluble in aqueous medium and stable up to 6 months at +5 degrees C. Increased moles of dextran/mole protein ratio during coupling resulted in progressive decreases of inhibitory capacity, immunogenicity, and the association constant (k(assoc)) between the enzyme and the inhibitor. Compared to the native protein, the soluble conjugates showed improved stability at pH 3.0 and heat stability at 60 degrees C. At 60 degrees C, no loss of inhibitory capacity has been seen up to 60 min for the conjugates during which time the native protein lost greater than 90% of its inhibitory capacity. The presence of antioxidant catalase was needed to prevent oxidative degradation by hydrogen peroxide.     

Preparation and characterization of some Cr(III) chloro-complexes with nicotinic acid esters

The preparation and characterisation of the trichlorotris(alkylnicotinate)chromium(III) complexes of general formula CrCl₃(py·3COOR)₃·nH₂O, where R = Me, Et, Pr and Bu are reported, n being 3.5, 1.0, 0 and 0 respectively. It is concluded that the ligation of the three chloride ions and that of the three nitrogen atoms is consistent with a C_2u arrangement in each case.     

Preparation and partial characterization of collagen sheet from fish (Lates calcarifer) scales

Fish scales, which are hitherto discarded as waste, were collected and cleaned thoroughly. The scales were hydrolyzed under controlled acidic conditions, neutralized and made in to a sheet, i.e., fish scale collagen sheet (FCS). The FCS was characterized for its infrared spectroscopy (IR), thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mechanical properties. The IR study has shown that the sheet contains both organic and inorganic phases revealing that the scales are partially deminaralized. The tensile strength of FCS is enough if it is used as a wound dressing material. The SEM studies have shown that FCS is porous and exhibited fibrous nature.     

Preparation and characterization of a thermostable enzyme (Mn-SOD) immobilized on supermagnetic nanoparticles

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) has been widely applied in medical treatments, cosmetic, food, agriculture, and chemical industries. In industry, the immobilization of enzymes can offer better stability, feasible continuous operations, easy separation and reusing, and significant decrease of the operation costs. However, little attention has focused on the immobilization of the SOD, as well as the immobilization of thermostable enzymes. In this study, the recombinant thermostable manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) of Thermus thermophilus wl was purified and covalently immobilized onto supermagnetic 3-APTES-modified Fe(3)O(4)@SiO(2) nanoparticles using glutaraldehyde method to prepare the Mn-SOD bound magnetic nanoparticles. The Mn-SOD nanoparticles were characterized by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer analysis. The results indicated that the diameter of Mn-SOD nanoparticles was 40 (± 5) nm, and its saturation magnetization value was 27.9 emu/g without remanence or coercivity. By comparison with the free Mn-SOD, it was found that the immobilized Mn-SOD on nanoparticles exhibited better resistance to temperature, pH, metal ions, enzyme inhibitors, and detergents. The results showed that the immobilized Mn-SOD on nanoparticles could be reused ten times without significant decrease of enzymatic activity. Therefore, our study presented a novel strategy for the immobilization of thermostable Mn-SOD and for the application of thermostable enzymes.     

Preparation and characterization of native poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) microspheres from Ralstonia eutropha

An efficient process for the preparation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) microspheres with a narrow size distribution was developed. PHB was produced by a fed-batch culture of Ralstonia eutropha using fructose syrup as the sole carbon source. After autoclaving the bacteria, PHB granules, which accumulated in the cells, were isolated by a detergent/hypochlorite treatment and then spray-dried to obtain the microspheres. The diameters of the PHB microspheres ranged from 0.6 to 1.1 m and the weight-average molecular weights were approximately 50000 with polydispersity indexes of 5.0. The microspheres had a porous internal structure with an average porosity value of 72% and efficiently blocked UV light shorter than 220 nm. When isosorbide dinitrate was used as a model drug, the optimal drug loading concentration of the microspheres for controllable retardation was 3% (w/w). Almost 80% of the loaded drug (3%, w/w) was released within 12 h with typical sustained drug release behaviors.     

Preparation and spectroscopic characterization of methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-grafted water-soluble chitosan

The object of this study was to test the solubility of a methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (MPEG)-grafted chitosan copolymer in organic solvents and aqueous solution. Water-soluble chitosan with low molecular weight (LMWSC) was used in a PEG-graft copolymerization. The MPEG was conjugated to chitosan using 4-dicyclohexylcarbodimide (DCC), and N-hydroxysuccimide (NHS). Introduction of PEG was confirmed by (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy and FT-IR spectroscopy. The degree of substitution (DS) of MPEG into chitosan was calculated from (1)H NMR data and also by estimating the molecular weight (MW) using gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The DS values obtained from (1)H NMR spectroscopy and GPC were similar, indicating that MPEG-grafted LMWSC was synthesized and properly characterized. Furthermore, the introduction of PEG into chitosan increases the solubility in aqueous solutions over a range of pH values (4.0-11.0) and organic solvents such as DMF, DMSO, ethanol, and acetone.