Complexes of arabinogalactan of Pereskia aculeata and Co2+, Cu2+, Mn2+, and Ni2+

The main interest in the biopolymer arabinogalactan is that it is edible. Complementing its high protein percentage, when complexed to essential metal ions, widens the use in food and pharmacology industries and technologies. The binding constants of Co2+, Cu2+, Mn2+ and Ni2+ with arabinogalactan, extracted from the leaves of Pereskia aculeata from Brazil were determined by potentiometric titrations and also the speciation according to pH values. The complexed species proposed by potentiometric titrations and the unique complexing ability of galacturonic acid groups towards Cu2+ and Ni2+ in the tridimensional web structure of arabinogalactan were confirmed by IR and EPR spectroscopies. The thermal stability of the complexed species also varied with the metal ion employed in the complexation when compared to the biopolymer alone. These complexes are new sources of additives for the food and pharmacology industries and carriers of essential metal ions to animal and vegetal biochemistry.     

Mn2+, Co2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ complexes with two macrocyclic ligands bearing L-lactate-like functions: potentiometric studies and evaluation of superoxide-scavenging properties of the Mn2+ complex

Some aerobic organisms devoid of SOD use Mn2+ chelates to scavenge the O2- radical. Since the Mn2+-bis(lactato)diaquo complex is known as having a high SOD-like activity, we prepared manganese(II) complexes with triazamacrocyclic ligands bearing L-lactate-like functions in order to obtain model compounds able to disproportionate the superoxide radical. Thus, two macrocyclic ligands, N,N',N"-tris[2(S)-hydroxybutyric acid]-1,4,7-triazacyclononane, L1, and N,N',N"-tris[2(S)-hydroxybutyric acid]-1,5,9-triazacyclododecane, L2, were prepared and their capacity to retain the Mn2+ ion in aqueous solution was determined from potentiometric experiments. The chelating properties in aqueous solution of each ligand towards Co2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions were also determined. L1 forms complexes with Mn2+, Co2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions with stability constants of 8.33(5), 15.78(5), 17.65(3) and 14.32(1), respectively. L2 forms complexes with Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions with stability constants of 10.67(1) and 6.98(3), respectively. But the constants related to the Mn2+ and Co2+ complexes were too low to be determined by the method used. The stability constants values calculated for L2 complexes are significantly lower than those for the corresponding complexes of L1. Additional spectroscopic measurements were carried out on the Mn2+-L1 system. The electronic spectrum of this system showed a pH-dependence that may be consistent with the formation of hydroxo-species as the ESR spectra recorded at 120 K did not show oxidation of the Mn2+ ion in the pH range studied. The superoxide-scavenging activity of the manganese(II)-L1 complex was investigated using the cytochrome c assay. The Mn2+-L1 system showed an IC50 value of 1.7 microM which indicates that it appears as a potent SOD mimic.     

Evaluation of the metal-ion-coordinating differences between the 2'-, 3'- and 5'-monophosphates of adenosine

The stability constants of the 1:1 complexes formed between Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+, Mn2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+ or Cd2+ and 2'AMP2-, 3'AMP2- or 5'AMP2- were determined by potentiometric pH titration in aqueous solution (I = 0.1 M, NaNO3; 25 degrees C). The experimental conditions were carefully selected such that self-association of the nucleotides and their complexes is negligibly small; i.e. it was made certain that the properties of the monomeric divalent-metal-ion--AMP [M(AMP)] complexes were studied. Based on recent measurements with simple phosphate monoesters, R-MP2- where R is a non-coordinating residue [Massoud, S. S. & Sigel, H. (1988) Inorg. Chem. 27, 1447-1453], it is shown that all the M(AMP) complexes of the alkaline earth ions, with the possible exception of Mg(5'AMP), have exactly the stability expected for a sole-phosphate coordination of the metal ion. The same property is revealed for the complexes with Mn2+, Co2+, Zn2+ or Cd2+ and 3'AMP2-; in case of Ni(3'AMP) and Cu(3'AMP) a slight stability increase just at the edge of the experimental-error limits is indicated. This slight stability increase is attributed to the formation of a macrochelate (possibly with N-3); in fact, additional information confirms macrochelation for Cu(3'AMP). About 45% of Cu(2'AMP) exists in aqueous solution as a macrochelate (probably involving N-3); the other M(2'AMP) complexes (M2+ = Mn2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, Cd2+) form (if at all) only traces of a base-backbound species. Most pronounced is macrochelate formation with 5'AMP2-: all mentioned 3d ions and Zn2+ or Cd2+ form to some extent macrochelates via N-7 (the structures of these closed species are indicated). In case of M(5'AMP) the base-binding site is certain: replacement of N-7 by a CH unit (tubercidin 5'-monophosphate) eliminates any increased complex stability, whereas formation of the 1,N6-etheno bridge to form 1,N6-ethenoadenosine 5'-monophosphate results in the phenanthroline-like N-6,N-7 site which facilitates macrochelation significantly.     

Ternary hydroxide complexes in neutral solutions of Al3+ and F-

Especially in G protein systems AlF4- has been claimed as an activating species serving as a tetrahedral phosphate analog. However, in aqueous solutions (H2O)2AlF4- is hexacoordinate with two bound water molecules. In neutral solutions five different mixed OH- and F- complexes of Al3+ comprise the main species under usual experimental conditions. Comparison of the mole fraction distribution curves with limited results on the activity as a function of ambient F- concentrations suggests an activating complex composed of Al3+ with three F- and uncertain geometry. Even fewer activity data suggest a tetrahedral Be2+ complex with three F-.     

In Silico Modeling and Conformational Mobility of DNA Duplexes

The review is focused on issues of transferability of the context-sensitive conformational characteristics of DNA estimated from crystallographic structural data on the DNA in aqueous solution. The state of the art in molecular dynamics of charged biopolymers in aqueous solution is covered. Elaboration of expedient force fields and algorithms of calculating long-range electrostatic interactions and solving combined equations of atomic motion have made it possible to generate stable nanosecond trajectories of thermal atomic motion of the biopolymer in aqueous solution in the presence of counterions and salt ions over reasonable time. Tools for analyzing the atomic statistical trajectories of DNA duplexes in aqueous solution to infer context-dependent conformational dynamic characteristics are discussed together with advances in simulating the mechanisms of global axial bend in DNA duplexes. These techniques allow one to consecutively analyze relationships between the contextual composition of the duplex and the basic modes of essential motions, their amplitude and extent of fluctuation. Development of satisfactory methods for estimating the free energy of biopolymer conformations in solution permits qualitative assessment of the conformational thermodynamic stability of biopolymers and their complexes.     

Methods of computer modeling and conformational mobility of DNA duplexes

The review is focused on issues of transferability of the context-sensitive conformational characteristics of DNA estimated from crystallographic structural data on the DNA in aqueous solution. The state of the art in molecular dynamics of charged biopolymers in aqueous solution is covered. Elaboration of expedient force fields and algorithms of calculating long-range electrostatic interactions and solving combined equations of atomic motion have made it possible to generate stable nanosecond trajectories of thermal atomic motion of the biopolymer in aqueous solution in the presence of counterions and salt ions over reasonable time. Tools for analyzing the atomic statistical trajectories of DNA duplexes in aqueous solution to infer context-sensitive conformational dynamic characteristics are discussed together with advances in simulating the mechanisms of global axial bend in DNA duplexes. These techniques allow one to consecutively analyze relationships between the contextual composition of the duplex and the basic modes of essential motions, their amplitude and extent of fluctuation. Development of satisfactory methods for estimating the free energy of biopolymer conformations in solution permits qualitative assessment of the conformational thermodynamic stability of biopolymers and their complexes.     

Removal of Zn2+ and Cu2+ by a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) system

Both resting (living) and autoclaved (dead) bio-sludges showed almost the same Cu2+ and Zn2+ adsorption capacities with synthetic industrial estate wastewater (SIEWW). The resting bio-sludge showed not only Cu2+ and Zn2+ adsorption abilities but also organic matter adsorption ability. But, the organic matter (COD and BOD5) adsorption ability of bio-sludge with SIEWW containing 60 mg/L Cu2+ was about half of that with SIEWW containing 60 mg/L Zn2+. The adsorbed Cu2+ and Zn2+ were easily eluted (70-75%) from bio-sludge with 0.1 N HNO3 and 0.1 M EDTA solutions. Bio-sludge from a wastewater treatment plant could be used as an adsorbent for metal ions (Cu2+ and Zn2+). Cu2+ and Zn2+ could repress the SBR system efficiency but its efficiency could be increased with the increase of mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS), and Cu2+ had more effect than Zn2+ to repress the system efficiency. The SBR system showed very low removal efficiencies of the pollutants with industrial estate wastewater (IEWW), but its pollutant removal efficiencies with IEWW could be increased with the addition of glucose. The Zn2+, Cu2+, BOD5, COD and TKN removal efficiencies of the system with IEWW containing 1.27 g/L glucose, 10 mg/L Cu2+ and 10 mg/L Zn2+ under MLSS of 4500 mg/L were 92.61 +/- 0.28%, 83.77 +/- 0.93%, 98 +/- 0%, 92 +/- 0% and 78.1 +/- 0.1%, respectively.     

EPR studies of copper(II) and cobalt(II) complexes of adriamycin

Cu2+ and Co2+ complexes of adriamycin (ADM) in aqueous solutions have been examined using EPR spectroscopy. An appreciable amount of Cu2+ and Co2+ complexes formed in the solutions were found to be in the EPR silent associated form, where the metal ions are antiferromagnetically coupled. The associated form of the Cu2+ complex may be neither a simple dimer nor coordination polymer but aggregates of a stacked type. Formation of a complex having Cu2+-ADM stoichiometry of 1:2 was observed for the solutions containing excess of ADM as an EPR observable species. The complex having Cu2+-ADM stoichiometry of 1:1 was not observed directly by EPR, but the presence of the complex is undeniable, especially at low pH range so far as large excessive ADM is not present. The Co2+ complex of ADM observed by EPR is in the high-spin (S = 3/2) state and may have a coordination structure of tetragonal symmetry. The EPR spectra of these complexes apparently show that the Cu2+ and Co2+ ions are bound at the carbonyl and phenolate oxygen in the 1,4-dihydroxyanthraquinone moiety and the amino nitrogen in the sugar part does not seem to participate in the coordination to the metal ions.     

Probing the functional role of Ca2+ in the oxygen-evolving complex of photosystem II by metal ion inhibition

Photosynthetic oxygen evolution in photosystem II (PSII) takes place in the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) that is comprised of a tetranuclear manganese cluster (Mn4), a redox-active tyrosine residue (YZ), and Ca2+ and Cl- cofactors. The OEC is successively oxidized by the absorption of 4 quanta of light that results in the oxidation of water and the release of O2. Ca2+ is an essential cofactor in the water-oxidation reaction, as its depletion causes the loss of the oxygen-evolution activity in PSII. In recent X-ray crystal structures, Ca2+ has been revealed to be associated with the Mn4 cluster of PSII. Although several mechanisms have been proposed for the water-oxidation reaction of PSII, the role of Ca2+ in oxygen evolution remains unclear. In this study, we probe the role of Ca2+ in oxygen evolution by monitoring the S1 to S2 state transition in PSII membranes and PSII core complexes upon inhibition of oxygen evolution by Dy3+, Cu2+, and Cd2+ ions. By using a cation-exchange procedure in which Ca2+ is not removed prior to addition of the studied cations, we achieve a high degree of reversible inhibition of PSII membranes and PSII core complexes by Dy3+, Cu2+, and Cd2+ ions. EPR spectroscopy is used to quantitate the number of bound Dy3+ and Cu2+ ions per PSII center and to determine the proximity of Dy3+ to other paramagnetic centers in PSII. We observe, for the first time, the S2 state multiline electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signal in Dy3+- and Cd2+-inhibited PSII and conclude that the Ca2+ cofactor is not specifically required for the S1 to S2 state transition of PSII. This observation provides direct support for the proposal that Ca2+ plays a structural role in the early S-state transitions, which can be fulfilled by other cations of similar ionic radius, and that the functional role of Ca2+ to activate water in the O-O bond-forming reaction that occurs in the final step of the S state cycle can only be fulfilled by Ca2+ and Sr2+, which have similar Lewis acidities.     

Asymmetric [2+2] photocycloaddition of cycloalkenone-cyclodextrin complexes to ethylene

The enantioselective [2+2] photocycloaddition of cycloalkenone-cyclodextrin complexes to ethylene was examined. Photoreaction of alpha-, beta-, and gamma-cyclodextrin complexes of various cyclohexenonecarboxylates and cyclopentenonecarboxylates in the presence of ethylene in the solid state or in aqueous suspension gave corresponding photocycloadducts with chiral induction.     

Comparison of water-soluble and exchangeable forms of Al in acid forest soils

Soil acidification promotes Al release from minerals and parent bedrocks; it also affects Al mobilization and speciation. Speciation of KCl extractable and water-extractable Al in forest soils was done by means of HPLC/IC method. Species Al3+ were the most abundant Al forms in the KCl extracts (around 93%). Prevailing Al forms (more than 70%) in aqueous extracts were Al(X)1+, [i.e., Al(OH)2+, Al(SO4)+, AlF2+, Al(oxalate)+, Al(H-citrate)+, etc.] species. It is assumed that most of KCl and water-extractable Al is bound in soil sorption complex (i.e., highly dispersed colloidal fraction of the soil solid phase creating negative charge) where majority of Al exists in the form of Al3+ species. The ECEC values, total carbon content and parameters related to soil organic matter composition (N and S content) have apparent effect on Al speciation. The most toxic Al3+ species are more concentrated in the B horizons compared to the A and E horizons. Aqueous extracts simulate Al release to soil solution under normal conditions; it can thus exhibit the actual Al toxicity. On the other hand, KCl extraction describes a potential threat for case of strong disturbance of natural soil conditions.     

不同浓度的La^3＋和Cu^2＋对银杏固体培养和液体培养组织中黄酮产量的影响

以不同浓度的La^3 及Cu^2 分别加入到银杏愈伤组织的固体培养基和液体培养基中,发现La^3 浓度与细胞中黄酮含量呈负相关性;而随着Cu^2 浓度的提高,细胞中黄酮含量也提高;加入前体物(0．05g／L的苯丙氨酸和0．2g／L的乙酸钠)后,这种作用会更显著,黄酮含量比对照增加1倍到2倍．而随着Cu^2 浓度的升高,细胞生长会受到轻微的抑制,加入前体后,这种抑制作用会被缓解．Cu^2 可以认为是一种良好的非生物诱导子。     

Enhanced and selective adsorption of Pb2+ and Cu2+ by EDTAD-modified biomass of baker's yeast

Enhanced and selective removal of Pb2+ and Cu2+ in the presence of high concentration of K+, Na+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ were achieved by adsorption on biomass of baker's yeast modified with ethylenediaminetetraacetic dianhydride (EDTAD). The modified biomass was found to have high adsorption capacities and fast rates for Pb2+ and Cu2+, and it also displayed consistently high levels of metal uptake over the pH range from 2.7 to 6.0. From Langmuir isotherm, the adsorption capacities for Pb2+ and Cu2+ were found to be 192.3 and 65.0 mg g(-1), respectively, which are about 10 and 14 times higher than that of the unmodified biomass. Competitive biosorption experiments showed that the co-ions of K+, Na+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ had little effects on the uptake of Pb2+ and Cu2+ even at the concentration of 1.0 mol L(-1). The adsorbed Pb2+ and Cu2+ on the modified biomass could be effectively desorbed in an EDTA solution, and the regenerated biomass could be reused repeatedly with little loss of the adsorption capacity.     

Physicochemical characterization of the microbial Fe2+ chelator proferrorosamine from Pseudomonas roseus fluorescens.

The microbial chelating compound proferrorosamine A, produced by Pseudomonas roseus fluorescens, formed a complex with Fe2+ of which the apparent stability constant was found to be 10(23). The following order of increasing stability constants of metal complexes with proferrorosamine was established as: Ba2+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Mn2+ less than Hg2+ less than Zn2+ less than Pb2+ less than Co2+ less than Cu2+ congruent to Fe2+ less than Ni2+. Only Ni(2+)-proferrorosamine had a stability constant which was established as: Ba2+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Mn2+ less than Hg2+ less than Zn2+ less than Pb2+ less than Co2+ less than Cu2+ congruent to Fe2+ less than Ni2+. Only Ni(2+)-proferrorosamine had a stability constant which was ca 32 times higher than Fe(2+)-proferrorosamine. Because of the production of proferrorosamine the growth of Ps. roseus fluorescens was not inhibited in iron limiting media by the addition of 0.15 mmol/l of the weaker chemical Fe2+ chelator 2,2'-dipyridyl. This contrasted with the proferrorosamine-negative mutant K2 and Ps. stutzeri, which only produces Fe(3+)-chelating siderophores. Furthermore, it was found that proferrorosamine was able to dissolve Fe2+ from stainless steel. These results show that proferrorosamine is a strong and selective Fe2+ chelator which could be used as an alternative for the toxic 2,2'-dipyridyl to control lactic acid fermentations.     

Probing copper2+ binding to the prion protein using diamagnetic nickel2+ and 1H NMR: the unstructured N terminus facilitates the coordination of six copper2+ ions at physiological concentrations

The prion protein (PrP) is a Cu2+ binding cell surface glyco-protein. Misfolding of PrP into a beta-sheet rich conformation is associated with transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. Here we use Ni2+ as a diamagnetic probe to further understand Cu2+ binding to PrP. Like Cu2+, Ni2+ preferentially binds to an unstructured region between residues 90 and 126 of PrP, which is a key region for amyloidogenicity and prion propagation. Using both 1H NMR and visible-circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, we show that two Ni2+ ions bind to His96 and His111 independently of each other. 1H NMR indicates that both Ni2+ binding sites form square-planar diamagnetic complexes. We have previously shown that Cu2+ forms a paramagnetic square-planar complex in this region, suggesting that Ni2+ could be used as a probe for Cu2+ binding. In addition, competition studies show that two Cu2+ ions can displace Ni2+ from these sites. Upon Ni2+ addition 1H NMR changes in chemical shifts indicate the imidazole ring and amide nitrogen atoms to the N terminus of both His96 and His111 act as coordinating ligands. Use of peptide fragments confirm that PrP(92-96) and PrP(107-111) represent the minimal binding motif for the two Ni2+ binding sites. Analysis of Cu2+ loaded visible-CD spectra show that as with Ni2+, PrP(90-115) binds two Cu2+ ions at His96 and His111 independently of each other. Visible CD studies with PrP(23-231Delta51-90), a construct of PrP(23-231) with the octarepeat region deleted to improve solubility, confirm binding of Ni2+ to His96 and His111 in octarepeat deleted PrP(23-231). The structure of the Cu/Ni complexes is discussed in terms of the implications for prion protein function and disease.     

Mimic models of peroxidase--kinetic studies of the catalytic oxidation of hydroquinone by H2O2

The reactions of hydroquinone with hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by transition metal ions Cu2+, Fe2+, Fe3+, Co2+ and Mn2+ were investigated in aqueous solution at 25 degrees C. Two copper (II) complexes (bis(dimethylglyoxime) copper(II) and 5,7,7,12,14,14-hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradeca-4,11-dienatocopper(II)iodide) were prepared. Their catalytic activities on this oxidation were kinetically investigated in aqueous solution and in cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) micellar solution at 25 degrees C. The kinetic equations for micellar catalysis and metallomicellar catalysis were established, respectively. CTAB micelle enhances the reaction rate due to its concentrated and electrostatic effects on substrates and/or intermediate. Metallomicelle exhibits remarkable catalytic activity on this oxidation reaction, which is attributed to the active center and the microenvironment effects. Metallomicelle enhances the rate of reaction by activating hydroquinone anion. The presence of co-ligand of imidazole (or pyridine) remarkably increases the catalytic activity of metal complex in micelle system in contrast to it lowers the activity of the complex in aqueous solution. Metallomicelles could be treated as the mimic models of peroxidase.     

Binding of Ca2+ to phosphoinositols, phosphatidylserines and gangliosides

The effect of K+, Mg2+ and serotonin on the interaction between Ca2+ and different phospholipids as well as glycosphingolipids (gangliosides) was studied by equilibrium dialysis using 45Ca as tracer. The highly polar phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (TPI) was found to bind more Ca2+ per lipid molecule than all other lipids tested and Ca2+ could not be released as easily as in the other lipids by K+, Mg2+ and serotonin. Ca2+ is released from all lipid-Ca2+ complexes most effectively by Mg2+, serotonin is less effective but enhances K+ in its capacity to displace Ca2+ from the respective binding sites. A remarkable dissociating influence of serotonin on ganglioside-Ca2+ and phosphatidylserine-Ca2+ complexes is observed. This effect is less pronounced with phosphatidylinositol-Ca2+ complexes under comparable comparable conditions. The possible functional role of phospholipids and gangliosides in vivo is discussed with regard to the specific Ca2+-binding properties of these lipids.     

Energetics of cell-cell and cell-biopolymer interactions

The energy vs distance balance of cell suspensions (in the presence and in the absence of extracellular biopolymer solutions) is studied, not only in the light of the classical Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory (which considered just the electrostatic (EL) and Lifshitz-van der Waals (LW) interactions), but also by taking electron-acceptor/electron-donor, or Lewis acid-base (AB) and osmotic (OS) interactions into account. Since cell surfaces, as well as many biopolymers tend to have strong monopolar electron-donor properties, they are able to engage in a strong mutual AB repulsion when immersed in a polar liquid such as water. The effects of that repulsion have been observed earlier in the guise of hydration pressure. The AB repulsion is, at close range, typically one or two orders of magnitude stronger than the EL repulsion, but its rate of decay is much steeper. In most cases, AB interactions are quantitatively the dominant factor in cell stability (when repulsive) and in "hydrophobic interactions" (when attractive). OS interactions exerted by extracellularly dissolved biopolymers are weak, but their rate of decay is very gradual, so OS repulsions engendered by biopolymer solutions may be of importance in certain long-range interactions. OS interactions exerted by biopolymers attached to cells or particles (e.g., by glycocalix glycoproteins), are very short-ranged and usually are negligibly small in comparison with the other interaction forces, in aqueous media.     

A study of the molecular mechanism of DNA interaction with divalent metal ions

The interaction of DNA with divalent metal ions: Ba2+, Mg2+, Mn2+, Ni2+, Cu2+ in solutions at different ionic strengths mu was investigated. The combination of following methods: flow birefringence, viscometry, UV-spectroscopy and circular dichroism made possible to follow the state of the secondary and tertiary structure of the DNA molecule during its interaction with ions. The presence of divalent ions in solution affects the hydrodynamic properties of DNA only at low mu. At high mu the difference in the action of mono- and divalent ions disappears. The persistence length of DNA does not change during the experiment. It is shown that the Mg2+ and Ba2+ ions interact only with phosphate groups of DNA but Mn2+, Ni2+, Cu2+ ions interact also with the nitrogen bases of the macromolecule.     

Energetics of cell-cell and cell-biopolymer interactions

The energy vs distance balance of cell suspensions (in the presence and in the absence of extracellular biopolymer solutions) is studied, not only in the light of the classical Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Over-beek (DLVO) theory (which considered just the electrostatic (EL) and Lifshitz-van der Waals (LW) interactions), but also by taking electron-acceptor/electron-donor, or Lewis acid-base (AB) and osmotic (OS) interactions into account. Since cell surfaces, as well as many biopolymers tend to have strong monopolar electron-donor properties, they are able to engage in a strong mutual AB repulsion when immersed in a polar liquid such as water. The effects of that repulsion have been observed earlier in the guise of hydration pressure. The AB repulsion is, at close range, typically one or two orders of magnitude stronger than the EL repulsion, but its rate of decay is much steeper. In most cases, AB interactions are quantitatively the dominant factor in cell stability (when repulsive) and in “hydrophobic interactions” (when attractive). OS interactions exerted by extracellularly dissolved biopolymers are weak, but their rate of decay is very gradual, so OS repulsions engendered by biopolymer solutions may be of importance in certain long-range interactions. OS interactions exerted by biopolymers attached to cells or particles (e.g., by glycocalix glycoproteins), are very short-ranged and usually are negligibly small in comparison with the other interaction forces, in aqueous media.