Preparation and Physicochemical Characterization of Amoxicillin β-cyclodextrin Complexes

Amoxicillin (AMOX), a penicillin A, belongs to the β-lactam family It is usually the drug of choice within the class because it is better absorbed, following oral administration, than other β-lactam antibiotics. Its β-lactamase degradation might be prevented by using a molecular [AMOX:β-CD] complex. The aim of this work was to prepare complexes using two methods and then characterize interactions between AMOX and the native β-CD. The extent of complexation in solution has been evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and 2D rotating-frame Overhauser enhancement spectroscopy (2D ROESY). Mass changes (TG), calorimetric effects (DSC), and mass spectrometry (MS) were determined on the same sample under identical conditions using the Skimmer coupling system. Skimmer and infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were used to characterize the solid state of the binary system. Complexation of AMOX with β-CD was proven by FT-IR, NMR, DSC, and HPLC. The 2D ROESY spectra did not show any dipolar proton interaction of the AMOX with cyclodextrin. The 1:1 stoichiometry of the complex was obtained by HPLC. The stability constant for AMOX with β-CD was determined to be 1,878 M⁻¹. In the [AMOX:β-CD] complex, the phenyl group is included inside the β-CD, and the ionized carboxyl group on the penam ring forms hydrogen bonds with the secondary hydroxyl groups of another β-CD to keep the complex stable. Preparation methods allowed exactly the same complex.     

Preparation, Characterization and Evaluation of Marsupsin–Phospholipid Complex

The aim of this research was to formulate Marsupsin–phospholipid complex (M–P Complex) in attempt to increase the bioavailability of marsupsin and to characterize this new formulation along with its evaluation. Marsupsin–phospholipid complex was formulated by mechanical dispersion method. In this new formulation, complex formation was confirmed by carrying out transmission electron microscopy (TEM), IR, ¹H-NMR and RP-HPLC analysis. TEM showed M–P Complex diameter range of 0.05–0.5 μm. The entrapment efficiency of M–P Complex was found to be 44%. In vitro release study revealed its first order release profile. Mean blood serum concentration vs time curve of marsupsin was of first order after oral administration of M–P Complex in albino rabbits which clearly showed remarkably increased bioavailability of M–P Complex than standardized marsupsin. The average value of C _max and T _max of M–P Complex were found to be 3.02 mg/ml and 10.2 h, respectively. Hence the findings demonstrate that complexing marsupsin with phospholipids results in better oral bioavailability and improved biological response than free form of standardized marsupsin.     

Synthesis and Incorporation of 2′-O-Methyl-Pseudouridine into Oligonucleotides

Abstract

A short multigram synthesis of 2′-O-methylpseudouridine and its phosphoramidite derivative is described which avoids the use of protecting groups on the nitrogens. A binding study of oligonucleotides containing this modification suggest an increased binding affinity to RNA when compared to oligonucleotides incorporating 2′-O-methyluridine.     

Preparation and Characterization of SDF-1α-Chitosan-Dextran Sulfate Nanoparticles

Chitosan (CS) and dextran sulfate (DS) are charged polysaccharides (glycans), which form polyelectrolyte complex-based nanoparticles when mixed under appropriate conditions. The glycan nanoparticles are useful carriers for protein factors, which facilitate the in vivo delivery of the proteins and sustain their retention in the targeted tissue. The glycan polyelectrolyte complexes are also ideal for protein delivery, as the incorporation is carried out in aqueous solution, which reduces the likelihood of inactivation of the proteins. Proteins with a heparin-binding site adhere to dextran sulfate readily, and are, in turn, stabilized by the binding. These particles are also less inflammatory and toxic when delivered in vivo. In the protocol described below, SDF-1α (Stromal cell-derived factor-1α), a stem cell homing factor, is first mixed and incubated with dextran sulfate. Chitosan is added to the mixture to form polyelectrolyte complexes, followed by zinc sulfate to stabilize the complexes with zinc bridges. The resultant SDF-1α-DS-CS particles are measured for size (diameter) and surface charge (zeta potential). The amount of the incorporated SDF-1α is determined, followed by measurements of its in vitro release rate and its chemotactic activity in a particle-bound form.     

Preparation,Characterization and Reactivity of Diastereomeric Sulfoxides of 8,2′-S-Anhydroadenosine

Abstract

The oxidation of 8,2′-S-anhydroadenosine (1a) has been investigated. The major product from the oxidation of 1a using 1-chlorobenzotriazole was the R-sulfoxide. The oxidation of 3′,5′-di-O-acetyl-8,2′-S-anhydroadenosine (1b) gave predominately the S-sulfoxide. These sulfoxides were found to be very succeptible to nucleophilic attack at C-8.     

Preparation and Characterization of Stable pH-Sensitive Vesicles Composed of α-Tocopherol Hemisuccinate

The current study aims to develop a stable pH-sensitive drug delivery system. First, cleavable polyethylene glycol-α-tocopherol hemisuccinate (PEG-THS) was synthesized. Conventional pH-sensitive vesicles composed of the Tris salt of α-tocopherol hemisuccinate (THST) were then prepared using the detergent removal technique. The vesicles had a mean particle size of (163.8 ± 5.5) nm and a zeta potential of −74.5 ± 6.4 mV. The THST vesicles were then modified using PEG-THS or uncleavable PEG-cholesterol (PEG-CHOL) (THST/PEG-lipids, 100:6 molar ratio). The mean vesicle particle size and absolute zeta potential decreased with increasing PEG-THS proportion. When the pH was decreased, the vesicle particle size and calcein release rate increased. The THST vesicles were initially Ca²⁺-unstable but exhibited significantly improved stability after modification with PEG-THS, especially at PEG-lipid ratios above 6%. Incubation in an acid serum increased the calcein release rate of conventional THST vesicles to 45 ± 1.98% at 10 min. However, the release rate of the PEG-CHOL vesicles remained low. The calcein release rate of PEG-THS vesicles was between those of conventional and PEG-CHOL-V. Therefore, PEG-THS can protect vesicles in serum and reconstitute their pH sensitivity in acidic conditions. Cleavable PEG-THS can be used in stable pH-sensitive preparations without loss of pH sensitivity. Free calcein and conventional vesicles eliminated from the plasma soon after injection, as well as the half-life (t_1/2) and area under the curve of PEG-THS-V encapsulating calcein, were dramatically increased. This phenomenon indicates that the use of PEG-lipid derivatives has gained a favorably long circulation effect in mice.Key words: cleavage, long circulation, PEG-α-tocopherol hemisuccinate, pH-sensitive, vesicles     

Targeted Gene Correction: Synthesis and Characterization of Double-Hairpin 2′-O-Methyl RNA/DNA Chimera Oligonucleotides

Abstract

A series of 2′-O-methyl RNA/DNA chimera oligonucleotides were synthesized with a double-hairpin structural motif. Liposome formulated delivery of the chimeras effected targeted, high conversion of mutant alleles in mammalian cell culture. The chimera oligonucleotides were prepared with DNA and 2′-OMe RNA phosphoramidite nucleoside monomers on the ABI 394 synthesizer.     

Characterization of Telomeric Oligonucleotides: Fidelity of Repetitive Nucleotide Sequences§

Abstract

To clarify the reasons for the high fidelity of repetitive telomeric sequences, a series of d(TTXGGG)₄ (X: A, G, C, and T) were synthesized and characterized by UV absorption, CD, chemical modification, and resistance to nucleases. d(TTCGGG)₄, which is lacking in nature, has similar structural stability and resistance to nucleases, compared with d(TTAGGG)₄, which is widely present at the telomeres of many organisms. d(TTGGGG)₄ is the most stable as a result of formation of the four G-quartet layers in the presence of potassium ion.

     

Synthesis and Photochemical Conversion of Oligonucleotides Containing 2-Chloro-2′-Deoxyadenosine

Abstract

The rate and velocity of the photoconversion of 2-chloro-2′-deoxyadenosine into 2′-deoxyisoguanosine within oligonucleotides was found to be sequence-specific and depends on the nearest neighbor.     

Preparation and Characterization of Collagen–Chitosan–Chondroitin Sulfate Composite Membranes

Collagen (Col)–chitosan (Chi) membrane was modified by a hot dehydrogenation cross-linking method. Carbodiimide was added for further crossing modification. Chondroitin sulfate (CS) was added so that Col–Chi sulfate composite membranes were prepared. The structure of the composite membranes was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and its mechanical properties, degradation, and cytotoxicity were characterized. The composite membrane was applied to a full-thickness skin injury in animal experiments performed in rabbits. Strong interactions and good compatibility among Col, Chi, and CS in the composite membrane were present. The good mechanical properties, biocompatibility, digestion resistance, and wound healing promotion of the composite membrane make it a potential wound dressing or skin scaffold for tissue engineering.     

Preparation and Solid-State Characterization of Inclusion Complexes Formed Between Miconazole and Methyl-β-Cyclodextrin

The aim of this study is to confirm the formation of inclusion complexes between miconazole (MCZ) and two derivatives of beta-cyclodextrin, methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MβCD) and 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) in aqueous solution by phase solubility studies. Inclusion complexes with MβCD in the solid state were then prepared by different methods, i.e., kneading, coevaporation (COE), spray-drying (SD), and lyophilization (LPh). The physicochemical properties of these complexes were subsequently studied by means of differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction techniques. Phase solubility diagrams with MβCD and HPβCD were classified as A_P type, indicating the formation of 1:1 and 1:2 stoichiometric inclusion complexes. The apparent stability constants (K_S) calculated from the phase solubility diagram were 145.69 M⁻¹ (K _1:1) and 11.11 M⁻¹ (K _1:2) for MβCD and 126.94 M⁻¹ (K _1:1) and 2.20 M⁻¹ (K _1:2) for HPβCD. The method of preparation of the inclusion complexes in the solid state was shown to greatly affect the properties of the formed complex. Hence, the LPh, SD, and COE methods produce true inclusion complexes between MCZ and MβCD. In contrast, crystalline drug was still clearly detectable in the kneaded (KN) product.     

Synthesis and Properties of 2′-O-Methylribonucleotide Methylphosphonate Containing Chimeric Oligonucleotides

Abstract

2′-O-methylribonucleoside methylphosphonamidites are synthesized and incorporated into oligonucleotides to obtain chimeric antisense oligonucleotides. The resulting oligonucleotide binds to their target RNA/DNA sequences efficiently and stable in a medium containing bovine serum.     

Synthesis and Properties of Oligonucleotides Containing 5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine

Abstract

The preparation of a protected derivative of 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine carrying the 2-(p-nitrophenyl)ethyl group is described. The new derivative is useful for the preparation of oligonucleotides containing 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine using a special methodology that avoids the use of ammonia.     

Structural Aspects of the Antiparallel and Parallel Duplexes Formed by DNA, 2’-O-Methyl RNA and RNA Oligonucleotides

This study investigated the influence of the nature of oligonucleotides on the abilities to form antiparallel and parallel duplexes. Base pairing of homopurine DNA, 2’-O-MeRNA and RNA oligonucleotides with respective homopyrimidine DNA, 2’-O-MeRNA and RNA as well as chimeric oligonucleotides containing LNA resulted in the formation of 18 various duplexes. UV melting, circular dichroism and fluorescence studies revealed the influence of nucleotide composition on duplex structure and thermal stability depending on the buffer pH value. Most duplexes simultaneously adopted both orientations. However, at pH 5.0, parallel duplexes were more favorable. Moreover, the presence of LNA nucleotides within a homopyrimidine strand favored the formation of parallel duplexes.     

Characterization and resuscitation of ‘non-culturable’ cells of Legionella pneumophila

Background

Legionella pneumophila is a waterborne pathogen responsible for Legionnaires’ disease, an infection which can lead to potentially fatal pneumonia. After disinfection, L. pneumophila has been detected, like many other bacteria, in a “viable but non culturable” state (VBNC). The physiological significance of the VBNC state is unclear and controversial: it could be an adaptive response favoring long-term survival; or the consequence of cellular deterioration which, despite maintenance of certain features of viable cells, leads to death; or an injured state leading to an artificial loss of culturability during the plating procedure. VBNC cells have been found to be resuscitated by contact with amoebae.

Results

We used quantitative microscopic analysis, to investigate this “resuscitation” phenomenon in L. pneumophila in a model involving amending solid plating media with ROS scavengers (pyruvate or glutamate), and co-culture with amoebae. Our results suggest that the restoration observed in the presence of pyruvate and glutamate may be mostly due to the capacity of these molecules to help the injured cells to recover after a stress. We report evidence that this extracellular signal leads to a transition from a not-culturable form to a culturable form of L. pneumophila, providing a technique for recovering virulent and previously uncultivated forms of L. pneumophila.

Conclusion

These new media could be used to reduce the risk of underestimation of counts of virulent of L. pneumophila cells in environmental samples.     

Preparation and Characterization of Gas-filled Liposomes: Can They Improve Oil Recovery?

Although well known for delivering various pharmaceutical agents, liposomes can be prepared to entrap gas rather than aqueous media and have the potential to be used as pressure probes in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Using these gas-filled liposomes (GFL) as tracers, MRI imaging of pressure regions of a fluid flowing through a porous medium could be established. This knowledge can be exploited to enhance recovery of oil from the porous rock regions within oil fields. In the preliminary studies, we have optimized the lipid composition of GFL prepared using a simple homogenization technique and investigated key physico-chemical characteristics (size and the physical stability) and their efficacy as pressure probes. In contrast to the liposomes possessing an aqueous core which are prepared at temperatures above their phase transition temperature (T_c), homogenization of the phospholipids such as 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) or 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocoline (DSPC) in aqueous medium below their T_c was found to be crucial in formation of stable GFL. DSPC based preparations yielded a GFL volume of more than five times compared to their DPPC counter part. Although the initial vesicle sizes of both DSPC and DPPC based GFL were about 10 μm, after 7 days storage at 25°C, the vesicle sizes of both formulations significantly (p < 0.05) increased to 28.3 ± 0.3 μm and 12.3 ± 1.0 μm, respectively. When the DPPC preparation was supplemented with cholesterol at a 1:0.5 or 1:1 molar ratio, significantly (p < 0.05) larger vesicles were formed (12–13 μm), however, compared to DPPC only vesicles, both cholesterol supplemented formulations displayed enhanced stability on storage indicating a stabilizing effect of cholesterol on these gas-filled vesicles. In order to induce surface charge on the GFL, DPPC and cholesterol (1: 0.5 molar ratio) liposomes were supplemented with a cationic surfactant, stearylamine, at a molar ratio of 0.25 or 0.125. Interestingly, the ζ potential values remained around neutrality at both stearylamine ratios suggesting the cationic surfactant was not incorporated within the bilayers of the GFL. Microscopic analysis of GFL confirmed the presence of spherical structures with a size distribution between 1–8 μm. This study has identified that DSPC based GFL in aqueous medium dispersed in 2% w/v methyl cellulose although yielded higher vesicle sizes over time were most stable under high pressures exerted in MRI.     

Preparation of Membranous Immobilized Invertase and It’s Characteristics

Invertase was immobilized by radiocopolymerization of some synthetic monomers which were mixed in various combinations. Irradiation was conducted aerobically while the mixture of monomers and enzyme was frozen. Retained activity was 51~76%. Immobilized invertase shifted its optimum pH by about 0.7 to the acidic site.

The optimum reaction temperature of enzyme became a little higher (Ca 5°C) by immobilization. Heat stability was improved by immobilization. Release of fixed enzyme was found to be considerably low (1.2~4.1%) and release of several immobilized proteins decreased as the molecular weight increased.     

Synthesis and Some Properties of Modified Oligonucleotides. II. Oligonucleotides Containing 2′-Deoxy-2′-fluoro-β-D-arabinofuranosyl Pyrimidine Nucleosides

Abstract

In order to find the effects of unnatural nucleosides on the stability of duplex, several oligonucleotides containing 1-(2-deoxy-2-fluoro-β-D-arabinofuranosyl)-uracil(FAU),-cytosine (FAC) and -thymine (FMAU) were synthesized by two alternative approaches: phosphoramidite method on an ABI 392 synthesizer and H-phosphonate procedure on our GeneSyn I universal module synthesizer. It was shown from the melting profiles that the presence of FMAU has a large stabilizing effect on the duplex. Replacement of thymidine with FAU, or deoxycytidine with FAC resulted in the formation of less stable duplexes. Temperature-dependent CD spectroscopy demonstrated that the structures of the fluorine containing oligomers are very similar to those of unmodified oligomers.     

7-Deaza-2′-Deoxyxanthosine: Nucleobase Protection and Base Pairing of Oligonucleotides

Oligonucleotides containing 7-deaza-2′-deoxyxanthosine (1) and 2′-deoxyxanthosine (2) were prepared. The 2-(4-nitrophenyl)ethyl group is applicable for 7-deazaxanthine protection that is removed with DBU by β-elimination, while the deprotection of the allyl residue with Pd (0) catalyst failed. Contrarily, the allyl group was found to be an excellent protecting group for 2′-deoxyxanthosine (2). The base pairing of nucleosides 1 and 2 with the four canonical DNA constituents as well as with 3 within the 12-mer duplexes is studied.     

Synthesis of Oligonucleotides Containing 2′-Deoxyguanosine Adducts of Nitropyrenes

Two different approaches to synthesize oligonucleotides containing the 2 ′-deoxyguanosine adducts formed by nitropyrenes are described. A direct reaction of an unmodified oligonucleotide with an activated nitropyrene derivative is a convenient biomimetic approach for generating the major adducts in DNA. A total synthetic approach, by contrast, involves several synthetic steps, including Buchwald-Hartwig Pd-catalyzed coupling, but can be used for incorporating both the major and minor adducts in DNA in high yield.