An Interesting Complex: [Cd(l -trp) (d-trp)] n

A novel coordination polymer [Cd(l-trp) (d-trp)] _n (where l-trp and d-trp are l-tryptophan and d-tryptophan or (S)-2-amino-3-(3-indolyl)propionic acid and (R)-2-amino-3-(3-indolyl)propionic acid) was prepared by a solvent-thermal method and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The compound(monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with a = 19.759(2) Å, b = 5.2496(10) Å, c = 9.7594(16) Å, β = 97.2760(10)°, Z = 2) shows a two-dimensional plane structure. The crystallized coordination polymer has a centrosymmetric space group. Each Cd²⁺ ion coordinates with a pair of racemes, and the complex is a mesomer. Although l-trp was used, both l-trp and d-trp appear in the complex.     

Immobilized iron Schiff base histidine complexes on Al-MCM-41 and zeolite Y as catalyst for oxidation of cycloalkanes

Iron complexes of N-salicylidene-l-histidine with or without bipyridine ligand immobilized on Al-MCM-41 and zeolite Y designated as Fe(sal-l-his)(bipy)complex/Al-MCM-41 or Fe(sal-l-his)complex/Al-MCM-41 and Fe(sal-l-his)(bpy)complex/Y or Fe(sal-l-his)complex/Y respectively, were prepared and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), FT-IR, N₂ adsorption/desorption and chemical analysis techniques. Fe(sal-l-his)/Al-MCM-41 and Fe(sal-l-his)(bipy)complex/Al-MCM-41 were found to successfully catalyze the oxidation of cyclohexane, methyl cyclohexane, cyclooctane and adamantane with H₂O₂. The oxidation results and promising catalytic behavior of Fe(sal-l-his)(bipy)complex/Al-MCM-41 for oxidation of cyclooctane with 90 % conversion and excellent selectivity toward the formation of cyclooctanone will be discussed in this presentation.     

l-Carnitine and Long-Chain Acylcarnitines are Positively Correlated with Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Humans: The SABPA Study

The prevalence of hypertension in sub-Saharan Africa is increasing rapidly, and treatment remains challenging. Although the use of l-carnitine in treatment has received much attention, studies reporting on physiological l-carnitine levels in hypertensives are limited. Our aim was to determine physiological levels of l-carnitine and acylcarnitines in African and Caucasian men, and to investigate associations between ambulatory blood pressure (BP) and carnitine levels. Participants included 101 African and 101 Caucasian teachers. Ambulatory BP measurements were conducted, and l-carnitine and acylcarnitine levels determined. African men showed significantly higher systolic BP (p < 0.001), diastolic BP (p < 0.001) and l-carnitine levels (p = 0.01). In both ethnic groups, partial regression analyses revealed a positive association between BP and l-carnitine, although in Caucasians it was with systolic (r = 0.20, p = 0.045), and in Africans with diastolic BP (r = 0.23, p = 0.023). After adjusting for confounders, an independent positive association between systolic (R ² = 0.37, β = 0.12, p = 0.041) and diastolic BP (R ² = 0.39, β = 0.14, p = 0.018) and l-carnitine and long-chain acylcarnitines (R ² = 0.38, β = 0.17, p = 0.005 and R ² = 0.39, β = 0.15, p = 0.011) were found, independent of ethnicity. Physiological l-carnitine levels were not only higher in Africans than in Caucasians but also above the expected reference range. Despite promising results on l-carnitine (and its short-chain derivatives) in hypertension treatment regimens, our findings paradoxically show that elevated BP is significantly associated with higher physiological l-carnitine and long-chain acylcarnitine levels.     

Biochemical adaptations of the bruchid beetle,Caryedes brasiliensis tol-canavanine,a higher plant allelochemical

This communication reviews recent biochemical studies ofl-canavanine that have provided significant understanding of the interaction between the seed ofDioclea megacarpa (Leguminosae) and the bruchid beetleCaryedes brasiliensis (Bruchidae). The principal biochemical bases are proposed for: canavanine toxicity, the ability of the beetle larvae to adapt to its presence, the metabolic sequestration and detoxification of ammonia, and the potential amplification by microbial symbionts of the beetle's abilities to adapt to toxic components of the host.     

The novel [(dME)2(HIM)P]2Ti(IV) complex: synthesize, characterization, and its utility in ROP of d,l-lactide

The novel {2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-6-{[(2-hydroxyethyl)imino]methyl}phenoxy}₂ titanium(IV) complex {[(dME)₂(HIM)P]₂Ti(IV)} had been synthesized and characterized by EA, XRF, IR, and NMR methods. The [(dME)₂(HIM)P]₂Ti(IV) complex was reactive and promoted ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of d,l-lactide in the presence of benzyl alcohol (BnOH). And the results showed that ROP of d,l-lactide were produced upon addition of an excess (1–8?equiv.) of external BnOH. The complex showed a living and controlled fashion (M _w/M _n?=?1.15–1.32) for ROP of d,l-lactide and could produce the poly(d,l-lactide) with average molecular weight (M _n) up to 8.87?×?10⁴?g?mol^?1. The mechanism study by ¹H NMR spectrum of poly(d,l-lactide) with terminal benzyl ester group and [(dME)₂(HIM)P]₂Ti(IV) complex revealed that the polymerization proceeded through the traditional activated monomer mechanism and the acyl-oxygen bond cleavage mode of monomer. And the ¹³C NMR spectra and TG/DSC analysis showed that poly(d,l-lactide) was essential atactic and thermal stable polymer.     

Amprometric detection of Glycine, l-Serine, and l-Alanine using glassy carbon electrode modified by NiO nanoparticles

Glassy carbon electrode modified with nickel oxide nanoparticles has been used to investigate the electrochemical oxidation of Glycine, l-Serine, and l-Alanine in an alkaloid solution. The electrochemical behavior of the modified electrode was characterized by cyclic voltammetry in detail. The electrocatalytic behavior is further exploited as a sensitive detection scheme for the above amino acids by hydrodynamic amperometry. Under optimized conditions, the calibration curves are linear in the concentration ranges of 1–200?μM for Glycine, 1–400?μM for l-Serine, and 30–200?μM for l-Alanine, respectively. The respective detection limit (S/N?=?3) and sensitivity are 0.9?μM and 24.3 nA μM^?1 for Glycine, 0.85?μM and 12.4 nA μM^?1 for l-Serine, and 29.67?μM and 0.4 nA μM^?1 for l-Alanine. The prepared electrode exhibits a satisfactory stability and long life-time, while it is stored at ambient conditions.     

Poly(ester amide)s based on l-lactic acid oligomers and glycine: the role of the central unit of the l-lactic acid oligomers and their molecular weight in the poly(ester amide)s properties

Novel biodegradable poly(ester amide)s (PEAs) based on l-lactic acid (l-LA) oligomers and glycine were successfully synthesized, through an easy and fast procedure, making use of inexpensive starting materials. The l-LA oligomers were prepared with different central units and different molecular weights in order to access the influence of such parameters in the final properties of the PEAs’. Both the central unit of the l-LA oligomer and its molecular weight have important influence in the PEAs’ final properties. The thermal stability is lower for the PEAs containing the l-LA with the shortest central unit and for the PEAs based on the l-LA oligomers of high molecular weight. The PEAs exhibit a semi-crystalline nature, except those derived from the l-LA oligomers with high molecular weight, which have an amorphous character. Both hydrolytic and enzymatic degradation are more pronounced in PEAs synthesized from the l-LA oligomers with low molecular weight. Different mechanisms of degradation were found for the PEAs: bulk erosion and surface erosion, for hydrolytic degradation and enzymatic degradation tests, respectively.     

l-Lactic acid biosensor based on multi-layered graphene

Pristine graphene platelets and graphene oxide were used as electrode modifiers, aiming the investigation of their electrochemical efficacy towards β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH). The electrochemical detection of NADH is one of the most studied areas of bioelectroanalysis because of the ubiquity of NAD(P)H-based enzymatic reactions in nature. Commercially available graphene and laboratory prepared graphene oxide were used to modify glassy carbon electrodes and the behaviour of such modified electrodes against potassium ferricyanide (III) and NADH was reported. Relying on the graphene-modified transducer, l-lactic dehydrogenase (l-LDH) was successfully immobilised in a 1 % Nafion^® membrane. The developed biosensor, working at +250 mV versus Ag/AgCl reference electrode, was used to assess l-lactic acid in four different types of yogurts, revealing an l-lactic acid concentration ranging between 0.3 and 0.6 %.     

Synthesis of ε-caprolactone-b-l-lactide block copolymers by mean sequential polymerization,using diphenylzinc as initiator

Block copolymers of ε-caprolactone (CL) and l-lactide (l-LA) were synthesized by sequential polymerization using diphenylzinc as initiator. The composition of the copolymers was adjusted changing the comonomers in ratio. Copolymers were characterized by ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, DSC, and GPC. Results indicate that poly(ε-caprolactone)-b-poly(l-lactide) (PCL-b-PLA) block copolymers had a narrow molecular weight distribution and well-controlled sequences without random placement.     

Porous chitosan-based adhesive patch filled with poly(l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) as a transdermal drug-delivery system

Bioadhesives have been widely used on surgical areas for more than 50 years. Despite their numerous advantages, drawbacks such as cytotoxicity and low efficiency of transdermal drug delivery have limited their applications. Consequently, bioadhesives are mainly used during emergencies. To improve the physical properties of bioadhesive materials, poly(l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) or poly(l-DOPA) was synthesized and used to fill 2 kinds of porous chitosan patches (high and medium molecular weight). Bioaddisive and patch properties such as bond strength, drug-delivery efficiency, morphology, cytotoxicity, and histology were characterized. We ascertained that the optimal combination for high bond strength was 77.9 % polymethacrylic acid (PMA, molecular weight: 9,500 Da) and 22.1 % l-DOPA. Drug release was 1.5 times faster from the poly(l-DOPA)-filled chitosan patch of medium molecular weight than from the high molecular weight patch. Further, the medium molecular weight chitosan patch was more efficient at wound healing than commercial glue. These results indicate that chitosan-based materials filled with poly(l-DOPA) can be used as adhesive patches in various fields.     

Effect of l-Histidine Substitution on Sol–Gel of Transition Metal Coordinated Poly Ethyleneimine: Synthesis and Biochemical Characterization

The study was aimed to investigate the effect of chemical modification of branched poly ethyleneimine (PEI) on chelation of transition metal ions (Me²⁺) including Zn²⁺, Cu²⁺ or Ni²⁺ and sol–gel conversion thereof. To modulate chelation property of PEI, imidazole moieties were introduced into the polymer backbone by carbodiimide chemistry at different molar ratios of fmoc-protected l-histidine. The synthesis was characterized by ¹H-NMR spectroscopy and size exclusion chromatography. Potentiometric titration of PEI/Me²⁺ aqueous dispersions showed formation of stable complexes at pH above 5 depending on the degree of l-histidine substitution. FT-IR spectroscopy showed the imidazole ring of l-histidine was involved in the coordination interactions between PEI and Me²⁺. Addition of Zn²⁺ to PEI solution induced sol–gel conversion at a critical molar ratio decreasing by a higher degree of l-histidine modification. The gelation process led to formation of stable globular nanostructures as confirmed by atomic force microscopy with projected mean diameters less than 200 nm. Cellular experiment showed that l-histidine substitution enhanced cyto-compatibility of PEI, moreover cytotoxicity decreased significantly upon coordination of Zn²⁺ with the polymers. Conclusively, the coordination complexes of Zn²⁺ and l-histidine substituted PEI could serve as a nano system for biomedical applications.     

Preparation of highly flexible chitin nanofiber-graft-poly(γ-l-glutamic acid) network film

In the previous study, we successfully prepared a chitin nanofiber film by regeneration from a chitin ion gel with an ionic liquid using methanol. In this study, we performed surface-initiated graft polymerization of γ-benzyl l-glutamate N-carboxyanhydride (BLG-NCA) from amino groups on a partially deacetylated chitin nanofiber (PDA-CNF) film. First, the chitin nanofiber film was immersed in 40 % NaOH aq. at 80 °C for 7 h for partial deacetylation. Then, the PDA-CNF film was immersed in a solution of BLG-NCA in ethyl acetate at 0 °C for 24 h for graft polymerization from amino groups on nanofibers to give a chitin nanofiber-graft-poly(γ-benzyl l-glutamate) (CNF-g-PBLG) film. The analytical results of the film indicated that graft polymerization of BLG-NCA occur on surface of nanofibers. Furthermore, the film was treated with 1.0 mol/L NaOH aq. to convert PBLG on nanofibers into poly(γ-l-glutamic acid sodium salt) (PLGA). Then, condensation of the resulting carboxylates with amino groups at the terminal ends of PLGAs or the remaining amino groups on nanofibers was performed using the condensing agent to produce a CNF-g-PLGA network film. The resulting film showed the good mechanical properties with high flexibility, which has potentials as promising materials for practical applications.     

Optimization of temperature swing strategy for selective cooling crystallization of α-form l-glutamic acid crystals

l-glutamic acid can be crystallized as metastable α-form and stable β-form crystal. The α-form is desired because of its prismatic shape. Production of α-form of l-glutamic acid by cooling crystallization is not well-defined and α-form solid is commercially not available. In this study, an optimal cooling strategy to selectively produce large and narrowly distributed α-crystals is found by modeling and optimizing the crystallization and polymorphic transformation of l-glutamic acid. The optimal temperature profile is found to be cooling-heating-cooling concept where short nucleation period is followed by growth period in metastable zone. The obtained α-form of L-glutamic acid by optimal strategy had improved mean size, distribution, and purity compared to constant cooling.     

Optimization of Lipase-Catalyzed Fractionation of Two Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) Isomers

The separation of two isomers of conjugated linoleic acid is highly significant since each exhibits different biochemical properties. The aim of this study was to investigate and optimize several factors affecting the esterification of l-menthol with the c9,t11-CLA isomer in an organic solvent-free system using lipase from Candida rugosa (Lipase AY-30). D-optimal design with 5 factors and 3 levels were employed to evaluate the effects of synthesis parameters; reaction time (8–24 h), temperature (30–50 °C), enzyme content (2–20 U/ml), substrate molar ratio of conjugated linoleic acid oil to l-menthol (2:1–1:2) and pH (6–8) on esterification of c9,t11-CLA with l-menthol. Based on the analysis of the residual amount of c9,t11-CLA in the free fatty acid fraction after just one-step esterification, the optimum synthesis conditions were as follows: reaction time 23.12 h, temperature 32.65 °C, enzyme amount 135.40 U, molar ratio of CLA oil to l-menthol at 1:1.7 and pH at 7.7; the lowest purity of c9,t11-CLA in free fatty acid fraction based on the total content of c9,t11 and t10,c12-CLA isomers was 8.6 %.     

The effect of thiourea, l(−) cysteine and glycine additives on the mechanisms and kinetics of copper electrodeposition

The influence of thiourea, l(?) cysteine and glycine on the mechanisms and kinetics of copper electrodeposition from aqueous solution at pH 1.00 ± 0.05 and 25 °C was investigated using several complementary techniques. Rotating disc electrode current density measurements and the kinetic parameters calculated from Koutecký–Levich analysis indicated that at 5 × 10^?3 M thiourea and l(?) cysteine addition the electro-reduction of Cu(II) was significantly inhibited. By contrast, upon similar addition of glycine, the reduction current density increased and the equilibrium potential moved towards more positive values. Microscopic imaging studies of the resulting Cu films showed that thiourea and l(?) cysteine led to fine-grained deposits, whilst glycine addition resulted in a coarser deposit. It is suggested the additives substantially altered the electron and mass transfer processes during electrodeposition. Both thiourea and l(?) cysteine appear to act by specific chemical interactions that lead to CuS co-crystallization. On the other hand, glycine is believed to act by mediating the Cu(II) to Cu(I) reduction process.     

Non-isothermal cold crystallization behavior and kinetics of poly(l-lactide): effect of l-lactide dimer

The effects of l-lactide dimer as additives on the crystallization behavior of poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) films were studied. Hence, neat PLLA films and PLLA containing l-lactide (5 % w/w) (PLLA/La) were prepared in dichloromethane at room temperature via solution casting. The non-isothermal cold crystallization of PLLA films were studied using differential scanning calorimetry at various heating rates including 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 and 15 °C/min. However, the X _C% was increased for PLLA/La films in comparison with neat PLLA films. The crystallization kinetics was then analyzed by the Avrami, Jeziorny, Ozawa and Mo kinetic models. It is found that all the kinetic models were established to describe the experimental data fairly well except the Ozawa model. The values of t _1/2, Z _C and F(T) indicated that the crystallization rate increased with increase in heating rates for PLLA and PLLA/La films. However, l-lactide dimer incorporated in PLLA films accelerates the crystallization process of PLLA at the high heating rate. The nucleation constant (K _g) and the surface free energy (σ _e) based on Lauritzen–Hoffman theory indicated that these parameters for PLLA/La films is lower than neat PLLA.     

l-Lysine-derived optically active poly(hydrazide-imide)s: synthesis, characterization and their application in removal of heavy metal ions

Six novel poly(hydrazide-imide)s (PHI _a–f ) were prepared from the reaction of a novel l-lysine-derived chiral diacid, ethyl l-lysine-N,N’-ditrimellitoyl diacide (1), with six synthetic dihydrazides by solution polycondensation. These polymers have inherent viscosities in the range of 0.22–0.45 dl g^?1, display optical activity, and are readily soluble in polar aprotic solvents. They start to decompose (T _10%) above 248 °C and display glass-transition temperatures at 164.37–210.20 °C. All the above polymers were fully characterized by UV, FT-IR, and ¹H NMR spectroscopy, TGA, DSC, inherent viscosity measurement and specific rotation.     

N-(18-Hydroxylinolenoyl)-l-Glutamine: A Newly Discovered Analog of Volicitin in Manduca sexta and its Elicitor Activity in Plants

Plants attacked by insect herbivores release a blend of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that serve as chemical cues for host location by parasitic wasps, natural enemies of the herbivores. Volicitin, N-(17-hydroxylinolenoyl)-l-glutamine, is one of the most active VOC elicitors found in herbivore regurgitants. Our previous study revealed that hydroxylation on the 17th position of the linolenic acid moiety of N-linolenoyl-l-glutamine increases by more than three times the elicitor activity in corn plants. Here, we identified N-(18-hydroxylinolenoyl)-l-glutamine (18OH-volicitin) from larval gut contents of tobacco hornworm (THW), Manduca sexta. Eggplant and tobacco, two solanaceous host plants of THW larvae, and corn, a non-host plant, responded differently to this new elicitor. Eggplant and tobacco seedlings emitted twice the amount of VOCs when 18OH-volicitin was applied to damaged leaf surfaces compared to N-linolenoyl-l-glutamine, while both these fatty acid amino acid conjugates (FACs) elicited a similar response in corn seedlings. In both solanaceous plants, there was no significant difference in the elicitor activity of 17OH- and 18OH-volicitin. Interestingly, other lepidopteran species that have 17OH-type volicitin also attack solanaceous plants. These data suggest that plants have developed herbivory-detection systems customized to their herbivorous enemies.     

The total synthesis of phosphatidyl(Dioleoyl)hydroxy-l-proline and its activity in blood-clotting systems

The phthalimidomethyl ester ofN-anisyloxycarbonyl-hydroxy-l-proline was combined with phosphorus oxychloride andrac-1,2-diolein. The diolein was made by large-scale preparative application of the method of Krabisch and Borgström (1). The protected phosphatide, obtained by the phosphorylation reaction, was stripped of its protective groups under mild conditions. The phosphatidyl(dioleoyl)-hydroxy-l-proline was purified by TEAE cellulose (acetate) chromatography, as developed by Rouser (6), also by silicic acid chromatography. Aqueous dispersions of the material were tested for anticoagulant activity in the antithrom-boplastin test and the Hicks-Pitney test. The new phosphatide had about one-tenth of the activity of beef brain phosphatidylserine.     

The Role of Oxazolidinones in l-Proline-Assisted Aldol-Type Reactions

In this study, the formation of oxazolidinone intermediates along the reaction coordinates of two l-proline-catalyzed reactions was investigated using high-level quantum mechanical calculations. Our results suggest that the final product is produced via routes other than the currently-adopted catalytic cycle for l-proline, including routes where oxazolidinones are directly involved.