The biodeterioration of synthetic resins used in conservation

Synthetic resins have been extensively employed by artists in their works of art, e.g. as paint binders, or by conservators for conservation treatments, e.g. as stone consolidants and protectives. It is generally thought that synthetic resins are less prone to chemical, physical and biological deterioration than other organic products but there are many articles in the scientific literature and some reports in the conservation of cultural heritage literature claiming that microorganisms are capable of degrading synthetic resins. This paper reviews the researches on the biodeterioration of synthetic resins used in the conservation of cultural heritage, including stone, painting and textile materials, carried out in the last fifty years.

Development of Cross-Linked Polystyrene-Supported Chiral Amines Featuring a Fluorinated Linker for Gel-Phase 19F NMR Spectrometry Monitoring of Reactions

Ten cross-linked polystyrene-supported, protected chiral amines featuring both a spacer, comprising from 5 to 15 atoms, and a fluorinated linker have been successfully prepared. The development of the monitoring technique by gel-phase 19F NMR spectrometry on cross-linked polystyrene derivatives proved to be of high value in four steps of the process, as shown by the comparison of data gathered from both a classic NMR spectrometer and elemental analysis. Gel-phase 19F NMR spectrometry, thus, constitutes a useful technique that complements IR and 13C NMR spectrometries for the qualitative monitoring of reactions. In addition, quantitative determination of the conversion in a given transformation is possible, provided that 19F chemical shifts of the substrate and the product be different enough (Deltadelta>base width), as illustrated by the Mitsunobu coupling process (16-->17). The technique is nondestructive, and the samples used to monitor the reactions may be returned to the reaction medium. Deprotection of the above amines was achieved and furnished eight of the final resins in good to acceptable purity for future applications.

Core−Shell-Type Resins for Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis: Comparison with Gel-Type Resins in Solid-Phase Photolytic Cleavage Reaction

[reaction: see text] Novel core-shell-type resins with a rigid core and amino-functionalized flexible shell were prepared with 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine (CNC) and Jeffamine ED-600 starting from 1% cross-linked aminomethyl (AM) polystyrene resins. All of the amino groups were located outside the resin beads, and the loading capacity was 0.2-0.4 mmol/g. The amount of CNC treated was a determining factor in the properties of the final resins. The core-shell-type resins showed superior performances in terms of the initial loading of amino acid and the photocleavage reaction compared to the gel-type resins.

Design and synthesis of novel hydrophilic spacers for the reduction of nonspecific binding proteins on affinity resins

Tubulin and actin often bind nonspecifically to affinity chromatography resins, complicating research toward identifying the cellular targets. Reduction of nonspecific binding proteins is important for success in finding such targets. We herein disclose the design, synthesis, and effectiveness in reduction of nonspecific binding proteins, of novel hydrophilic spacers (2-5), which were introduced between matrices and a ligand. Among them, tartaric acid derivative (5) exhibited the most effective reduction of nonspecific binding proteins, whilst maintaining binding of the target protein. Introduction of 5 on TOYOPEARL reduced tubulin and actin by almost 65% and 90% compared to that without the hydrophilic spacer, respectively, with effective binding to the target protein, FKBP12.

A novel class of chemically modified iodo-containing resins: design, synthesis and application to mass spectrometry-based proteome analysis

A novel class of chemically modified iodo-containing resins with isotope-labeled tagging for mass spectrometry-based proteome analysis is described. This iodo-containing resin contains a thiol-reactive group that is used to capture the cysteine (Cys)-containing peptides from peptide mixtures, one 'tag' amino acid, and an aminomethyl polystyrene resin with Rink Amide Linker. The 'tag' amino acid is synthesized in both heavy and light isotope-coded forms and therefore permits the direct relative quantification of peptides/proteins through mass spectrometric analysis. In the iodo-containing resin strategy, the Cys-containing peptides of two samples covalently captured by either light or heavy iodo-containing resin were mixed and washed extensively under stringent conditions. Then the Cys-containing peptides were retrieved by acid-catalyzed elution. Finally, the eluted peptides were directly analyzed by micro liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry for identification and relative quantification. The iodo-containing resins were synthesized by a simple but effective method. Their abilities to identify and quantify the Cys-containing part in two samples were proved by the analysis of mixtures of amino acids, peptides and proteins.

Loading amplification of radiation grafted polymers (crowns and lanterns) and their application in the solid-phase synthesis of hydantoin libraries

Solid-phase dendrimer chemistry using a symmetrical 1 --> 3 C-branched isocyanate monomer was used to prepare radiation-grafted polymers with enhanced loading. After evaluation of the physical and chemical properties of these new high-loading supports, they were tested in the multiple parallel synthesis of hydantoins.

Maximising tubing functionality, Part II: Processing guidelines

Maximising tubing functionality requires a systematic approach and a basic understanding of the idiosyncrasies of polymer characteristics and morphology. The right selection of polymers is 50% of the solution with the remaining 50% found in the processing and handling stages of manufacture. Batch-to-batch variations in polymer MI is a given; the wisdom is to accept and deal with it intelligently.

PEG Based Resins for Protease Drug Discovery Synthesis, Screening and Analysis of Combinatorial On-Bead Libraries

This review will cover the entire hit identification process performed with biocompatible, aqueous solvated, poly[ethylene glycol] (PEG) based resins - from synthesis, through screening, to analysis. The different types of resins (including their preparation) will be discussed and compared individually. Examples of one-bead-one-compound substrate libraries will be presented, as will one-bead-two-compounds libraries used for the discovery of enzyme inhibitors. The review includes a section covering organic and bio-organic reactions performed on all-PEG resins and discusses on-bead screening of the libraries with biomolecules. Finally, analysis of compounds on single beads, either via investigation by on-bead NMR or by ladder-coding of the combinatorial compound is covered. In general, the review will focus on chemistry, libraries, synthesis, screening, and analysis, using all-PEG based resins.

Optimized preparation of poly(styrene-co- divinylbenzene-co-methacrylic acid) monolithic capillary column for capillary electrochromatography

Preparation of a poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene-co-methacrylic acid) monolithic stationary phase for the use in capillary electrochromatography (CEC) has been improved by optimizing the polymerization conditions. It is observed that the reaction time strongly affects column efficiency, while the proportion of isooctane in porogen influences peak symmetry of some solutes seriously. The lifetime of the monolithic columns prepared mainly depends on the pH of buffers used. Reproducibility of electroosmotic flow (EOF) from batch to batch columns are lower than 2.8% relative standard deviation. Unlike other types of capillary electrochromatographic monoliths, a pH-dependent EOF was observed on this type of column. Separation of various types of compounds including aromatic hydrocarbons, hormones, anilines, basic pharmaceuticals, and peptides was achieved. The facile preparation and wide application of this monolithic column may make styrene-based polymer a potential stationary phase in CEC.

Tri(propylene glycol) glycerolate diacrylate cross-linked polystyrene: a new resin support for solid-phase peptide synthesis

A highly flexible, mechanically and chemically stable copolymer, tri(propylene glycol) glycerolate diacrylate cross-linked polystyrene (PS-TRPGGDA), was synthesized by the suspension polymerization and employed as a solid support for peptide synthesis. The beaded polymer support containing secondary hydroxyl functional groups in the cross-linker was used as the growth site for peptide synthesis. The procedure is unique and cost-effective in that it avoids the initial functionalization steps required for most of the styrene-based polymer supports. The resin was characterized by 13C-CP-MAS NMR spectroscopy and the morphologic features of the resin were investigated using scanning electron microscopy. Swelling studies conducted on the new support revealed that the PS-TRPGGDA resin undergoes more effective swelling and solvation than PS-DVB resin in all solvents used in peptide synthesis. The efficiency of the new support was demonstrated by synthesizing a 'difficult' sequence Ala-Arg-(Ala)6-Lys and comparing it with commercially available Merrifield and Sheppard resins. The synthetic efficiency was further demonstrated by the synthesis of a 24-residue NR 2A peptide substrate of calcium/calmodulin-binding peptide. The high yield and purity of the peptide synthesized on the novel support indicates the positive role of the flexible and hydrophilic cross-linking agent in the solid support.

Compatibilization of starch-allylurea blends by electron beam irradiation: spectroscopic monitoring and assessment of grafting efficiency

The chemical changes induced by electron-beam irradiation of mixtures of N-allylurea (AU) and amorphized starch were studied by spectroscopic methods for identifying and monitoring the reactions providing the blend with stabilized physical properties. Spectral modifications essentially concerned the AU constituent in the irradiated mixtures. FTIR and NMR analyses were used to quantify the progress of AU conversion upon irradiation and to gain information on the structure of the products. The influence of sample temperature and moisture on AU conversion rate was examined. The kinetic treatment of conversion vs dose data, from blends with different contents in AU, suggested that the phenomenological order for the reaction rate was zero, relative to the concentration in AU. The grafting yield was determined from combined (1)H NMR data recorded after selective solubilization of the constituents allowing for extraction of AU monomer and homopolymer from the grafted polysaccharide. Graft polymerization was more efficient than homopolymerization in samples containing AU in amounts less than its limiting solubility and relatively less efficient in thermodynamically unstable blends.

How storage and mixing affect a resin-modified glass ionomer

This study investigates how the storage time and mixing speed of an older (20+ years old), common brand triturator affect the working time of a resin-modified glass ionomer restorative material. To achieve consistent working times, the correct mixing speed should be used, especially for material near its expiration date.

Development of new acid-functionalized resins for combinatorial synthesis on solid supports

New methods for the synthesis of acid-functionalized polystyrene and TentaGel resins are described; these methods serve to overcome problems with currently available resins and will be instrumental in spurring the use of carboxylic acid resins in solid phase chemistry.

Preparation and diastereomeric separation of an (S)- and (R)-1-(methoxycarbonyl)tridec-10-yl glucoside derivative, a precursor for a monosaccharide constituent of resin glycosides

The 6-O-mesyl derivative of phenyl 1-thio-beta-D-glucopyranoside was prepared from D-glucose as a synthetic equivalent of a 6-deoxy-hexosyl donor. Racemic methyl 11-hydroxytetradecanoate (methyl convolvulinolate) was synthesized by Grignard reaction of propylmagnesium bromide with 10-undecenal followed by hydroboration. Both intermediates were coupled by NIS-TfOH-promoted glycosidation to give a mixture of two diasteromeric glucopyranosides, which were separated on a preparative scale by medium pressure chromatography. One of the products was identified as having the natural (S)-configuration by comparison of its 1H NMR spectrum with an authentic sample prepared from the corresponding chiral hydroxyfatty acid.

Parallel suspension polymerization for high-throughput resin synthesis

A simple, straightforward approach for parallel suspension polymerization is described. This technique utilizes equipment common to most organic chemistry laboratories and should facilitate the custom synthesis of new polymers.

Universal solid-phase approach for the immobilization, derivatization, and resin-to-resin transfer reactions of boronic acids

Boronic acid-containing molecules are employed in a broad range of biological, medicinal, and synthetic applications. These compounds, however, tend to be difficult to handle by solution-phase methods. Herein, this problem is addressed with the development of the first general solid-phase approach for the derivatization of functionalized boronic acids. This approach is based on the use of a diethanolamine resin anchor that facilitates boronic acid immobilization by avoiding the need for exhaustive removal of water in the esterification process. The immobilization of a wide variety of boronic acids onto N,N-diethanolaminomethyl polystyrene (DEAM-PS, 1) can be performed within minutes by simple stirring in anhydrous solvents at room temperature. Evidence for the formation of a bicyclic diethanolamine boronate with putative N-B coordination was shown by (1)H NMR analysis of DEAM-PS-supported p-tolylboronic acid. The hydrolytic cleavage of the same model boronic acid from the DEAM-PS resin was studied by UV spectroscopy. Hydrolysis and attachment were shown to occur under a rapidly attained equilibrium, and a large excess of water (>32 equiv) is required to effect a practically quantitative release of boronic acids from DEAM-PS. Despite their relative sensitivity to water and alcohols, DEAM-PS-bound arylboronic acids functionalized with a formyl, a bromomethyl, a carboxyl, or an amino group can be transformed in good to excellent yields into a wide variety of amines, amides, anilides, and ureas, respectively. Ugi multicomponent reactions on DEAM-PS-supported aminobenzeneboronic acids, derivatization of multifunctional arylboronic acids, and sequential reactions can also be carried out efficiently. These new DEAM-PS-supported arylboronic acids can be employed directly into resin-to-resin transfer reactions (RRTR). This type of multiresin process helps eliminate time-consuming cleavage and transfer operations, thereby considerably simplifying the outlook of combinatorial library synthesis by manual or automated means. This concept was illustrated by a set of optimized procedures for the Suzuki cross-coupling and the borono-Mannich reactions.

Hydrophilic polymer supports for solid-phase synthesis: preparation of poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate polymer beads using "classical" suspension polymerization in aqueous medium and their application in the solid-phase synthesis of hydantoins

Lightly cross-linked hydrophilic polymer beads representing new types of supports for solid-phase synthesis have been prepared from commercial oligoethylene glycol monomethacrylates using an aqueous suspension polymerization process and specifically designed polymerization mixtures. These beads swell extensively in solvents with a wide range of polarities from dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran, and water to dimethylformamide, and they enable high functional loadings of 1.2-1.8 mmol g(-1). Their ability to serve as supports was demonstrated in the model solid-phase synthesis of a small library of hydantoins. This four-step synthesis using primary amines readily affords yields of over 70%.

Synthesis of of beta-amyloid precursor peptide and presenilin segments

It seems likely that the beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP) and the presenilins (PS-1/2) play important roles in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Attempts to mimic the biochemical actions of these proteins are often made by the application of fragments of these proteins. However, the synthesis of these segments by conventional methods of peptide synthesis is problematic. We have synthesized several C-terminal fragments of APP and PS-1/2 by solid-phase synthesis through combination of automatic and manual methods of synthesis. This permits solution of the 'difficult sequences' in the solid-phase synthesis of these peptides. Some details of the syntheses of nine segments are presented in this paper.

"High-load" polyethylene glycol-polystyrene (PEG-PS) graft supports for solid-phase synthesis

The choice of a polymeric support is a key factor for the success of solid-phase methods for syntheses of organic compounds and biomolecules such as peptides and oligonucleotides. Classical Merrifield solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), performed on low cross-linked hydrophobic polystyrene (PS) beads, sometimes suffers from sequence-dependent coupling difficulties. The concept of incorporating polyethylene glycol (PEG) into supports for solid-phase synthesis represents a successful approach to alleviating such problems. Previous reports from our laboratories have shown the advantages of "low-load" PEG-PS (0.15-0.25 mmol/g) for SPPS. Herein, we demonstrate that the beneficial aspects of the PEG-PS concept can be extended with resins that have higher loadings (0.3-0.5 mmol/g).

Optimization of solid supports for combinatorial chemical synthesis

Until recently, resins were used primarily for peptide and oligonucleotide synthesis. Recent advances in combinatorial chemistry have fostered increased acceptance of resins as supports for the synthesis of small molecule libraries. The methodology for selecting a resin bead that is ideal for the solid phase synthesis of small molecules is described in this review. The process of manufacturing a typical resin, the UniSphere-200, is also explained. Furthermore, a new approach is proposed for the solid phase synthesis of analogs which are traditionally done in solution phase. This new procedure involves the use of building blocks attached to an activated resin. These building blocks are displaced by a functional group on the scaffold around which the analogs are built. Use of an excess of resin-linked building blocks drives the reaction to completion. Additionally, a newly developed, grafted surface solid support, is described. This support, the MicroTube, can be used for the synthesis of large numbers of discrete molecules by a patented directed sorting method.

Synthetic methods for polyamine linkers and their application to combinatorial chemistry

Polyamines and polyamine conjugates display a diverse range of important biological functions, ranging from antibiotics to immunosuppressants and glutamate receptor antagonists. For these reasons, polyamines provide an excellent template/scaffold for combinatorial chemistry. In this paper we present methods for the solid-phase immobilisation of polyamines for use in synthetic and combinatorial chemistry and describe how they have been employed in the preparation of a number of important polyamine conjugates and polyamine libraries. Thus, we have designed, synthesised and utilised a number of polyamine linkers for both solution and resin screening combinatorial application.

Combinatorial synthesis of small-molecule libraries using 3-amino-5-hydroxybenzoic acid

A non-peptide library of 2001 compounds has been prepared utilizing solid-phase techniques. The split/combine method was demonstrated to work well to form mixtures of compounds based on 3-amino-5-hydroxybenzoic acid as a core structure. The benzoic acid of the core structure served as the attachment point for the resin and the amino and hydroxy positions were variably substituted.

A single-bead decode strategy using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and a new photolabile linker: 3-amino-3-(2-nitrophenyl)propionic acid

A new linker that employs a photosensitive 3-amino-3-(2-nitrophenyl)propionyl functionality (ANP-resin) has been developed for the preparation of C-terminal carboxamides. A wide range of carboxamides were prepared and identified using the ANP-resin and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. A single bead containing tripeptide Fmoc-Asp-Arg(Tos)-Val-NH2 was isolated, photocleaved and the peptide was characterized by tandem mass spectrometry, thereby verifying a library decode strategy that avoids complex tagging procedures.

Purification of acetylcholinesterase by tacrine affinity chromatography

Acridine ligand affinity chromatography is an effective means of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) purification. However, the synthesis of these resins is laborious and expensive. We have developed an acridine ligand affinity resin that is easy to produce, inexpensive, and selective for AChE over butyrylcholinesterase. The resin is produced in a single synthetic step by attaching the aminoacridine tacrine to epoxy-activated Sepharose. AChE from bovine serum (59% yield), Torpedo electric organ (27-60% yield), and two commercial sources of eel AChE (> 92% yield) is purified using the affinity resin. One commercial source of eel AChE contains two proteins with molecular weights of 80 and 55 kDa upon purification, while two proteins with molecular weights of 55 and 25 kDa are isolated from the other commercial source, presumably representing degraded AChE. The degradation state of the commercially available eel AChE preparations did not influence their specific activities. The isolation of AChE from bovine serum results in a single 80-kDa protein. However, butyrylcholinesterase is not purified from the serum. Using the tacrine affinity resin, and 80-kDa AChE, solubilized from Torpedo electric organ membranes by protease digestion, can also be purified. Velocity sedimentation analysis of the Torpedo AChE reveals that the molecular forms isolated are either tetrameric or asymmetric when solubilized by collagenase or trypsin, respectively. Overall, the tacrine affinity resin which is simple and inexpensive to produce allows for the selective isolation of AChE from diverse biological matrices.

Preparation and characterization of cyclopolymerizable resin formulations

An amine-catalyzed reaction between acrylates and formaldehyde has been used to convert mono-acrylates to difunctional monomers and di-acrylates to multifunctional oligomers by linking the acrylic double bonds together in 1,6-diene pairs. The resulting monomers and oligomers undergo efficient cyclopolymerization to high conversion with significantly less shrinkage than normally found for acrylates. In this study, a convenient single-step process was used with mixtures of mono- and di-acrylate starting materials to produce a series of resins with potential for effective cyclopolymerization. Incremental changes in the ethyl acrylate (EA) to ethoxylated bisphenol A diacrylate (EBPAD) ratio directly supplied cyclopolymerizable resins with a broad range of viscosities and product distributions. Those resins produced from reaction mixtures rich in EA have low viscosities because of high diluent monomer contents and limited oligomerization of EBPAD due to end-cap formation. Resin viscosity and average molecular weight of the oligomeric component of the resin were inversely related to the amount of EA used in the reaction. Through the choice of reactants and their ratio, this simple technique has the potential to provide cyclopolymerizable resins for use in a variety of dental polymer applications.

Purification of DNA-binding proteins using tandem DNA-affinity column

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Synthesis of poly(ADP-ribose)-agarose beads: an affinity resin for studying (ADP-ribose)n-protein interactions

Polymers of ADP-ribose bind chromatosomal histones in solution and may play a role in chromatin accessibility in vivo. We have enzymatically synthesized a poly(ADP-ribose) affinity resin to further characterize binding of nuclear proteins to ADP-ribose polymers. NAD+- and (ADP-ribose)-derivatized agarose beads were recognized as polymer acceptors by the nuclear enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. This polymerase elongated the existing ligands by successive addition of exogenously available ADP-ribose residues to form polymers covalently linked to the agarose beads. Poly(ADP-ribose) formation on the beads was dependent on incubation time and the mode of ligand attachment to the agarose. The resulting poly(ADP-ribose)-derivatized agarose beads possessed polymers which closely resembled those modifying the ADP-ribose polymerase by the automodification reaction. Fractionation of rat liver nuclear lysate over the poly(ADP-ribose) resin revealed a strong affinity of H1 for ADP-ribose polymers, thereby supporting a role for poly(ADP-ribose) in chromatin functions. Poly(ADP-ribose)-agarose beads are extremely stable and will be useful not only for affinity studies, but also for mechanistic studies involving polymer elongation and catabolism.

Construction of affinity sorbents utilizing glutathione analogs

Solution-phase N-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) mediated peptide synthesis has been adapted to the synthesis of glutathione (gamma-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine) analogs. A protecting group strategy has been devised in which all of the masking groups are removed with mild base. This allows for the synthesis of acid-sensitive materials and lessens concerns about the alkylation at sulfur by carbocations known to be present in the trifluoroacetic acid mixtures usually employed for deprotection of peptides made by the Fmoc methodology. A series of structurally varied glutathione analogs were prepared by modifying the peptide in two ways. The first involved C-terminal substitution for glycine by one of several different amino acids. The second involved substitution of one of five alkyl or aryl groups onto the cysteine sulfhydryl. The complete set of all combinations would yield 48 reagents, of which 25 have actually been synthesized. Following confirmation of the structures by FAB mass spectrometry, the peptides were immobilize by conjugation to epoxyfunctionalized Sepharose at pH 11-12. The amount and identity of immobilized peptide was assayed by amino acid analysis of acid-hydrolyzed resin. One of the tripeptides was purified by ion-exchange and preparative HPLC.

Synthesis and evaluation of new oxaspiro monomers for double ring-opening polymerization

Polymerization with expansion in volume can be achieved with spiro orthocarbonate monomers through a double ring-opening process wherein two bonds are cleaved for each new bond formed. The resulting expansion can be applied to counter the polymerization shrinkage associated with the conventional methacrylate monomers used in dental composites and thereby provide formulations with drastically reduced degrees of shrinkage. New monomers have been prepared that exhibit enhanced reactivities and ring-opening efficiencies compared with earlier free-radical-polymerizable oxaspiro compounds. In dental composite formulations, the monofunctional oxaspiro monomers provided DTS values equivalent to those of the controls under certain curing conditions; however, only modest reductions in polymerization shrinkage were observed. 2,3-Bis(methylene) spiro orthocarbonate monomers with a conjugated diene structure were also synthesized and evaluated. These novel monomers appear to offer significant potential for future development of free-radical ring-opening polymerization. While visible-light-cured formulations of the bis(methylene) compounds with methacrylate comonomers did not yield acceptable composite materials in this initial attempt, the high reactivity and the ability to form rigid, cross-linked polymers make this type of monomer worthy of continued investigation. These properties may allow the bis(methylene) oxaspiro monomers to be used alone or in concert with other ring-opening monomers for special applications.

Synthesis and evaluation of novel multifunctional oligomers for dentistry

A new type of multifunctional oligomer was synthesized, and its potential as a base monomer in dental composite formulations was evaluated. The oligomer of ethoxylated bis-phenol A diacrylate (OEBPA) was prepared in good yield by a formaldehyde insertion/condensation reaction. Although double bonds along the oligomer backbone are arranged in pairs such that cyclopolymerization is possible, it is not presently known whether this process plays a significant role in the polymerization. Indirect evidence supporting efficient cyclopolymerization involves the reduced polymerization shrinkage observed for polymerized OEBPA relative to polymers of other monomers used as base resins. Photo-cured composites containing either OEBPA, BIS-GMA, or ethoxylated bis-phenol A dimethacrylate (EBPADM) as base resin and TEGDMA as diluent were compared. While the resulting diametral tensile and transverse strengths did not differ significantly, the values for the energy absorbed to failure indicated that the OEBPA- and EBPADM-based formulations yielded composites with somewhat greater toughness than that of the BIS-GMA material. This multifunctional oligomer offers mechanical strength and conversion values that are comparable with those of existing base resin monomers while providing an approximate 30% reduction in polymerization shrinkage.

Synthesis and use of an isoform-specific affinity matrix in the purification of glutathione S-transferases from the housefly, Musca domestica (L.)

Glutathione may be linked to an agarose matrix which has been activated by treatment with epichlorhydrin. The resulting resin displayed group selectivity for the glutathione S-transferases of the housefly Musca domestica (L). The isoenzymes of low isoelectric point, which have little activity with substrates other than 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, bound strongly to this matrix and were eluted with 10 mM glutathione at pH 7.4. On the other hand, the group of isoenzymes of higher isoelectric point, showing activity with other substrates such as 3,4-dichloronitrobenzene, did not bind. These isoenzymes did bind to a sulfobromophthalein-glutathione conjugate immobilized on agarose and could be eluted with 5 mM sulfobromophthalein at pH 7.4. The immobilized glutathione resin bound rat liver glutathione S-transferase subunits from all three molecular weight classes.

Acid-labile anchoring linkages for solid phase synthesis of C-terminal asparagine peptides using the Fmoc strategy

Two acid-labile substituted benzylamine type anchoring linkages, 4-benzoxy-2,6-dimethoxybenzylamine and 2-benzoxy-4,6-dimethoxybenzylamine, for solid phase synthesis of peptide amides were prepared. The Na-9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc) amino acids could be easily attached to the resins with DCC/HOBt (loading 0.5-0.6 mmol/g resin). After final removal of the Na-protecting groups, treatment with TFA (50-95%) yielded amino acid and peptide amides in high purity. As we could show for the synthesis of thymulin (FTS, pGlu-Ala-Lys-Ser-Gln-Gly-Gly-Ser-Asn), these two resins with anchoring linkages are well suited for the synthesis of C-terminal Asn peptides using protected aspartic acid derivative as starting material.

[Visible light cured resin. Change of quantity of remaining double bonds in the surface low conversion layer by FT-IR method]

The quantity of the remaining double bonds (RDB) in polymerized visible light cured resins has been determined. Five trial unfilled resins, eight commercial composite resins and three commercial crown and bridge resins were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer with the liquid-film method. Infrared absorbance was measured before irradiation and at various times after irradiation. The quantity of RDB was determined and the data expressed as percentage of the total amount of double bonds in the unpolymerized resins. The quantity of RDB of five trial unfilled resins decreased linearly corresponding to the logarithmic time after the start of irradiation. The difference in the quantity of RDB at 5 min and decreasing rate of RDB could be seen in accordance with the kind of monomer. Among five trial unfilled resins, one with BMPEPP (BPE-200) used as monomer gave the smallest RDB, and one with 4 PN-(TF)2-(EMA)6 used as monomer gave the largest value. The quantity of RDB in the unfilled resin with Tri-EDMA at 5 min decreased in accordance with the irradiation time, but after 1 month, it showed almost the same value irrespective of the irradiation time. The quantity of RDB of commercial composite resins and crown and bridge resins decreased linearly corresponding to logarithmic time. In all commercial resins, the quantity of RDB became small when the base monomer was Bis-GMA but large when it was UDMA.

Preparation and properties of calcium-dependent resins with increased selectivity for calmodulin

Calmodulin from both animal and plant sources is known to bind a number of hydrophobic compounds with resultant inhibition of calmodulin function. Some of these compounds, including certain phenothiazine and naphthalene sulfonamide derivatives, have been previously shown to be useful in the chromatographic isolation of calmodulin, when covalently linked to a solid support. With the exception of fluphenazine linked to epoxide-activated Sepharose, these resins have the undesirable characteristics of requiring high salt concentrations in the elution buffer for efficient elution of calmodulin, thus decreasing the selectivity for this protein. The synthesis of nine Sepharose-ligand affinity resins is reported. Some of the ligands are newly synthesized naphthalene sulfonamide and phenothiazine derivatives. The synthetic ligands have been coupled to three types of Sepharose: epoxide-activated, CNBr-activated, and carbodiimide-activated. The properties of these resins are reported and their relative abilities to act selectively in the isolation of calmodulin are compared. 2-Trifluoromethyl-10-aminopropyl phenothiazine (TAPP), when linked to epoxide-activated Sepharose, was found to be the most useful for calmodulin isolation in terms of its combined stability, capacity, and ability to select for calmodulin. This resin was found to behave as a true affinity resin. A quantitative evaluation of its affinity behavior was consistent with the presence of two high-affinity Ca2+-dependent phenothiazine binding sites on calmodulin, in apparent agreement with previous reports which involved the use of different methods.

Synthesis of a new disulfide affinity adsorbent for purification of human uterine progesterone receptor

For purification of the human uterine progesterone receptor, an affinity adsorbent was synthesized in which the specific ligand (16 alpha-ethyl-3-oxo-19nor-androst-4-ene 17 beta-carboxylic acid) was bound to derivatized celulose using a disulfide-group-containing spacer. The purified receptor protein, isolated by reductive cleavage of the disulfide bond, bound the synthetic gestagen R5020 with high affinity (Kd 12.2 nmol/l). The affinity gel was highly efficient. A 24000-fold purification of progesterone receptor with a recovery of 40% could be achieved in a single step within 6 h. By means of dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis two main polypeptides with molecular weights of about 43000 and 108000 could be demonstrated.

Synthesis of N-tert.-butoxycarbonyl-( alpha-phenyl)aminomethylphenoxyacetic acid for use as a handle in solid-phase synthesis of peptide alpha-carboxamides

N-tert.-butoxycarbonyl-aminomethyl( alpha-phenyl)phenoxyacetic acid was synthesized and found to be suitable for use as a handle in the solid-phase synthesis of peptide alpha-carboxamides. This handle was prepared with an 82% yield when N-tert.-butoxycarbonyl-( rho-hydroxy)benzhydrylamine was treated with excess sodium iodoacetate under alkaline conditions. In stability studies the linkage between the C-terminal amino acid and the handle was found to be resistant to acidolysis in 50% TFA/CH2Cl2 (less than 1% loss after 10h). Upon treatment for 30 min with HF:anisole(9:1) at 0 degrees, 92% cleavage of glycinamide from Gly-handle-resin was obtained. In a test synthesis of a peptide alpha-carboxamide, pyroglutamylhistidylprolinamide was synthesized in 83% yield. Two other handles, tert.-butoxycarbonyl-aminomethylphenoxyacetic acid and N-tert.-butoxycarbonyl-aminomethylphenyloxymethylphenoxyacetic acid, were also synthesized but found to be unsuitable for carboxamide synthesis under the same conditions of solid-phase synthesis.

Polymer-linked 6-azauridine 5'-monophosphate, a resin of high bioaffinity to orotidine-5'-phosphate decarboxylase

Condensation of 6-azauridine with ethyl levulinate, followed by saponification or phosphorylation, leads to 2',3'-O-[1-(2-carboxyethyl)ethylidene]-6-azauridine and its 5'-monophosphate. The latter was coupled to 6-aminohexylagarose via its carboxylic group. Using the same synthetic route, agarose-linked uridine 5'-monophosphate has been prepared. Both polymers show specific binding toward orotidine-5'-monophosphate decarboxylase. The immobilized inhibitor (6-azauridine 5'-monophosphat) binds the enzyme more strongly than the immobilized uridine 5'-monophosphate. Both resins have been used to separate orotidine-5'-monophosphate decarboxylase from orotidine-5'-monophosphate pyrophosphorylase.

The fabrication of artifacts out of glassy carbon and carbon-fiber-reinforced carbon for biomedical applications

Polymeric carbons are produced by the carbonization of a wide range of organic polymeric systems. We have concentrated on the fabrication of two types of polymeric carbons, glassy carbon and carbon-fiber-reinforced carbon (CFRC), both involving phenolic resin precursors. We describe herein the technology which enables us to make dental implants and heart valves out of glassy carbon. We also show how carbon-fiber-reinforced carbon can be made in the form of rods and plates for orthopedic use and molded before firing to produce complex, rigid, individually sculptured shapes suitable for maxillofacial bone replacement. The mechanical properties will be discussed in relation to the structure of these various forms of polymeric carbon. The main purpose of the work is to show that the technology of polymeric-carbon manufacture is essentially simple and the manufacturing process is readily carried out in laboratories which have already been equipped to fabricate standard dental prostheses.