Effect of gelatin on the drug release behaviors for the organic hybrid gels based on N-isopropylacrylamide and gelatin

A series of organic hybrid gels were prepared based on poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), poly(NIPAAm), and gelatin. The hybrid gels were crosslinked through a two-step process with genipin or glutaraldehyde. The swelling behavior and physical properties of the gels were investigated in the previous report. In this study, we loaded sulfanilamide, caffeine, vitamin B12, phenol red, and neutral red in the hybrid gels. The effects of gelatin on the drug release profile were demonstrated. The ionicity of hybrid gels strongly influenced the release of phenol red (anionic) and neutral red (cationic). However, the releases of sulfanilamide, caffeine and vitamin B12 were not influenced by the ionicity of hybrid gel. The drug released from the gels crosslinked with genipin was significantly smaller than that released from the gels crosslinked with glutaraldehyde.

Electronic structure of Cob(I)alamin: the story of an unusual nucleophile

The electronic structure and the ligand-field spectrum of cobalt(I) corrin is reported using complete active space multiconfigurational perturbation theory (CASPT2) to address some inconsistencies and the nature of the cobalt(I) "supernucleophile", cob(I)alamin. An assignment of six of the seven intense lines in the experimental spectrum is obtained at a root-mean-square accuracy of 0.14 eV and largest error of 0.21 eV. Agreement is significantly better for CASPT2 than density functional theory (DFT), but DFT does surprisingly well. The correlated wave function implies that the ground state of Co(I) corrin is severely multiconfigurational, with only 67% of the d(8) reference configuration and prominent contributions of 20% from open-shell metal-to-ligand charge-transfer configurations. The ground state exhibits a fascinating degree of covalency between cobalt and the nitrogen orbitals, described by the bonding and antibonding orbital pair of a cobalt d-orbital and a delta-orbital linearly combined from nitrogen orbitals. Thus, the standard description of the d(8) supernucleophile is not completely valid. From a biological perspective, the mixing in of Co(II) configurations in cob(I)alamin may be an important reason for the redox accessibility of the formal Co(I) state of the cofactor, which again provides the catalytic power for one half-reaction of enzymes such as cobalamin-dependent methionine synthase.

5'-Peroxyadenosine and 5'-peroxyadenosylcobalamin as intermediates in the aerobic photolysis of adenosylcobalamin

The photolysis of adenosylcobalamin (coenzyme B12) results in homolytic cleavage of the Co-C5' bond, forming cob(II)alamin and the 5'-deoxyadenosyl radical. In the presence of molecular oxygen, it has been proposed that the primary reaction is interception of the 5'-deoxyadenosyl radical by O2 to form adenosine-5'-aldehyde as the product (Hogenkamp, H. P. C., Ladd, J. N., and Barker, H. A. (1962) J. Biol. Chem. 237, 1950-1952). 5'-Peroxyadenosine is here found to be the initial nucleoside product of this reaction and found to decompose to adenosine-5'-aldehyde. Evidence indicates that 5'-peroxyadenosine arises from the hydrolysis of 5'-peroxyadenosylcobalamin, with the formation of cob(III)alamin. 5'-Peroxyadenosine undergoes further decomposition to adenosine-5'-aldehyde as the major final product of aerobic photolysis as well as to adenosine and adenine as minor products. In a cobalamin-dependent process, 5'-peroxyadenosine becomes re-ligated to cob(III)alamin to form 5'-peroxyadenosylcobalamin, which quickly decomposes to adenosine-5'-aldehyde and cob(III)alamin. This is supported by spectrophotometric observations of both rapidly photolyzed adenosylcobalamin and the reaction of cob(III)alamin with excess 5'-peroxyadenosine. 5'-Peroxyadenosine also slowly undergoes cobalamin-independent decomposition to adenosine-5'-aldehyde and the minor products adenosine and adenine. The present study provides a detailed description of the products initially formed when aqueous, homolytically cleaved adenosylcobalamin reacts with molecular oxygen and provides a detailed description of the behavior of those products subsequent to photolysis.

Two galactomannans and scleroglucan as matrices for drug delivery: Preparation and release studies

Two galactomannans, Guar gum and Locust bean gum, have been used as matrices for tablets to study the release of model molecules. As a comparison, matrices obtained with another polysaccharide, Scleroglucan, have been tested. Despite the different conformations that the polymers assume in aqueous solution (flexible coils for Guar gum and Locust bean gum; triple helix for Scleroglucan), when prepared as tablets, they show (in distilled water and at 37 degrees C) very similar release profiles of guest molecules (i.e. theophylline, vitamin B12 and myoglobin) of different steric hindrance. Furthermore, the polymers were chemically crosslinked with glutaraldehyde to obtain a network suitable as a matrix for modified drug release. The delivery of the model molecules from the Guar gum and Locust bean gum gels, and from tablets prepared from the freeze-dried hydrogels of the three polymers was evaluated, and a comparison with the tablets prepared with the not-crosslinked polymers was carried out. Experimental data showed how the presence in the matrix of a well-defined network, by introducing a spacer among the macromolecular chains, always increased the rate of delivery of the tested molecules in comparison to the release profiles obtained when no crosslinker was present. Release data from the tablets were analyzed according to a mathematical model able to determine the relative importance of drug dissolution and drug diffusion on the overall release kinetics. Good agreement was found between the simulated and the experimental data.

X-ray structural characterization of imidazolylcobalamin and histidinylcobalamin: cobalamin models for aquacobalamin bound to the B12 transporter protein transcobalamin

The X-ray structures of imidazolylcobalamin (ImCbl) and histidinylcobalamin (HisCbl) are reported. These structures are of interest given that the recent structures of human and bovine transcobalamin prepared in their holo forms from aquacobalamin show a histidine residue of the metalloprotein bound at the beta-axial site of the cobalamin (Wuerges, J. et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 2006, 103, 4386-4391). The beta-axial Co-N bond distances for ImCbl and HisCbl are 1.94(1) and 1.951(7) A, respectively. The alpha-axial Co-N bond distances to the 5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole are 2.01(1) and 1.979(8) A for ImCbl and HisCbl, respectively, and are typical for cobalamins with weak sigma-donor ligands at the beta-axial site. The corrin fold angles of 11.8(3) degrees (ImCbl) and 12.0(3) degrees (HisCbl) are smaller than those typically observed for cobalamins.

BluB cannibalizes flavin to form the lower ligand of vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is among the largest known non-polymeric natural products, and the only vitamin synthesized exclusively by microorganisms. The biosynthesis of the lower ligand of vitamin B(12), 5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole (DMB), is poorly understood. Recently, we discovered that a Sinorhizobium meliloti gene, bluB, is necessary for DMB biosynthesis. Here we show that BluB triggers the unprecedented fragmentation and contraction of the bound flavin mononucleotide cofactor and cleavage of the ribityl tail to form DMB and D-erythrose 4-phosphate. Our structural analysis shows that BluB resembles an NAD(P)H-flavin oxidoreductase, except that its unusually tight binding pocket accommodates flavin mononucleotide but not NAD(P)H. We characterize crystallographically an early intermediate along the reaction coordinate, revealing molecular oxygen poised over reduced flavin. Thus, BluB isolates and directs reduced flavin to activate molecular oxygen for its own cannibalization. This investigation of the biosynthesis of DMB provides clarification of an aspect of vitamin B12 that was otherwise incomplete, and may contribute to a better understanding of vitamin B12-related disease.

Hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin enhanced determination for the Vitamin B12 by fluorescence quenching method

A novel fluorescence quenching method for the determination of Vitamin B12(VB12) had been developed. It was based on that the fluorescence intensity of erythrosine sodium(ES) could be enhanced by Hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin(HP-beta-CD) due to the formation of inclusion complex (HP-beta-CD-ES), while the fluorescence intensity of HP-beta-CD-ES was diminished after adding VB12 into the system, and there was a linear relationship between the fluorescence quenching value of the system (DeltaF) and the concentration of VB12 (c). The mechanism of the determination of VB12 was discussed. The results showed that under the optimal conditions, the linear range of calibration curve for the determination of VB12 was 0.0 approximately 2.1 x 10(-5) mol/L, and the detection limit was 1.8 x 10(-7) mol/ L. It could be satisfactorily applied to the determination of VB12 in injections.

Enhanced reactivity of hydrophobic vitamin B12 towards the dechlorination of DDT in ionic liquid

The electrolytic reductive dechlorination of 1,1-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-2,2,2-trichloroethane (DDT) in the ionic liquid (IL) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([bmim][BF(4)]) in the presence of a cobalamin derivative afforded 1,1'-(ethylidene)bis(4-chlorobenzene)(DDO) and 1,1'-(ethenylidene)bis(4-chlorobenzene)(DDNU) with 1,1'-(2-chloroethylidene)bis(4-chlorobenzene)(DDMS); the enhanced reactivity, as well as the recyclability of the cobalamin derivative catalyst in IL, makes the present system more efficient for the development of "green" technologies.

[The ability of bacterial dna methyltransferases to use methylcobalamine as a cofactor in DNA methylation reactions]

The ability of bacterial DNA methyltransferases Alu I, Cfr I, Cfr 6, Cfr 10, Eco RI, Eco RII, Msp I, Mva I, Pvu I, Pvu II, and Sau 3A to use methyl-cobalamine and methyl-methionine as cofactors of DNA methylation in vitro. These bacterial DNA methyl transferase used methyl-cobalamine, but not methylmethionine for DNA methylation.

In vitro release of a water-soluble agent from low viscosity biodegradable, injectable oligomers

Low-molecular-weight poly(epsilon-caprolactone-co-1,3-trimethylene carbonate) and poly(1,3-trimethylene carbonate) are potential vehicles for the regio-specific delivery of water-soluble agents. In this paper, the characteristics and the mechanism governing the in vitro release of a model water-soluble drug, vitamin B12, from these polymer vehicles were determined. The loading of vitamin B12 was kept to 1 w/w%. The oligomers examined ranged from amorphous, high viscosity to crystalline but low viscosity. The oligomers did not degrade appreciably in vitro. The total fraction of vitamin B12 released increased as the crystallinity of the oligomers decreased, reaching nearly total release only for the completely amorphous oligomers. The rate of release was fastest for the amorphous oligomers and dependent on their viscosity. Inclusion of a more osmotically active agent, trehalose, into the vitamin B12 particles through co-lyophilization resulted in enhanced total fraction released and a faster release rate. The results are consistent with an osmotically driven release mechanism.

Natural-abundance 15N--13C correlation spectra of vitamin B-12

Two-dimensional nitrogen-carbon NMR correlation spectra have been derived by a new reconstruction technique based on standard two-dimensional HMQC and HMBC spectra, and operating with natural 15N and 13C isotopic abundances. Compared with conventional three-dimensional spectroscopy in which 15N and 13C spins must be present in the same molecule, the reconstruction method offers two orders of magnitude improvement in sensitivity. Vitamin B-12 serves as an illustrative example.

Reactivity of aquacobalamin and reduced cobalamin toward S-nitrosoglutathione and S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine

The reactions of aquacobalamin (Cbl(III)H2O, vitamin B12a) and reduced cobalamin (Cbl(II), vitamin B12r) with the nitrosothiols S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) and S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) were studied in aqueous solution at pH 7.4. UV-vis and NMR spectroscopic studies and semiquantitative kinetic investigations indicated complex reactivity patterns for the studied reactions. The detailed reaction routes depend on the oxidation state of the cobalt center in cobalamin, as well as on the structure of the nitrosothiol. Reactions of aquacobalamin with GSNO and SNAP involve initial formation of Cbl(III)-RSNO adducts followed by nitrosothiol decomposition via heterolytic S-NO bond cleavage. Formation of Cbl(III)(NO-) as the main cobalamin product indicates that the latter step leads to efficient transfer of the NO- group to the Co(III) center with concomitant oxidation of the nitrosothiol. Considerably faster reactions with Cbl(II) proceed through initial Cbl(II)-RSNO intermediates, which undergo subsequent electron-transfer processes leading to oxidation of the cobalt center and reduction of the nitrosothiol. In the case of GSNO, the overall reaction is fast (k approximately 1.2 x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1)) and leads to formation of glutathionylcobalamin (Cbl(III)SG) and nitrosylcobalamin (Cbl(III)(NO-)) as the final cobalamin products. A mechanism involving the reversible equilibrium Cbl(II) + RSNO <==> Cbl(III)SR + NO is suggested for the reaction on the basis of the obtained kinetic and mechanistic information. The corresponding reaction with SNAP is considerably slower and occurs in two distinct reaction steps, which result in the formation of Cbl(III)(NO-) as the ultimate cobalamin product. The significantly different kinetic and mechanistic features observed for the reaction of GSNO and SNAP illustrate the important influence of the nitrosothiol structure on its reactivity toward metal centers of biomolecules. The potential biological implications of the results are briefly discussed.

Analysis of the Cob(II)alamin-5'-deoxy-3',4'-anhydroadenosyl radical triplet spin system in the active site of diol dehydrase

A triplet spin system (S=1) is detected by low-temperature electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy in samples of diol dehydrase and the functional adenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl) analogue 5'-deoxy-3',4'-anhydroadenosylcobalamin (anAdoCbl). Different spectra are observed in the presence and absence of the substrate (R,S)-1,2-propanediol. In both cases, the spectra include a prominent half-field transition (DeltaM(S) = 2) that is a hallmark of strongly coupled triplet spin systems. The appearance of 59Co hyperfine splitting in the EPR signals and the positions (g values) of the signals in the spectra show that half of the triplet spin is contributed by the low-spin Co2+ of cob(II)alamin. Line width effects from isotopic labeling (13C and 2H) in the 5'-deoxy-3',4'-anhydroribosyl ring demonstrate that the other half of the spin triplet is from an allylic 5'-deoxy-3',4'-anhydroadenosyl (anhydroadenosyl) radical. The zero-field splitting (ZFS) tensors describing the magnetic dipole-dipole interactions of the component spins of the triplets have rhombic symmetry because of electron spin delocalization within the organic radical component and the proximity of the radical to the low-spin Co2+. The dipole-dipole interaction was modeled as a summation of point-dipole interactions involving the spin-bearing orbitals of the anhydroadenosyl radical and cob(II)alamin. Geometries which are consistent with the ZFS tensors in the presence and absence of the substrate position the 5'-carbon of the anhydroadenosyl radical 3.5 and 4.1 A from Co2+, respectively. Homolytic cleavage of the cobalt-carbon bond of the analogue in the absence of the substrate indicates that, in diol dehydrase, binding of the coenzyme to the protein weakens the bond prior to binding of the substrate.

Simulation of the coupling between nucleotide binding and transmembrane domains in the ATP binding cassette transporter BtuCD

The nucleotide-induced structural rearrangements in ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters, leading to substrate translocation, are largely unknown. We have modeled nucleotide binding and release in the vitamin B(12) importer BtuCD using perturbed elastic network calculations and biased molecular dynamics simulations. Both models predict that nucleotide release decreases the tilt between the two transmembrane domains and opens the cytoplasmic gate. Nucleotide binding has the opposite effect. The observed coupling may be relevant for all ABC transporters because of the conservation of nucleotide binding domains and the shared role of ATP in ABC transporters. The rearrangements in the cytoplasmic gate region do not provide enough space for B(12) to diffuse from the transporter pore into the cytoplasm, which could suggest that peristaltic forces are needed to exclude B(12) from the transporter pore.

Photoautotrophic high-density cultivation of vegetative cells of Haematococcus pluvialis in airlift bioreactor

This work aimed to investigate the effects of the bioreactor configurations and their design variables on the cultivation of vegetative cells Haematococcus pluvialis to achieve sustainable high cell density. The addition of vitamin B to F1 growth medium could appreciably enhance the final cell density. Employing this medium, the cultivation in the airlift bioreactor was demonstrated to outperform the bubble column at the same operating conditions. Aeration was crucial for a proper growth of the alga in the airlift bioreactor, but it must be maintained at low level to minimize shear stress. The most appropriate aeration velocity (superficial velocity) was at the lower limit of the pump, i.e. 0.4 cm s(-1) and a smaller riser was shown to have positive influence on the cell growth. A 1% CO(2) supplement to the air supply considerably enhanced the growth rate of H. pluvialis and the most suitable light intensity for the growth was at 20 micromol photon m(-2) s(-1). The semi-continuous culture was successfully implemented with the optimal airlift bioreactor design and under optimal conditions the harvest could be performed every four days with the specific growth rate of 0.31 d(-1).

[Distribution and relationships concentration of vitamins B6 and B12 in different parts of Atlantic salmons]

Fish constitute a major part of animal protein consumption in many countries of the world. Seafood are important source of a variety of nutrients, including vitamins B6 and B12. The concentration of vitamins B and B12 was determined in atlantic salmons obtained from commercial sources using a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In our study significant correlations (p<0.05, p<0.01 and p<0.001) for the concentration of vitamin B6 and cyanocobalamin between analyzed parts of atlantic salmons were observed.

Insight into the mechanism of biological methanol activation based on the crystal structure of the methanol-cobalamin methyltransferase complex

Some methanogenic and acetogenic microorganisms have the catalytic capability to cleave heterolytically the C O bond of methanol. To obtain insight into the elusive enzymatic mechanism of this challenging chemical reaction we have investigated the methanol-activating MtaBC complex from Methanosarcina barkeri composed of the zinc-containing MtaB and the 5-hydroxybenzimidazolylcobamide-carrying MtaC subunits. Here we report the 2.5-A crystal structure of this complex organized as a (MtaBC)(2) heterotetramer. MtaB folds as a TIM barrel and contains a novel zinc-binding motif. Zinc(II) lies at the bottom of a funnel formed at the C-terminal beta-barrel end and ligates to two cysteinyl sulfurs (Cys-220 and Cys-269) and one carboxylate oxygen (Glu-164). MtaC is structurally related to the cobalamin-binding domain of methionine synthase. Its corrinoid cofactor at the top of the Rossmann domain reaches deeply into the funnel of MtaB, defining a region between zinc(II) and the corrinoid cobalt that must be the binding site for methanol. The active site geometry supports a S(N)2 reaction mechanism, in which the C O bond in methanol is activated by the strong electrophile zinc(II) and cleaved because of an attack of the supernucleophile cob(I)amide. The environment of zinc(II) is characterized by an acidic cluster that increases the charge density on the zinc(II), polarizes methanol, and disfavors deprotonation of the methanol hydroxyl group. Implications of the MtaBC structure for the second step of the reaction, in which the methyl group is transferred to coenzyme M, are discussed.

A novel vitamin B12-nanosphere conjugate carrier system for peroral delivery of insulin

In spite of great potential, effective oral delivery of many vitamin B(12)-peptide/protein drug conjugates does not occur due to the limited uptake capacity of the VB(12) transport system, loss of bioactivity of native protein and/or intrinsic factor affinity of VB(12) and liability to GI degradation. In order to overcome these shortcomings in a two pronged way, we have endeavoured to develop a VB(12)-Nanoparticles (NPs) system to enhance the uptake capacity of both NPs and VB(12) transport to deliver orally effective insulin. NPs were prepared using different molecular weight dextrans and epichlorohydrin as cross-linker by an emulsion method. NPs surface was modified with succinic anhydride, and conjugated with amino VB(12) derivatives of carbamate linkage. VB(12) attachment was confirmed by IR, XPS analysis, and was quantified by HPLC (4.0 to 4.4% w/w of NPs). The pre-formed NPs conjugates (Zave=160-250 nm; polydisperse) were loaded with 2, 3 and 4% w/w of insulin, and the entrapment was found to be 45-70%. NPs conjugates were found to protect 65-83% of entrapped insulin against in vitro gut proteases. In vitro release studies exhibit an initial burst followed by diffusion controlled first order kinetics with 75-95% release within 48 h. After oral administration of these carriers (20 IU/kg), a nadir of 70-75% reduction in plasma glucose was found in 5 h, reached basal levels in 8-10 h, and a prolonged second phase was found until 54 h. The % pharmacological availability (PA) of 70 K NPs conjugate containing 2, 3 and 4% w/w insulin was 1.1, 1.9 and 2.6 fold higher, respectively compared to NPs without VB(12); consistent with the hypothesis that uptake was mediated by the vitamin B(12) transport. NPs of 70 K dextran showed 1.4 fold PA compared to 10 K while negligible action was observed with 200 K. The potential utilities of VB(12)-NPs carrier as an oral delivery platform of proteins, especially insulin via dextran-coated particles necessities further elaborate investigations.

A simple, convenient method to synthesize cobalamins: synthesis of homocysteinylcobalamin, N-acetylcysteinylcobalamin, 2-N-acetylamino-2-carbomethoxyethanethiolatocobalamin, sulfitocobalamin and nitrocobalamin

Glutathionylcobalamin, nitrocobalamin and sulfitocobalamin are important cobalamin metabolites isolable from human tissues. Herein we demonstrate that a procedure used to synthesize and isolate gamma-glutamylcysteinylcobalamin and glutathionylcobalamin in aqueous solution in high yield and purity can be used to synthesize other novel, biologically relevant thiolatocobalamins, including d,l-homocysteinylcobalamin, N-acetyl-l-cysteinylcobalamin (Na(+) salt) and 2-N-acetylamino-2-carbomethoxy-l-ethanethiolatocobalamin, as well as other non-alkylcobalamins, such as sulfitocobalamin (Na(+) salt) and nitrocobalamin. This uncomplicated, general procedure will assist researchers in identifying unknown cobalamin metabolites isolated from biological samples, and researchers interested in studying the uptake and intracellular cobalamin processing mechanisms utilizing non-alkylcobalamin derivatives that are not yet commercially available. The X-ray structure and XAS spectrum of N-acetyl-l-cysteinylcobalamin are also presented.

Biotin Reagents for Antibody Pretargeting. 7. Investigation of Chemically Inert Biotinidase Blocking Functionalities for Synthetic Utility

An investigation was conducted to evaluate three biotin derivatives designed to block biotinidase cleavage of the biotinamide bond. Difficulties in multistep syntheses of molecules containing tert-butyl protected hydroxymethyl and carboxylate groups positioned alpha to a biotinamide bond led to the investigation of alternative biotinidase-blocking moieties that do not require protection and deprotection. The targeted biotin derivatives contained serine-O-methyl ether, 2-aminobutyric acid, and valine moieties conjugated to the biotin carboxylate functionality. Those derivatives were further modified with a radioiodinated aryl ring to study their biotinidase stability. As a comparison to previously studied biotin derivatives, radioiodinated versions of biotin conjugates that contained (a) no biotinidase stabilizing group, (b) an N-methyl (sarcosine) stabilizing group, (c) an alpha-carboxylate (aspartate) stabilizing group and hydroxymethyl (serine) stabilizing group were also prepared and tested. When tested in human serum, all of the radioiodinated biotinidase-stabilized biotin derivatives had <1% biotinamide cleavage. Thus, under the conditions studied, all of the tested biotinidase blocking moieties appeared to be equal with regards to protection from biotinidase cleavage. Further testing of the biotin derivatives included a HPLC assay to determine their relative dissociation from recombinant streptavidin (rSAv). The dissociation of cyanocobalamin (CN-Cbl) adducts of biotin-serine-O-methyl ether, biotin-aminobutyric acid, and biotin-valine were compared with the CN-Cbl adduct of biotin-sarcosine. The relative rates of dissociation found were biotin-sarcosine-CN-Cbl > biotin-valine-CN-Cbl > biotin-serine-O-methyl ether-CN-Cbl > biotin-aminobutyric acid-CN-Cbl. Due to the high cost of serine-O-ethyl ether (and its N-Boc derivative) and difficulty in syntheses of its biotin derivatives, that adduct is not an attractive candidate for application to compounds used in vivo. The higher lipophilicity and diminished binding of the biotin-valine adduct also makes its use in vivo less attractive. Thus, the biotin-aminobutyric acid adduct appears to be the best candidate for incorporation into biotin derivatives used in vivo, as it simplifies the synthetic procedures, has low cost, and provides effective blocking of biotinidase while retaining high binding affinity.

Cyanide-bridged vitamin B12-cisplatin conjugates

cis-[PtCl(OH2)(NH3)2]+, the monoactivated form of cisplatin, reacts with the cyano ligand of cobalt in vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) to form a Co-C[triple chemical bond]N-Pt conjugate (1). Compound 1 is prepared in good yield directly in aqueous solution. The remaining chloride ligand of Pt(II) is labile. It hydrolyzes slowly in aqueous solution and can be exchanged by stronger coordinating ligands, such as 9-methylguanine or 2'-deoxyguanosine, to yield vitamin B12-nucleobase conjugates. X-ray structures of the vitamin B12-cisplatin conjugate 1 as well as of the product with coordinated 9-methylguanine (2) are presented. The coordination geometry at Pt(II) is almost perfectly square-planar. The structure of the cobalamin compound remains essentially unchanged when compared with the original B(12) structure. The guanine moiety of compound 2 binds in a 45 degrees angle to the cisplatin molecule and interacts with neighboring molecules by means of pi stacking and hydrogen bonds.

Application of a fluorescent cobalamin analogue for analysis of the binding kinetics. A study employing recombinant human transcobalamin and intrinsic factor

Fluorescent probe rhodamine was appended to 5' OH-ribose of cobalamin (Cbl). The prepared conjugate, CBC, bound to the transporting proteins, intrinsic factor (IF) and transcobalamin (TC), responsible for the uptake of Cbl in an organism. Pronounced increase in fluorescence upon CBC attachment facilitated detailed kinetic analysis of Cbl binding. We found that TC had the same affinity for CBC and Cbl (K(d) = 5 x 10(-15) m), whereas interaction of CBC with the highly specific protein IF was more complex. For instance, CBC behaved normally in the partial reactions CBC + IF(30) and CBC + IF(20) when binding to the isolated IF fragments (domains). The ligand could also assemble them into a stable complex IF(30)-CBC-IF(20) with higher fluorescent signal. However, dissociation of IF(30)-CBC-IF(20) and IF-CBC was accelerated by factors of 3 and 20, respectively, when compared to the corresponding Cbl complexes. We suggest that the correct domain-domain interactions are the most important factor during recognition and fixation of the ligands by IF. Dissociation of IF-CBC was biphasic, and existence of multiple protein-analogue complexes with normal and partially corrupted structure may explain this behaviour. The most stable component had K(d) = 1.5 x 10(-13) m, which guarantees the binding of CBC to IF under physiological conditions. The specific intestinal receptor cubilin bound both IF-CBC and IF-Cbl with equal affinity. In conclusion, the fluorescent analogue CBC can be used as a reporting agent in the kinetic studies, moreover, it seems to be applicable for imaging purposes in vivo.

Abiotic methylation of mercury in the aquatic environment

Methylation of inorganic mercury in the aquatic environment has been considered to be largely the result of biological processes, primarily involving sulfate-reducing bacteria. However, these processes cannot account for all of the methylmercury that is formed naturally. A growing body of evidence suggests that chemical reactions represent another possible pathway for mercury methylation in the aquatic environment. In order to assess the abiotic contribution to mercury methylation in the water column, and specifically the conditions under which this contribution may be significant, the current state of knowledge about environmentally significant methylation reactions is reviewed. Results of our laboratory-based investigations of aqueous mercury reactions with some potential methyl donors, including MeCo(dmg)(2)(H2O), a simple model for methylcobalamin, various methyltin compounds and methyl iodide, are presented. In each reaction, the yield of methylmercury and the rate of methylation depend strongly on environmental factors such as pH, temperature, and the presence of complexing agents, especially chloride.

Nitrite Impurities Are Responsible for the Reaction Observed between Vitamin B12 and Nitric Oxide in Acidic Aqueous Solution

The reaction between aquacobalamin, Cbl(H2O), and NO was studied at low pH. As previously reported, the final product of the reaction is the same as that obtained in the reaction of NO and reduced Cbl(H2O), viz. Cbl(NO-). Nevertheless, this reductive nitrosylation is preceded by a faster reaction (accompanied by small absorbance changes) that depends on the HNO2 concentration but not on the NO concentration. Kinetic and UV-vis spectroscopic data show that Cbl(NO2-) is generated during this reaction. Spectroscopic data show that the dimethylbenzimidazole group trans to the NO2- ligand is protonated and partially dechelated at pH 1, by which a reaction with NO is induced. DFT calculations were performed to compare the ability of NO and NO2- to bind to cobalamin and their influence on the stability of the dimethylbenzimidazole group. The reductive nitrosylation reaction shows a quadratic dependence on the HNO2 concentration and an inverse dependence on the NO concentration. It also strongly depends on pH and is no longer observed at pH > 4. On the basis of earlier work performed on a series of Co(III) porphyrins, a mechanism is proposed that can quantitatively account for the HNO2 and NO dependencies. The reductive nitrosylation reaction is practically dominated by a back reaction, i.e., the reaction between Cbl(NO-) and HNO2, which accounts for the strange NO and HNO2 concentration dependencies observed.

Crystal structure of the vitamin B12 biosynthetic cobaltochelatase, CbiXS, from Archaeoglobus fulgidus

The Archaeoglobus fulgidus gene af0721 encodes CbiX(S), a small cobaltochelatase associated with the anaerobic biosynthesis of vitamin B12 (cobalamin). The protein was shown to have activity both in vivo and in vitro, catalyzing the insertion of Co2+ into sirohydrochlorin. The structure of CbiX(S) was determined in two different crystal forms and was shown to consist of a central mixed beta-sheet flanked by four alpha-helices, one of which originates in the C-terminus of a neighboring molecule. CbiX(S) is about half the size of other Class II tetrapyrrole chelatases. The overall topography of CbiX(S) exhibits substantial resemblance to both the N- and C-terminal regions of several members of the Class II metal chelatases involved in tetrapyrrole biosynthesis. Two histidines (His10 and His74), are in similar positions as the catalytic histidine residues in the anaerobic cobaltochelatase CbiK (His145 and His207). In light of the hypothesis that suggests the larger chelatases evolved via gene duplication and fusion from a CbiX(S)-like enzyme, the structure of AF0721 may represent that of an "ancestral" precursor of class II metal chelatases.

Carbon−Cobalt Bond Distance and Bond Cleavage in One-Electron Reduced Methylcobalamin: A Failure of the Conventional DFT Method

Geometry optimizations at the HF, B3LYP, and CASSCF levels of electronic structure theory have been performed for methylcobalamin (MeCbl) model compounds in both the Co(III) (MeCbl(III)) and Co(II) (MeCbl(II)) formal oxidation states. Since the HOMO-LUMO and C-Co sigma-sigma MO gaps are significantly smaller in the MeCbl(II) compounds compared with MeCbl(III), a pseudo-Jahn Teller effect is possible. CASSCF calculations show that there is strong coupling between C-Co sigma-sigma MOs for the MeCbl(II) models leading to strong state mixing with significant total charge density transfer (approximately 0.4 e-), mainly from the C-Co sigma MO to C-Co sigma MO (approximately 0.3 e-). CASSCF(9:7) calculations show that the strong state mixing leads to an increase in the C-Co bond length for MeCbl(II) model compounds from 1.969 A (DFT and HF calculations) to 2.164 A in the base-on MeCbl(II) model and from 1.938 A to 2.144 A in the base-off MeCbl(II) model. Concomitantly, the Co-N axial bond length increases from 2.121 A (DFT) to 2.344 A in the CASSCF calculation. This coupling interaction between states can be used to explain the much lower Co-C bond dissociation enthalpy and much faster bond cleavage rate for the one-electron reduced methylcobalamin radical anion compared to MeCbl(III). It may also be important for axial bond distances in other Co(II) compounds.

Modification of mesoporous TiO2 electrodes with cross-linkable B12 derivatives

The modification of mesoporous TiO2 film electrodes with vitamin B12 derivatives (e.g., 1, 2, or 3) yields electrodes with interesting sensing and electrocatalytic properties. So far, only coordinative bonding between the B12 derivatives and the metal oxide surface was used, and B12 was lost under conditions of extended electrocatalysis [1. Schulthess, P.; Ammann, D.; Simon, W.; Caderas, C.; Stepanek, R.; Krautler, B. Helv. Chim. Acta 1984, 67 (4), 1026-1032. 2. Mayor, M.; Scheffold, R.; Walder, L. Helv. Chim. Acta 1997, 80 (4), 1183-1189. 3. Stepanek, R. Ph.D.; ETH: Zürich, 1987]. (1-3) We report here on a procedure that yields highly improved stabilities of the electrocatalysts toward reductive expulsion from the mesopores. It is based on cross-linking the B12 derivatives (4 or 5) equipped with multiple reaction sites in the TiO2 mesopores. The cross-linkers are multiple functionalized, one of them assisting the electron transfer from TiO2 to the Co centers via redox shuttling. The modified electrodes show high electrocatalytic reactivity toward organic halides and highly improved stability.

Influence of microemulsions on enantioselective synthesis of (R)-cyclopent-2-enol catalyzed by vitamin B12

The influence of microemulsions on the vitamin B12-catalyzed enantioselective isomerization of 1,2-epoxycyclopentane (1) to form (R)-cyclopent-2-enol (2) has been examined. The reaction was initiated by a reduction of vitamin B12 to the Co(I) form by Zn/NH4Cl. The largest enantiomeric excess (e.e.) in the products was 52% for (R)-2 obtained in a bicontinuous sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) microemulsion. A water-in-oil SDS microemulsion gave a poorer percent e.e. probably because of limited catalyst utilization in the water droplets. The influence of the pH of the water phase, the amount of water, and the concentration of vitamin B12 on the enantioselectivity and yield of the reaction was also explored. Results suggest that factors such as higher water content and bicontinuous fluid structure facilitated efficient intermixing of catalyst with reactant to form a key organocobalt intermediate, thus improving enantioselectivity.

Cobalamin as an analytical tool for analysis of oxirane metabolites of 1,3-butadiene: Development and validation of the method

The reduced form of vitamin B12 [cob(I)alamin] is known to be a supernucleophile, with the ability to react 10(5) times faster than standard nucleophiles. Procedures have been developed where cob(I)alamin is used as an analytical tool for the trapping of electrophilically reactive compounds. In the present work, a sensitive and accurate method for determination of reactive metabolites produced in vitro has been developed and validated. Diepoxybutane (DEB), a metabolite of 1,3-butadiene, was used as a model compound. The intermediate precursor 1,2-epoxybutene (EB) was incubated in a mouse liver S9 metabolic system and the formation of DEB was studied. Samples were taken at different times from the incubation mixture and added to the cob(I)alamin. The alkyl-cobalamins (alkyl-Cbl) formed were directly analysed by a miniaturized LC-MS/MS method and column switching. The assay was linear over the concentration range of 1.5-500 microM with acceptable precision and accuracy.

Mechanistic Analysis of Reductive Nitrosylation on Water-Soluble Cobalt(III)-Porphyrins

The reactions of NO and/or NO2- with three water-soluble cobalt porphyrins [Co(III)(P)(H2O)2]n, where P = TPPS, TCPP, and TMPyP, were studied in detail. At pH < 3, the reaction with NO proceeds through a single reaction step. From the kinetic data and activation parameters, the [Co(III)(P)(NO)(H2O)]n complex is proposed to be the primary product of the reaction with NO. This complex reacts further with a second NO molecule through an inner-sphere electron-transfer reaction to generate the final product, [Co(III)(P)(NO-)](n-1). At pH > 3, although a single reaction step is also observed, a systematic study as a function of the NO and NO2- concentrations revealed that two reaction steps are operative. In the first, NO2- and NO compete to substitute coordinated water in [Co(III)(P)(H2O)2]n to yield [Co(III)(P)(NO)(H2O)]n and [Co(III)(P)(NO2-)(H2O)](n-1) as the primary reaction products. Only the nitrite complex could be detected and no final product formation was observed during the reaction. It is proposed that [Co(III)(P)(NO)(H2O)]n rapidly reacts with NO2- to form the nitrite complex, which in the second reaction step reacts with another NO molecule to generate the final product through an inner-sphere electron-transfer reaction. The reported results are relevant for the interaction of vitamin B(12a) with NO and NO2-.

Investigation on a new scleroglucan/borax hydrogel: structure and drug release

The aim of this work is to elucidate the structure of the new hydrogel prepared with scleroglucan (Sclg) and borax, suitable for drug delivery, applying theoretical approaches, and to explain its very peculiar swelling. The possible linkages with borate ions have been investigated and original parameters for the 4,6-gluco-borate moiety have been introduced. The structures relative to the Sclg chains in the presence of borax and the possible mutual arrangements among the triple helices are given. According to molecular dynamics simulations, the most probable assembly of the chains in the network is proposed, without and in the presence of three tested model drugs with different molecular dimensions: theophylline (TPH), Vitamin B12 (Vit. B12) and myoglobin (MGB). The hydrogel supramolecular structure, formed via chemical and physical linkages among the polysaccharidic chains, is built up taking into account the steric hindrance of the entrapped molecules. It is shown that molecular dynamics analysis can be a useful tool capable to shed some light on the anomalous swelling of the hydrogel, suitable for drug release, giving a new insight on the network structure and the release rate of the guest molecules.

Anaerobic transformation of a technical brominated diphenyl ether mixture by super-reduced vitamin B12 and dicyanocobinamide

The anaerobic transformation of the technical octabromo diphenyl ether mixture, DE-79, was investigated by incubation with two super-reduced corrinoids, dicyanocobinamide and cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12). The transformation produced 33 brominated diphenyl ethers (BDEs), 23 of which could be assigned to known structures. Within 1 d, the hepta- to nona-BDEs in DE-79 were almost quantitatively transformed with dicyanocobinamide to lower-brominated homologs. Along with the decrease of high-brominated congeners, concentrations of some tetra- to hexabromo congeners initially increased, followed by a decreasing or constant concentration during longer incubations. Super-reduced cyanocobalamin also was able to transform BDE congeners of DE-79. Whereas the transformation rates of hepta- to nona-BDEs of DE-79 by both corrinoids were comparable, tri- to hexa-BDEs were susceptible to further transformation by super-reduced cyanocobalamin. Incubation of DE-79 with either corrinoid produced significant amounts of BDE 49. Because this congener is found in small quantities in both penta- and octabromo technical BDE mixtures, it may be a suitable indicator for reductive debromination of higher-brominated BDEs. Isolated BDE 196 was incubated as well with super-reduced dicyanocobalamine. After 1 d, 13 BDEs could be detected, with BDE 153, BDE 100, and BDE 99 dominating. After 7 d, only tetra-BDEs or lower-brominated BDEs were detectable. It could be shown that reductive debromination by super-reduced corrinoids is a possible source for lower-brominated BDEs (i.e., BDE 47, BDE 99, BDE 153, and BDE 154). The patterns observed with our bench-scale study design demonstrate that anaerobic transformation in the presence of reducing agents can help to explain the occurrence of environmentally relevant BDE congeners (e.g., BDE 47, BDE 99, and BDE 153).

New insights into carrier binding and epithelial uptake of the erythropoietic nutrients cobalamin and folate

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In addition to malnutrition several genetic and acquired conditions may affect the homeostasis of cobalamin (vitamin B12) and folate, leading to megaloblastic anemia and other diseases. The present review describes new insight into protein handling of cobalamin and folate.

RECENT FINDINGS

The recent solution of the three-dimensional structure of the cobalamin binder transcobalamin shows two separate domains enclosing the vitamin. This structure apparently also applies for the other homologous cobalamin binders, intrinsic factor and haptocorrin. Genetic studies of inherited cobalamin malabsorption and biochemical studies have now revealed that the functional receptor for uptake of intrinsic factor-vitamin cobalamin complexes also is a complex itself consisting of two different gene products, cubilin and amnionless. A role in folate uptake of megalin, an endocytic receptor for epithelial uptake of various proteins including transcobalamin, is now also indicated by the observation that megalin can mediate uptake of soluble folate receptor.

SUMMARY

New data show the structure of cobalamin carriers and reveal novel proteins involved in the epithelial uptake of cobalamin and folate. Genetic abnormalities in three different genes encoding proteins in the epithelial uptake of cobalamin are now known to cause malabsorption of cobalamin and megaloblastic anemia.

Alternative pathways for radical dissipation in an active site mutant of B12-dependent methylmalonyl-CoA mutase

Methylmalonyl-CoA mutase catalyzes the adenosylcobalamin-dependent rearrangement of (2R)-methylmalonyl-CoA to succinyl-CoA. The crystal structure of the enzyme reveals that Y243 is in van der Waals contact with the methyl group of the substrate and suggests a possible role for it in the stereochemical control of the reaction. This hypothesis was tested by designing a molecular hole by replacing the phenolic side chain of Y243 with the methyl group of alanine. The Y243A mutation lowered the catalytic efficiency >(4 x 10(4))-fold compared to wild-type enzyme, the K(M)app for the cofactor approximately 4-fold, and the cob(II)alamin concentration under steady-state turnover conditions approximately 2-fold. However, the mutation did not appear to lead to loss of the stereochemical preference for the substrate. The Y243A mutation is expected to create a cavity and should, in principle, allow accommodation of bulkier substrates. To test this, we used ethylmalonyl-CoA and allylmalonyl-CoA as alternate substrates. Surprisingly, both analogues resulted in suicidal inactivation, albeit in an O(2)-dependent and O(2)-independent fashion, respectively. The inactivation by allylmalonyl-CoA was further investigated, and revealed formation of cob(II)alamin at an approximately 1.5-fold higher rate than with wild-type mutase under single-turnover conditions. Product analysis revealed a stoichiometric mixture of 5'-deoxyadenosine, aquocobalamin, and allylmalonyl-CoA. Taken together, these results are consistent with an internal electron transfer from cob(II)alamin to the substrate analogue radical. These studies serve to emphasize the fine control exerted by Y243 in the vicinity of the substrate to minimize radical extinction in side reactions.

B12 trafficking in mammals: A for coenzyme escort service

Many coenzymes are vitamins that are assimilated in mammals into their active form from precursors obtained from the diet. They are often both rare and reactive rendering the likelihood low that the cell uses a collision-based strategy for their delivery to dependent enzymes. In humans, there are only two known B12 or cobalamin-dependent enzymes: methionine synthase and methylmalonyl-CoA mutase. However, the pathway for intracellular assimilation and utilization of this cofactor is complex as revealed by careful clinical analyses of fibroblasts from patients with disorders of cobalamin metabolism. In the recent past, six of the eight human genes involved in the B12 pathway have been identified and these have yielded important insights into their roles. The recent literature on the encoded proteins is reviewed, and a model for intracellular B12 trafficking is proposed in which B12 is escorted to its target proteins in the cytoplasmic and mitochondrial compartments in complex with chaperones, thereby averting problems of dilution and adventitious side reactions.

Co-C bond activation in methylmalonyl-CoA mutase by stabilization of the post-homolysis product Co2+ cobalamin

Despite decades of research, the mechanism by which coenzyme B12 (adenosylcobalamin, AdoCbl)-dependent enzymes promote homolytic cleavage of the cofactor's Co-C bond to initiate catalysis has continued to elude researchers. In this work, we utilized magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopy to explore how the electronic structure of the reduced B12 cofactor (i.e., the post-homolysis product Co2+ Cbl) is modulated by the enzyme methylmalonyl-CoA mutase. Our data reveal a fairly uniform stabilization of the Co 3d orbitals relative to the corrin pi/pi*-based molecular orbitals when Co2+ Cbl is bound to the enzyme active site, particularly in the presence of substrate. Contrastingly, our previous studies (Brooks, A. J.; Vlasie, M.; Banerjee, R.; Brunold, T. C. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2004, 126, 8167-8180.) showed that when AdoCbl is bound to the MMCM active site, no enzymatic perturbation of the Co3+ Cbl electronic structure occurs, even in the presence of substrate (analogues). Collectively, these observations provide direct evidence that enzymatic Co-C bond activation involves stabilization of the post-homolysis product, Co2+ Cbl, rather than destabilization of the Co3+ Cbl "ground" state.

Electronic structure studies of the adenosylcobalamin cofactor in glutamate mutase

Glutamate mutase (GM) is a cobalamin-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the reversible interconversion of L-glutamate and L-threo-3-methylaspartate via a radical-based mechanism. To initiate catalysis, the 5'-deoxyadenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl) cofactor's Co-C bond is cleaved homolytically to generate an adenosyl radical and Co2+ Cbl. In this work, we employed a combination of spectroscopic and computational tools to evaluate possible mechanisms by which the Co-C bond is activated for homolysis. Minimal perturbations to the electronic absorption (Abs), circular dichroism (CD), and magnetic CD (MCD) spectra of AdoCbl are observed upon formation of holoenzyme, even in the presence of substrate (or a substrate analogue), indicating that destabilization of the Co3+ Cbl "ground state" is an unlikely mechanism for Co-C bond activation. In contrast, striking alterations are observed in the spectroscopic data of the post-homolysis product Co2+ Cbl when bound to glutamate mutase in the presence of substrate (or a substrate analogue) as compared to unbound Co2+ Cbl. These enzymatic perturbations appear to most strongly affect the metal-to-ligand charge-transfer transitions of Co2+ Cbl, suggesting that the cofactor/active-site interactions give rise to a fairly uniform stabilization of the Co 3d orbitals. Remarkable similarities between the results obtained in this study and those reported previously for the related Cbl-dependent isomerase methylmalonyl-CoA mutase indicate that a common mechanism by which the cofactor's Co-C bond is activated for homolytic cleavage may be operative for all base-off/His-on Cbl-dependent isomerases.

Enhanced anaerobic biotransformation of carbon tetrachloride with precursors of vitamin B(12) biosynthesis

Relatively low concentrations of Vitamin B(12) are known to accelerate the anaerobic biotransformation of carbon tetrachloride (CT) and chloroform (CF). However, the addition of vitamin B(12) for field-scale bioremediation is expected to be costly. The present study considered a strategy to generate vitamin B(12) by addition of biosynthetic precursors. One of the precursors, porphobilinogen (PB) involved in the formation of the corrin ring, significantly increased the CT biotransformation rates by 2.7-, 8.8- and 10.9-fold when supplemented at 160, 500 and 900 microM, respectively. A positive control with 10 microM of vitamin B(12) resulted in a 5.9-fold increase in the CT-bioconversion rate. PB additions provided high molar yields of inorganic chloride (57% of CT organochlorine), comparable to that obtained with vitamin B(12) supplemented cultures. The primary substrate, methanol, known to induce vitamin B(12) production in methanogens and acetogens, was required for PB to have a significant impact on CT conversion. The observation suggests that PB's role was due to stimulating vitamin B(12) biosynthesis. The present study therefore provides insights on how to achieve vitamin B(12) enhanced rates of CT bioremediation through the use of less complex compounds that are precursors of vitamin B(12). Although PB is a costly chemical, its large impact points to corrin ring formation as the rate-limiting step.

Solutes modify a conformational transition in a membrane transport protein

The bacterial outer-membrane vitamin B(12) transporter, BtuB, undergoes a dramatic order-to-disorder transition in its N-terminal energy-coupling motif (Ton box) upon substrate binding. Here, site-directed spin labeling (SDSL) is used to show that a range of solutes prevents this conformational change when ligand is bound to BtuB, resulting in a more ordered Ton box structure. For each solute examined, the data indicate that solutes effectively block this conformational transition through an osmotic mechanism. The molecular weight dependence of this solute effect has been examined for a series of polyethylene glycols, and a sharp molecular weight cutoff is observed. This cutoff indicates that solutes are preferentially excluded from a cavity within the protein as well as the protein surface. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the conformational change to solution osmolality is consistent with a structural model predicted by SDSL. When the Ton box is unfolded by detergents or mutations (rather than by ligand binding), solutes, such as polyethylene glycols and salts, also induce a more structured compacted conformation. These results suggest that conformational changes in this class of outer membrane transporters, which involve modest energy differences and changes in hydration, may be modulated by a range of solutes, including solutes typically used in protein crystallization.

Electroreduction of a Series of Alkylcobalamins: Mechanism of Stepwise Reductive Cleavage of the Co−C Bond

The electrochemical (EC) reduction mechanism of methylcobalamin (Me-Cbl) in a mixed DMF/MeOH solvent in 0.2 M tetrabutylammonium fluoroborate electrolyte was studied as a function of temperature and solvent ratio vs a nonaqueous Ag/AgCl/Cl(-) reference electrode. Double-potential-step chronoamperometry allowed the rate constant of the subsequent homogeneous reaction to be measured over the temperature range from 0 to -80 degrees C in 40:60 and 50:50 DMF:MeOH ratios. Activation enthalpies are 5.8 +/- 0.5 and 7.6 +/- 0.3 kcal/mol in the 40:60 and 50:50 mixtures of DMF/MeOH, respectively. Digital simulation and curve-fitting for an EC mechanism using a predetermined homogeneous rate constant of 5.5 x 10(3) s(-1) give E degrees' = -1.466 V, k degrees = 0.016 cm/s, and alpha = 0.77 at 20 degrees C for a quasi-reversible electrode process. Digital simulation of the results of Lexa and Savéant (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1978, 100, 3220-3222) shows that the mechanism is a series of stepwise homogeneous equilibrium processes with an irreversible step following the initial electron transfer (ET) and allows estimation of the equilibrium and rate constants of these reactions. An electron coupling matrix element of H(kA) = (4.7 +/- 1.1) x 10(-4) eV ( approximately 46 J/mol) is calculated for the nonadiabatic ET step for reduction to the radical anion. A reversible bond dissociation enthalpy for homolytic cleavage of Me-Cbl is calculated as 31 +/- 2 kcal/mol. The voltammetry of the ethyl-, n-propyl-, n-butyl-, isobutyl-, and adenosyl-substituted cobalamin was studied, and estimated reversible redox potentials were correlated with Co-C bond distances as determined by DFT (B3LYP/ LANL2DZ) calculations.

Ultrafast Excited-State Dynamics in Vitamin B12and Related Cob(III)alamins

Femtosecond transient IR and visible absorption spectroscopies have been employed to investigate the excited-state photophysics of vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin, CNCbl) and the related cob(III)alamins, azidocobalamin (N3Cbl), and aquocobalamin (H2OCbl). Excitation of CNCbl, H2OCbl, or N3Cbl results in rapid formation of a short-lived excited state followed by ground-state recovery on time scales ranging from a few picoseconds to a few tens of picoseconds. The lifetime of the intermediate state is influenced by the sigma-donating ability of the axial ligand, decreasing in the order CNCbl > N3Cbl > H2OCbl, and by the polarity of the solvent, decreasing with increasing solvent polarity. The peak of the excited-state visible absorption spectrum is shifted to ca. 490 nm, and the shape of the spectrum is characteristic of weak axial ligands, similar to those observed for cob(II)alamin, base-off cobalamins, or cobinamides. Transient IR spectra of the upper CN and N3 ligands are red-shifted 20-30 cm(-1) from the ground-state frequencies, consistent with a weakened Co-upper ligand bond. These results suggest that the transient intermediate state can be attributed to a corrin ring pi to Co 3d(z2) ligand to metal charge transfer (LMCT) state. In this state bonds between the cobalt and the axial ligands are weakened and lengthened with respect to the corresponding ground states.

Exploiting the vitamin B12 pathway to enhance oral drug delivery via polymeric micelles

Vitamin B12 (VB12)-modified dextran-g-polyethyleneoxide cetyl ether (DEX-g-PEO-C16) was synthesized by linking VB12 residues to a DEX-g-PEO-C16 copolymer via a 2,2'-(ethylenedioxy)bis(ethylamine) spacer. The level of VB12 substitution on the DEX-g-PEO-C16 copolymer reached 1.68% (w/w). In aqueous solution, DEX-based copolymers form micelles that can entrap within their hydrophobic core up to 8.5% w/w of cyclosporin A (CsA), a poorly water soluble immunosuppressant. The permeability of Caco-2 cell membranes to CsA incorporated in VB12 modified and unmodified polymeric micelles was monitored in the presence and absence of intrinsic factor (IF). The apical (AP) to basolateral (BL) permeation of CsA through Caco-2 cell monolayers after 24 h of transport was significantly higher (1.8 and 2.3 times in absence and presence of IF, respectively) in the case of CsA loaded in VB12-modified polymeric micelles, compared to CsA in unmodified micelles. The results point to possible improvement in the application of polysaccharide-based polymeric micelles as targeted polymeric drug carriers for the oral delivery of poorly water soluble drugs.