Three new metal–organic complexes derived from N,N′-bis(3-pyridinecarboxamide)-1,2-ethane and polycarboxylate ligands: Synthesis, fluorescent and electrochemical properties

Determination of Apoptotic Mechanism of Action of Tetrabromobisphenol A and Tetrabromobisphenol S in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells: A Comparative Study

Background: Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) is the most commonly used brominated flame retardant (BFR) in the industry. TBBPA has been determined in environmental samples, food, tap water, dust as well as outdoor and indoor air and in the human body. Studies have also shown the toxic potential of this substance. In search of a better and less toxic BFR, tetrabromobisphenol S (TBBPS) has been developed in order to replace TBBPA in the industry. There is a lack of data on the toxic effects of TBBPS, while no study has explored apoptotic mechanism of action of TBBPA and TBBPS in human leukocytes. Methods: The cells were separated from leucocyte-platelet buffy coat and were incubated with studied compounds in concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 50 µg/mL for 24 h. In order to explore the apoptotic mechanism of action of tested BFRs, phosphatidylserine externalization at cellular membrane (the number of apoptotic cells), cytosolic calcium ion and transmembrane mitochondrial potential levels, caspase-8, -9 and -3 activation, as well as PARP-1 cleavage, DNA fragmentation and chromatin condensation in PBMCs were determined. Results: TBBPA and TBBPS triggered apoptosis in human PBMCs as they changed all tested parameters in the incubated cells. It was also observed that the mitochondrial pathway was mainly involved in the apoptotic action of studied compounds. Conclusions: It was found that TBBPS, and more strongly TBBPA, triggered apoptosis in human PBMCs. Generally, the mitochondrial pathway was involved in the apoptotic action of tested compounds; nevertheless, TBBPS more strongly than TBBPA caused intrinsic pathway activation.

New Pd/Co-Ni electrocatalysts for formic acid electrooxidation and their fabrication from inorganic precursor [Co0.14Ni1.86(dipic)2(phen)2(H2O)2]·4H2O

Novel Pd/Co-Ni oxide composites were developed as electrocatalysts for formic acid electro-oxidation as a process that can be utilised in fuel cells and electrochemical sensors. For achieving this goal, the new complex [Co0.14Ni1.86(dipic)2(phen)2(H2O)2]·4H2O (1) was synthesised and used as an inorganic precursor for producing a Co-Ni mixed metal promoter. In the following, palladium nanoparticles were anchored on Co-Ni mixed metal oxides via a reaction of chemical reduction with four different loadings. The electrocatalytic activity of the electrocatalysts was investigated for HCOOH electro-oxidation by electrochemical studies. Compared with single component electrocatalysts, the new electrocatalysts exhibited higher current, improved absorption/desorption of hydrogen, and a higher loading for metal oxides.

A series of pyridyl-amide-based ZnII/CdII coordination polymers and their polypyrrole-functionalized composite materials for tuning their photocatalytic properties

Six pyridyl-amide-based Zn^II/Cd^II coordination polymers have been solvothermally synthesized and decorated by polypyrrole for tuning their photocatalytic properties under visible irradiation.

Aminopyridine derivatives controlled the assembly and various properties of Cu–BTC metal–organic frameworks

Three Cu(ii) MOFs based on three aminopyridine derivatives and 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid have been synthesized and characterized. The electrocatalytic and photocatalytic properties of complexes 1–3 have been investigated in detail.