The effects of tungstophosphate and tungstosilicate on various stress promoters transformed in Escherichia coli

In Vitro Antibacterial Susceptibility of Different Pathogens to Thirty Nano-Polyoxometalates

Due to their unique properties, nano-polyoxometalates (POMs) can be alternative chemotherapeutic agents instrumental in designing new antibiotics. In this research, we synthesized and characterized “smart” nanocompounds and validated their antibacterial effects in order to formulate and implement potential new drugs. We characterized thirty POMs in terms of antibacterial activity–structure relationship. The antibacterial effects of these compounds are directly dependent upon their structure and the type of bacterial strain tested. We identified three POMs that presented sound antibacterial activity against S. aureus, B. cereus, E. coli, S. enteritidis and P. aeruginosa strains. A newly synthesized compound K₆[(VO)SiMo₂W₉O₃₉]·11H₂O (POM 7) presented antibacterial activity only against S. aureus (ATCC 6538P). Twelve POMs exerted antibacterial effects against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. Only one POM (a cluster derivatized with organometallic fragments) exhibited a stronger effect compared to amoxicillin. New studies in terms of selectivity and specificity are required to clarify these extremely important aspects needed to be considered in drug design.

Insights into the oxidative status and antioxidative responses of germinating broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica L.) seeds in tungstate contaminated water

The utilization of tungsten in traffic, smelting, mining, and other industrial applications allows its' accumulation in the environmental ecosystems. The present study included using a soluble form of tungsten (tungstate) at different levels (0, 1, 5, 10, 50, and 100 mg L^-1) as a water contaminant. The germinating seeds experienced tungstate at 1-50 mg L^-1 exhibited stimulation of seedling dry and fresh matter stress tolerance indices, whereas retardation of these traits at the level of 100 mg L^-1 was manifested. The stimulation of seedling growth at the levels of 1-50 mg L^-1 was associated with the regulation of reactive oxygen status, higher stability of cell membrane, and elevated level of antioxidative responses. Regarding the oxidative stress of the seedlings exposed to tungstate contaminated water, only the concentration of 100 mg L^-1 induced accumulation of hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anion, and hydroxyl radical with apparent membrane deteriorations in terms of lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, reductions of phytochelatins, reduced glutathione, ascorbate, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione peroxidase, as well as glutathione-S-transferase were the main symptoms of tungstate phytotoxicity at the same level. The accumulation of lignin, ionic peroxidase, soluble peroxidase, and lignin-related enzymes (phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and polyphenol oxidase) were the striking reasons for restricting seedlings growth at noxious tungstate level. The results could suggest that the elevated levels of defense systems, at least in part, were accountable for raising broccoli resistance against tungstate stress at low doses. Furthermore, these plants can grow in tungsten-polluted areas by modifying their physiological processes. However, this study shed the light to the eco-toxicity of tungstate and imparts evidence for the need to establishing environmental risk management of tungstate accumulation.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Phosphoesterase Activity of a Series of 4f- and 4d-Sandwich-Type Germanotungstates [(n-C4H9)4N]l/mH2[(M(H2O)3)(γ-GeW10O35)2] (M = CeIII, NdIII, GdIII, ErIII, l = 7; ZrIV, m = 6)

We report on a family of five new 4f- and 4d-doped sandwich-type germanotungstates with the general formula [(n-C₄H₉)₄N]_l/mH₂[(M(H₂O)₃)(γ-GeW₁₀O₃₅)₂]·3(CH₃)₂CO [M(H₂O)₃(GeW₁₀)₂] (M = Ce^III, Nd^III, Gd^III, Er^III, l = 7; Zr^IV, m = 6), which have been synthesized at room temperature in an acetone–water mixture. Among the compound series, [Zr(H₂O)₃(GeW₁₀)₂]^8–, which has been obtained in the presence of 30% H₂O₂, represents the first example of a 4d-substituted germanotungstate incorporating the intact dilacunary [γ-Ge^IVW₁₀O₃₆]^8– building block. All compounds were characterized thoroughly in the solid state by single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and elemental analysis and in solution by NMR and UV–vis spectroscopy. The phosphoesterase activity of [Ce(H₂O)₃(GeW₁₀)₂]^9– and [Zr(H₂O)₃(GeW₁₀)₂]^8– toward the model substrates 4-nitrophenyl phosphate (NPP) and O,O-dimethyl O-(4-nitrophenyl) phosphate (DMNP) was monitored with ¹H- and ³¹P-NMR spectroscopy revealing an acceleration of the hydrolytic reaction by an order of magnitude (k_corr = 3.44 (±0.30) × 10^–4 min^–1 for [Ce(H₂O)₃(GeW₁₀)₂]^9– and k_corr = 5.36 (±0.05) × 10^–4 min^–1 for [Zr(H₂O)₃(GeW₁₀)₂]^8–) as compared to the uncatalyzed reaction (k_uncat = 2.60 (±0.10) × 10^–5 min^–1). [Ce(H₂O)₃(GeW₁₀)₂]^9– demonstrated improved antibacterial activity toward Moraxella catarrhalis (MIC 32 μg/mL), compared to the unsubstituted [GeW₁₀O₃₆]^8– POM (MIC 64 μg/mL).

We report on the synthesis and characterization of five new monosubstituted 4f- and 4d-germanotungstates [(n-C₄H₉)₄N]_l/mH₂[(M(H₂O)₃)(γ-GeW₁₀O₃₅)₂]·3(CH₃)₂CO [M(H₂O)₃(GeW₁₀)₂] (M = Ce^III, Nd^III, Gd^III, Er^III, l = 7; Zr^IV; m = 6). The phosphoesterase properties of [Ce(H₂O)₃(GeW₁₀)₂]⁹⁻ and [Zr(H₂O)₃(GeW₁₀)₂]⁸⁻ were investigated by probing the hydrolytic activity toward 4-nitrophenyl phosphate (NPP) and O,O-dimethyl O-(4-nitrophenyl) phosphate (DMNP). Antibacterial tests revealed inhibiting activity of [Ce(H₂O)₃(GeW₁₀)₂]⁹⁻ against Moraxella catarrhalis.

A quercetin based fluorescent chemical sensor for ultra-sensitive determination and speciation of tungsten species in water

The current study explores the use of quercetin for developing a highly selective spectrofluorimetric methodology for trace determination, speciation and thermodynamic characterization of tungstate (WO₄^2-) species in water. The study relies on the principle of chelate formation between WO₄^2- and quercetin with subsequent increase in the emission intensity. The developed method could be applied successfully in a wide linear range (1.0-400.0 μg L^-1) with a detection limit of 0.28 μg L^-1 and quantification limit of 0.92 μg L^-1 at λ_ex/em = 400/492 nm. The developed method was successfully applied in real tap and waste water samples. The suitability of the proposed method was further validated by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) in terms of student's t and F tests at 95% confidence. Characterization (NMR, FTIR and electronic spectra), stoichiometry, stability constant, fluorescence mechanism and thermodynamic parameters (ΔH, ΔS, and ΔG) of the produced complex species were evaluated and properly assigned. The fluorescence quenching mechanism of tungstate quercetin complex by Triton X-100 was also evaluated for computing Stern-Volmer quenching constant and approximating quenching sphere. The method showed a clear significance over most of the reported methods for tungsten in literature in terms of good accuracy, robustness, ruggedness, short analytical time and cost-effectiveness.

3,5-Dihydroxy Benzoic Acid-Capped CaF2:Tb3+ Nanocrystals as Luminescent Probes for the WO4 2- Ion in Aqueous Solution

We report a facile and effective luminescence method for the determination of the WO4 2- ion in aqueous medium at initial pH = 6.3. This is achieved using 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid-capped CaF2:Tb3+ (5%) nanocrystals (NCs) as a luminescent probe. This is accomplished based on the energy transfer luminescence from the WO4 2- ion to the Tb3+ ion in small-size CaF2:Tb3+ NCs. Hydroxyl groups on the surface ligand helps in binding the tungstate ion to the surface of the NCs. With the gradual addition of the WO4 2- ion, the intensity of the Tb3+ excitation and emission spectra significantly increased. The linear range of the detection was from 1 to 10 μM for the WO4 2- ion (R 2 = 0.99). The calculated detection limit was 0.4 μM (by applying the 3σ/K criterion).

Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity of Polyoxometalates with Different Structures

A new inorganic-organic hybrid compound, [{Cu(phen)2}2(H4W12O40)], was synthesized, and its crystal structure was determined. The Keggin anion H4W12O40 4- was grafted with two coordination units {Cu(phen)2}, forming an electrically neutral molecule. The antibacterial activity of several polyoxometalate compounds with different anionic structures including the new compound was studied. The results show that the compound 1 can inhibit the growth of Enterococcus faecalis FA2 strains and that antibacterial activity of the polyoxometalate compounds is dependent with component elements of POM but is less relative with the anion structures.

pH-Dependent Bioavailability, Speciation, and Phytotoxicity of Tungsten (W) in Soil Affect Growth and Molybdoenzyme Activity of Nodulated Soybeans

Increasing use of tungsten (W)-based products opened new pathways for W into environmental systems. Due to its chemical alikeness with molybdenum (Mo), W is expected to behave similarly to its "twin element", Mo; however, our knowledge of the behavior of W in the plant-soil environment remains inadequate. The aim of this study was to investigate plant growth as well as W and nutrient uptake depending on soil chemical properties such as soil pH and texture. Soybean ( Glycine max cv. Primus) was grown on two acidic soils differing in soil texture that were either kept at their natural soil pH (pH of 4.5-5) or limed (pH of ≥7) and amended with increasing concentrations of metallic W (control and 500 and 5000 mg kg-1). In addition, the activity of molybdoenzymes involved in N assimilation (nitrate reductase) and symbiotic N2 fixation (nitrogenase) was also investigated. Our results showed that the risk of W entering the food web was significantly greater in high-pH soils due to increased solubility of mainly monomeric W. The effect of soil texture on W solubility and phytoavailability was less pronounced compared to soil pH. Particularly at intermediate W additions (W 500 mg kg-1), symbiotic nitrogen fixation was able to compensate for reduced leaf nitrate reductase activity. When W soil solution concentrations became too toxic (W 5000 mg kg-1), nodulation was more strongly inhibited than nitrogenase activity in the few nodules formed, suggesting a more-efficient detoxification and compartmentalization mechanism in nodules than in soybean leaves. The increasing presence of polymeric W species observed in low-pH soils spiked with high W concentrations resulted in decreased W uptake. Simultaneously, polymeric W species had an overall negative effect on nutrient assimilation and plant growth, suggesting a greater phytotoxicity of W polymers. Our study demonstrates the importance of accounting for soil pH in risk assessment studies of W in the plant-soil environment, something that has been completely neglected in the past.

Tungsten Speciation and Solubility in Munitions-Impacted Soils

Considerable questions persist regarding tungsten geochemistry in natural systems, including which forms of tungsten are found in soils and how adsorption regulates dissolved tungsten concentrations. In this study, we examine tungsten speciation and solubility in a series of soils at firing ranges in which tungsten rounds were used. The metallic, mineral, and adsorbed forms of tungsten were characterized using X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray microprobe, and desorption isotherms for tungsten in these soils were used to characterize its solid-solution partitioning behavior. Data revealed the complete and rapid oxidation of tungsten metal to hexavalent tungsten(VI) and the prevalence of adsorbed polymeric tungstates in the soils rather than discrete mineral phases. These polymeric complexes were only weakly retained in the soils, and porewaters in equilibrium with contaminated soils had 850 mg L^-1 tungsten, considerably in excess of predicted solubility. We attribute the high solubility and limited adsorption of tungsten to the formation of polyoxometalates such as W₁₂SiO₄₀^4-, an α-Keggin cluster, in soil solutions. Although more research is needed to confirm which of such polyoxometalates are present in soils, their formation may not only increase the solubility of tungsten but also facilitate its transport and influence its toxicity.

Tungsten (W) bioavailability in paddy rice soils and its accumulation in rice (Oryza sativa)

The aim of this study was to investigate the accumulation characteristics of tungsten (W) by different indica rice cultivars from the soil and to assess the potential risks to human health via dietary intake of W in rice consumption. A total of 153 rice (ear) samples of 15 cultivars and the corresponding surface soil samples were collected from 7 cities in Fujian Province of southeastern China. The available soil W were extracted using H₂C₂O₄·2H₂O-(NH₄)₂C₂O₄·H₂O at pH 3.3). Results showed that the total soil W ranged from 2.03 mg kg^-1 to 15.34 mg kg^-1 and available soil W ranged from 0.03 mg kg^-1 to 1.61 mg kg^-1. The W concentration in brown rice varied from 7 μg kg^-1 to 283 μg kg^-1 and was significantly correlated with the available soil W. The highest mean TF_avail (transfer factor based on available soil W) was 0.91 for Te-you 627 (hybrid, indica rice), whereas the lowest was 0.08 for Yi-you 673 (hybrid, indica rice). The TF_avail decreased with the increase in available soil W, clay content, and cation exchange capacity. The consumption of the brown rice produced from the investigated areas in some cultivars by the present study may cause risks to human health.

A chronoamperometric screen printed carbon biosensor based on alkaline phosphatase inhibition for W(IV) determination in water, using 2-phospho-L-ascorbic acid trisodium salt as a substrate

This paper presents a chronoamperometric method to determine tungsten in water using screen-printed carbon electrodes modified with gold nanoparticles and cross linked alkaline phosphatase immobilized in the working electrode. Enzymatic activity over 2-phospho-l-ascorbic acid trisodium salt, used as substrate, was affected by tungsten ions, which resulted in a decrease of chronoamperometric current, when a potential of 200 mV was applied on 10 mM of substrate in a Tris HCl buffer pH 8.00 and 0.36 M of KCl. Calibration curves for the electrochemical method validation, give a reproducibility of 5.2% (n = 3), a repeatability of 9.4% (n = 3) and a detection limit of 0.29 ± 0.01 µM. Enriched tap water, purified laboratory water and bottled drinking water, with a certified tungsten reference solution traceable to NIST, gave a recovery of 97.1%, 99.1% and 99.1% respectively (n = 4 in each case) and a dynamic range from 0.6 to 30 µM. This study was performed by means of a Lineweaver-Burk plot, showing a mixed kinetic inhibition.

Spectrofluorometric determination and chemical speciation of trace concentrations of tungsten species in water using the ion pairing reagent procaine hydrochloride

A highly selective and low cost extractive spectrofluorimetric method was developed for determination of trace concentrations of tungsten (VI) in water. The method was based upon solvent extraction of the developed ion associate [(PQH(+))(2)·WO(4)(2-)] of the fluorescent ion-pairing reagent [2-(diethylamino)ethyl 4 aminobenzoate] hydrochloride namely procaine hydrochloride, PQH(+)·Cl(-) and tungstate (WO(4)(2-)) in aqueous solution of pH 6-7 followed by measuring the resulting fluorescence enhancement in n-hexane at λ(ex/em)=270/320nm. The fluorescence intensity of PQH(+)·Cl(-) increased linearly on increasing tungstate concentration in the range 25-250μgL(-1). The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) of tungsten (VI) were found 7.51 and 24.75μgL(-1), respectively. Chemical composition of the developed ion associate and the molar absorptivity at 270nm were found to be [(PQH(+))(2)·WO(4)(2-)] and 2.7×10(4)Lmol(-1)cm(-1), respectively. Other oxidation states (III, IV, V) of tungsten species could also be determined after oxidation with H(2)O(2) in aqueous solution to tungsten (VI). The method was applied for analysis of tungsten in certified reference material (IAEA Soil-7) and wastewater samples. The results were compared successfully (>95%) with the data of inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

Does speciation matter for tungsten ecotoxicology?

Tungsten is a widely used transition metal that has not been thoroughly investigated with regards to its ecotoxicological effects. Tungsten anions polymerize in environmental systems as well as under physiological conditions in living organisms. These polymerization/condensation reactions result in the development of several types of stable polyoxoanions. Certain chemical properties (in particular redox and acidic properties) differentiate these polyanions from monotungstates. However, our current state of knowledge on tungsten toxicology, biological and environmental effects is based entirely on experiments where monotungstates were used and assumed by the authors to be the form of tungsten that was present and that produced the observed effect. Recent discoveries indicate that tungsten speciation may be important to ecotoxicology. New results obtained by different research groups demonstrate that polytungstates develop and persist in environmental systems, and that polyoxotungstates are much more toxic than monotungstates. This paper reviews the available toxicological information from the standpoint of tungsten speciation and identifies knowledge gaps and pertinent future research directions.

Tungsten speciation and toxicity: acute toxicity of mono- and poly-tungstates to fish

Tungsten is a widely used transition metal for which very limited information on environmental and toxicological effects is available. Of particular interest is the lack of information linking tungsten speciation and environmental effects. Tungsten anions may polymerize (depending upon concentration, pH, and aquatic geochemistry) in aquatic and soil systems. However, to this date, of all soluble tungstate species only monotungstates have been scrutinized to a fair extent in toxicological studies. The objective of this work is a comparative assessment of the acute toxicity of monotungstates (sodium tungstate, Na(2)WO(4)) and polytungstates (sodium metatungstate, 3Na(2)WO(4).9WO(3)) to Poecilia reticulate. The experiments have been performed according to the OEDC protocols 203 and 204. LD50 values for 1-14 days show that sodium metatungstate is significantly more toxic to fish than sodium tungstate. Based on LD50 (0.86-3.88gL(-1) or 4.67-21.1x10(-3)molNa(2)WO(4)L(-1)), sodium tungstate may be classified as a chemical of low toxicity to fish. Sodium metatungstate caused similar fish mortality to sodium tungstate when it was introduced in 55-80 times lower concentrations (in terms of molL(-1)) than sodium tungstate. LD50 values for sodium metatungstate range from 0.13 to 0.85gWL(-1) or 5.69 to 38.71x10(-5)mol 3Na(2)WO(4).9WO(3)L(-1). Based on these values sodium metatungstate can be classified as a moderate toxic agent to fish.

Tungsten affects the cortical microtubules of Pisum sativum root cells: experiments on tungsten-molybdenum antagonism

Tungsten (W) is increasingly shown to be toxic to various organisms, including plants. Apart from inactivation of molybdo-enzymes, other potential targets of W toxicity in plants, especially at the cellular level, have not yet been revealed. In the present study, the effect of W on the cortical microtubule array of interphase root tip cells was investigated, in combination with the possible antagonism of W for the pathway of molybdenum (Mo). Pisum sativum seedlings were treated with W, Mo or a combination of the two, and cortical microtubules were examined using tubulin immunofluorescnce and TEM. Treatments with anti-microtubule (oryzalin, colchicine and taxol) or anti-actomyosin (cytochalasin D, BDM or ML-7) drugs and W were also performed. W-affected cortical microtubules were low in number, short, not uniformly arranged and were resistant to anti-microtubule drugs. Cells pre-treated with oryzalin or colchicine and then treated with W displayed W-affected microtubules, while cortical microtubules pre-stabilized with taxol were resistant to W. Treatment with Mo and anti-actomyosin drugs prevented W from affecting cortical microtubules. Cortical microtubule recovery after W treatment was faster in Mo solution than in water. The results indicate that cortical microtubules of plant cells are indirectly affected by W, most probably through a mechanism depending on the in vivo antagonism of W for the Mo-binding site of Cnx1 protein.

Assessment of the environmental toxicity and carcinogenicity of tungsten-based shot

The toxicity of elemental tungsten released from discharged shot was assessed against previous studies that established a 1% toxic threshold for soil organisms. Extremely heavy theoretical shot loadings of 69,000shot/ha were used to generate estimated environmental concentrations (EEC) for two brands of tungsten-based shot containing 51% and 95% tungsten. The corresponding tungsten EEC values were 6.5-13.5mg W/kg soil, far below the 1% toxic threshold. The same shot loading in water produced tungsten EEC values of 2.1-4.4mg W/L, levels that are not toxic under experimental conditions. Pure tungsten has not been shown to exhibit carcinogenic properties when ingested or embedded in animal tissues, but nickel, with which it is often alloyed, has known carcinogenicity. Given the large number of waterfowl that carry shot embedded in their body, it is advisable to screen lead shot substitutes for their carcinogenic potential through intra-muscular implantation.

A review of tungsten: from environmental obscurity to scrutiny

Since its discovery, tungsten, a transition element of Group VIb of the Periodic Table of Elements, and its compounds have been considered environmentally benign. Its presence in biological and drinking water samples in Fallon, Nevada, an acute lymphocytic leukemia cluster struck community has alarmed public health, environmental and regulatory agencies. Tungsten, a metal of extraordinary properties that make it hardly substitutable, is considered an essential commodity with a wide variety of uses stretching from household necessities to highly specialized applications. This work is undertaken in order to explore aspects of environmental behavior of tungsten and its compounds. Occurrence data in terrestrial, atmospheric, aquatic and biotic systems are presented. Various aspects of environmental chemistry, fate transport across environmental interfaces and toxicology are discussed with the objective of identifying knowledge gaps and outlining directions for future research.

Effects of tungsten on environmental systems

Tungsten is a metal with many industrial and military applications, including manufacturing of commercial and military ammunition. Despite its widespread use, the potential environmental effects of tungsten are essentially unknown. This study addresses environmental effects of particulate and soluble forms of tungsten, and to a minor extent certain tungsten alloy components, present in some munitions formulations. Dissolution of tungsten powder significantly acidifies soils. Tungsten powder mixed with soils at rates higher than 1% on a mass basis, trigger changes in soil microbial communities resulting in the death of a substantial portion of the bacterial component and an increase of the fungal biomass. It also induces the death of red worms and plants. These effects appear to be related with the soil acidification occurring during tungsten dissolution. Dissolved tungsten species significantly decrease microbial yields by as much as 38% for a tungsten media concentration of 89 mg l(-1). Soluble tungsten concentrations as low as 10(-5) mg l(-1), cause a decrease in biomass production by 8% which is possibly related to production of stress proteins. Plants and worms take up tungsten ions from soil in significant amounts while an enrichment of tungsten in the plant rhizosphere is observed. These results provide an indication that tungsten compounds may be introduced into the food chain and suggest the possibility of development of phytoremediation-based technologies for the cleanup of tungsten contaminated sites.

Antibacterial activity of highly negative charged polyoxotungstates, K27[KAs4W40O140] and K18[KSb9W21O86], and Keggin-structural polyoxotungstates against Helicobacter pylori

The antibacterial activity of polyoxometalates (PMs) against Helicobacter pylori was investigated based on determinations of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC), time-killing of the bacteria, bacterial morphology and PM-uptake into the bacteria cell. The result of MIC values revealed that, of 13 PMs used in this study, highly negative-charged polyoxotungstates, such as K27[KAs4W40O140] and K18[KSb9W21O86], and Keggin-structural polyoxotungstates exhibited a potent antibacterial activity with the MIC values of less than 256 microg/ml. The former was the most active, and superior to metronidazole (MTZ) against MTZ-susceptible and resistant strains and also to clarithromycin (CLR) against CLR-resistant strains. In contrast, most of polyoxomolybdates showed little antibacterial activity with the MIC values of more than 256 microg/ml. The result of FIC index values indicated that the antibacterial polyoxotungstates had partially synergistic effect in combination with MTZ and CLR but indifferent effect in combination with amoxicillin (AMX). From the results of the time-killing and scanning electron microscope images, K27[KAs4W40O140] and K18[KSb9W21O86] proved the concentration-dependent bactericidal activity with the morphological change from bacillary form to coccoid form, while Keggin-structural K5[SiV(V)W11O40] showed the bacteriostatic activity with small change of morphology to coccoid form. The fluorescent X-ray analysis demonstrated that these polyoxotungstates were taken into the bacteria cell. It is pointed out that the Keggin-structure and/or high negativity polyoxotungstates are an important factor for the antibacterial activity against H. pylori.