Development of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the determination of the linear alkylbenzene sulfonates and long-chain sulfophenyl carboxylates using antibodies generated by pseudoheterologous immunization

Spatial gradients and molecular transformations of DOM, DON and DOS in human-impacted estuarine sediments

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) constitutes the most active fraction in global carbon pools, with estuarine sediments serving as significant repositories, where DOM is susceptible to dynamic transformations. Anthropogenic nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) inputs further complicate DOM by creating N-bearing DOM (DON) and S-bearing DOM (DOS). This study delves into the spatial gradients and transformation mechanisms of DOM, DON, and DOS in Pearl River Estuary (PRE) sediments, China, using combined techniques of UV-visible spectroscopy, Excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy, Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS), and microbial high-throughput sequencing. Results uncovered a distinct spatial gradient in DOM concentration, aromaticity (SUVA254), hydrophobicity (SUVA260), the content of substituent groups including carboxyl, carbonyl, hydroxyl and ester groups (A253/A203) of chromophoric DOM (CDOM), and the abundances of tyrosine/tryptophan-like protein and humic-like substances in fluorophoric DOM (FDOM). These all decreased from upper to lower PRE, accompanied by a decrease in O3S and O5S components, indicating seaward reduction in the contribution of terrestrial OM, especially anthropogenic inputs. Additionally, sediments exhibited a reduction in molecular diversity (number of formulas) of DOM, DON, and DOS from upper to lower PRE, with molecules tending towards a lower nominal oxidation state of carbon (NOSC) and higher bio-reactivity (MLBL), molecular weight (m/z) and saturation (H/C). While molecular composition of DOM remained similar in PRE sediments, the relative abundance of lignin-like substances decreased, with a concurrent increase in protein-like and lipid-like substances in DON and DOS from upper to lower PRE. Mechanistic analysis identified the joint influence of terrestrial OM, anthropogenic N/S inputs, and microbial processes in shaping the spatial gradients of DOM, DON, and DOS in PRE estuarine sediments. This study contributes valuable insights into the intricate spatial gradients and transformations of DOM, DON, and DOS within human-impacted estuarine sediments.

Rational Design 2-Hydroxypropylphosphonium Salts as Cancer Cell Mitochondria-Targeted Vectors: Synthesis, Structure, and Biological Properties

It has been shown for a wide range of epoxy compounds that their interaction with triphenylphosphonium triflate occurs with a high chemoselectivity and leads to the formation of (2-hydroxypropyl)triphenylphosphonium triflates 3 substituted in the 3-position with an alkoxy, alkylcarboxyl group, or halogen, which were isolated in a high yield. Using the methodology for the disclosure of epichlorohydrin with alcohols in the presence of boron trifluoride etherate, followed by the substitution of iodine for chlorine and treatment with triphenylphosphine, 2-hydroxypropyltriphenylphosphonium iodides 4 were also obtained. The molecular and supramolecular structure of the obtained phosphonium salts was established, and their high antitumor activity was revealed in relation to duodenal adenocarcinoma. The formation of liposomal systems based on phosphonium salt 3 and L-α-phosphatidylcholine (PC) was employed for improving the bioavailability and reducing the toxicity. They were produced by the thin film rehydration method and exhibited cytotoxic properties. This rational design of phosphonium salts 3 and 4 has promising potential of new vectors for targeted delivery into mitochondria of tumor cells.

Three Gorges Reservoir construction induced dissolved organic matter chemistry variation between the reservoir and non-reservoir areas along the Xiangxi tributary

As one of the most dynamic and reactive compound pools, DOM plays a crucial part in various biochemical processes such as element cycling and nutrient export. Although the reservoir DOM has been investigated extensively, the variation of DOM between reservoir area and non-reservoir area induced by reservoir construction is not comprehensively assessed. By the combination of a series of complementary techniques including stable carbon isotope, optical spectroscopy, and ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry, here we show that hydrological alterations induced by Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) construction were responsible for the variation in DOM molecular composition between reservoir area and non-reservoir area in Xiangxi tributary. With water intrusion from mainstream induced by reservoir construction and operation, reservoir area had relatively higher terrestrial input and more recalcitrant DOM than those in the non-reservoir area with limited influence of reservoir operation, whereas, relatively more autochthonous source and higher molecular lability of DOM were observed in the non-reservoir area. The water intrusion from mainstream to tributaries induced by reservoir construction is likely the main factor controlling DOM variation between reservoir area and non-reservoir area, and might devote to the organic carbon burial in the reservoir. This research provides new insight into spatial variations of riverine DOM composition induced by reservoir construction, underlining the important role of the reservoir in DOM cycling.

Hydrologic heterogeneity induced variability of dissolved organic matter chemistry among tributaries of the Three Gorges Reservoir

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) chemistry in rivers regulates aquatic food web dynamics, water quality, and carbon storage. The operation of reservoirs represents one of the major human modifications on the natural flow of rivers, which can affect DOM chemistry. Although hydrologic heterogeneity has been observed in different segments of the reservoir, whether it will structure DOM chemistry is poorly assessed, which is critical to better constrain the carbon cycle in reservoirs. By the combination of a series of techniques including stable carbon isotopes, optical spectroscopy, and ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry, here we showed that hydrologic heterogeneity induced changes in DOM molecular composition between two large tributaries, named Shennongxi (SR) and Xiangxi (XR) rivers, of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR). With water intrusion from mainstream, SR had relatively higher terrestrial and more recalcitrant DOM than XR, where no water intrusion from the mainstream was observed. In contrast, the averaged relative abundance of autochthonous input and biological lability of DOM along upstream to downstream transect were higher in XR than that in SR. The presence or absence of water intrusion from mainstream to tributaries induced by hydrologic management is likely the main factor controlling DOM chemistry in different tributaries of the TGR. By linking DOM chemistry in the water column with that in surface sediments, we suggest that hydrologic management of reservoir likely affects the preferential preservation of recalcitrant DOM in surface sediments, which further affects the organic carbon burial and the river carbon cycle. With reservoir construction increasing worldwide, further studies are encouraged to investigate the DOM chemistry under different hydrologic management of reservoirs to better constrain and predict the carbon cycling in fluvial ecosystems.

Optical and molecular signatures of dissolved organic matter in Xiangxi Bay and mainstream of Three Gorges Reservoir, China: Spatial variations and environmental implications

With the on-going boom in the construction of dam reservoirs all over the world, the sources and composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in fluvial networks are expected to be altered. Considering the importance of DOM as a key biogeochemical component in inland waters, this might bring important ecological and environmental influences. However, limited information is available on the molecular composition of DOM in dam reservoirs. In this study, the spatial characteristics of DOM composition were investigated in Xiangxi tributary and mainstream of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR), the largest freshwater reservoir in the world. The concentration alteration of conservative cations revealed the water intrusion from mainstream into Xiangxi tributary, which mainly controlled the hydrological gradient. One tyrosine-like (C4), one tryptophan-like (C2), and two humic-like (C1 and C3) fluorescent components were identified in fluorescent DOM (FDOM) by parallel factor analysis (PAFACAC), potentially indicating algal, anthropogenic, and terrestrial inputs, respectively. Decreasing trends of C1, C3 and C4 components and an increasing trend of C2 component were observed from Xiangxi tributary to mainstream, indicating higher terrestrial and algal inputs but lower anthropogenic inputs in Xiangxi tributary compared to mainstream. The Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) characterization further revealed substantial heterogeneity of DOM at the molecular level. Interestingly, S-containing compounds related to synthetic surfactants were consistently detected, and their relative abundances showed an increasing trend from Xiangxi tributary to mainstream, in agreement with the distribution of the anthropogenic derived C2 component. Meanwhile, numerous lignin-like S-containing compounds were identified, likely the result of the incorporation of sulfide ions to lignin-like CHO compounds. This study represents the first molecular level characterization of DOM in the TGR system, which should aid the design and implementation of more detailed future studies.

Patterned immobilization of antibodies within roll-to-roll hot embossed polymeric microfluidic channels

This paper describes a method for the patterned immobilization of capture antibodies into a microfluidic platform fabricated by roll-to-roll (R2R) hot embossing on poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). Covalent attachment of antibodies was achieved by two sequential inkjet printing steps. First, a polyethyleneimine (PEI) layer was deposited onto oxygen plasma activated PMMA foil and further cross-linked with glutaraldehyde (GA) to provide an amine-reactive aldehyde surface (PEI-GA). This step was followed by a second deposition of antibody by overprinting on the PEI-GA patterned PMMA foil. The PEI polymer ink was first formulated to ensure stable drop formation in inkjet printing and the printed films were characterized using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Anti-CRP antibody was patterned on PMMA foil by the developed method and bonded permanently with R2R hot embossed PMMA microchannels by solvent bonding lamination. The functionality of the immobilized antibody inside the microfluidic channel was evaluated by fluorescence-based sandwich immunoassay for detection of C-reactive protein (CRP). The antibody-antigen assay exhibited a good level of linearity over the range of 10 ng/ml to 500 ng/ml (R(2) = 0.991) with a calculated detection limit of 5.2 ng/ml. The developed patterning method is straightforward, rapid and provides a versatile approach for creating multiple protein patterns in a single microfluidic channel for multiplexed immunoassays.

Molecular characterization of effluent organic matter identified by ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry

Effluent dissolved organic matter (EfOM) collected from the secondary-treated wastewater of the Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD) located in Fountain Valley, California, USA was compared to natural organic matter collected from the Suwannee River (SRNOM), Florida using ultrahigh resolution electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS). Furthermore, the two different treatment processes at OCSD, activated sludge and trickling filter, were separately investigated. The blend of these two effluents was further evaluated after it had passed through the microfiltration process of the Advanced Water Purification Facility (AWPF) at Orange County Water District (OCWD). EfOM contained 872 different m/z peaks that were unambiguously assigned to exact molecular formulae containing a single sulfur atom and carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms (CHOS formulae). In contrast, the SRNOM sample only contained 152 CHOS formulae. The trend in CHO molecular compositions was opposite with 2500 CHO formulae assigned for SRNOM but only about 1000 for EfOM. The CHOS-derived mass peaks with highest abundances in EfOM could be attributed to surfactants such as linear alkyl benzene sulfonates (LAS), their co-products dialkyl tetralin sulfonates (DATS) and their biodegraded metabolites such as sulfophenyl carboxylic acids (SPC). The differences between the treatments were found minor with greater differences between sampling dates than treatment methods used.

Heteronuclear 1H-31P statistical total correlation NMR spectroscopy of intact liver for metabolic biomarker assignment: application to galactosamine-induced hepatotoxicity

As part of our ongoing development of methods for enhanced biomarker information recovery from spectroscopic data we present the first example of a new hetero-nuclear statistical total correlation spectroscopy (HET-STOCSY) approach applied to intact tissue samples collected as part of a toxicological study. One-dimensional 1H and 31P-{1H} magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectra of intact liver samples after galactosamine (galN) treatment to rats and after cotreatment of galN plus uridine were collected at 275 K. Individual samples were also followed by 1H and 31P-{1H} MAS NMR through time generating time dependent modulations in metabolite signatures relating to toxicity. High-resolution 1H NMR spectra of urine and plasma and clinical chemical data were also collected to establish a biological framework in which to place these novel statistical heterospectroscopic data. In HET-STOCSY, calculation of the covariance between the 31P-{1H} and 1H NMR signals of phosphorus containing metabolites allows their molecular connectivities to be established and the construction of virtual two-dimensional heteronuclear correlation spectra that connect all protons on the molecule to the heteroatom. We show how HET-STOCSY applied to MAS NMR spectra of liver samples can be used to augment biomarker detection. This approach is generic and can be applied to correlate the covarying signals for any spin-active nuclei where there is parallel or serial collection of data.

Long-wavelength fluorimetry as an indirect detection system in immunoaffinity chromatography: application to environmental analysis

The potential of long-wavelength fluorimetry when used as the detection system in immunoaffinity chromatography is assessed for the first time by applying this approach to the analysis of water and sludge samples. Nile blue (NB) was used to synthesize a long-wavelength fluorescent tracer for linear alkylbenzenesulfonates (LASs) using the carbodiimide method, in which the amino group of NB is covalently coupled to the activated carboxylic acid group of a LAS mimic with N-hydroxysuccinimide and dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. The method consists of the injection of a pre-incubated mixture containing linear sodium 4-dodecylbenzenesulfonate (LDS; used as the LAS model), anti-LAS antibodies, and the long-wavelength tracer into a commercial Protein G column. Free and bound tracer fractions are separated in the column, and the peak height of the immunochromatogram (corresponding to the free tracer) is directly measured at 626 nm (lambda (ex)) and 674 nm (lambda (em)), and then correlated to the analyte concentration. It is not necessary to perform an elution step immediately after every sample application. The dynamic range of the method is 0.05-2.5 microg ml(-1) LDS, and the detection limit is 15 ng ml(-1). The precision, expressed as the relative standard deviation, is 4.8-6.4%. Other surfactants (sodium dodecylsulfate and Triton X-100) do not cause interference. The recoveries obtained by applying the method to the analysis of water (ground- and wastewater) and sludge (primary and activated) samples ranged from 86.0 to 111.3%. Water sample analysis included an initial solid-phase extraction step, which cleaned up the samples and improved the detection limit fivefold.