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Wu G, Zhang B, Zhang H, Zhang X, Hu X, Meng X, Wu J, Hou H. Morphology Regulation of UiO-66-2I Supporting Systematic Investigations of Shape-Dependent Catalytic Activity for Degradation of an Organophosphate Nerve Agent Simulant. Inorg Chem 2024; 63:12658-12666. [PMID: 38916863 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.4c02028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Phosphonate-based nerve agents, as a kind of deadly chemical warfare agent, are a persistent and evolving threat to humanity. Zirconium-based metal-organic frameworks (Zr-MOFs) are a kind of highly porous crystalline material that includes Zr-OH-Zr sites and imitates the active sites of the phosphotriesterase enzyme, representing significant potential for the adsorption and catalytic hydrolysis of phosphonate-based nerve agents. In this work, we present a new Zr-MOF, UiO-66-2I, which attaches two iodine atoms in the micropore of the MOF and exhibits excellent catalytic activity on the degradation of a nerve agent simulant, dimethyl 4-nitrophenyl phosphate (DMNP), as the result of the formation of halogen bonds between the phosphate ester bonds and iodine groups. Furthermore, various morphologies of UiO-66-2I, such as blocky-shaped nanoparticles (NPs), two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets, hexahedral NPs, stick-like NPs, colloidal microspheres, and colloidal NPs, have been obtained by adding acetic acid (AA), formic acid (FA), propionic acid (PA), valeric acid (VA), benzoic acid (BA), and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) as modulators, respectively, and show different catalytic hydrolysis activities. Specifically, the catalytic activities follow the trend UiO-66-2I-FA (t1/2 = 1 min) > UiO-66-2I-AA-NP (t1/2 = 4 min) ≈ UiO-66-2I-VA (t1/2 = 4 min) > UiO-66-2I-BA (t1/2 = 5 min) > UiO-66-2I-PA (t1/2 = 15 min) > UiO-66-2I-TFA (t1/2 = 18 min). The experimental results show that the catalytic hydrolysis activity of Zr-MOF is regulated by the crystallinity, defect quantity, morphologies, and hydrophilicity of these samples, which synergistically affect the accessibility of catalytic sites and the diffusion of phosphate in the pores of Zr-MOFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaigai Wu
- College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Heyao Zhang
- College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Xiying Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Xiaomeng Hu
- College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Xiangru Meng
- College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Jie Wu
- College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Hongwei Hou
- College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
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Örebrand L, Ahlinder L, Thunéll M, Afshin Sander R, Larsson A, Fredman A, Wingfors H. A Miniaturized Method for Evaluating the Dynamic Gas-Phase Adsorption and Degradation of Sarin on Porous Adsorbents at Different Humidity Levels. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:28412-28421. [PMID: 38973844 PMCID: PMC11223133 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c02306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Metal organic frameworks based on zirconium nodes (Zr-MOFs) have impressive adsorption capacities, and many can rapidly hydrolyze toxic organophosphorus nerve agents. They could thus potentially replace commonly used adsorbents in respiratory filters. However, current test methodologies are poorly adapted to screen the large number of available MOFs, and data for nerve agent adsorption by MOFs are scarce. This paper presents a miniaturized method for assessing the capacity of Zr-MOFs for dynamic gas phase adsorption and degradation of sarin (GB) into the primary hydrolysis product isopropyl methyl phosphonic acid (IMPA). The method was validated by comparing the dynamic adsorption capacities of activated carbon (AC) and NU-1000 for GB under dry and humid conditions. Under dry conditions, unimpregnated AC had a greater capacity for GB uptake (0.68 ± 0.06 g/g) than pelletized NU-1000 (0.36 ± 0.03 g/g). At 55% relative humidity (RH), the capacity of AC was largely unchanged (0.72 ± 0.10 g/g) but that of NU-1000 increased slightly, to 0.46 ± 0.10 g/g. However, NU-1000 exhibited poor water retention at 55% RH. For both adsorbents, the degree of hydrolysis of GB into IMPA was significantly greater at 55% RH than under dry conditions, but the overall degree of hydrolysis was limited in both cases. Further tests at higher relative humidities are needed to fully evaluate the ability of NU-1000 to degrade GB after adsorption from the gas phase. The proposed experimental setup uses very small amounts of both adsorbent material (20 mg) and toxic agent, making it ideal for assessing new MOFs. However, future methodological challenges are reliable generation of sarin at higher RH and exploring sensitive methods to monitor degradation products from nerve agents in real-time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lillemor Örebrand
- CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency, 901 82 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Linnea Ahlinder
- CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency, 901 82 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Marianne Thunéll
- CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency, 901 82 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Robin Afshin Sander
- CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency, 901 82 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Andreas Larsson
- CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency, 901 82 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Andreas Fredman
- CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency, 901 82 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Håkan Wingfors
- CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency, 901 82 Umeå, Sweden
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Shi R, Zhang L, Ma D, Cao Z. Elucidating the degradation mechanism of the nerve agent A-234 using various detergents: a theoretical investigation. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024; 26:15292-15300. [PMID: 38767519 DOI: 10.1039/d4cp00881b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
A-234 (ethyl N-[1-(diethylamino)ethylidene]phosphoramidofluoridate) is one of the highly toxic Novichok nerve agents, and its efficient degradation is of significant importance. The possible degradation mechanisms of A-234 by H2O, H2O2, NH3, and their combinations have been extensively investigated by using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. According to the initial intermolecular interaction and the proton transfer patterns between the detergent and the substrate A-234, the A-234 degradation reaction is classified into three categories, denoted as A, B, and C. In modes A and B, the degradation of A-234 by H2O2, H2O, and NH3 is initiated by the nucleophilic attack of the O or N atom of the detergent on the P atom of A-234, coupled with the proton transfer from the detergent to the O or N atom of A-234, whereas in mode C, the direct interaction of H2N-H with the F-P bond of A-234 triggers ammonolysis through a one-step mechanism with the formation of H-F and N-P bonds. Perhydrolysis and hydrolysis of A-234 can be remarkably promoted by introducing the auxiliary NH3, and the timely formed hydrogen bond network among detergent, auxiliary, and substrate molecules is responsible for the enhancement of degradation efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongxin Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China.
| | - Lin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China.
| | - Denghui Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China.
- School of New Energy, Ningbo University of Technology, Ningbo, 315336, China
| | - Zexing Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China.
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Cornelissen AS, van den Berg RM, Langenberg JP, van Grol M, Bross R, Pittman J, Cochrane L, Savransky V. Effective skin decontamination with RSDL® (reactive skin decontamination lotion kit) following dermal exposure to a Novichok class nerve agent. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 395:111001. [PMID: 38641146 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.111001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, various poisoning incidents have been reported, involving the alleged use of the so-called Novichok agents, resulting in their addition to the Schedule I list of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Warfare (OPCW). As the physicochemical properties of these agents are different from the 'classical' nerve agents, such as VX, research is needed to evaluate whether and to what extent existing countermeasures are effective. Here, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of RSDL® (Reactive Skin Decontamination Lotion Kit) for the neutralization of percutaneous toxicity caused by Novichok agents, both in vitro and in vivo. Experiments showed the three selected Novichok agents (A230, A232, A234) could be degraded by RSDL lotion, but at a different rate. The half-life of A234, in the presence of an excess of RSDL lotion, was 36 min, as compared to A230 (<5 min) and A232 (18 min). Following dermal exposure of guinea pigs to A234, application of the RSDL kit was highly effective in preventing intoxication, even when applied up until 30 min following exposure. Delayed use of the RSDL kit until the appearance of clinical signs of intoxication (3-4 h) was not able to prevent intoxication progression and deaths. This study determines RSDL decontamination as an effective treatment strategy for dermal exposure to the Novichok agent A234 and underscores the importance of early, forward use of skin decontamination, as rapidly as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex S Cornelissen
- TNO Defence, Safety and Security, CBRN Protection, Rijswijk, the Netherlands
| | | | - Jan P Langenberg
- TNO Defence, Safety and Security, CBRN Protection, Rijswijk, the Netherlands
| | - Marco van Grol
- TNO Defence, Safety and Security, CBRN Protection, Rijswijk, the Netherlands
| | - Rowdy Bross
- TNO Defence, Safety and Security, CBRN Protection, Rijswijk, the Netherlands
| | - John Pittman
- Emergent BioSolutions Inc., Gaithersburg, MD, USA
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Blom TL, Wingelaar TT. Current Perspectives on the Management of Patients Poisoned With Novichok: A Scoping Review. Mil Med 2024; 189:e1381-e1389. [PMID: 38035754 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usad464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nerve agents have emerged as a global threat since their discovery in the 1930s, posing severe risks due to their inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and the subsequent accumulation of acetylcholine in nerve synapses. Despite the enforcement of the Chemical Weapon Convention to control chemical weapons, including nerve agents, recent events, such as the Novichok attacks on Sergei Skripal and Alexei Navalny, have highlighted the persistent threat. Novichok, a distinct class of nerve agents, raises specific concerns regarding its management due to limited understanding. This article aims to comprehensively analyze existing literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS A scoping review was employed to comprehensively assess the current state of knowledge on managing patients poisoned with Novichok. Following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, relevant literature was identified in peer-reviewed journals covering symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, decontamination, and long-term effects. Searches were conducted on February 1, 2023, across four electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Web of Science) using "Novichok" as a keyword. No restrictions were applied, and additional studies were sought from the references of identified papers. Eligible papers included discussions on Novichok or its specific properties impacting management, regardless of study type, language, or publication date, while those unrelated to the study's conceptual framework were excluded. RESULTS A total of 170 records were identified from the initial database search, with 86 studies screened after removing duplicates. Among these, 28 publications met the eligibility criteria and were included in the analysis. An additional relevant study was identified from the citation lists of included studies, bringing the total to 29. The review encompasses studies published from 2018 onwards, indicating the growing interest in this topic. While most studies are reviews on Novichok or nerve agents in general, several theoretical and experimental investigations were also found. CONCLUSION This review highlights the significant uncertainties and knowledge gaps surrounding the management of patients poisoned with Novichok. While some aspects align with other nerve agents, limited research likely due to safety and ethical challenges leads to assumptions and uncertainties in patient care. The review identifies areas with ongoing research, such as decontamination and biomarker recognition, while other aspects remain understudied. The possible inefficacy of current treatment options and the need for further research on oximes, bioscavengers, and long-term effects emphasize the necessity for increased research to optimize patient outcomes. More studies are essential to clarify the actual threat and toxicity of Novichok. Moreover, raising awareness among medical staff is crucial for early diagnosis, prompt treatment, and safety. This review offers valuable insights into managing Novichok-poisoned patients and calls for increased research and awareness in this critical area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tess L Blom
- Diving and Submarine Medical Center, Royal Netherlands Navy, Den Helder, CA 1780, the Netherlands
| | - Thijs T Wingelaar
- Diving and Submarine Medical Center, Royal Netherlands Navy, Den Helder, CA 1780, the Netherlands
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Hrabinova M, Pejchal J, Hepnarova V, Muckova L, Junova L, Opravil J, Zdarova Karasova J, Rozsypal T, Dlabkova A, Rehulkova H, Kucera T, Vecera Z, Caisberger F, Schmidt M, Soukup O, Jun D. A-series agent A-234: initial in vitro and in vivo characterization. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:1135-1149. [PMID: 38446233 PMCID: PMC10944400 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03689-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
A-series agent A-234 belongs to a new generation of nerve agents. The poisoning of a former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury, England, in March 2018 led to the inclusion of A-234 and other A-series agents into the Chemical Weapons Convention. Even though five years have already passed, there is still very little information on its chemical properties, biological activities, and treatment options with established antidotes. In this article, we first assessed A-234 stability in neutral pH for subsequent experiments. Then, we determined its inhibitory potential towards human recombinant acetylcholinesterase (HssAChE; EC 3.1.1.7) and butyrylcholinesterase (HssBChE; EC 3.1.1.8), the ability of HI-6, obidoxime, pralidoxime, methoxime, and trimedoxime to reactivate inhibited cholinesterases (ChEs), its toxicity in rats and therapeutic effects of different antidotal approaches. Finally, we utilized molecular dynamics to explain our findings. The results of spontaneous A-234 hydrolysis showed a slow process with a reaction rate displaying a triphasic course during the first 72 h (the residual concentration 86.2%). A-234 was found to be a potent inhibitor of both human ChEs (HssAChE IC50 = 0.101 ± 0.003 µM and HssBChE IC50 = 0.036 ± 0.002 µM), whereas the five marketed oximes have negligible reactivation ability toward A-234-inhibited HssAChE and HssBChE. The acute toxicity of A-234 is comparable to that of VX and in the context of therapy, atropine and diazepam effectively mitigate A-234 lethality. Even though oxime administration may induce minor improvements, selected oximes (HI-6 and methoxime) do not reactivate ChEs in vivo. Molecular dynamics implies that all marketed oximes are weak nucleophiles, which may explain the failure to reactivate the A-234 phosphorus-serine oxygen bond characterized by low partial charge, in particular, HI-6 and trimedoxime oxime oxygen may not be able to effectively approach the A-234 phosphorus, while pralidoxime displayed low interaction energy. This study is the first to provide essential experimental preclinical data on the A-234 compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Hrabinova
- University of Defence, Military Faculty of Medicine, Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Trebesska 1575, 500 01, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Pejchal
- University of Defence, Military Faculty of Medicine, Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Trebesska 1575, 500 01, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Vendula Hepnarova
- University of Defence, Military Faculty of Medicine, Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Trebesska 1575, 500 01, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
| | - Lubica Muckova
- University of Defence, Military Faculty of Medicine, Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Trebesska 1575, 500 01, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
- University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Biomedical Research Centre, Sokolska 581, 500 05, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Junova
- University of Defence, Military Faculty of Medicine, Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Trebesska 1575, 500 01, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
- University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Biomedical Research Centre, Sokolska 581, 500 05, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Opravil
- University of Defence, Military Faculty of Medicine, Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Trebesska 1575, 500 01, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Zdarova Karasova
- University of Defence, Military Faculty of Medicine, Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Trebesska 1575, 500 01, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
- University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Biomedical Research Centre, Sokolska 581, 500 05, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Rozsypal
- University of Defence, Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defence Institute, Vita Nejedleho 1, 68203, Vyskov, Czech Republic
| | - Alzbeta Dlabkova
- University of Defence, Military Faculty of Medicine, Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Trebesska 1575, 500 01, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Helena Rehulkova
- University of Defence, Military Faculty of Medicine, Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Trebesska 1575, 500 01, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Kucera
- University of Defence, Military Faculty of Medicine, Department of Military Medical Service Organization and Management, Trebesska 1575, 500 01, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Zbyněk Vecera
- University of Defence, Military Faculty of Medicine, Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Trebesska 1575, 500 01, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Filip Caisberger
- University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Department of Neurology, Sokolska 581, 500 05, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Monika Schmidt
- University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Biomedical Research Centre, Sokolska 581, 500 05, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
- University Hradec Kralove, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Rokitanskeho 62, 50003, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Soukup
- University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Biomedical Research Centre, Sokolska 581, 500 05, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Jun
- University of Defence, Military Faculty of Medicine, Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Trebesska 1575, 500 01, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
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He X, Chang C. Construction of SU-102 for adsorption and photocatalytic synergistic removal of tetracycline. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:24446-24460. [PMID: 38438646 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32737-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Tetracycline (TC) is a significant group of broad-spectrum antibiotics that are frequently employed in medical health and animal husbandry. However, the problem of TC residues has been increasing globally with the large-scale production and widespread use, posing a serious threat to the human health and ecological environment. In this paper, a green plant-based MOF SU-102 was prepared, and the adsorption characteristics of SU-102 on TC were investigated. SU-102 was columnar crystal with considerable specific surface area and pore structure, and it could adsorb TC quickly and effectively. And compared to SU-102-a, the adsorption rate of TC by SU-102-b has increased by nearly four times. The adsorption reaction was a spontaneous, entropy-gaining, heat-absorbing process. The adsorption mechanisms between SU-102 and TC were π-π interaction and hydrogen bonding. In addition, SU-102 also had considerable photocatalytic properties, and its application in adsorbent desorption treatment effectively solved the problem of secondary pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui He
- College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Bohai University, Jinzhou, 121013, China
| | - Chun Chang
- College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Bohai University, Jinzhou, 121013, China.
- College of Environment and Chemical Engineering, Dalian University, Dalian, 116622, China.
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Mishra G, Gupta P, Kumar A, Purohit A, Tak V, Pardasani D. Gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometric analysis of alkylphosphonofluoridic acids as verification targets of nerve agents. J Chromatogr A 2024; 1716:464645. [PMID: 38219625 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2024.464645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Alkylphosphonofluoridic Acids (APFA) are the major thermal degradation products of G- and A-series nerve agents and thus play a vital role in the verification analysis of Chemical Weapons Convention. Present study focuses on the development of sample clean-up, derivatization procedures and gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometric analysis of APFA in aqueous samples. APFA were found to be much more delicate than the corresponding alkylphosphonic acids and thus required subtle optimizations. Retention of analytes on silica and polymer-based anion exchangers followed by elution under alkaline conditions yielded best recoveries. Elution under acidic conditions led to partial or complete degradation of the analytes to alkylphosphonic acids. Silylation reactions, particularly with MTBSTFA were found the best in terms of chromatographic responses and resolution of the derivative peaks. Methylations with diazomethane, which requires acidic reaction media, failed to produce desired yields of the derivatives. Under optimized conditions, the analytes produced the recoveries ranging from 76.9 to 94.5% with RSD ≤9.2%. The best LOD's in the tandem mass spectrometric analysis ranged from 13 to 56 ng/ml. The applicability of the method was tested by spiking the analytes in the retained aqueous samples received for the 52nd proficiency test conducted by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyanesh Mishra
- Vertox Laboratory, Defence Research and Development Establishment, Vertox Lab, Defence R&D Establishment, Jhansi Road, Gwalior 474002, India
| | - Pranav Gupta
- Vertox Laboratory, Defence Research and Development Establishment, Vertox Lab, Defence R&D Establishment, Jhansi Road, Gwalior 474002, India
| | - Ajeet Kumar
- Vertox Laboratory, Defence Research and Development Establishment, Vertox Lab, Defence R&D Establishment, Jhansi Road, Gwalior 474002, India
| | - Ajay Purohit
- Vertox Laboratory, Defence Research and Development Establishment, Vertox Lab, Defence R&D Establishment, Jhansi Road, Gwalior 474002, India
| | - Vijay Tak
- Vertox Laboratory, Defence Research and Development Establishment, Vertox Lab, Defence R&D Establishment, Jhansi Road, Gwalior 474002, India
| | - Deepak Pardasani
- Vertox Laboratory, Defence Research and Development Establishment, Vertox Lab, Defence R&D Establishment, Jhansi Road, Gwalior 474002, India.
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9
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de Koning MC, Dadon L, Rozing LCM, van Grol M, Bross R. High Capacity Adsorption and Degradation of a Nerve Agent Simulant and a Pesticide by a Nickel Pyrazolate Metal-Organic Framework. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:55877-55884. [PMID: 37983091 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c13670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
The development of materials that enable the efficient removal of toxic compounds is important for the improvement of current protective materials or decontamination technologies. Current materials rely either on agent removal by adsorption or by effecting (catalytic) degradation. Ideally, both of these mechanisms are combined in a single material in order to target a more broad spectrum of toxic agents and to improve the performance of the materials. Recent attempts to combine materials with either adsorptive or catalytic properties into a composite material are promising, although the overall performance often suffers from competition for the agent between the adsorptive and catalytic domains in the composites. In this work, we propose that metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) could feature both adsorptive properties as well as catalytic properties in a single structural domain, thereby avoiding a reduction in the overall performance originating from competitive agent interactions. We showcase this concept using the MOF Ni3(BTP)2, which exhibits strong affinity and high capacity for the storage of a nerve agent simulant and a pesticide. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the adsorbed agents are efficiently degraded and that the nontoxic degradation products are rapidly expelled from the MOF pores. Its ability to catalyze the hydrolytic degradation of both organophosphate and organophosphorothioate compounds highlights another unique feature of this material. The presented concept illustrates the feasibility for developing materials that target a broader spectrum of agents via adsorption, catalysis, or both and by their broader reactivity toward different types of agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martijn C de Koning
- Department CBRN Protection, TNO, Lange Kleiweg 137, 2288GJ Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Linn Dadon
- Department CBRN Protection, TNO, Lange Kleiweg 137, 2288GJ Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Laura C M Rozing
- Department CBRN Protection, TNO, Lange Kleiweg 137, 2288GJ Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Marco van Grol
- Department CBRN Protection, TNO, Lange Kleiweg 137, 2288GJ Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Rowdy Bross
- Department CBRN Protection, TNO, Lange Kleiweg 137, 2288GJ Rijswijk, The Netherlands
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10
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Opravil J, Pejchal J, Finger V, Korabecny J, Rozsypal T, Hrabinova M, Muckova L, Hepnarova V, Konecny J, Soukup O, Jun D. A-agents, misleadingly known as "Novichoks": a narrative review. Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:2587-2607. [PMID: 37612377 PMCID: PMC10475003 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03571-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
"Novichok" refers to a new group of nerve agents called the A-series agents. Their existence came to light in 2018 after incidents in the UK and again in 2020 in Russia. They are unique organophosphorus-based compounds developed during the Cold War in a program called Foliant in the USSR. This review is based on original chemical entities from Mirzayanov's memoirs published in 2008. Due to classified research, a considerable debate arose about their structures, and hence, various structural moieties were speculated. For this reason, the scientific literature is highly incomplete and, in some cases, contradictory. This review critically assesses the information published to date on this class of compounds. The scope of this work is to summarize all the available and relevant information, including the physicochemical properties, chemical synthesis, mechanism of action, toxicity, pharmacokinetics, and medical countermeasures used to date. The environmental stability of A-series agents, the lack of environmentally safe decontamination, their high toxicity, and the scarcity of information on post-contamination treatment pose a challenge for managing possible incidents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Opravil
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Pejchal
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimir Finger
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Akademika Heyrovskeho 1203, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Korabecny
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Rozsypal
- Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence Institute, University of Defence, Vita Nejedleho 1, 682 03 Vyskov, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Hrabinova
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Lubica Muckova
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Vendula Hepnarova
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Konecny
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Soukup
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Jun
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
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11
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Kitagawa DAS, Dos Santos MC, Kuča K, França TCC, Cavalcante SFDA. In vitro comparison of the acetylcholinesterase inhibition caused by V- and A-series nerve agents' surrogates. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 383:110678. [PMID: 37595776 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Nerve agents (NA) pose as a great risk in the modern world. NA from the V-series, such as VX, are currently recognized as the most toxic among those compounds. However, the emergence of new classes of toxicants recently included in the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), such as the A-series NA, a class of organophosphorus compounds related to phosphoramidates, pose a new source of concern due to the lack of information. In order advance in the investigation on the toxicity of such toxic chemicals, we performed in vitro studies to compare representatives of the V- and A-series using affordable surrogates. Results suggest a similar inhibition potency between both agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A S Kitagawa
- Institute of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (IDQBRN), Brazilian Army Technological Center (CTEx), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense (LMACBD), Military Institute of Engineering (IME), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Marcelo C Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense (LMACBD), Military Institute of Engineering (IME), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Kamil Kuča
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanskeho 62, 50003, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
| | - Tanos C C França
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to Chemical and Biological Defense (LMACBD), Military Institute of Engineering (IME), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanskeho 62, 50003, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
| | - Samir F de A Cavalcante
- Institute of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (IDQBRN), Brazilian Army Technological Center (CTEx), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanskeho 62, 50003, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
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12
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Oliver MC, Huang L. Advances in Metal-Organic Frameworks for the Removal of Chemical Warfare Agents: Insights into Hydrolysis and Oxidation Reaction Mechanisms. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:2178. [PMID: 37570496 PMCID: PMC10420847 DOI: 10.3390/nano13152178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
The destruction of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) is a crucial area of research due to the ongoing evolution of toxic chemicals. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), a class of porous crystalline solids, have emerged as promising materials for this purpose. Their remarkable porosity and large surface areas enable superior adsorption, reactivity, and catalytic abilities, making them ideal for capturing and decomposing target species. Moreover, the tunable networks of MOFs allow customization of their chemical functionalities, making them practicable in personal protective equipment and adjustable to dynamic environments. This review paper focuses on experimental and computational studies investigating the removal of CWAs by MOFs, specifically emphasizing the removal of nerve agents (GB, GD, and VX) via hydrolysis and sulfur mustard (HD) via selective photooxidation. Among the different MOFs, zirconium-based MOFs exhibit extraordinary structural stability and reusability, rendering them the most promising materials for the hydrolytic and photooxidative degradation of CWAs. Accordingly, this work primarily concentrates on exploring the intrinsic catalytic reaction mechanisms in Zr-MOFs through first-principles approximations, as well as the design of efficient degradation strategies in the aqueous and solid phases through the establishment of Zr-MOF structure-property relationships. Recent progress in the tuning and functionalization of MOFs is also examined, aiming to enhance practical CWA removal under realistic battlefield conditions. By providing a comprehensive overview of experimental findings and computational insights, this review paper contributes to the advancement of MOF-based strategies for the destruction of CWAs and highlights the potential of these materials to address the challenges associated with chemical warfare.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Liangliang Huang
- School of Sustainable Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA;
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Liu S, Chen H, Fan L, Zhang X. Highly Robust {In 2}-Organic Framework for Efficiently Catalyzing CO 2 Cycloaddition and Knoevenagel Condensation. Inorg Chem 2023; 62:3562-3572. [PMID: 36791403 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.2c04130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
To improve the catalytic performance of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), creating higher defects is now considered as the most effective strategy, which can not only optimize the Lewis acidity of metal ions but also create more pore space to enhance diffusion and mass transfer in the channels. Herein, the exquisite combination of scarcely reported [In2(CO2)5(H2O)2(DMF)2] clusters and 2,6-bis(2,4-dicarboxylphenyl)-4-(4-carboxylphenyl)pyridine (H5BDCP) under solvothermal conditions generated a highly robust nanoporous framework of {[In2(BDCP)(DMF)2(H2O)2](NO3)}n (NUC-65) with nanocaged voids (14.1 Å) and rectangular nanochannels (15.94 Å × 11.77 Å) along the a axis. It is worth mentioning that an In(1) ion displays extremely low tetra-coordination modes after the thermal removal of its associated four solvent molecules of H2O and DMF. Activated {[In2(BDCP)](Br)}n (NUC-65Br), as a defective material because of its extremely unsaturated metal centers, could be generated by bromine ion exchange, solvent exchange, and vacuum drying. Catalytic experiments proved that the conversion of epichlorohydrin with 1 atm CO2 into 4-(chloromethyl)-1,3-dioxolan-2-one catalyzed by 0.11 mol % NUC-65Br could reach 99% at 65 °C within 24 h. Moreover, with the aid of 5 mol % cocatalyst n-Bu4NBr, heterogeneous NUC-65Br owns excellent universal catalytic performance in most epoxides under mild conditions. In addition, NUC-65Br, as a heterogeneous catalyst, exhibits higher activity and better selectivity for Knoevenagel condensation of aldehydes and malononitrile. Hence, this work offers a fresh insight into the design of structure defect cationic metal-organic frameworks, which can be better applied to various fields because of their promoted performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shurong Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongtai Chen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, People's Republic of China
| | - Liming Fan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiutang Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, People's Republic of China
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Precisely predicting the 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts in new types of nerve agents and building spectra database. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20288. [PMID: 36434133 PMCID: PMC9700684 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24647-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Following the recent terrorist attacks using Novichok agents and the subsequent decomposition operations, understanding the chemical structures of nerve agents has become important. To mitigate the ever-evolving threat of new variants, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons has updated the list of Schedule 1 substances defined by the Chemical Weapons Convention. However, owing to the several possible structures for each listed substance, obtaining an exhaustive dataset is almost impossible. Therefore, we propose a nuclear magnetic resonance-based prediction method for 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts of Novichok agents based on conformational and density functional study calculations. Four organophosphorus compounds and five G- and V-type nerve agents were used to evaluate the accuracy of the proposed procedure. Moreover, 1H and 13C NMR prediction results for an additional 83 Novichok candidates were compiled as a database to aid future research and identification. Further, this is the first study to successfully predict the NMR chemical shifts of Novichok agents, with an exceptional agreement between predicted and experimental data. The conclusions enable the prediction of all possible structures of Novichok agents and can serve as a firm foundation for preparation against future terrorist attacks using new variants of nerve agents.
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Liu S, Chen H, Zhang X. Bifunctional {Pb 10K 2}–Organic Framework for High Catalytic Activity in Cycloaddition of CO 2 with Epoxides and Knoevenagel Condensation. ACS Catal 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.2c02649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shurong Liu
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongtai Chen
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiutang Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, People’s Republic of China
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16
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Chen H, Zhang T, Liu S, Lv H, Fan L, Zhang X. Fluorine-Functionalized NbO-Type {Cu 2}-Organic Framework: Enhanced Catalytic Performance on the Cycloaddition Reaction of CO 2 with Epoxides and Deacetalization-Knoevenagel Condensation. Inorg Chem 2022; 61:11949-11958. [PMID: 35839442 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.2c01686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The high catalytic activity of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can be realized by increasing their effective active sites, which prompts us to perform the functionalization on selected linkers by introducing a strong Lewis basic group of fluorine. Herein, the exquisite combination of paddle-wheel [Cu2(CO2)4(H2O)] clusters and meticulously designed fluorine-funtionalized tetratopic 2',3'-difluoro-[p-terphenyl]-3,3″,5,5″-tetracarboxylic acid (F-H4ptta) engenders one peculiar nanocaged {Cu2}-organic framework of {[Cu2(F-ptta)(H2O)2]·5DMF·2H2O}n (NUC-54), which features two types of nanocaged voids (9.8 Å × 17.2 Å and 10.1 Å × 12.4 Å) shaped by 12 paddle-wheel [Cu2(COO)4H2O)2] secondary building units, leaving a calculated solvent-accessible void volume of 60.6%. Because of the introduction of plentifully Lewis base sites of fluorine groups, activated NUC-54a exhibits excellent catalytic performance on the cycloaddition reaction of CO2 with various epoxides under mild conditions. Moreover, to expand the catalytic scope, the deacetalization-Knoevenagel condensation reactions of benzaldehyde dimethyl acetal and malononitrile were performed using the heterogenous catalyst of NUC-54a. Also, NUC-54a features high recyclability and catalytic stability with excellent catalytic performance in subsequent catalytic tests. Therefore, this work not only puts forward a new solution for developing high-efficiency heterogeneous catalysts, but also enriches the functionalization strategies for nanoporous MOFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongtai Chen
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Materials Engineering, Taiyuan Institute of Technology, Taiyuan 030008, People's Republic of China
| | - Shurong Liu
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongxiao Lv
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, People's Republic of China
| | - Liming Fan
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiutang Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, People's Republic of China
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