Experimental and Theoretical Study of the Stability of the Complex Fisetin-Cu(II) and A Comparative Study of Free Ligand and Complex Interaction with Molecular Singlet Oxygen

In this work, the flavonol fisetin was selected in order to study its reactivity against Cu(II), a metal ion of interest in biological media and industry. The stoichiometry and apparent formation constant of the complex in ethanolic medium at 25°C were evaluated using spectrophotometric techniques. The resulting stoichiometry was a 1:1 ligand:metal complex, and a log K = 5.17 ± 0.12 was determined. Since two possible chelation sites can be proposed for the complex formation, quantum chemistry calculations were performed on these structures. Calculations suggest that the hydroxyl-keto site is more stable for the complex formation than the catechol site. Flavonoids could exert protection against oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species, and this biological activity could be affected by chelation with metal ions. This led us to perform a study on the interaction of both, free flavonoid and complex, with reactive oxygen species. Our results showed both compounds quench molecular singlet oxygen photogenerated with visible light, mainly in a physical fashion. In order to analyze a possible protective effect of flavonoid and its complex against oxidative damage in biological environments, the amino acid tryptophan was selected as a model oxidation system. Free flavonoid does not have a marked protective effect, whereas its complex showed a relevant protective effect.

Reactive Oxygen Species-mediated Degradation of Antidiabetic Compounds: Cytotoxic Implications of Their Photodegradation Products

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been described in their double physiological function, helping in the maintenance of health as well as contributing to oxidative stress. Diabetes mellitus is a chronical disease nearly related to oxidative stress, whose treatment (in type II variant) consists in the administration of antidiabetic compounds (Andb) such as Gliclazide (Gli) and Glipizide (Glip). In this context, as Andb may be exposed to high ROS concentrations in diabetic patients, we have studied the potential ROS-mediated degradation of Gli and Glip through photosensitized processes, in the presence of Riboflavin (Rf) vitamin. We found that singlet oxygen (O₂ (¹ ∆_g )) participated in the Rf-sensitized photodegradation of both Andb, and also superoxide radical anion in the case of Gli. Two principal products derived from O₂ (¹ ∆_g )-mediated degradation of Gli were identified and their chemical structures characterized, through HPLC mass spectrometry. O₂ (¹ ∆_g )-mediated degradation products and their toxicity was assayed on Vero cell line. These studies demonstrated that neither Gli nor its photoproducts caused cytotoxic effect under the experimental conditions assayed. Our results show strong evidences of ROS-mediated Andb degradation, which may involve the reduction or loss of their therapeutic action, as well as potential cytotoxicity derived from their oxidation products.

Analysing the natural population growth of a large marine mammal after a depletive harvest

An understanding of the underlying processes and comprehensive history of population growth after a harvest-driven depletion is necessary when assessing the long-term effectiveness of management and conservation strategies. The South American sea lion (SASL), Otaria flavescens, is the most conspicuous marine mammal along the South American coasts, where it has been heavily exploited. As a consequence of this exploitation, many of its populations were decimated during the early 20th century but currently show a clear recovery. The aim of this study was to assess SASL population recovery by applying a Bayesian state-space modelling framework. We were particularly interested in understanding how the population responds at low densities, how human-induced mortality interplays with natural mechanisms, and how density-dependence may regulate population growth. The observed population trajectory of SASL shows a non-linear relationship with density, recovering with a maximum increase rate of 0.055. However, 50 years after hunting cessation, the population still represents only 40% of its pre-exploitation abundance. Considering that the SASL population in this region represents approximately 72% of the species abundance within the Atlantic Ocean, the present analysis provides insights into the potential mechanisms regulating the dynamics of SASL populations across the global distributional range of the species.

Vitamin B2-sensitized degradation of the multifunctional drug Evernyl, in the presence of visible light – microbiological implications

Taking into consideration the importance of the photooxidative effects in complex bio- environments, this paper reports on the visible-light-promoted interactions between Evernyl (methyl 2, 4-dihydroxy-3,6-dimethylbenzoate, Ev) and vitamin B2 (riboflavin, Rf). Ev is a phenolic derivative, transparent to visible light, that possesses important antimicrobial activity. This compound is the first known natural, complete and specific human androgen receptor antagonist. Ev is profusely employed in personal-care products and synthesized as a secondary metabolite by several lichen and plant species. In both sceneries, acting Ev as a cosmetic component for topic applications or as a lichen constituent, may Rf behave as a native visible-light absorber pigment. In this context, kinetic and mechanistic aspects of the Rf-sensitized photooxidation of Ev, has been studied in aqueous solution, irradiating with blue LED light (463–471 nm) and employing stationary and time resolved methods. Results indicate that Ev reacts with the photogenerated reactive oxygen species (ROS) singlet molecular oxygen with a rate constant of kr=1.1±0.2×106 M−1s−1. In parallel Ev also quenches the electronically excited singlet and triplet excited states of Rf with rate constants close to the difussion limit. As a result the ROS superoxide radical anion and hydrogen peroxide are generated and the latter subsequently reacts with Ev. Possible implications of these photoreactions on the antimicrobial activity of Ev have been investigated employing a Candida albicans (CA) strain, isolated from human skin infection. The simultaneous presence of Rf, Ev in a sub-MIC, and blue-light irradiation produced a significant antimycotic effect, attributed to ROS photogeneration.

The activity of propolis in the scavenging of vitamin B2-photogenerated ROS

OBJECTIVES

The study was focused on the activity of propolis from Amaicha del Valle, Argentina (ProAV) as a promoter and scavenger of Riboflavin (Rf)--photogenerated reactive oxygen species (ROS).

METHODS

Through a kinetic and mechanistic study, employing stationary and time-resolved photochemical and electrochemical techniques, the protecting activity of ProAV was investigated.

RESULTS

In the absence of light and Rf, ProAV exerted a relatively efficient inhibitory effect on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals and acts as a protector of artificially promoted linoleic acid oxidation. Under aerobic visible-light-irradiation conditions, in the presence of Rf as the only light-absorber species, a complex picture of competitive processes takes place, starting with the quenching of singlet and triplet electronically excited states of Rf by ProAV. The species O2(1 g), O2(•-), H2O2, and OH(•) are generated and interact with ProAV.

DISCUSSION

ProAV behaves as an efficient ROS scavenger. It is scarcely photo-oxidized by interaction with the mentioned ROS. Quantitative results indicate that ProAV is even more resistant to photo-oxidation than the recognized antioxidant trolox. Two dihydroxychalcones, mostly present in the ProAV composition, are responsible for the protecting activity of the propolis.

On the photooxidation of the multifunctional drug niclosamide. A kinetic study in the presence of vitamin B2 and visible light

OBJECTIVES

The multifunctional drug niclosamide (NSD), extensively employed therapeutically, is a frequent pollutant of surface waters. Considering the environmental importance of photodegradative processes for this type of contaminant, the kinetic and mechanistic aspects of the possible visible-light-mediated photooxidation of NSD were studied under naturalistic conditions.

METHODS

The visible-light absorber riboflavin (vitamin B2) was employed as a photosensitizer. The vitamin can usually be found in natural waters and is the most common endogenous photosensitizer in mammals. The interaction of NSD with electronically excited states of Rf and with photogenerated reactive oxygen species (ROS) was evaluated through conventional UV spectroscopy, laser flash photolysis, time-resolved phosphorescence detection of singlet molecular oxygen (O2((1)Δg)), and polarographic dosage of dissolved oxygen.

RESULTS

Ground state NSD quenched the long-lived triplet excited state of Rf ((3)Rf*) and the photogenerated ROS (O2((1)Δg)) and superoxide radical anion (O2•−). As a result, NSD was photooxidized. The rate constants for the interaction NSD-O2((1)Δg) are particularly low, in the order of 10(6)/M/s, although the whole interaction is attributable to a pure reactive process. The O2((1)Δg) quenching was faster in alkaline medium, favored by the ionization of the NSD phenolic group. Under Rf-photosensitization, NSD was degraded very much more rapidly than phenol, the latter being considered a paradigmatic water-contaminant model compound. NSD may behave as an antioxidant in bio-environments, as demonstrated employing the photooxidizable amino acid tryptophan as a relevant biological target.

DISCUSSION

The results indicate that a O2•−-mediated process is the main route for the Rf-sensitized photooxidation of NSD. Photodegradation of the biocide in the presence and absence of phenol and tryptophan was quantitatively evaluated, discussed, and interpreted in terms of competitive quenching processes of (3)Rf*, O2((1)Δg), and O2•− by the substrates.

Riboflavin-sensitized photooxidation of Ceftriaxone and Cefotaxime. Kinetic study and effect on Staphylococcus aureus

Trace amounts of the widely used β-lactam antibiotics (Atbs) in waste water may cause adverse effects on the ecosystems and contribute to the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. On these grounds, kinetic and mechanistic aspects of photosensitized degradation of Ceftriaxone (Cft) and Cefotaxime (Ctx), have been studied in pure water by stationary and time-resolved techniques. Additionally, possible implications of these photoprocesses on the antimicrobial activity of the Atbs have also been investigated. Photoirradiation of aqueous solutions of Cft and Ctx produces the degradation of both Atbs in the presence of Riboflavin (vitamin B2), a well known pigment dissolved in natural aquatic systems. The process occurs through Type I and Type II mechanisms, with effective prevalence of the former. The participation of O2(-), OH and O2((1)Δg) is supported by experiments of oxygen consumption carried out in the presence of specific scavengers for such reactive oxygen species. Microbiological assays exhibit a parallelism between the rate of Cft and Ctx photodegradation and the loss of their bactericidal capacity on Staphylococcus aureus strains. Results contribute to both understanding kinetic and mechanism aspects of the degradation and predicting on natural decay of Atbs waste water-contaminants.

The employment of a removable chitosan-derivatized polymeric sensitizer in the photooxidation of polyhydroxylated water-pollutants

The known O2((1)∆g)-sensitizer system Chitosan bounded Rose Bengal (CH-RB), with Rose Bengal (RB) immobilized by irreversible covalent bonding to the polymer Chitosan (CH), soluble in aquous acidic medium, was employed in the photodegradation of three tri-hydroxy benzene water-contaminants (THBs). The system sensitizes the O2((1)∆g)-mediated photodegradation of THBs by a process kinetically favored, as compared to that employing free RB dissolved in the same solvent. Additionally the free xanthene dye, degradable by O2((1)∆g) through self-sensitization upon prolonged light-exposure, is considerably protected when bonded to CH-polymer. The polymeric sensitizer, totally insoluble in neutral medium, can be removed from the solution after the photodegradative cycle by precipitation through a simple pH change. This fact constitutes an interesting aspect in the context of photoremediation of confined polluted waters. In other words, the sensitizing system could be useful for avoiding to dissolve dyestuffs in the polluted waters, in order to act as conventional sunlight-absorbing dye-sensitizers. In parallel the interaction CH-O2((1)∆g) in acidic solution was evaluated. The polymer quenches the oxidative species with a rate constant 2.4 × 10(8) M(-1) s(-1) being the process mostly attributable to a physical interaction. This fact promotes the photoprotection of the bonded dye in the CH-RB polymer.

Aporocotyle mariachristinae n. sp., and A. ymakara Villalba & Fernández, 1986 (Digenea: Aporocotylidae) of the pink cusk-eel, Genypterus blacodes (Ophidiiformes: Ophidiidae) from Patagonia, Argentina

Aporocotyle mariachristinae n. sp. and A. ymakara Villalba & Fernández, 1986 were collected from the bulbus arteriosus and ventral aorta of pink cusk-eels, Genypterus blacodes (Forster, 1801) from Patagonia, Argentina. A. mariachristinae n. sp. can be distinguished from all the species of Aporocotyle by the asymmetrical extension of posterior caeca (right posterior caecum longer, terminating at the area between mid-level of ovary and posterior body end; left posterior caecum shorter, terminating at the area between mid-level of cirrus sac and posterior to reproductive organs), the distribution of spines along the ventro-lateral body margins and the number of testes. The new species clearly differs from A. ymakara, from the same host species, in the esophagus / body length ratio, the absence of distal loops at caeca, the anterior caeca / posterior caeca length ratio, and the number of testes. Additionally, in A. ymakara the left posterior caecum may be longer than right posterior caecum, while in the new species left posterior caecum is always shorter. The specimen of A. ymakara collected from Argentina is also described. We also provide observations of the distribution of spines in different species of Aporocotyle, including new specimens of A. argentinensis Smith, 1969 from Merluccius hubbsi Marini, 1933. Molecular sequence data obtained from partial 18S and 28S rDNA regions were compared between the new species and other two species of Aporocotyle (A. argentinensis and A. spinosicanalis Williams, 1958). This is a new locality record for A. ymakara, extending the known geographical distribution for this species from Chile to Argentina, and the first report of two species of Aporocotyle in the same host species and locality.

Photodegradation routes of the herbicide bromoxynil in solution and sorbed on silica nanoparticles

Some organic contaminants dissolved in natural waters tend to adsorb on suspended particles and sediments. In order to mimic the photodegradation routes in natural waters of bromoxynil (BXN) adsorbed on silica, we here prepare and characterize silica nanoparticles modified with BXN (NP-BXN). We measure the direct photolysis quantum yield of aqueous BXN at 307 nm (0.064 ± 0.001) and detect the formation of bromide ions as a reaction product. Under similar conditions the photolysis quantum yield of BXN bonded to NP-BXN is much lower (0.0021 ± 0.0004) and does not lead to formation of bromide ions. The rate constant of the reaction of NP-BXN with the excited triplet states of riboflavin, a molecule employed as a proxy of chromophore dissolved organic matter (DOM) was measured in laser flash-photolysis experiments. The rate constants for the overall (kt) and chemical interaction (kr) of singlet oxygen with NP-BXN were also measured. Kinetic computer simulations show that the relevance of the direct and indirect (through reactions with reactive species generated in photoinduced processes) photodegradation routes of BXN is very much affected by sorption on silica. Immobilization of the herbicide on the particles, on one hand, affects the photolysis mechanism and lowers its photolysis quantum yield. On the other hand, the results obtained in aqueous suspensions indicate that immobilization also lowers the rate of collisional encounter, which affects the quenching rate constants of excited triplet states and singlet oxygen with the herbicide.

The effect of dichlorophen binding to silica nanoparticles on its photosensitized degradation in water

The production of dichlorophen (2,2'-methylenebis(4-chlorophenol), DCP) and its use as an anthelmintic and in pesticide products result in its direct release to the environment. To the purpose of modelling the possible photodegradation routes of DCP sorbed on sediments or suspended particles, the synthesis and characterization of silica nanoparticles modified with DCP (NP-DCP) is reported. The reactivity of NP-DCP with the excited states of riboflavin, a sensitizer usually present in natural waters, and with singlet oxygen were investigated. Comparison of the kinetic results obtained here to those previously reported for irradiated aqueous solutions of DCP allowed the discussion of the effect of adsorption of the pesticide on its photodegradation. We show with the aid of computer simulations that in natural waters the relevance of the different photodegradation routes dichlorophen is very much affected by attachment to sediments.

Mutual effects between aromatic amino acids and guanosine upon vitamin B2 photosensitization in the presence of visible light

Considering the importance of the visible-light-induced photodynamic effect in complex bioenvironments, mutual effects between the individual aromatic amino acids (AAs) tyrosine (Tyr), tryptophan (Trp), and histidine (His) and the nucleoside guanosine (GUO) were investigated in pH 7 aqueous solution with vitamin B2 (riboflavin (Rf)) as a dye sensitizer. The quantum yields of oxygen uptake (Φ–O2) for most of the AA−GUO mixtures studied, taken as a measure of overall photooxidation susceptibility, are not straightforwardly predictable from the individual behaviour of the components of the mixture. The final result depends on several connected factors, such as the respective abilities of the substrates as quenchers of the long-lived Rf triplet excited state and the generated reactive oxygen species singlet molecular oxygen (O2(1Δg)) and superoxide radical anion ([Formula: see text]). A mechanistic interpretation of the Rf-sensitized results can be roughly resumed as follows: Tyr at pH 7 exerts a protective effect on the photooxidation of the mixture Tyr−GUO due to the O2(1Δg) physical quenching by the AA. The same effect was observed for Trp−GUO and His−GUO at pH 7. In these cases, it is attributed to the quenching of3Rf* by GUO in detriment of the Type II route. For the system Tyr−GUO at pH 9, a marked decrease in the Φ–O2occurred for the mixture as compared with the respective Φ–O2for the individual components. It was ascribed to the participation of a radical-mediated mechanism without oxygen consumption in a competitive pathway with the [Formula: see text]-mediated route.

The NSAIDs indomethacin and diflunisal as scavengers of photogenerated reactive oxygen species

Diflunisal (DFNS) and Indomethacin (IMTC) are two profusely employed NSAIDs that provide anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in humans. The scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by both NSAIDs was systematically studied in pH 7 aqueous solution. The ROS O2 ((1)Δg), O2(•-) and H2O2, generated by visible light irradiation of Riboflavin (Rf) in the presence of DFNS and IMTC, are deactivated by the NSAIDs. The ROS scavenging action by both NSAIDs constitutes an interesting result and adds one more positive aspect to the beneficial actions attributed to these drugs. Nevertheless it should be taken into account that several NSAIDs, in particular IMTC, have been connected to the pathogenesis of gastric mucosal lesions, which in some cases includes ROS generating-ability. DFNS quenches ROS in a dominant physical fashion. It constitutes an excellent protective-antioxidant provided that is practically not destroyed/oxidized after the ROS scavenging action. IMTC, being also an efficient interceptor of ROS, belong to the so-called group of sacrificial-ROS quenchers: It is easily degraded by the oxidative species in the scavenging action. Although this property is negative in the context of prolonged ROS elimination, exhibits a promissory aspect for the degradation of pharmaceutical contaminants, such as NSAIDs, in waste waters.

Vitamin B2-sensitised photooxidation of the ophthalmic drugs Timolol and Pindolol: kinetics and mechanism

The kinetics and mechanistic aspects of the riboflavin-photosensitised oxidation of the topically administrable ophthalmic drugs Timolol (Tim) and Pindolol (Pin) were investigated in water-MeOH (9:1, v/v) solution employing light of wavelength > 400 nm. riboflavin, belonging to the vitamin B(2) complex, is a known human endogenous photosensitiser. The irradiation of riboflavin in the presence of ophthalmic drugs triggers a complex picture of competitive reactions which produces the photodegradation of both the drugs and the pigment itself. The mechanism was elucidated employing stationary photolysis, polarographic detection of dissolved oxygen, stationary and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy, and laser flash photolysis. Ophthalmic drugs quench riboflavin-excited singlet and triplet states. From the quenching of excited triplet riboflavin, the semireduced form of the pigment is generated, through an electron transfer process from the drug, with the subsequent production of superoxide anion radical (O(2)(*-)) by reaction with dissolved molecular oxygen. Through the interaction of dissolved oxygen with excited triplet riboflavin, the species singlet oxygen (O(2)((1)Delta(g))) is also generated to a lesser extent. Both O(2)(*-) and O(2)((1)Delta(g)) induce photodegradation of ophthalmic drugs, Tim being approximately 3-fold more easily photooxidisable than Pin, as estimated by oxygen consumption experiments.

Effect of reverse micelles on the Rose Bengal-sensitized photo-oxidation of 1- and 2-hydroxynaphthalenes

Benzylhexadecyl dimethylammonium chloride (BHDC) and sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) water-in-oil micro-emulsions were employed to study the influence of medium heterogeneity on singlet molecular oxygen [O(2)((1)Delta(g))]-mediated degradation of 1-hydroxynaphthalene (1-OHN) and 2-hydroxynaphthalene (2-OHN) in their naphthoate form. The kinetic study in the micellar system, that was considered as a closer model for the environment of contaminants in natural polluted waters, consisted of a comparative work with the process in homogeneous solution, by varying surfactant structure and water content of the micro-emulsion. While it is known that 1-OHN and 2-OHN are rapidly and efficiently photo-oxidised in aqueous medium, time-resolved phosphorescence detection of O(2)((1)Delta(g)) and stationary photolysis experiments demonstrate that both the values for the overall and reactive rate constants for the quenching of O(2)((1)Delta(g)) and the photo-oxidation efficiencies are lowered in BHDC micelles, whereas the photo-oxidative process in AOT micro-emulsions was totally inhibited. Results are interpreted and discussed on the basis of different locations of the probe in the micellar environment.

The role of vitamin B6 as an antioxidant in the presence of vitamin B2-photogenerated reactive oxygen species. A kinetic and mechanistic study

We report on the photostability of a mixture of vitamins B6 and B2 (riboflavin, Rf) upon visible light irradiation and on the possible role of the vitamin B6 family (B6D) as deactivators of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The work is a systematic kinetic and mechanistic study under conditions in which only Rf absorbs photoirradiation. Pyridoxine, pyridoxal hydrochloride, pyridoxal phosphate and pyridoxamine dihydrochloride were studied as representative members of the vitamin B6 family. The visible light irradiation of dissolved Rf and B6D in pH 7.4 aqueous medium under aerobic conditions induces photoprocesses that mainly produce B6D degradation. The overall oxidative mechanism involves the participation of ROS. Photogenerated (3)Rf* is quenched either by oxygen, giving rise to O(2)((1)Δ(g)) by electronic energy transfer to dissolved ground state oxygen, or by B6D yielding, through an electron transfer process, the neutral radical RfH˙, and O(2)˙(-) in an subsequent step. B6D act as quenchers of O(2)((1)Δ(g)) and O(2)˙(-), the former in a totally reactive event that also inhibits Rf photoconsumption. The common chromophoric moiety of B6D represented by 3-hydroxypyridine, constitutes an excellent model that mimics the kinetic behavior of the vitamin as an antioxidant towards Rf-generated ROS. The protein lysozyme, taken as an O(2)((1)Δ(g))-mediated oxidizable biological target, is photoprotected by B6D from Rf-sensitized photodegradation through the quenching of electronically excited triplet state of the pigment, in a process that competes with O(2)((1)Δ(g)) generation.

Visible-light-promoted degradation of the antioxidants propyl gallate and t-butylhydroquinone: mechanistic aspects

The kinetic and mechanistic aspects of the visible-light-mediated photodegradation of the phenolic antioxidants (PA), propyl gallate (PG), and t-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), employing riboflavin (Rf) as photosensitizer, have been studied by time-resolved and stationary techniques. The photosensitizer Rose Bengal (RB) was used for auxiliary experiments. Results show the occurrence of chemical transformations on PA with the participation of electronically excited states of Rf and different reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated from these states. With 0.02 mM Rf and 1.0 mM PA, the electronically excited triplet state of Rf is quenched by PA, in a competitive manner with the dissolved oxygen. As a consequence, a cascade of photoprocesses produces singlet oxygen (O(2)((1)Δ(g))) and H(2)O(2) in the case of PG and, O(2)((1)Δ(g)), H(2)O(2) and HO(•) in the case of TBHQ. The participation of these species is supported by experiments of oxygen consumption carried out in the presence of specific ROS scavengers. TBHQ has a relatively high capacity for O(2)((1)Δ(g)) physical deactivation and a low photodegradation efficiency by the oxidative species. Comparatively, it can be asserted that TBHQ has a higher antioxidant capacity than PG.

Photosensitized degradation in water of the phenolic pesticides bromoxynil and dichlorophen in the presence of riboflavin, as a model of their natural photodecomposition in the environment

Within the context of environmentally friendly methods for the elimination of surface-water pollutants, the photodegradation of the phenolic pesticides bromoxynil (BXN) and dichlorophen (DCP) under simulated natural conditions has been studied. The work was done in the presence of the visible-light absorber photosensitizer riboflavin (Rf), usually present in trace quantities in natural waters. Under aerobic conditions, an efficient photooxidation of both pesticides was observed. The relatively intricate photochemical mechanism involves pesticide and oxygen consumption and, to a lesser extent, Rf degradation. The kinetic and mechanistic study supports that both H(2)O(2) and singlet molecular oxygen, O(2)((1)Δ(g)), are involved in the process. Kinetic data for the O(2)((1)Δ(g))-mediated oxidation indicate that BXN and DCP are photodegraded with this species faster than the parent compound phenol, very frequently employed as a model for aquatic contaminants, likely due to their lower pK(a) values. This observation allows the design of phenolic pesticides with different photodegradation rates under environmental conditions.

Organochlorine residues in South American sea lions, Otaria flavescens (Shaw, 1800): bioaccumulation and time trends

Blubber from stranded South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens) was sampled between 1991 and 2005 on the Peninsula Valdés in Argentina and analyzed for organochlorine (OC) pollutants. Mean blubber concentrations, expressed on an extractable basis, were 686 (SD = 1,060) ng g(-1) for dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane (tDDT) and 735 (SD = 787) ng g(-1) for polychlorinated byphenils (PCB). The OC levels were well below those associated with adverse sublethal effects and lethality in mammals. OC concentrations showed statistically significant associations with age that were positive in males and negative in females. These trends are consistent with the majority of marine mammal populations studied. There were no trends in the levels of tDDT or PCB over time. In spite of the low levels detected, OC contamination was present consistently over the 14-year period, suggesting continuous inputs from geographic redistribution.

A kinetic study of the photodynamic effect on tryptophan methyl ester and tryptophan octyl ester in DOPC vesicles

The photodynamic effect on tryptophan methyl ester (trpME) and tryptophan octyl ester (trpOE), using the O(2)((1)Delta(g))-photosensitizers Rose Bengal (RB) and Perinaphthenone (PN) has been studied in large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) of the phospholipid 1,2-di-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (DOPC) by stationary photolysis and time-resolved methods. This work reports on the influence of both the site (O(2)((1)Delta(g))) generation and the location of the tryptophan derivatives (trpD), on the photo-oxidation process in a compartmentalized system. The apparent rate constant values for chemical quenching of O(2)((1)Delta(g)) by trpOE (k(r,app)), was higher in vesicles than in water. Also, the ratio between apparent reactive and overall rate constant values for the deactivation of O(2)((1)Delta(g)) (k(r,app)/k(t,app)), increases in vesicles as compared with water, when the oxidative species is generated in the lipidic region or at the interface. Nevertheless, this quotient is lower than the corresponding value in water when O(2)((1)Delta(g)) is generated in the aqueous pseudophase. For trpME, the k(r,app)/k(t,app)values in vesicles and in water are quite similar, confirming the fact that trpME is located in the water pseudophase. Results are discussed in terms of relative protection against O(2)((1)Delta(g)) attack in a microheterogeneous medium as compared with water.

A comparative kinetic and mechanistic study between tetrahydrozoline and naphazoline toward photogenerated reactive oxygen species

Kinetic and mechanistic aspects of the vitamin B2 (riboflavin [Rf])-sensitized photo-oxidation of the imidazoline derivates (IDs) naphazoline (NPZ) and tetrahydrozoline (THZ) were investigated in aqueous solution. The process appears as important on biomedical grounds, considering that the vitamin is endogenously present in humans, and IDs are active components of ocular medicaments of topical application. Under aerobic visible light irradiation, a complex picture of competitive interactions between sensitizer, substrates and dissolved oxygen takes place: the singlet and triplet ((3)Rf*) excited states of Rf are quenched by the IDs: with IDs concentrations ca. 5.0 mM and 0.02 mM Rf, (3)Rf* is quenched by IDs, in a competitive fashion with dissolved ground state oxygen. Additionally, the reactive oxygen species: O(2)((1)Delta(g)), O(2)(*-), HO(*) and H(2)O(2), generated from (3)Rf* and Rf(*-), were detected with the employment of time-resolved methods or specific scavengers. Oxygen uptake experiments indicate that, for NPZ, only H(2)O(2) was involved in the photo-oxidation. In the case of THZ, O(2)(*-), HO(*) and H(2)O(2) were detected, whereas only HO(*) was unambiguously identified as THZ oxidative agents. Upon direct UV light irradiation NPZ and THZ generate O(2)((1)Delta(g)), with quantum yields of 0.2 (literature value, employed as a reference) and 0.08, respectively, in acetonitrile.

Photostability and spectral properties of fluorinated fluoresceins and their biarsenical derivatives: a combined experimental and theoretical study

New fluorinated biarsenical derivatives with improved optical properties based on highly photostable analogs of fluorescein were recently introduced. The photophysical parameters of the triplet excited states as well as photosensitized oxidation reactions of these dyes were determined in order to investigate the influence of molecular structure on the exceptional photostability of these fluorophores. The lack of correspondence between triplet quantum yields and lifetimes with the photobleaching rates of some of the fluorophores of the series suggests that differential reactivities of the excited states with ground state oxygen accounts for the different photodegradation resistances. The UV-visible absorption and emission spectra of the fluorinated fluoresceins and their biarsenical derivatives were evaluated using a TD-DFT/BP86/6-31G** approach, taking bulk solvent effects into account by means of the polarizable continuum model. The calculated properties are in good agreement with experimental data. The S0-->S1 vertical excitation energies in the gas phase and in water were obtained with the optimized geometries of the excited states. This type of calculation could be used in the rational design of new dyes.

Photodegradation of bisphenol A and related compounds under natural-like conditions in the presence of riboflavin: kinetics, mechanism and photoproducts

The aerobic riboflavin (Rf)-sensitized photodegradation of the endocrine disruptor 4,4'-isopropylidenebisphenol (bisphenol A, BPA), and of the related compounds 4,4'-isopropylidenebis(2,6-dibromophenol) and 4,4'-isopropylidenebis(2,6-dimethylphenol) has been studied in water and water-methanol mixtures through visible-light continuous photolysis, polarographic detection of oxygen uptake, stationary and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy, time-resolved near-IR phosphorescence detection and laser flash photolysis techniques. Bisphenols (BPs) quench excited singlet and triplet states of Rf, with rate constants close to the diffusion limit. BPs and dissolved molecular oxygen, employed in similar concentrations, competitively quench triplet excited Rf. As a consequence, superoxide radical anion and singlet molecular oxygen (O2(1Deltag)) are produced by electron- and energy-transfer processes, respectively, as demonstrated by auxiliary experiments employing selective quenchers of both oxidative species and the exclusive O2(1Deltag) generator Rose Bengal. As a global result, the photodegradation of Rf is retarded, whereas BPs are degraded, mainly by an O2(1Deltag)-mediated mechanism, which constitutes a relatively efficient process in the case of BPA. Oxidation, dimerization and fragmentation products have been identified in the photooxidation of BPA. Results indicate that BPs in natural waters can undergo spontaneous photodegradation under environmental conditions in the presence of adequate photosensitizers.

Photodegradation of the acaricide abamectin: a kinetic study

The acaricide abamectin is a mixture of two colorless homologues in a molar ratio of at least 4:1 with the same structure of macrocyclic lactone. The kinetics of its degradation under direct (254 nm) and dye-sensitized (>400 nm) photoirradiation in methanol solution has been studied by UV-vis spectrophotometry, potentiometric detection of dissolved oxygen, stationary fluorescence, laser flash photolysis, and time-resolved detection of singlet molecular oxygen (O2((1)Delta(g))) phosphorescence. The results indicate that the degradation is very efficient under direct irradiation with UV light (254 nm), with a quantum yield of 0.23. On the contrary, under visible-light irradiation, using the natural pigment riboflavin or the synthetic dye rose bengal as sensitizers, the degradation is very inefficient and proceeds through a O2((1)Delta(g))-mediated mechanism, with a bimolecular rate constant for the overall O2((1)Delta(g)) quenching (the sum of physical and chemical quenching) of 5.5 x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1). This value is similar to those reported for the rate constants of the reactions of O2((1)Delta(g)) with isolated double bonds or conjugated dienes and points to similar processes in the case of abamectin.

Kinetics of the photosensitized oxidation of chymotrypsin in different media

The kinetic aspects of the Perinaphthenone-sensitized photooxidation (singlet molecular oxygen [O2 ((1)Delta(g))]-mediated) of alpha-chymotrypsin (alpha-Chymo) have been studied at pH 8 and pH 11 as well in reverse micelles (RMs) of sodium 1, 4 bis (2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) in n-heptane. The rate constant values for both overall (k(t)) and chemical (k(r)) quenching of O2 ((1)Delta(g)) by alpha-Chymo in homogeneous media were higher at pH = 11 than at pH = 8, indicating that the OH-ionized tyrosine (Tyr) residues, clearly dominate the quenching process. Besides, the rate constants in water were higher than those determined in RMs, demonstrating that the organized medium protects the protein against photooxidation, probably due to a diminution in both, the accessibility towards oxidizable amino acid residues and the polarity inside the aggregate, as compared to water. The protection effect of alpha-Chymo against the attack by the oxidative species O2 ((1)Delta(g)) in RMs of AOT seems to be due to the increase of protein stability by the encapsulation within the micellar structure. The effect of both, surfactant concentration and variation of the ratio ([H2O]/[AOT]) = W on the reactive rate constant was also investigated. The process does not depend significantly on micelles concentration while the k(r) values increase as W increases. Furthermore, at W = 30, the highest W studied, k(r) tends to the value obtained in aqueous medium.

Singlet molecular oxygen [O2(1Δg)]-mediated photodegradation of tyrosine derivatives in the presence of cationic and neutral micellar systems

The kinetics of rose bengal-sensitized photooxidation of tyrosine and several tyrosine-derivatives (tyr-D) named tyrosine methyl ester, tyrosine ethyl ester and tyrosine benzyl ester was studied in buffered pH 11 water, and buffered pH 11 micellar aqueous solutions of 0.01 M cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) and 0.01 M-octylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol [triton X100 (TX100)]. Through time-resolved phosphorescence detection of singlet molecular oxygen (O(2)((1)Delta(g))) and polarographic determination of oxygen consumption, the respective bimolecular rate constants for reactive (k(r)) and overall (k(t)) quenching of the oxidative species by tyr-D were evaluated. Both rate constants behave in different fashion depending on the particular reaction medium. k(r)/k(t) values, increase in the sense CTAC<<TX100 < water, indicating, for the tyr-D family studied, an excellent degree of self-protection against O(2)((1)Delta(g))-attack in the CTAC micellar system and a high photooxidability level in water. Results were interpreted in terms of a competition between solvent polarity effects, local substrate concentration and electron donating capabilities of the substrates in the different media that can contribute to predict the extent of photodynamic damage in biological environments.

Kinetics and Mechanism of the Sensitized Photodegradation of Uracil-Modeling the Fate of Related Herbicides in Aqueous Environments†

The dye-sensitized photodegradation of uracil (UR), the parent compound of several profusely employed herbicides, has been studied as a model of their environmental fate. In order to mimic conditions frequently found in nature, aqueous solutions of UR have been irradiated with visible light in the presence of the natural sensitizer riboflavin (Rf). The results indicate that UR is photostable in acid media, but is quickly degraded in pH 7 or pH 9 solutions, where singlet molecular oxygen [O2(1Delta(g))] and, to a lesser extent, superoxide radical anion (O2*-)-both species photogenerated from triplet excited Rf, 3Rf*-participate in the photodegradation. At pH 7, UR is slowly degraded through an O2*- -mediated mechanism, whereas Rf disappears through its reaction with O2(1Delta(g)) and, in the form of 3Rf*, with UR. On the contrary, at pH 9 Rf is photoprotected through two processes: its regeneration from the formed Rf radical species-a back electron transfer that also produces O2*- -and the elimination from the medium of O2(1Delta(g)) by its reaction with UR. The overall result of the preservation of ground state Rf is the continuity of the photosensitized process and, hence, of the UR degradation. Media with higher pH values could not be employed due to the fast photodegradation of Rf. With rose bengal (RB) as photosensitizer, the rate constants found for the overall interaction between UR and the photogenerated O2(1Delta(g)) were in the range 5 x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1) (at pH 7) to 1.3 x 10(8) M(-1) s(-1) (in 1 M NaOH aqueous solution, mainly physical quenching). The maximum O2(1Delta(g)0-mediated photooxidation efficiencies with RB were reached at pH 11, where only the O2(1Delta(g)0-reactive quenching with UR was observed.

On the antioxidant properties of three synthetic flavonols

The antioxidant properties of a series of synthetic and natural flavonoids towards the oxygenated species superoxide radical anion (*O2-) enzimatically generated, were evaluated. 7-Hydroxyflavonol, 7,3'-dihydroxyflavonol and 3'-hydroxyflavonol were synthesised, with a systematic variation of the OH substitution on positions C3, C7, C3'and C4', and their respective antioxidative abilities compared to those of the already characterised natural flavonoids quercetin, kaempferol and rutin. The efficiency of *O2- deactivation by the flavonoids does not correlate with their respective determined oxidation potentials, suggesting that the pure one-electron-transfer-mechanism of *O2 quenching could not be the main scavenging process involved. Experimental evidence demonstrated that the possible inhibition of the *O2(-)-generator enzymatic system by the flavonoids must be disregarded as a possible indirect cause for the inhibition of the oxidative species. One possible mechanism for the inhibition of *O2-, highly dependent on the substitution pattern of the flavonoid, may be the generation of hydroperoxides or dioxetanes as oxidation products, as already postulated for other biologically relevant compounds. The simultaneous OH-substitution on positions C3 and C7 of the flavonoid skeleton plays a definitive role in the enhancement of the *O2- inhibitory effect. The replacement of OH by a O-rutinosyl group on position C7 suppresses at all that effect, whereas the absence of an OH group in position 7 significantly reduces the antioxidative power. Finally, the presence of OH groups on positions 3'and 4' does not produce any determinant effect in the antioxidative behaviour of the flavonoids.

Photoproducts and proposed degradation pathway in the riboflavin-sensitised photooxidation of isoproterenol

Products of the aerobic visible-light-promoted riboflavin-sensitised photooxidation of the sympathomimetic drug isoproterenol were identified by means of HPLC and spectrophotometric techniques. The oxidative process, mediated by superoxide radical anion, generates N-isopropylaminochrome as a main photoproduct with a quantum yield of 0.15. In parallel, the photodecomposition of riboflavin is prevented in the presence of isoproterenol. A reaction scheme for the photooxidation pathway of isoproterenol is proposed in analogy to former reports for related compounds.