Extraction and preconcentration of parabens from the human follicular fluid through dispersive micro solid phase extraction using microporous MIL-68 (In) followed by in-situ effervescence-boosted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction

For the first time in this study, a microextraction method was developed to perform follicular fluid safety assessment analysis. The drastic importance of follicular fluid safety on the proper nourishment and development of oocytes caused the development of the present method. Since women are regularly exposed to parabens through cosmetics, healthcare, and hygienic products, the infection of body fluids is probable in long-term exposures. Also, for the first time, MIL-68 (In) was applied in an analytical method. Moreover, a new method called in-situ effervescence-boosted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction was adopted for the simultaneous derivatization and preconcentration of the target parabens. To perform the method, 25 mg of MIL-68 (In) was dispersed into the solution of follicular fluid by vortexing. Then, 1.0 mL of 2-propanol was used to elute the analytes from the absorbent via vortexing. The analyte-enriched organic phase was mixed with 100 µL of acetic anhydride (derivatization agent) and 27 µL 1,2-dibromoethane (extraction solvent) which was swiftly injected into a sodium carbonate solution. Following the centrifugation, the extraction solvent was sedimented at the bottom of a conical bottom glass test tube and an aliquot of it was injected into a gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector. Wide linear ranges (120-25000 µg L-1), satisfactory extraction recoveries (31-79%) and enrichment factors (31-79), and appreciable limits of detection (7-36 µg L-1) and quantification (25-120 µg L-1) were recorded. The high surface area of MIL-68 (In) (608.82 m2 g-1) and its significantly low average pore diameter (13.829 A°) provide an ideal platform for the extraction of parabens from the complex matrix of follicular fluid.

Streamlined Water-Leaching Preconcentration Method As a Novel Analytical Approach and Its Coupling to Dispersive Micro-Solid-Phase Extraction Based on Synthetically Modified (Fe/Co) Bimetallic MOFs

The streamlined water-leaching preconcentration method is introduced as a novel preconcentration method in this study. The approach has many benefits including low consumption of organic solvent and deionized water and operation time, energy-saving, no need for dispersion or evaporation, and implementation of more efficient preconcentration. Also, a methodological study was done on the synthesis of (Fe/Co) bimetallic-organic framework that eased the synthesis procedure, decreased its time, and enhanced its analytical performance by increasing its surface area, total pore volume, and average pore diameter parameters. To perform the extraction, bi-MOF particles were added into the solution of interest enriched with sodium sulfate. After vortexing to adsorb the analytes, centrifugation isolated the sorbent particles. A microliter-volume of acetonitrile and 1,2-dibromoethane mixture was used for desorption aim via vortexing. After the separation of the organic phase and transferring it into a conical bottom glass test tube, a milliliter volume of sodium chloride solution was applied to leach the organic phase. A gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector was applied for the injection of the extracted phase. The method was applied for the extraction and preconcentration of some pesticides from juice samples. Wide linear ranges (5.44-1600 μg L-1), low relative standard deviations (3.1-4.5% for intra- (n = 6) and 3.5-5.2% for interday (n = 4) precisions), high extraction recoveries (61-95%), enrichment factors (305-475), and low limits of detection (0.67-1.65 μg L-1) and quantification (2.21-5.44 μg L-1) were obtained for the developed method.

MIL-68 (Ga) for the extraction of derivatized and non-derivatized parabens from healthcare products

This study was the first-ever attempt to apply MIL-68 (Ga) in developing an analytical method. The method extracts and preconcentrates some parabens from mouthwash and hydrating gel samples. The variable extraction parameters were optimized, and the figures of merit were documented. Avogadro software was used besides discussing intermolecular interactions to clarify the absorption process. ComplexGAPI software was also exploited to assess the greenness of the method. After the derivatization of the parabens using acetic anhydride in the presence of sodium carbonate, sodium chloride was added to the solution and vortexed to dissolve. A few milligrams of MIL-68 (Ga) were added into the solution and vortexed. Centrifugation separated the analyte-loaded absorbent, which was treated with mL volume of methanol through vortexing for desorption aim. A few microliters of 1,2-dibromoethane were merged with the methanolic phase and injected into a sodium chloride solution. One microliter of the extracted phase was injected into a gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector. High enrichment factors (200-330), reasonable extraction recoveries (40-66%), wide linear ranges (265-30,000 µg L-1), and appreciable coefficients of determination (0.996-0.999) were documented. The applicability of dispersive solid phase extraction for extracting polar analytes, imposing no additional step for performing derivatization, the capability of MIL-68 (Ga) for the absorption of both derivatized and non-derivatized parabens, the use of only 10 mg absorbent, and one-pot synthesis besides no high temperature or long reaction time in the sorbent provision are the highlights of the method.

NiGA MOF-based dispersive micro solid phase extraction coupled to temperature-assisted evaporation using low boiling point solvents for the extraction and preconcentration of butylated hydroxytoluene and some phthalate and adipate esters

The first-ever attempt to apply nickel gallic acid metal-organic framework (NiGA MOF) in analytical method development was done in this research by the extraction of some plasticizers from aqueous media. The greenness of the method is owing to the use of gallic acid and nickel as safe reagents and water as the safest solvent. Low boiling point solvents were applied as desorption solvents that underwent temperature-assisted evaporation in the preconcentration step. Performing the evaporation using a low-temperature water bath for a short period of time streamlines the preconcentration section. Into the solution of interest enriched with sodium sulfate, a mg amount of NiGA MOF was added alongside vortexing to extract the analytes. Following centrifugation and discarding the supernatant, a μL level of diethyl ether was added onto the analyte-loaded NiGA MOF particles and vortexed. The analyte-enriched diethyl ether phase was transferred into a conical bottom glass test tube and located in a water bath set at the temperature of 35 °C under a laboratory hood. After the evaporation, a μL level of 1,2-dibromoethane was added to the test tube and vortexed to dissolve the analytes from the inner perimeter of the tube. One microliter of the organic phase was injected into a gas chromatograph equipped with flame ionization detection. Appreciable extraction recoveries (61-98%), high enrichment factors (305-490), low limits of detection (0.80-1.74 μg L-1) and quantification (2.64-5.74 μg L-1), and wide linear ranges (5.74-1000 μg L-1) were obtained at the optimum conditions.

A novel water-soluble thiosemicarbazone Schiff base ligand and its complexes as potential anticancer agents and cellular fluorescence imaging

A novel fluorescent ligand (H₂LCl⋅1.5CH₃OH, 1) was synthesized and metal complexes of 1 with Mn(II), Fe(III), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) were obtained as Mn(HL)₂Cl₂ (2), Fe(HL)₂Cl₃⋅3H₂O (3), Ni(L)(HL)Cl⋅8H₂O (4), Cu(HL)Cl₂⋅4H₂O (5), Zn(H₂L)Cl₃ (6), respectively. These compounds were identified by spectroscopic methods, elemental analysis, molar conductivity, and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. According to the crystal structure of 4 nickel (II), center is surrounded by two ligands in a distorted octahedral geometry. The ligand and its complexes are soluble in water and have excellent stability. In vitro anti-proliferative activity of these compounds was evaluated against human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) and human lipo-sarcoma (SW-872) as cancer cells and human fibroblasts (HFF-2) as normal cells by MTT assay. Interestingly, complex 5 exhibited excellent activity against both cancer cells with low IC₅₀ value 22.18 ± 0.35 μg/mL (35.66 ± 0.56 μM) for SW-872 and 79.41 ± 3.54 μg/mL (127.6 ± 5.69 μM) for MCF-7 among the compounds and in comparison with paclitaxel (PTX) which acts finely. Morphological changes were evaluated by flow cytometry that revealed apoptosis is the main cause of cell death. Likewise, cell cycle studies indicated the cell cycle arrest in the G₁ and S phases for complex 5 against MCF-7 and SW-872 cancer cells, while complex 6 could arrest the MCF-7 and SW-872 cells in G₂ and G₁ phases, respectively. All of the compounds are fluorescent which enabled us to monitor the uptake and intracellular distribution in living human cancer cells by fluorescence microscopy.

An all-embracing analytical method comprising modified QuEChERS-dispersive micro-solid-phase extraction-dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction using FeGA MOF for the extraction and preconcentration of pesticides simultaneously from juice and flesh of watermelon

For the first time, a comprehensive analytical method based on a one-dimensional metal-organic framework comprising "quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe-dispersive micro solid phase extraction-dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction" was introduced in this research. Moreover, the first-ever attempt was accomplished to apply the iron-gallic acid metal-organic framework in analytical method development. The goal of the research was to analyze the pesticide content of watermelon comprehensively in its flesh and juice. Based on this, comprehensive and reliable food safety monitoring can be done. Initially, pesticides of the watermelon flesh were extracted using an mL volume of acetonitrile by vortexing. At the same time, the pesticides of watermelon juice were extracted from the juice matrix onto the sorbent particles facilitated by vortexing. The obtained acetonitrile phase was also used to desorb the analytes from the sorbent surface by vortexing. As a result, the pesticide content of both juice and flesh was extracted into the acetonitrile. The pesticide-enriched acetonitrile was then used as the disperser solvent by being merged with µL level of 1,2-dibromoethane and injection into deionized water. A cloudy solution was created as the result. Centrifugation triggered extractant at the bottom of the conical glass test tube and an aliquot of it was injected into a gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector. High enrichment factors (210-400), appreciable extraction recoveries (42-80%), wide linear ranges (3.20-1000 µg kg^-1), relative standard deviations in the ranges of 3.6-4.4% for intra- (n = 6) and 4.4-5.3% for inter-day (n = 3) precisions, and low limits of detection (0.43-0.97 µg kg^-1), and quantification (1.42-3.20 µg kg^-1) were obtained by the application of the developed method.

Enhanced anticancer potency with reduced nephrotoxicity of newly synthesized platin-based complexes compared with cisplatin

As a platinum-containing anticancer drug, cisplatin is the keystone for treating many malignancies. Nephrotoxicity is the main dose-limiting toxicity, and several hydration therapies and supplementary strategies are utilized to reduce cisplatin-induced kidney damage, so the discovery and development of effective and safe antitumor drugs are still on the path of human health. Herein, a new four-coordinated Pt complex [Pt(TSC)Cl] using N(4)-phenyl-2-formylpyridine thiosemicarbazone (HTSC) was synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, ¹HNMR, FT-IR, LC/MS and CHN elemental analysis. The Pt(TSC)Cl complex revealed antiproliferative activity against A549, MCF-7 and Caco-2 cell lines with a low micromolar IC₅₀ (200–1.75 µM). Specifically, the Pt(TSC)Cl complex displayed more selectivity in Caco-2 cells (IC₅₀ = 2.3 µM) than cisplatin (IC₅₀ = 107 µM) after 48 h of treatment. Moreover, compared with cisplatin, a known nephrotoxic drug, the Pt(TSC)Cl complex exhibited lower nephrotoxicity against Hek293 normal cells. We also found that the Pt(TSC)Cl complex can effectively prevent cancer cell propagation in sub-G1 and S phases and induce apoptosis (more than 90%). Real time PCR and western analysis demonstrated that the expression pattern of apoptotic genes and proteins is according to the intrinsic apoptosis pathway through the Bax/Bcl-2-Casp9-Casp3/Casp7 axis. Collectively, our findings indicated that the Pt(TSC)Cl complex triggers apoptosis in Caco-2 cell lines, while low nephrotoxicity was shown and may be considered a useful anticancer drug candidate for colorectal cancers for further optimization and growth.

Application of an MOF-based dispersive micro solid phase extraction method followed by dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction for plasticizers’ detection and determination

In this research, MIL-68 (Al) was synthesized and used for the extraction of some plasticizers from various samples stored in plastic bottles.

Antimicrobial, cytotoxicity, molecular modeling and DNA cleavage/binding studies of zinc-naproxen complex: switching DNA binding mode of naproxen by coordination to zinc ion

The intercalation DNA binding mode of the naproxen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, has been reported previously. In this study, calf thymus deoxyribonucleic acid (CT-DNA) binding of zinc-naproxen complex, [Zn(naproxen)₂(MeOH)₂], at physiological pH has been investigated by multi-spectroscopic techniques and molecular docking. Zinc-naproxen complex displays significant binding property to the CT-DNA (K_b = 0.2 × 10⁵ L.mol^-1). All of the experimental results; relative increasing in viscosity of CT-DNA and fluorimetric studies using ethidium bromide (EB) and Hoechst 33258 probes, are indicative of groove binding mode of zinc-naproxen complex to CT-DNA. These results show that the coordination of naproxen to zinc metal switches the mode of binding from intercalation to groove. The molecular modeling also shows that the complex binds to the AT-rich region of minor groove of DNA. Structural and topography changes of DNA in interaction with the complex by atomic force microscopy (AFM) indicated that CT-DNA becomes swollen after interaction. The pUC18 plasmid DNA cleavage ability of zinc-naproxen complex by gel electrophoresis experiments revealed that zinc-naproxen complex cleaved supercoiled pUC18 plasmid DNA to nicked DNA. The cytotoxicity of the zinc complex performed by MTT method on HT29 and MCF7 cancer cell lines and on HEK 293 normal cell lines indicates that zinc complex has no cytotoxic effect on both HT29 and MCF7 cell lines but has better cytotoxicity effect on HEK 293 cell lines compared to cisplatin standard drug. The antimicrobial activity of the complex against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria revealed the high antimicrobial activity of the complex.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Molecular mechanisms of apoptosis induction in K562 and KG1a leukemia cells by a water-soluble copper(II) thiosemicarbazone complex

Thiosemicarbazones (TSCs) and their metal complexes exhibit pronounced and selective cytotoxic potential against a broad span of cancers. Here, we assessed the anti-cancer activity of a water-soluble copper(II) complex of thiosemicarbazone (Cu-TSC) against two cancer cell lines of human leukemia. Our analysis revealed that Cu-TSC treatment results in a time and dose-dependent growth inhibition in K562 and KG1a cells while sparing normal human fibroblast (HFF2) cells. The IC₅₀ values for the Cu-TSC treatment were measured to be 21.7 ± 1.5 µM and 50.25 ± 2.5 µM for K562 and KG1a cells, respectively. Cell cycle analysis indicated that Cu-TSC induces the accumulation of cells in the sub-G1 fraction as well as the reversible arrest in G0/G1 and G2/M phases in K562 and KG1a cells, respectively. Furthermore, the occurrence of apoptosis as the prime mode of cell death was verified through apoptotic body formation, phosphatidylserine externalization, and caspase-3 activation. Additionally, the real-time quantitative PCR analysis revealed that Cu-TSC triggers apoptosis in both cell lines via the upregulation of caspases-8, -9, and the changing of Bax/Bcl2 ratio. Finally, flow cytometric analysis confirmed that Cu-TSC treatment causes the enhancement of reactive oxygen species formation in both K562 and KG1a cells. Altogether, these findings suggest that Cu-TSC is a promising inducer of apoptosis in leukemia cells and carries potential as an anti-cancer compound.

Theoretical and experimental investigation of anticancer activities of an acyclic and symmetrical compartmental Schiff base ligand and its Co(ii), Cu(ii) and Zn(ii) complexes

A compartmental Schiff base ligand, 2,2′-((((((2-hydroxypropane-1,3-diyl)bis(oxy))bis(2,1-phenylene))bis(methylene))bis(azanylylidene))bis(methanylylidene))bis(4-bromophenol) (H₃L^Br) and its complexes with cobalt(ii), copper(ii) and zinc(ii) including, [Co(HL^Br)] (1), [Cu₂(L^Br)(μ-1,3-OAc)]·MeOH (2) and [Zn(HL^Br)] (3) were prepared using template synthesis and characterised by elemental analysis, FT-IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopies and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In the structure of complexes 1 and 3 the metal atom has a MN₂O₂ environment with tetrahedral geometry while complex 2 has a binuclear structure with a MNO₄ environment and square planar geometry around the copper atom. The ability of all compounds to interact with the nine biomacromolecules (BRAF kinase, CatB, DNA gyrase, HDAC7, rHA, RNR, TrxR, TS and Top II) are investigated by docking calculations. For examination of the docking results, the in vitro activities of eight compounds against the human leukemia cell line K562 was investigated by evaluation of IC₅₀ values and mode of cell death (apoptosis).

A compartmental Schiff base ligand and its copper, cobalt and zinc complexes were prepared. The in vitro activities of all compounds against the human leukemia cell line K562 were investigated along with docking and DFT studies.

Synthesis, characterization and crystal structures of mono and dinuclear macrocyclic cobalt(ii) complexes with a new tetraaza m-xylyl-based macrocyclic ligand

Synthesis, characterization, cyclic voltammetry, magnetic susceptibility and crystal structures of mono and dinuclear macrocyclic cobalt(ii) complexes have been investigated.

catena-Poly[[(benzil bis{[(pyridin-2-yl)methylidene]hydrazone}-κ⁴N,N',N'',N''')mercury(II)]-μ-chlorido-[dichloridomercury(II)]-μ-chlorido]

In the title coordination polymer, [Hg₂Cl₄(C₂₆H₂₀N₆)]_n, one Hg^II ion is coordinated by four N atoms from the benzylbis((pyridin-2-yl)methyl­idenehydrazone) ligand and two Cl⁻ ions in a very distorted cis-HgCl₂N₄ octa­hedral geometry. The other Hg^II ion is coordinated in a distorted tetra­hedral geometry by four Cl⁻ ions. Bridging chloride ions link the Hg^II ions into a chain propagating in [010]: the Hg—Cl bridging bonds are significantly longer than the terminal bonds. The dihedral angle between the central benzene rings of the ligand is 83.3 (2)°. The packing is consolidated by weak C—H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds and C—H⋯π inter­actions.

Synthesis and Characterization of the Nickel(II) Complex of a Macrocyclic Schiff Base Ligand with a Single Pendant Coordinating Hydroxyl Arm

The synthesis and characterization of a nickel(II) complex of the ligand 8,9,18,19-tetrahydro-7H,17H-dibenzo[f,o][1,5,9,13]dioxadiazacyclohexadecin-18-ol (L) is described. Complex [NiL(NO3)]NO3 was prepared by facile template reaction of the appropriate dialdehyde 2-(3-(2-formylphenoxy)-2-hydroxypropoxy)benzaldehyde (1) and 1,3-diaminopropane in the presence of nickel nitrate. X-Ray crystallography indicated that the compound was a six-coordinate complex that contained a pentadentate ligand and an NO3− anion trans to the alcoholic donor. The blue complex contains nickel(II) in a distorted octahedral environment of N2O4 donors, and crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a 26.921(10), b 9.075(2), c 21.193(7) Å, β 122.12(2)°, and Z 8. From spectro-scopic and conductivity studies of the complex it has been found that six-coordinate [NiL(NO3)]+ cations and NO3− anions are formed in solution.