Discovery of 1,8-naphthalidine derivatives as potent anti-hepatic fibrosis agents via repressing PI3K/AKT/Smad and JAK2/STAT3 pathways

Liver fibrosis is one of the most common pathological consequences of chronic liver diseases (CLD). To develop effective antifibrotic strategies, a novel class of 1-(substituted phenyl)-1,8-naphthalidine-3-carboxamide derivatives were designed and synthesized. By means of the collagen type I α 1 (COL1A1)-based screening and cytotoxicity assay in human hepatic stellate cell (HSC) line LX-2, seven compounds were screened out from total 60 derivatives with high inhibitory effect and relatively low cytotoxicity for further COL1A1 mRNA expression analysis. It was found that compound 17f and 19g dose-dependently inhibited the expression of fibrogenic markers, including α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), matrix metalloprotein 2 (MMP-2), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) on both mRNA and protein levels. Further mechanism studies indicated that they might suppress the hepatic fibrogenesis via inhibiting both PI3K/AKT/Smad and non-Smad JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathways. Furthermore, 19g administration attenuated hepatic histopathological injury and collagen accumulation, and reduced fibrogenesis-associated protein expression in liver tissues of bile duct ligation (BDL) rats, showing significant antifibrotic effect in vivo. These findings identified 1,8-naphthalidine derivatives as potent anti-hepatic fibrosis agents, and provided valuable information for further structure optimization.

4f-Metal Clusters Exhibiting Slow Relaxation of Magnetization: A {Dy7} Complex with An Hourglass-like Metal Topology

The reaction between Dy(NO₃)₃∙6H₂O and the bulky Schiff base ligand, N-naphthalidene-2-amino-5-chlorobenzoic acid (nacbH₂), in the presence of the organic base NEt₃ has led to crystallization and structural, spectroscopic and magnetic characterization of a new heptanuclear [Dy₇(OH)₆(OMe)₂(NO₃)_1.5(nacb)₂(nacbH)₆(MeOH)(H₂O)₂](NO₃)_1.5 (1) compound in ~40% yield. Complex 1 has a unique hourglass-like metal topology, among all previously reported {Dy₇} clusters, comprising two distorted {Dy₄(μ₃-OH)₃(μ₃-OMe)}⁸⁺ cubanes that share a common metal vertex (Dy2). Peripheral ligation about the metal core is provided by the carboxylate groups of four η¹:η¹:η¹:μ single-deprotonated nacbH⁻ and two η¹:η¹:η²:η¹:μ₃ fully-deprotonated nacb²⁻ ligands. Complex 1 is the first structurally characterized 4f-metal complex bearing the chelating/bridging ligand nacbH₂ at any protonation level. Magnetic susceptibility studies revealed that 1 exhibits slow relaxation of magnetization at a zero external dc field, albeit with a small energy barrier of ~5 K for the magnetization reversal, most likely due to the very fast quantum-tunneling process. The combined results are a promising start to further explore the reactivity of nacbH₂ upon all lanthanide ions and the systematic use of this chelate ligand as a route to new 4f-metal cluster compounds with beautiful structures and interesting magnetic dynamics.

A novel Ag⁺ cation sensor based on polyamidoamine dendrimer modified with 1,8-naphthalimide derivatives

In this study, 4-amino-1,8-naphthalimide-conjugated polyamidoamine dendrimer was synthesized and characterized and its potentiality as a cation sensor was investigated. 4-Amino-1,8-naphthalic anhydride reacted with polyamidoamine dendrimer and the product was characterized using FTIR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR and melting point analysis method. The synthesized compound was applied to detect various cations in water media and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) via monitoring the quenching of the fluorescence intensity. Furthermore, various metal cations including Cu(2+), Ni(2+), Zn(2+), Pb(2+),Ca(2+), Ba(2+), Cd(2+), Hg(2+), Fe(2+), Fe(3+) and Ag(+) were tested. The complexes formed between the synthesized compound and metal cations in solution and their effects on Photoinduced Electron Transfer (PET) process were investigated regarding the potential application of the newly-synthesized dendrimer as a colorimetric and fluorescent sensor for such cations. The results clearly confirmed that the 1,8-naphthalimide groups surrounding the central dendrimer core showed strong green fluorescence emission at 553 nm. This effect considerably decreased with the introduction of all cations, except Ag(+) where the fluorescence quenching effect was remarkable and more dominant. Therefore, it can be concluded that the synthesized dye has the potentiality of being a highly sensitive and selective fluorescence sensor for Ag(+) cation.

Spectrophotometric determination of nitrite in soil and water using cefixime and central composite design

The present paper seeks to develop a simple method for the spectrophotometric determination of nitrite in soil and water samples and also measure optimum reaction conditions along with other analytical parameters. The method is based on the diazotization-coupling reaction of nitrite with cefixime and 1-naphthylamine in an acidic solution (Griess reaction). The final product that is an azo dye has an orange color with maximum absorption at 360 nm which Beer's Law is obeyed over the concentration range 0.02-15.00 mg L(-1) of nitrite. Optimal conditions of the variables affecting the reaction were obtained by central composite design (CCD). A detection limit of 4.3×10(-3) mg L(-1) was obtained for determination of nitrite by the proposed method. The proposed method was successfully applied to determine nitrite in soil and water samples. The molar absorptivity of the product of the reaction and RSD in determination of nitrite in real samples are 4.1×10(3) (L mol(-1) cm(-1)) and lower than 10%, respectively.

New duel fluorescent "on-off" and colorimetric sensor for Copper(II): Copper(II) binds through N coordination and pi cation interaction to sensor

Schiff base derived from naphthylamine and benzil (L) binds to two Cu(2+) ions, one by coordination through N of the Schiff base and another by pi cation interaction through benzil rings. This bonding pattern determined by DFT calculation has been proved by matching electronic spectrum obtained from TDDFT calculation to the experimental one. L acts as "on-off" fluorescent and bare eye detectable colorimetric (purple color) sensor for Cu(2+) ion over the metal ions - Na(+), K(+), Ca(2+) Mn(2+), Co(2+) Ni(2+), Zn(2+), Pb(2+), Cd(2+), Hg(2+), Ag(+), Hg(2+) and Al(3+) in 1:1 v/v CH3CN:H2O. These metal ions do not interfere the fluorescent/colorimetric sensing. As fluorescent sensor the linear range of detection is 5×10(-5) to 3×10(-4)M and detection limit 10(-5)M.

Monodentate Schiff base ligands: their structural characterization, photoluminescence, anticancer, electrochemical and sensor properties

Two Schiff base compounds, N,N'-bis(2-methoxy phenylidene)-1,5-diamino naphthalene (L(1)) and N,N'-bis(3,4,5-trimethoxy phenylidene)-1,5-diamino naphthalene (L(2)) were synthesized and characterized by the analytical and spectroscopic methods. The electrochemical and photoluminescence properties of the Schiff bases were investigated in the different conditions. The compounds L(1) and L(2) show the reversible redox processes at some potentials. The sensor properties of the Schiff bases were examined and color changes were observed upon addition of the metal cations, such as Hg(II), Cu(II), Co(II) and Al(III). The Schiff base compounds show the bathochromic shift from 545 to 585 nm. The single crystals of the compounds (L(1)) and (L(2)) were obtained from the methanol solution and characterized structurally by the X-ray crystallography technique. The molecule L(2) is centrosymmetric whereas the L(1) has no crystallographically imposed molecular symmetry. However, the molecular structures for these compounds are quite similar, differing principally in the conformation about methoxy groups and the dihedral angle between the two aromatic rings and diamine naphthalene.

N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine/β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex as a new fluorescent probe for rapid and visual detection of Pd(2+)

Inclusion complex between N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine (NPN) and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) was studied by FT-IR, (1)H and 2D NMR, XRD, FT-Raman, SEM and DSC techniques. The formation of 1:1 stoichiometric inclusion complex of NPN with β-CD was proposed based on the Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and Molecular docking study. The molecular encapsulation of host-guest inclusion complex based on simple chemosensor has high selectivity and sensitivity for the determination of Pd(2+) ion. Host-guest inclusion complex as a spectroscopic probe is used for the detection of transition metal cation Pd(2+). Coordination of this Pd(2+) with (NPN/β-CD) inclusion complex exhibited a noticeable color change in the solution state it used for naked-eye detection.

Holmium(III)-selective fluorimetric optode based on N,N-bis(salicylidene)-naphthylene-1,8-diamine as a neutral fluorogenic ionophore

For the first time a highly sensitive and selective fluorimetric optode for determination of trace amounts of Ho(3+) ions was prepared. The sensing system was prepared by incorporating of N,N-bis(salicylidene)-naphthylene-1,8-diamine (L) as a neutral Ho(3+)-selective fluoroionophore, in a plasticized PVC membrane containing sodium tetraphenyl borate as a lipophilic anionic additive. The response of the sensor is based on the strong fluorescence quenching of L by Ho(3+) ions. At pH 5.4, the proposed sensor displays a calibration curve over a wide concentration range of 1.0×10(-10)-1.0×10(-3)M, with a relatively fast response time of less than 1 min. In addition to high stability, high reproducibility and a relatively long working lifetime, the sensor shows a good selectivity towards Ho(3+) ion with respect to common coexisting cations. The fluorescence optode was applied to determination of holmium ion contents of water samples.

Synthesis, crystal structure, and spectroscopic properties of new stilbazolium salt with enlarged π-conjugated system

A new stilbazolium dye 4-{(E)-2-[4-(dimethylamino)naphthalen-1-yl]ethenyl}-1-methylquinolinium iodide monohydrate (DANSQI) having enlarged π-conjugated system was synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction, IR, Raman, UV-Vis, Fluorescence, (1)H- and (13)C NMR spectroscopy. Quantum chemical calculations were performed to obtain electronic structure and vibrational data, using DFT. The crystals are monoclinic, space group P21/n, with a=8.0751(14), b=25.839(4), c=10.9031(15) Å, V=2141.4(6) Å(3), and Z=4 (at 300(2) K). The unit cell contains four molecules of the dye, participating in weak intermolecular interactions. The cation is nearly flat with a deviation of the planarity of 5.08 (1)°. The dye investigated is the first stilbazolium iodide containing water molecule in the solid state therefore the N-dimethylamino group declines significantly from planarity, as indicated by C13N1C2C3 torsion angle of 16.08°. The dye studied shows solvatochromism of 84 nm in visible region and very large Stokes shift up to 253 nm. The intensity of fluorescence bands strongly depends on solvent polarity.

Adsorption of phenanthrene, 2-naphthol, and 1-naphthylamine to colloidal oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes: effects of humic acid and surfactant modification

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can exist in the form of colloidal suspension in aquatic environments, particularly in the presence of natural organic matter or surfactants, and may significantly affect the fate and transport of organic contaminants. In the present study, the authors examined the adsorption of phenanthrene, 2-naphthol, and 1-naphthylamine to three colloidal CNTs, including a stable suspension of oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (O-MWNT), a humic acid (HA)-modified colloidal O-MWNT, and a sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-modified colloidal O-MWNT. All three colloidal O-MWNTs exhibit strong adsorption affinities to the three test compounds (with K(OC) values orders of magnitude greater than those of natural organic matter), likely resulting from strong nonhydrophobic interactions such as π-π electron donor-acceptor interactions and Lewis acid-base interactions. When thoroughly mixed, HA (at ∼310 mg HA/g CNT) and SDS (at ∼750 mg SDS/g CNT) significantly affected the aggregation properties of O-MWNT, causing individually dispersed tubes to form a loosely entangled network. The effects of HA or SDS modification on adsorption are twofold. Adsorption of HA/SDS significantly reduces surface areas of O-MWNT; however, the entangled network allows adsorbate molecules to interact simultaneously with multiple tubes. An important implication is that humic substances and surfactant-like materials not only facilitate the formation of colloidal carbon nanoparticles but also affect how these colloidal carbon nanoparticles adsorb organic contaminants.

Anti-Escherichia coli O157:H7 properties of purple prairie clover and sainfoin condensed tannins

Condensed tannins (CT) from purple prairie clover (PPC; Dalea purpurea Vent.) and sainfoin (SF; Onobrychis viciifolia) were assessed for anti-Escherichia coli activity by comparing their ability to react with proteins and liposome, cause cell aggregation, and alter outer membrane (OM) morphology and permeability. The PPC CT had greater (P < 0.01) protein-precipitating capacity than SF CT using either bovine serum albumin or ribulose 1,5-disphosphate carboxylase as model proteins. Minimum inhibitory concentration of PPC CT for two strains of E. coli and five strains of E. coli O157:H7 was four to six times lower than that of SF CT. E. coli exposed to 10 µg/mL of both CT had higher (P < 0.05) OM permeability than controls and was greater (P < 0.05) for PPC than for SF CT. Addition of both CT at 50 and 200 µg/mL caused cell aggregation which was more evident (P < 0.05) for PPC than for SF CT. Transmission electron microscopy showed electron dense material on the cell surface when cells were exposed to 50 µg/mL of PPC CT. The greater anti-E. coli activity of PPC than SF CT was due to its enhanced ability to precipitate protein that increased OM permeability and promoted cell aggregation.

Phenomenon of quantum entanglement in a system composed of two minimal protocells

The quantum mechanical self-assembly of two separate photoactive supramolecular systems with different photosynthetic centers was investigated by means of density functional theory methods. Quantum entangled energy transitions from one subsystem to the other and the assembly of logically controlled artificial minimal protocells were modeled. The systems studied were based on different photoactive sensitizer molecules covalently bonded to a non-canonical oxo-guanine::cytosine supramolecule with the precursor of a fatty acid (pFA) molecule attached via Van der Waals forces, all surrounded by water molecules. The electron correlation interactions responsible for the weak hydrogen and Van der Waals chemical bonds increased due to the addition of polar water solvent molecules. The distances between the separated sensitizer, nucleotide, pFA, and water molecules are comparable to Van der Waals and hydrogen bonding radii. As a result, the overall system becomes compressed, resulting in photo-excited electron tunneling from the sensitizer (bis(4-diphenylamine-2-phenyl)-squarine or 1,4-bis(N,N-dimethylamino)naphthalene) to the pFA molecules. Absorption spectra as well as electron transfer trajectories associated with the different excited states were calculated using time dependent density functional theory methods. The results allow separation of the quantum entangled photosynthetic transitions within the same minimal protocell and with the neighboring minimal protocell. The transferred electron is used to cleave a "waste" organic molecule resulting in the formation of the desired product. A two variable, quantum entangled AND logic gate was proposed, consisting of two input photoactive sensitizer molecules and one output (pFA molecule). It is proposed that a similar process might be applied for the destruction of tumor cancer cells or to yield building blocks in artificial cells.

Rapid and convenient detection of ascorbic acid using a fluorescent nitroxide switch

Ascorbic acid is a small-molecule reductant with multiple functions in vivo. Reducing ascorbic acid intake leads to a lack of hydroxylation of prolines and lysines, causing a looser triple helix and resulting in scurvy. Ascorbic acid also acts as an antioxidant to prevent oxidative stress. Because ascorbic acid is related to disease states, rapid and convenient detection of ascorbic acid should be useful in diagnosis. Nitroxide is reduced to the corresponding hydroxylamine by ascorbic acid and a sensitive and novel approach to its detection employs covalent coupling of nitroxide with a fluorophore, leading to intramolecular quenching of fluorescence emission by electron-exchange interactions. Here, we developed a new fluorophore-nitroxide probe, Naph-DiPy nitroxide, for ascorbic acid. Naph-DiPy nitroxide rapidly reacted with ascorbic acid and showed fluorescence enhancement, but not in response to other reductants or reactive oxygen species. To confirm the practical usefulness of the fluorophore-nitroxide probe, we demonstrated the use of Naph-DiPy nitroxide for the measurement of ascorbic acid in the plasma of osteogenic disorder Shionogi rats when fed an ascorbic acid-deficient diet. The results suggest that this novel fluorophore-nitroxide probe could sensitively and easily detect ascorbic acid and be useful as a tool for the diagnosis of disease states.

High-efficient treatment of wastewater contained the carcinogen naphthylamine by electrochemical oxidation with γ-Al2O3 supported MnO2 and Sb-doped SnO2 catalyst

1-Naphthylamine wastewater causes severe environmental pollution because of its acute toxicity and carcinogenicity in humans, which makes it difficult to reuse by conventional technologies. In this study, we report an investigation of the electrochemical catalytic oxidation of 1-naphthylamine in synthetic wastewater in a 150 mL electrolytic batch reactor with Ti/Sb-SnO(2)/PbO(2) as anode and steel plate as cathode, where the reaction was assisted by MnO(2) and Sn(1-x)Sb(x)O(2) composite materials as the catalyst and γ-Al(2)O(3) as the carrier (MnO(2)-Sn(1-x)Sb(x)O(2)/γ-Al(2)O(3)). The catalyst was synthesized by impregnating process and was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The effects of pH and current density on the efficiency of the electrochemical degradation process were also studied. It was found that MnO(2)-Sn(1-x)Sb(x)O(2)/γ-Al(2)O(3) exhibited excellent catalytic activity in the electrochemical degradation of 1-naphthylamine wastewater. The results showed that the refractory organics in wastewater can be effectively removed by this process, and a chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency of 92.2% was obtained in 20 min at pH 7.0 and current density was equal to 50 mA cm(-2). According to the experimental results, a hypothetical mechanism of electrochemical catalytic degradation was also proposed.

Narrowband ultraviolet photodetector based on MgZnO and NPB heterojunction

An ultraviolet photodetector was fabricated based on Mg0.07Zn0.93O heterojunction. N, N'-bis (naphthalen-1-y1)-N, N'-bis(pheny) benzidine was selected as the hole transporting layer. I-V characteristic curves of the device were measured in the dark and under the illumination of 340 nm UV light with density of 1.33 mW/cm2. The device showed a low dark current of about 3×10(-10) A and a high photo-dark current ratio of 1×10(5) at -2 V bias. A narrowband photoresponse was observed from 300 to 400 nm and centered at 340 nm with a full width at half-maximum of only 30 nm. The maximum peak response is at 340 nm, which is 0.192 A/W at the bias of -1 V.

A new polymerizable fluorescent PET chemosensor of fluoride (F-) based on naphthalimide-thiourea dye

A novel N-allyl-4-amino-substituted 1,8-naphthalimide dye, containing thiourea functional group with intense yellow-green fluorescence was successfully synthesized. Copolymerization was done with styrene. The photophysical characteristics of dye and its copolymer in solution and solid film were investigated in the presence of halide ions. The results reveal that the fluorescence emissions of the monomer dye and also its polymer were 'switched off' in the presence of fluoride ions. The dye showed spectral shifts and intensity changes in the presence of more fluoride ions which lead to detect certain fluoride concentrations of 10-150 mM at visible wavelengths. By adding the fluoride ions, green-yellow to purple color changes occurs and the green fluorescence emission quenches, all of which easily observed by naked eyes. These phenomena are essential for producing a dual responsive chemosensor for fluoride ions. The polymeric sensor, in the film state exhibited a fast response to the fluoride ions.

Effect of copper ion on adsorption of chlorinated phenols and 1-naphthylamine to surface-modified carbon nanotubes

Understanding the adsorptive interactions between organic contaminants and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is critical to both environmental applications and risk management of CNTs. The objective of the present study was to understand how transitional metal ions with strong complexing capabilities might affect the adsorption of hydroxyl- and amino-substituted aromatics to surface O-functionality-rich single-walled CNTs (O-SWNT) and N-functionality-rich single-walled CNTs (N-SWNT). Adsorption of 2,4-dichlorophenol, pentachlorophenol, and 1-naphthylamine to O-SWNT and N-SWNT can be significantly enhanced in the presence of Cu(II) (50 mg/L), whereas adsorption of 1,2-dichlorobenzene is essentially unaffected. The most likely mechanism for the Cu-enhanced adsorption is that Cu(II) serves as a bridging agent between organic solutes and the functional groups on CNT surfaces. For the adsorption of 1-naphthylamine to N-SWNT, an additional mechanism might be possible; that is, the complexation of Cu(II) with the N-functional groups of N-SWNT can change these groups from strong Lewis bases to Lewis acids and thereby significantly enhance adsorption via the mechanism of Lewis acid-base interactions. In addition, adsorption of Cu(II) can be significantly enhanced by the adsorption of organic cosolutes.

Crystal structure of Apis mellifera OBP14, a C-minus odorant-binding protein, and its complexes with odorant molecules

Apis mellifera (Amel) relies on its olfactory system to detect and identify new-sources of floral food. The Odorant-Binding Proteins (OBPs) are the first proteins involved in odorant recognition and interaction, before activation of the olfactory receptors. The Amel genome possess a set of 21 OBPs, much fewer compared to the 60-70 OBPs found in Diptera genomes. We have undertaken a structural proteomics study of Amel OBPs, alone or in complex with odorant or model compounds. We report here the first 3D structure of a member of the C-minus class OBPs, AmelOBP14, characterized by only two disulfide bridges of the three typical of classical OBPs. We show that AmelOBP14 possesses a core of 6 α-helices comparable to that of classical OBPs, and an extra exposed C-terminal helix. Its binding site is located within this core and is completely closed. Fluorescent experiments using 1-NPN displacement demonstrate that AmelOBP14 is able to bind several compounds with sub micromolar dissociation constants, among which citralva and eugenol exhibit the highest affinities. We have determined the structures of AmelOBP14 in complex with 1-NPN, eugenol and citralva, explaining their strong binding. Finally, by introducing a double cysteine mutant at positions 44 and 97, we show that a third disulfide bridge was formed in the same position as in classical OBPs without disturbing the fold of AmelOBP14.

Morphological transition of the host-structure influences solvent-relaxation: a wavelength-selective fluorescence exploration through environment-sensitive intramolecular charge transfer photophysics

Here, we report the modulation of photo-induced intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) photophysics of N,N-dimethylaminonaphthyl-acrylo-nitrile (DMANAN) associated with sphere-to-rod structural transition of SDS micelles induced by increasing ionic strength of the medium. Emphasis is rendered on the exploration of solvent-relaxation associated with this transition on the basis of wavelength-selective fluorescence technique which includes monitoring of red-edge excitation shift (REES) and excitation/emission anisotropy profiles. Based on micropolarity determination and organization of solvent water around the probe microenvironment we argue that the present results advocate for rod-shaped micelles to be a better mimic for membrane bilayers than spherical micelles.

Lipid fingerprinting of gram-positive lactobacilli by intact--matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry using a proton sponge based matrix

A method of direct lipid analysis by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS) in intact membranes, without prior extraction/separation steps, is described. Here, we demonstrate the efficacy of a strong base, 1,8-bis(dimethylamino)naphthalene (DMAN; proton sponge), as a novel matrix for MALDI-time-of-flight (TOF) MS analysis of whole cell bacteria. Initially, individual acidic low-molecular-weight analytes such as standard free fatty acids and phospholipids were analyzed using DMAN as matrix. Clear negative-mode MALDI-TOF MS spectra of all analytes show only deprotonated analyte signals at a low picomole limit of detection with the complete absence of matrix-related signals. These results indicate that DMAN represents a suitable matrix for MALDI-TOF MS analysis of mixtures of complex lipids as the intact membranes of microorganisms. DMAN was successfully applied to the analysis of Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis and L. plantarum microorganisms. Different components were sensitively detected in a single spot, including 16:0, 18:2, 18:3, and 21:0 free acids, glycolipids, phosphatidylglycerols (PGs) and cardiolipins. This method might be of general application, offering the advantage of quickly gaining information about lipid components of other gram-positive bacterial membranes.

Studies of bio-mimetic medium of ionic and non-ionic micelles by a simple charge transfer fluorescence probe N,N-dimethylaminonapthyl-(acrylo)-nitrile

In this report we have studied micellization process of anionic, cationic and non-ionic surfactants using N,N-dimethylaminonapthyl-(acrylo)-nitrile (DMANAN) as an external fluorescence probe. Micropolarity, microviscosity, critical micellar concentration of these micelles based on steady state absorption and fluorescence and time resolved emission spectroscopy of the probe DMANAN show that the molecule resides in the micelle-water interface for ionic micelles and in the core for the non-ionic micelle. The effect of variation of pH of the micellar solution as well as fluorescence quenching measurements of DMANAN provide further support for the location of the probe in the micelles.

Degradation of the synthetic dye amaranth by the fungus Bjerkandera adusta Dec 1: inference of the degradation pathway from an analysis of decolorized products

We examined the degradation of amaranth, a representative azo dye, by Bjerkandera adusta Dec 1. The degradation products were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), visible absorbance, and electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectroscopy (ESI-TOF-MS). At the primary culture stage (3 days), the probable reaction intermediates were 1-aminonaphthalene-2,3,6-triol, 4-(hydroxyamino) naphthalene-1-ol, and 2-hydroxy-3-[2-(4-sulfophenyl) hydrazinyl] benzenesulfonic acid. After 10 days, the reaction products detected were 4-nitrophenol, phenol, 2-hydroxy-3-nitrobenzenesulfonic acid, 4-nitrobenzene sulfonic acid, and 3,4'-disulfonyl azo benzene, suggesting that no aromatic amines were created. Manganese-dependent peroxidase activity increased sharply after 3 days culture. Based on these results, we herein propose, for the first time, a degradation pathway for amaranth. Our results suggest that Dec 1 degrades amaranth via the combined activities of peroxidase and hydrolase and reductase action.

A simple one-dimensional method of chemical shift anisotropy determination under MAS conditions

A method of determination of chemical shift anisotropy (CSA) tensor principal components under MAS condition is presented. It is a simple, one-dimensional, and robust alternative to the commonly exploited, but more complicated 2D-PASS. The required CSA components are delivered by simultaneous numerical analysis of a few regular MAS spectra acquired under different spinning rates.

Kinetics and thermodynamics of adsorption of ionizable aromatic compounds from aqueous solutions by as-prepared and oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes

The adsorption of 1-naphthylamine, 1-naphthol and phenol on as-prepared and oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) has been investigated. The results illustrated that both as-prepared and oxidized MWCNTs showed high adsorption capacity for the three ionizable aromatic compounds (IACs) studied. Oxidation of MWCNTs increased the surface area and the pore volume, and introduced oxygen-containing functional groups to the surfaces of MWCNTs, which depressed the adsorption of IACs on MWCNTs. Both Langmuir and Freundlich models described the adsorption isotherms very well and the adsorption thermodynamic parameters (DeltaG degrees, DeltaH degrees and DeltaS degrees) were measured. The adsorption for 1-naphthylamine, 1-naphthol and phenol is general spontaneous and thermodynamically favorable. The adsorption of phenol is an exothermic process, whereas the adsorption of 1-naphthylamine and 1-naphthol is an endothermic process. Results of this work are of great significance for the environmental application of MWCNTs for the removal of IACs from large volume of aqueous solutions.

Comparative study of polymer containing beta-cyclodextrin and -COOH for adsorption toward aniline, 1-naphthylamine and methylene blue

Three different polymers P1, P2 and P3 (P1 containing both beta-CD and -COOH, P2 containing beta-CD and P3 containing -COOH) were synthesized and applied to adsorption toward aniline, 1-naphthylamine and methylene blue. The concentrations (C) before and after adsorption were determined and the adsorption capacities (q) of P1, P2 and P3 were calculated. The maximum adsorption capacities (q(max)) toward aniline: q(max) (P1)=104 micromol g(-1), q(max) (P2)=14.9 micromol g(-1) and q(max) (P3)=53.1 micromol g(-1); toward 1-naphthylamine: q(max) (P1)=184 micromol g(-1), q(max) (P2)=53.8 micromol g(-1) and q(max) (P3)=125 micromol g(-1); toward methylene blue: q(max) (P1)=200 micromol g(-1), q(max) (P2)=12.7 micromol g(-1) and q(max) (P3)=215 micromol g(-1). P1 exhibited remarkable adsorption toward all the three adsorbates. P2 was almost equal to P1 in adsorption toward methylene blue, but was less efficient than P1 in adsorption toward aniline and 1-naphthylamine. P3 also exhibited considerable adsorption toward aniline and 1-naphthylamine, but was inefficient toward methylene blue. P1 was obtained from nontoxic materials and through environment friendly procedures, so it was potentially an efficient and green adsorbent for water purification.

Removal enhancement of 1-naphthol and 1-naphthylamine in single and binary aqueous phase by acid-basic interactions with polymer adsorbents

In the present study removal performance of 1-naphthol and 1-naphthylamine from wastewater by single and binary adsorption was compared. Synergistic effects were investigated in single-solute, binary-solute, and the preloading adsorption systems at 293 K. Two commercial polystyrene adsorbents Amberlite XAD-4, a macroporous adsorbent, and NDA-100, a hyper-cross-linked adsorbent, were employed here for their frequent use in organic pollutants removal from contaminated waters. All the adsorption isotherms of 1-naphthol and 1-naphthylamine on both adsorbents were found to be well represented by the Langmuir equation. Adsorption capacity of the primary solute was enhanced in the presence of the co-solute, arising presumably from the synergistic effect caused by the laterally acid-base interaction between the adsorbed 1-naphthol and 1-naphthylamine molecules. Due to the stronger adsorption affinity of 1-naphthylamine to nonpolar adsorbents, adsorption enhancement of 1-naphthylamine in the presence of 1-naphthol is greater than that of 1-naphthol in the presence of 1-naphthylamine. The greater synergistic effect of 1-naphthol/1-naphthylamine equimolar mixtures on XAD-4 than that on NDA-100 partly results from the larger average pore size of the former adsorbent. A modified extended Langmuir model is proved to well describe the synergistic adsorption of 1-naphthol/1-naphthylamine equimolar mixtures in the binary-solute system. The synergistic coefficient of one adsorbate is linearly correlated with the amount of the other adsorbed on the adsorbent.

Synthesis of 1,5-bis(4,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazinylamino)naphthalene and its application to spectrofluorimetric determination of aniline

A new fluorescent reagent 1,5-bis(4,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazinylamino)naphthalene (DTAN) was synthesized. The optimum conditions of fluorescent reaction of this reagent with aniline (PA) were also investigated. Based on this reaction, a new spectrofluorimetric method was developed for the determination of aniline. The fluorescent intensity was directly proportional to the concentration of aniline in the ranges 0.05-2.0 microg mL(-1) and 2.0-50 microg mL(-1) with the detection limits of 34 ng mL(-1) and 90 ng mL(-1). This method is simple, practical and can afford good precision and accuracy and can be successfully applied to assess aniline in water samples. A possible mechanism of the change of fluorescence intensity introduced by putting the aniline into the system is also discussed.

Self-Assembly Vesicles Made from a Cyclodextrin Supramolecular Complex

Self-assembly vesicles have been made from a cyclodextrin (CD) supramolecular complex, which is cooperatively formed with natural beta-CD, 1-naphthylammonium chloride (NA), and sodium bis(2-ethyl-1-hexyl)sulfosuccinate (AOT) by weak noncovalent interactions. In the complex structure, a NA molecule is included inside a beta-CD molecule while it is coupled with an AOT molecule on one side. The supramolecular structure and morphology of the vesicles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS), respectively. The mechanism of vesicle formation and transition is discussed along with the data obtained from induced circular dichroism (ICD) and UV/visible spectroscopy, polarized optical microscopy (POM), and (1)H NMR spectroscopy. Both the fabrication and the transition of vesicles are controlled by the inclusion equilibria and the cooperative binding of noncovalent interactions, which include the "key-lock" principle, electrostatic interactions, pi-pi stacking, and amphiphilic hydrophobic association.

Julichrome Q6 glucuronide, a monomeric subunit of the julimycin B-I complex from a terrestrial Streptomyces sp

The terrestrial Streptomyces sp. isolate GW6225 afforded julichrome Q 6 glucuronide ( 9), the first monomeric member of the julimycin-B complex, and additionally the julichromes Q 1.2 ( 7a), Q 1.5 ( 7b), and Q 3.5 ( 8), which were fully characterized by 2D NMR spectra. Additional new microbial compounds were 4-acetylchrysophanol ( 6a) and N-phenyl-beta-naphthylamine ( 10). The isomeric N-phenyl-alpha-naphthylamine ( 11) was found in the marine Streptomyces sp. B8335 and was also characterized. The high antibiotic activity of Streptomyces sp. GW6225 extracts was probably due to the thiazolyl cyclopeptide nosiheptide.

Influence of N-substituent and solvent on internal conversion in 1-aminonaphthalenes

N-Methyl-N-methoxycarbonylmethyl-1-aminonaphthalene (MMAN) and N,N-dimethoxycarbonylmethyl-1-aminonaphthalene (DCAN) were synthesized and their fluorescence and absorption spectra in solvents of varied polarity were investigated and compared to those of 1-dimethylaminonaphthylene (DMAN). The data were discussed in terms of the N-substitution effects on the internal conversion (IC). Results showed that the IC was enhanced when the N-methyl group in DMAN was replaced by N-CH2CO2CH3.

Intramolecular exciplex and intermolecular excimer formation of 1,8-naphthalimide-linker-phenothiazine dyads

Steady-state fluorescence spectra were measured for 1,8-naphthahlimide-linker-phenothiazine dyads (NI-L-PTZ, where L = octamethylenyl ((CH2)8) and 3,6,9-trioxaundecyl ((CH2CH2O)3C2H4)), NI-C8-PTZ and NI-O-PTZ, as well as the NI derivatives substituted on the nitrogen atom with various linker groups without PTZ as the reference NI molecule in n-hexane. Normal fluorescence peaks were observed at 367-369 nm in all NI molecules together with a broader emission around 470 nm, which is assigned to the excimer emission between the NI in the singlet excited state (1NI*) and the NI moiety of another NI molecule (1[NI/NI]*). In addition, a broad peak around 600 nm was observed only for NI-L-PTZ, which is assigned to an intramolecular exciplex emission between donor (PTZ) and acceptor (NI) moieties in the excited singlet state, 1[NI-L-NI]*. The formation of an intramolecular exciplex corresponds to the existence of a conformer with a weak face-to-face interaction between the NI and PTZ moieties in the excited state because of the long and flexible linkers. The excited-state dynamics of the NI molecules in n-hexane were established by means of time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy.

Determination of 1-naphthylamine by using oscillating chemical reaction

A simple and rapid analytical method for determining 1-naphthylamine was proposed by perturbation with different amounts of 1-naphthylamine on the classical Belousov-Zhabotinskii (B-Z) oscillating chemical system. The results show that the changes both in oscillating period and amplitude were linearly proportional to the logarithm of the concentration of 1-naphthylamine (logC) very well ranging from 7.08x10(-5) to 7.08x10(-6) molL(-1) and 7.08x10(-5) to 1.0x10(-6) molL(-1), with the corresponding regression coefficient are 0.9957 and 0.9922, respectively. For the later, a lower detection limit of 5.64x10(-9) molL(-1) was obtained. Influence of injection point, temperature and reactant variables on this oscillating system was also investigated in detailed. The results obtained were compared with other determination methods. A possible reaction mechanism was interpreted by using bromide ion selective electrode to inspect the concentration change of Br(-) ion in the oscillating process.

Outer membrane permeability for nonpolar antimicrobial agents underlies extreme susceptibility of Pasteurella multocida to the hydrophobic biocide triclosan

Pasteurella multocida exhibits nonspecific susceptibility to nonpolar antimicrobial agents such as triclosan, despite possessing an ultrastructurally typical gram-negative cell envelope. Capsulated and noncapsulated cell surface variants were examined to investigate the role outer membrane permeability plays in triclosan susceptibility. Test strains were unable to initiate growth in the presence of bile salts and were susceptible to triclosan with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 0.06 to 0.25 microg/ml. Disk agar diffusion bioassays revealed triclosan susceptibility to be dose dependent and all strains were susceptible to the hydrophobic antibiotics novobiocin, rifamycin SV, and chloramphenicol. Triclosan minimal bactericidal concentrations were greater than MICs, thereby suggesting that dose dependency reflected both bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects. Total and viable cell density growth kinetic determinations revealed a triclosan concentration of 2.0 microg/ml resulted in loss of batch culture viability within 4-24 h. Concentrations of 0.02 and 0.2 microg/ml exerted either a bacteriostatic or bactericidal effect depending on the strain. Uptake of the hydrophobic probe 1-N-phenylnaphthylamine was greater in P. multocida strains than refractory control organisms Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli thereby suggesting the presence of phospholipid bilayer regions in the outer membrane. Because triclosan inhibits a conserved enoyl-ACP reductase necessary for bacterial fatty acid biosynthesis, these data support the notion that extreme susceptibility in P. multocida is due to the general inability of the outer membrane to exclude nonpolar compounds. Moreover, susceptibility is independent of the presence of capsular material and the biocide is bactericidal in a concentration dependent manner.

An electrical pumping approach to eliminate sample bias in capillary electrokinetic injection

A general pumping injection (PI), which involves the use of two capillaries with different diameters, was taken to evaluate systematically the effects on eliminating sample bias associated with the electrokinetic injection process in CE. One end of the separation capillary of the smaller diameter was inserted into another pumping capillary of larger diameter. When a high voltage was applied to the pumping capillary, the EOF generated inside will act as a pump to drive the solution stream in the separation capillary. The results have demonstrated that PI is suitable for both normal and reverse EOF situations. Second, the bias degree (BD) and SD of bias we presented were used to evaluate the degree of the bias under different conditions, and the factors of bias elimination have been investigated. Under optimal conditions, the bias was satisfactorily eliminated by PI. This EOF pumping system was successfully applied to the analysis of samples in CEC for a bias-free injection. Moreover, this two-capillary pumping system did not significantly affect the EOF, current, and the column efficiency of the separation process. Finally, a PI with grounded electrode was proposed and shown to be suitable for samples with low conductivity and ions with different mobility.

Highly selective 4-amino-1,8-naphthalimide based fluorescent photoinduced electron transfer (PET) chemosensors for Zn(II) under physiological pH conditions

The design and synthesis of two novel fluorescent sensors based on the photoinduced electron transfer (PET) concept, and , for the detection of zinc under competitive media is described. These sensors are based on the 4-amino-1,8-naphthalimide fluorophore, which has an absorption band centred at 450 nm and emits in the green with lambda(max) approximately 550 nm. By functionalizing the chromophore with a simple benzyl or ethyl-aryl based iminodiacetate receptor at the 4-position, both high selectivity and sensitivity were achieved for the sensing of Zn(II) over other competitive transition and Group I and II metal ions. These sensors were also shown to be pH independent, with a pKa of 2.3 being determined for , which allows these to be used in highly competitive pH media. Upon sensing of Zn(II) the fluorescence emission spectrum is 'switched on' demonstrating the suppression of PET from the receptor to the fluorophore. For , the sensing of Zn(II) was achieved with Kd = 4 nM when measured in pH 7.4 buffered solution, in the presence of 1.1 mM of EGTA.

Enantioselectivity of vesicle-forming chiral surfactants in capillary electrophoresis

Two vesicle-forming single-tailed amino acid derivatized surfactants sodium N-[4-n-dodecyloxybenzoyl]-L-leucinate (SDLL) and sodium N-[4-n-dodecyloxybenzoyl]-L-isoleucinate (SDLIL) have been synthesized and used as pseudo-stationary phase in micellar electrokinetic chromatography to evaluate the role of steric factor of amino acid headgroup and hydrophobic/hydrophilic interactions for enantiomeric separations. The aggregation behavior of the surfactants has been studied in aqueous buffered solution using surface tension and fluorescence probe techniques. Results of these studies have suggested formation of vesicles in aqueous solutions. Microenvironment of the vesicle, which determines the depth of penetration of the analytes into vesicle was determined by fluorescence probe technique using pyrene, N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine (NPN), and 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) as probe molecules. Atropisomeric compounds (+/-)-1,1'-bi-2-naphthol (BOH), (+/-)-1,1'-binaphthyl-2,2'-diamine (BDA), (+/-)-1,1'-binaphthyl-2,2'-diylhydrogen phosphate (BNP) and Tröger's base (TB) and chiral compound benzoin (BZN) has been enantioseparated. The separations were optimized with respect to surfactant concentration, pH, and borate buffer concentration. SDLL was found to provide better resolution for BOH, BNP, and BZN. On the other hand, SDLIL offers better resolution for BDA. The chromatographic results have been discussed in the light of the aggregation behavior of the surfactants and the interaction of the solutes with the vesicles.

Inhibitory Gating Modulation of Small Conductance Ca2+-Activated K+Channels by the Synthetic Compound (R)-N-(Benzimidazol-2-yl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1-naphtylamine (NS8593) Reduces Afterhyperpolarizing Current in Hippocampal CA1 Neurons

SK channels are small conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels important for the control of neuronal excitability, the fine tuning of firing patterns, and the regulation of synaptic mechanisms. The classic SK channel pharmacology has largely focused on the peptide apamin, which acts extracellularly by a pore-blocking mechanism. 1-Ethyl-2-benzimidazolinone (1-EBIO) and 6,7-dichloro-1H-indole-2,3-dione 3-oxime (NS309) have been identified as positive gating modulators that increase the apparent Ca(2+) sensitivity of SK channels. In the present study, we describe inhibitory gating modulation as a novel principle for selective inhibition of SK channels. In whole-cell patch-clamp experiments, the compound (R)-N-(benzimidazol-2-yl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1-naphtylamine (NS8593) reversibly inhibited recombinant SK3-mediated currents (human SK3 and rat SK3) with potencies around 100 nM. However, in contrast to known pore blockers, NS8593 did not inhibit (125)I-apamin binding. Using excised patches, it was demonstrated that NS8593 decreased the Ca(2+) sensitivity by shifting the activation curve for Ca(2+) to the right, only slightly affecting the maximal Ca(2+)-activated SK current. NS8593 inhibited all the SK1-3 subtypes Ca(2+)-dependently (K(d) = 0.42, 0.60, and 0.73 microM, respectively, at 0.5 microM Ca(2+)), whereas the compound did not affect the Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels of intermediate and large conductance (hIK and hBK channels, respectively). The site of action was accessible from both sides of the membrane, and the NS8593-mediated inhibition was prevented in the presence of a high concentration of the positive modulator NS309. NS8593 was further tested on mouse CA1 neurons in hippocampal slices and shown to inhibit the apaminand tubocurarine-sensitive SK-mediated afterhyperpolarizing current, at a concentration of 3 microM.

Photophysics of ANS. II: Charge transfer character of near-UV absorption and consequences for ANS spectroscopy

We continue our investigation of the photophysics of 1,8-anilinonaphthalenesulfonate in protein and solvent systems. In this report, we concentrate on the nature of the excited states as observed in UV spectra. We develop a fairly general formalism for handling the coupled transitions we observe in the partial systems aniline and naphthalene. We assign one of the near-UV transitions, which is more clearly discernible in congeners of 1,8-ANS, but still present in 1,8-ANS as we postulate it, to a charge-transfer band. The other transition is from aniline itself. The expected energies of these now coupled bands in anilinonaphthalene and ANS are calculated, and the transition dipole moment for these transitions is derived.

Photophysics of ANS. III: Circular dichroism of ANS and anilinonaphthalene in I-FABP

We investigate the circular dichroism of the I-FABP system with the ligands ANS (1,8-anilinonaphthalene sulfonate) and AnN (anilinonaphthalene) as previously reported in our earlier publications in the series (referred to as I and II here) on ANS photophysics. We employ our semi-empirical calculated spectral functions (from II) to compute the actual CD spectra, without any additional assumptions or data except what we have previously presented with respect to binding geometry (in I). The common mechanisms fail to produce the observed spectra. However, we identify a novel mechanism of induced CD activity, which does succeed. This new mechanism also suggests how it is that near UV CD can often show extreme sensitivity to local 'order' effects.

Is the σ2Receptor a Histone Binding Protein?

Starting from the high affinity sigma(2) receptor ligand 2, (PB28), we synthesized amino derivative 4 and coupled it to an NHS-ester activated sepharose stationary phase column to elute a crude protein prepared by lysed human SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells. We characterized the SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis stained bands by MALDI-MS and LC-MS-MS analysis. The MASCOT MS-MS ion search program led to the identification of the protein components. The six eluted proteins had a molecular weight ranging from 13 kDa to 26 kDa and were human histone proteins. A human 40S ribosomal protein S3 (SwissProt accession number: P23396) was also identified as a comigrated band. The human histone proteins that were characterized were H3.3A histone (NCBI accession number: 51859376), H2B histone (NCBI accession number: 1568557), H2A.5 histone (NCBI accession number: 70686), H1 (NCBI accession number: 22770677), and H2.1 histone (SwissProt accession number: P16403). These results disclosed a dual hypothesis about the sigma(2) receptor, that is, that it is formed by histones or that the sigma(2) ligands also bind histone proteins.

[Cooperative adsorption of 1-naphthol and 1-naphthylamine onto hyper-crosslinked polymeric adsorbents]

Cooperative simultaneous adsorptions of 1-naphthol and 1-naphthylamine from aqueous solutions on hyper-cross-linked polymeric adsorbents (NDA103 and NDA100) were investigated. The results indicate that at the higher equilibrium concentrations, the total uptake amounts of 1-naphthol and 1-naphthylamine in binary systems (1-naphthol: 1-naphthylamine = 3:1, 1:1, 1:3) are obvious larger than the pure uptake amounts in single systems, and a large excess was noted on the particle surface at saturation, which is presumably due to the cooperative effect primarily arisen from the hydrogen bonding or weak acid-base interaction between 1-naphthol and 1-naphthylamine. The adsorption isotherms for them in both single and binary systems can be well fitted by Langmuir equation. The increasing temperature from 293 K to 313 K puts much more effect on the cooperative coefficient of simultaneous adsorption of 1-naphthylamine and 1-naphthol on NDA103 than on NDA100. The amino groups on NDA103 enhance the adsorption affinity as well as the cooperative coefficient of 1-naphthol.

A molecular target for suppression of the evolution of antibiotic resistance: inhibition of the Escherichia coli RecA protein by N(6)-(1-naphthyl)-ADP

We report that N(6)-(1-naphthyl)-ADP inhibits the Escherichia coli RecA protein in vitro. A novel rapid screen identified it as a potent inhibitor of RecA nucleoprotein filament formation, and further characterization established it as an ATP-competitive inhibitor of RecA-catalyzed ATP hydrolysis. This and other inhibitors of RecA activities represent a new approach for understanding the molecular targets and pathways involved in the evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

A ratiometric fluorescence sensor with broad dynamic range based on two pH-sensitive fluorophores

This paper describes a novel ratiometric fluorescence sensor for pH measurement. Two pH-sensitive fluorophores, N-allyl-4-(4'-methyl-piperazinyl)-1,8-naphthalimide (AMPN) and meso-5,10,15,20-tetra-(4-allyloxyphenyl)porphyrin (TAPP), which served as referencing indicators for each other, were co-polymerized with acrylamide, hydroxyethyl methacrylate and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate on the silanized glass surface. The proposed sensor is based on the pH-dependent fluorescence intensities of the two fluorophores in different pH ranges. The sensor covers a broad dynamic range of pH 1.5-9.0. It exhibits satisfactory analytical performance in terms of selectivity, reproducibility and stability. The successful fabrication of the proposed sensor provides an alternative concept to utilizing two or more fluorophores for the development of ratiometric sensors covering a broad range of pH.

A Novel Class of in Vivo Active Anticancer Agents: Achiral seco-Amino- and seco-Hydroxycyclopropylbenz[e]indolone (seco-CBI) Analogues of the Duocarmycins and CC-1065

One achiral seco-hydroxycyclopropylbenz[e]indolone (seco-CBI) (12) and seven achiral seco-amino-CBI (11a-g) analogues of CC-1065 and the duocarmycins were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their DNA-binding and anticancer properties. These compounds contain a core 2-chloroethylnaphthalene structure and they do not have a stereocenter. From thermal cleavage gel analyses, compounds 11a-g and 12 demonstrated similar covalent sequence specificity to adozelesin 3 and the racemic seco-CBI-TMI 4 for binding to the 5'-AAAAA(865)-3' site. Continuous exposure of human (K562) and murine (B16, L1210 and P815) cancer cell lines to the compounds demonstrated their significant cytotoxicity, with IC50 values in the sub-micromolar range. Generally, a good leaving group on the ethyl moiety and a free amino or hydroxyl group on the naphthyl moiety are essential for activity. According to NCI's cytotoxicity screen, compounds 11a and 12 were active against human cancer cell lines derived from lung, colon, melanoma, renal system, and breast. At the respective doses of 15 and 20 mg/kg (administered via an ip route), compounds 11a and 12 inhibited the growth of murine B16-F0 melanoma in C57BL/6 mice, with minimal toxicity, and 11a gave a significant anticancer effect. The in vivo anticancer activity of compound 11a was confirmed in a human tumor xenograft study (advanced stage SC-OVCAR-3 ovarian cancer growing in scid mice). Finally, compound 11a was not toxic to murine bone marrow cell growth in culture at a dose that was toxic for the previously reported compound 4.

Lifetime regulation of the charge-separated state in DNA by modulating the oxidation potential of guanine in DNA through hydrogen bonding

A series of naphthalimide (NI)- and 5-bromocytosine ((br)C)-modified oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) were prepared, and their lifetimes of the charge-separated states during the photosensitized one-electron oxidation of DNA were measured. Various lifetimes of the charge-separated states were observed depending on the sequence and the incorporation sites of (br)C, and the oxidation potential of G in the (br)C:G base-pair relative to that of G in the C:G base-pair and in the GGG sequence was determined by comparing the lifetimes of the charge-separated states. The change in the cytosine C5 hydrogen to bromine resulted in a 24 mV increase in the oxidation potential of G in the (br)C:G base-pair as compared to that of G in the C:G base-pair, the value of which is comparable to a 58 mV decrease in the oxidation potential of G in the GGG sequence. These results clearly demonstrate that hole transfer in DNA can be controlled through hydrogen bonding by introducing a substituent on the cytosine.

Femtosecond Excited State Studies of the Two-Center Three-Electron Bond Driven Twisted Internal Charge Transfer Dynamics in 1,8-Bis(dimethylamino)naphthalene

Femtosecond fluorescence upconversion and transient absorption experiments have been performed to monitor the photoinduced electronic, geometry, and solvent relaxation dynamics of 1,8-bis(dimethylamino)naphthalene dissolved in methylcyclohexane or n-hexane, n-dodecane, dichloromethane, and acetonitrile. The data have been analyzed by using a sequential global analysis method that gives rise to species associated difference spectra. The spectral features in these spectra and their dynamic behavior enable us to associate them with specific processes occurring in the molecule. The experiments show that the internal charge-transfer lpi* state is populated after internal conversion from the 1La state. In the lpi state the molecule is concluded to be subject to a large-amplitude motion, thereby confirming our previous predictions that internal charge transfer in this state is accompanied by the formation of a two-center three-electron bond between the two nitrogen atoms. Solvent relaxation and vibrational cooling in the lpi* state cannot be separated in polar solvents, but in apolar solvents a distinct vibrational cooling process in the lpi* state is discerned. The spectral and dynamic characteristics of the final species created in the experiments are shown to correspond well with what has been determined before for the relaxed emissive lpi state.

[Chemical constituents from marine alga Chaetomorpha basiretorsa]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the chemical constituents of marine alga Chaetomorpha basiretorsa.

METHOD

Compounds were isolated by normal phase silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 gel colum chromatography, reverse phase MPLC, reverse phase HPLC and recrystallization. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including MS, IR, NMR, and X-ray crystalography. Cytotoxicity of the compounds were screened by using standard MTT method.

RESULT

Nine compounds were isolated from C. basiretorsa and their structures were identified as N-phenyl-2-naphthalenamine( I ), dibutyl phthalate( II ), diisobutyl phthalate( III ), 1-phenyl-ethane-1, 2-diol( IV ), 2-hydrox-gamma-benzaldehyde( V ), diethyleneglycol monobenzoate( VI ), uracil( VII ), thymine( VIII ) and thymidine( IX ).

CONCLUSION

All these compounds were obtained from this genus for the first time, N-phenyl-2-naphthalenamine and diethyleneglycol monobenzoate were first reported from the marine organisms. Compound I and VII showed moderate activity against KB cell(IC50 10.15 microg x mL(-1) for I and 3.79 microg x mL(-1) for VII ) and MCF-7 cell(IC50 3.24 microg x mL(-1) for VII).

Effects of the surface chemistry of macroreticular adsorbents on the adsorption of 1-naphthol/1-naphthylamine mixtures from water

The adsorption behaviors of 1-naphthol, 1-naphthylamine and 1-naphthol/1-naphthylamine mixtures in water over two macroreticular adsorbents were investigated in single or binary batch systems at 293 K, 303 K and 313 K respectively. All the adsorption isotherms in the studied systems can be adequately fitted by Langmuir model. In the case of aminated macroreticular adsorbent NDA103, 1-naphthol is adsorbed to a larger extent than 1-naphthylamine; while, the opposite trend is found for nonpolar macroreticular adsorbent NDA100. It is noteworthy that at higher temperature (303 K and 313 K), the total uptake amounts of 1-naphthol and 1-naphthylamine in all binary-component systems are obvious larger than the pure uptake amounts in single-component systems, which is presumably due to the cooperative effect primarily arisen from the hydrogen-bonding interaction between the loaded 1-naphthol and 1-naphthylamine molecules. The simultaneous adsorption systems were confirmed to be helpful to the selective adsorption towards 1-naphthol according to the larger selective index.