Structural features in tension wood and distribution of wall polymers in the G-layer of in vitro grown poplars

Under the effect of disturbances, like unbalanced stem, but also during normal development, poplar trees can develop a specific secondary xylem, called "tension wood" (TW), which is easily identifiable by the presence of a gelatinous layer in the secondary cell walls (SCW) of the xylem fibers. Since TW formation was mainly performed on 2-year-old poplar models, an in vitro poplar that produces gelatinous fibers (G-fibers) while offering the same experimental advantages as herbaceous plants has been developed. Using specific cell wall staining techniques, wood structural features and lignin/cellulose distribution were both detailed in cross-sections obtained from the curved stem part of in vitro poplars. A supposed delay in the SCW lignification process in the G-fibers, along with the presence of a G-layer, could be observed in the juvenile plants. Moreover, in this G-layer, the immunolabeling of various polymers carried out in the SCW of TW has allowed detecting crystalline cellulose, arabinogalactans proteins, and rhamnogalacturonans I; however, homogalacturonans, xylans, and xyloglucans could not be found. Interestingly, extensins were detected in this typical adaptative or stress-induced structure. These observations were corroborated by a quantitation of the immunorecognized polymer distribution using gold particle labeling. In conclusion, the in vitro poplar model seems highly convenient for TW studies focusing on the implementation of wall polymers that provide the cell wall with greater plasticity in adapting to the environment.

Synthesis of new photobactericidal polymers by “click chemistry” and a study of their biological activity

Photobactericidal plastic materials have been synthesized from cellulose and natural or synthetic porphyrins. The photosensitizer was covalently linked to a cellulose fatty ester by means of a Huisgen cyclo addition reaction resulting in high yields and degrees of substitution (DS). The polymers obtained were characterized by UV vis., IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Photobactericidal properties were evaluated on the three pathogenic strains E. coli, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. A total killing of the bacteria was achieved with plastics with DS values higher than 1% upon illumination.

An expeditious, solvent-free synthesis of meso-arylporphyrins using activated charcoal as a catalyst

Activated charcoal treated with nitric acid was used as a solid catalyst for synthesis of meso-arylporphyrins by condensation of pyrrole with convenient arylaldehydes in a solvent-free system. The reaction took place at 200°C and porphyrins were obtained in good yields. This environment-friendly method avoids the use of detrimental solvents and toxic catalysts.

Microwave-assisted expeditious O-alkylation of meso-hydroxyphenylporphyrins

A mild method for O-alkylation of meso-hydroxyphenylporphyrin has been developed using microwave irradiation. This method is clean and efficient for many substrates and results in significant improvement in reaction yield and in a dramatic decrease in reaction time in comparison to thermal heating.

Meso-functionalized aminoporphyrins as efficient agents for photo-antibacterial surfaces

Anionic, neutral and cationic amino porphyrins were synthesized as precursors of photodynamic antimicrobial agents with an aim to functionalize cotton surface through 1,3,5-triazine link. Structures of porphyrin-triazine derivatives were characterized by 1H NMR, MS and UV-vis confirming the feasibility of this novel concept. Porphyrinic cotton fabrics have been developed from these derivatives, and tested in vitro against Staphylococcus aureus. These novel photodynamic surfaces showed strong and varied antimicrobial activity.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of polyamine-porphyrin conjugates as potential agents in photodynamic therapy (PDT)

A new class of porphyrins bearing natural polyamines has been designed in order to target the photosensitizers towards malignant cells. We report here the synthesis of spermidine and spermine porphyrins. The photocytotoxicity of these compounds against K562 human chronic myelogenous leukemia cells has been evaluated and compared to Photofrin II®.

Nemesia root hair response to paper pulp substrate for micropropagation

Agar substrates for in vitro culture are well adapted to plant micropropagation, but not to plant rooting and acclimatization. Conversely, paper-pulp-based substrates appear as potentially well adapted for in vitro culture and functional root production. To reinforce this hypothesis, this study compares in vitro development of nemesia on several substrates. Strong differences between nemesia roots growing in agar or in paper-pulp substrates were evidenced through scanning electron microscopy. Roots developed in agar have shorter hairs, larger rhizodermal cells, and less organized root caps than those growing on paper pulp. In conclusion, it should be noted that in this study, in vitro microporous substrates such as paper pulp lead to the production of similar root hairs to those found in greenhouse peat substrates. Consequently, if agar could be used for micropropagation, rooting, and plant acclimatization, enhancement could be achieved if rooting stage was performed on micro-porous substrates such as paper pulp.

Grafting of aminated oligogalacturonans onto Douglas fir barks. A new route for the enhancement of their lead (II) binding capacities

Chemical modification of Douglas fir bark and its subsequent utilization in adsorption of PbII from aqueous solutions was investigated. A new approach to enhance the natural properties of bark by covalent grafting of oligogalacturonans was developed. The polysaccharidic moiety of barks was functionalized by periodate oxidation and derivatized after reductive amination in presence of aminated oligogalacturonic acid. PbII adsorption isotherms of derivatized barks were then determined and compared with the capabilities of crude barks using the Langmuir adsorption model in terms of affinity (b) and maximum binding capacities (q(max)). Derivatization resulted in significant enhancements of the q(max) values (up to x8), along with little change of the affinity parameter.

Aqueous extraction of glucuronoxylans from chestnut wood: new strategy for lignin oxidation using phthalocyanine or porphyrin/H2O2 system

Hardwood 4-O-methylglucuronoxylans (MGX) are classically isolated by a delignification step, using a sodium chlorite solution, followed by alkaline extraction, an efficient, although potentially polluting process. In this work, we propose a chlorine-free environmentally-friendly process for MGX extraction from Castanea sativa Mill. Chestnut sawdust was first delignified using metalled phthalocyanine or porphyrin in presence of hydrogen peroxide. Then, MGX were easily extracted by hot water. This protocol, repeated with different incubation times and temperatures, led to the selective extraction of acetylated MGX with decent yields reaching 12%. The best results were obtained after delignification using iron tetrapyrrole macrocycles. However, lower degrees of polymerization of MGX were observed in comparison to the classical method, suggesting that this new process affects the structures of xylans.

Structural characterization and cytotoxic properties of an apiose-rich pectic polysaccharide obtained from the cell wall of the marine phanerogam Zostera marina

Zosterin, an apiose-rich pectic polysaccharide, was extracted and purified from the sea grass Zostera marina. Structural studies conducted by gas chromatography and NMR spectroscopy on a purified zosterin fraction (AGU) revealed a typical apiogalacturonan structure comprising an alpha-1,4-d-galactopyranosyluronan backbone substituted by 1,2-linked apiofuranose oligosaccharides and single apiose residues. The average molecular mass of AGU was estimated to be about 4100 Da with a low polydispersity. AGU inhibited proliferation of A431 human epidermoid carcinoma cells with an approximate IC(50) value of 3 microg/mL (0.7 microM). In addition, AGU inhibited A431 cell migration and invasion. Preliminary experiments showed that inhibition of metalloproteases expression could play a role in these antimigration and anti-invasive properties. Autohydrolysis of AGU, which eliminated apiose and oligo-apiose substituents, led to a virtual disappearance of cytotoxic properties, thus suggesting a direct structure-function relationship with the apiose-rich hairy region of AGU.

3-Substituted pyrazinone nucleosides--a new family of D4T analogues

The synthesis of a new family of D4T analogues is described to study the influence of pyrazinone base on antiretroviral power. Substitution of 3H by methyl or n-decyl increases the lipophilic character and may facilitate diffusion across cell membranes. The compounds were characterized by (1)H NMR and infrared spectroscopy. Antiviral (HIV-1) properties of these compounds were examined.

Blue light is phototoxic for B16F10 murine melanoma and bovine endothelial cell lines by direct cytocidal effect

The large number of studies devoted to the effect of ultraviolet light on biological systems, contrasts with the lack of experimental data concerning the direct effects of visible light. It has been shown that blue light inhibited the growth of B16F10 melanoma cell lines and reduced the percentage of S phase cells. Yet these effects are poorly understood.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two cell lines and irradiation with blue light were used. Cell mortality and a possible mechanism of action were investigated.

RESULTS

Exposure of B16F10 melanoma and bovine endothelial cells to blue light (wavelength 450 nm, 10 J/cm(2) from a Waldman lamp) induced a rapid and large reduction in viability followed by the death of virtually all the irradiated cells within 24 h. These results led us to expose a patient with haemorrhagic cutaneous melanoma metastasis to blue light. Irradiation led to an immediate arrest of haemorrhage, an inhibition of tumour growth and extensive tumour necrosis 24h after irradiation.

CONCLUSION

Exposure to blue light may offer new approaches to the treatment of superficial skin carcinomas in humans.

One-pot silver nanoring synthesis

Silver colloidal nanorings have been synthesized by reducing silver ions with NaBH4 in trisodium citrate buffers. pH increase, by addition of NaOH, was used to speed up reduction reaction. The UV-vis absorption spectra of resulting silver nanorings showed two peaks accounting for transverse and longitudinal surface plasmon resonance, at ≈400 nm, and between 600 and 700 nm, respectively. The shapes of these silver nanoparticles (nanorings) depended on AgNO3/NaBH4 ratio, pH and reaction temperature. Particles were analysed by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. A reaction pathway is proposed to explain silver nanoring formation.

Structural characterization and cytotoxic properties of a 4-O-methylglucuronoxylan from castanea sativa. 2. Evidence of a structure-activity relationship

Xylans were purified from delignified holocellulose alkaline extracts of Castanea sativa (Spanish chestnut) and Argania spinosa (Argan tree) and their structures analyzed by means of GC of their per-trimethylsilylated methylglycoside derivatives and (1)H NMR spectroscopy. The structures deduced were characteristic of a 4-O-methylglucuronoxylan (MGX) and a homoxylan (HX), respectively, with degrees of polymerization ranging from 182 to 360. In the case of MGX, the regular or random distribution of 4-O-methylglucuronic acid along the xylosyl backbone--determined by MALDI mass spectrometry after autohydrolysis of the polysaccharide--varied and depended both on the botanical source from which they were extracted and on the xylan extraction procedure. The MGX also inhibited in different ways the proliferation as well as the migration and invasion capability of A431 human epidermoid carcinoma cells. These biological properties could be correlated with structural features including values of the degree of polymerization, 4-O-MeGlcA to xylose ratios, and distribution of 4-O-MeGlcA along the xylosyl backbone, giving evidence of a defined structure-activity relationship.

Solvent-controlled regioselective protection of 5'-O-protected thymidine

This paper describes an efficient procedure for selective 3'-O- or 3-N-protection of 5'-O-tert-butyldimethylsilylthymidine, depending on the use of aprotic polar solvents with low or high dielectric constant, respectively. These syntheses were activated by either ultrasound or microwaves. Several alkyl bromides offer a convenient route to prepare 3'-O- or 3-N-protected and functionalized thymidine derivatives.

Synthesis and cellular uptake of superparamagnetic dextran-nanoparticles with porphyrinic motifs grafted by esterification

This paper describes new superparamagnetic nanoparticles bearing dextran-grafted porphyrins with effective cellular uptake properties. They average 110 nm in diameter and are composed of a 5 nm iron oxide core coated with protoporphyrin-grafted dextrans. These particles show good magnetic properties, are avidly incorporated into cultured cancer cell lines, and thus present a great potential for cellular imaging and photodynamic therapy applications.

Synthesis and antiviral evaluation of AZT analogues with A spacer arm between glucidic and base moieties. Part II

This article describes the synthesis of a series of AZT analogues bearing an acyclic chain between the sugar and the base moieties is described. These new compounds were readily obtained using microwave irradiation. The compounds were characterized by (1)H NMR and IR spectroscopy. Antiviral (HIV-1) properties of these compounds were examined.

Bioactive capsular polysaccharide from the thermophilic cyanophyte/cyanobacterium Mastigocladus laminosus - cytotoxic properties

The capsular polysaccharide produced by the thermophilic blue green alga/cyanobacterium Mastigocladus laminosus was tested for its cytotoxic activity against the A431 human epidermoid carcinoma cell line. This polysaccharide inhibited the proliferation of A431 cells in a dose-dependent manner with an IC (50) value of 50 microg mL (-1). In addition, this polysaccharide strongly inhibited A431 cell migration and invasion. Preliminary experiments showing that secretion of metalloproteinases MMP2 and MMP9 by A431 tumour cells was inhibited by this polysaccharide suggest that this mechanism of action could play a role in its anti-migration and anti-invasive properties. Acid hydrolysis of the polysaccharide produced specific oligosaccharides which conserved - at similar concentrations - their cytotoxic, anti-migration and anti-invasion properties; in this case, the mechanism of action was nevertheless uncorrelated to the decrease of metalloproteinase expression.

Structural characterization and cytotoxic properties of a 4-O-methylglucuronoxylan from Castanea sativa

A glucuronoxylan was purified from a delignified holocellulose alkaline extract of Castanea sativa (Spanish chestnut) and its structure analyzed by means of FT-IR, GC of the per-trimethylsilylated methylglycoside derivatives, and 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The results supported a structure based on a linear polymer of xylopyranose units linked with beta(1-->4) bonds in which, on average, one out of every six units is substituted at C-2 by a 4-O-methylglucuronic acid unit; this structure is typical of a hardwood acidic 4-O-methylglucuronoxylan (MGX) with an estimated degree of polymerization of 200. The MGX from C. sativa inhibited the proliferation of A431 human epidermoid carcinoma cells with an IC50 value of 50 microM. In addition, this xylan inhibited A431 cell migration and invasion. Preliminary experiments showing that secretion of metalloproteinases MMP2 and MMP9 by A431 tumor cells was inhibited by the purified C. sativa MGX strongly suggest that this mechanism of action may play a role in its antimigration and anti-invasive properties.

Glycosyl bis-porphyrin conjugates: Synthesis and potential application in PDT

Syntheses of new glycosylated neutral and cationic porphyrin dimers linked at the meso-position via a flexible hydrocarbon chain are described. A detailed 1H and 13C NMR study allows their complete structural elucidation. The UV-visible, fluorescence and MALDI mass spectra are also presented. Photocytotoxicities of these compounds against K562 leukaemia cell line are compared to those of Photofrin II.

Effect of degree of substitution on the mechanical and thermomechanical properties of lauroyl cellulose ester films

Cellulose-based plastic films were prepared in homogeneous media with a range of lauroyl fatty acid attachments by ester formation, expressed as the degree of substitution (DS). The esters were cast to form films and their mechanical properties studied. This study showed a surprising relationship between DS and elastic modulus as well as DS and tensile strength, where a peak was observed at DS 2.4. The unexpected variation of static elastic modulus (E) was confirmed by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and this trend was also observed for glass transition temperature (Tg). These results are discussed in relation to sample cohesion.

Synthesis and photocytotoxic activity of new chlorin–polyamine conjugates

This paper reports the synthesis of new chlorin-polyamine conjugates designed to improve the targeting of cancer cells. Photocytotoxic activity of these photosensitizers was tested against human chronic myelogenous leukemia cells (K562) and compared to the effects of Photofrin II and chlorin e6.

Polyamine conjugates of meso-tritolylporphyrin and protoporphyrin IX: Potential agents for photodynamic therapy of cancers

An efficient five-step synthesis method was developed to obtain tritolylporphyrin and protoporphyrin IX polyamine conjugates. These compounds were composed of either one polyamine unit (spermidine or spermine) covalently tethered to monocarboxyphenyl tritolylporphyrin or two molecules of polyamines borne by protoporphyrin IX. In each compound, an aliphatic spacer arm is linked to the N(4) polyamine position. Photocytotoxicity of these new compounds was evaluated against K562 human chronic myelogenous leukemia cells and compared to Photofrin II; protoporphyrin IX polyamine conjugates exhibited much stronger photocytocicity than Photofrin II and were shown to readily induce necrosis in treated cells.

New photoantimicrobial films composed of porphyrinated lipophilic cellulose esters

Porphyrinated cellulose laurate esters have been prepared in homogeneous DMA/LiCl medium by "one-pot, two-step" reactions starting from cellulose, protoporphyrin IX, and lauric acid and using a TsCl/Pyridine system. The plastic films obtained after casting were shown to display photobactericidal activity against Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. This new photobactericidal polymer has potential for industrial, medical, or household applications.

Study of the chemical interaction between barks and heavy metal cations in the sorption process

The chemical mechanism displayed in the sorption of heavy metal cations on barks was discussed through a modelling study of adsorption in relation to the nature of the ligand borne by the chemical components of the bark sorbent. The adsorption isotherms of five heavy metal cations (Cr3 +, Cu2 +, Ni2 +, Pb2 +, Zn2+) on five species of barks (Sweet chestnut, Oak, Douglas fir, Norway spruce, Scots pine species) were studied. The experimental data fitted well the Langmuir model, which allowed the expression of the mathematical parameters (qmax, maximum binding capacity; b, affinity). The qmax values increased conversely to the b values. The correlation of these mathematical values (qmax and b) with the analysis of the chemical composition of barks led us to note that Cu2 + interacts preferentially with phenolic groups present in lignins and tannins and, opposite in, Pb2 + with the carboxylic acid groups in polysaccharides. These observations were explained (i) quantitatively by the amount of different types of sites and (ii) qualitatively, by the physicochemical characteristics of cations, the nature and the tridimensional structure of adsorption sites. Finally, the results allowed to define the nature of the chemical interaction (monodentate or multidentate complex) between each specified chemical component of barks and each kind of heavy metal cations.