Evaluation of Icotinib as a Potent and Selective Inhibitor of Aldehyde Oxidase for Reaction Phenotyping in Human Hepatocytes

Aldehyde oxidase (AO) is a molybdenum cofactor-containing cytosolic enzyme that has gained prominence due to its involvement in the developmental failure of several drug candidates in first-in-human trials. Unlike cytochrome P450s (P450) and glucuronosyltransferase, AO substrates have been plagued by poor in vitro to in vivo extrapolation, leading to low systemic exposures and underprediction of human dose. However, apart from measuring a drug's AO clearance rates, it is also important to determine the relative contribution to metabolism by this enzyme (fm,AO). Although hydralazine is the most well-studied time-dependent inhibitor (TDI) of AO and is frequently employed for AO reaction phenotyping in human hepatocytes to derive fm,AO, multiple studies have expressed concerns pertaining to its utility in providing accurate estimates of fm,AO values due to its propensity to significantly inhibit P450s at the concentrations typically used for reaction phenotyping. In this study, we characterized icotinib, a cyclized analog of erlotinib, as a potent TDI of AO-inactivating human liver cytosolic zoniporide 2-oxidation equipotently with erlotinib with a maximal inactivate rate/inactivator concentration at half maximal inactivation rate (K I) ratio of 463 and 501 minute-1mM-1 , respectively. Moreover, icotinib also exhibits selectivity against P450 and elicits significantly weaker inhibition against human liver microsomal UGT1A1/3 as compared with erlotinib. Finally, we evaluated icotinib as an inhibitor of AO for reaction phenotyping in cryopreserved human hepatocytes and demonstrated that it can yield more accurate prediction of fm,AO compared with hydralazine and induce sustained suppression of AO activity at higher cell densities, which will be important for reaction phenotyping endeavors of low clearance drugs SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: In this study, we characterized icotinib as a potent time-dependent inhibitor of AO with ample selectivity margins against the P450s and UGT1A1/3 and demonstrated its utility for reaction phenotyping in human hepatocytes to obtain accurate estimates of fm,AO for victim DDI risk predictions. We envisage the adoption of icotinib in place of hydralazine in AO reaction phenotyping.

2-Hydroxymethyl-18-crown-6 as an efficient organocatalyst for α-aminophosphonates synthesized under eco-friendly conditions, DFT, molecular docking and ADME/T studies

Eco-friendly and simple procedure has been developed for the synthesis of α-aminophosphonates that act as topoisomerase II α-inhibiting anticancer agent, using 2-hydroxymethyl-18-crown-6 as an unexpected homogeneous organocatalyst in multicomponents reaction of aromatic aldehyde, aniline and diethylphosphite in one pot via Kabachnik-Fields reaction. This efficient method proceeds with catalytic amount, transition metal-free, at room temperature within short reaction time, giving the α-aminophosphonates derivatives (4a-r) in high chemical yields (up to 80%). Theoretical DFT calculations of three compounds (4p, 4q and 4r) were carried out in a gas phase at CAM-B3LYP 6-31G (d,p) basis set to predict the molecular geometries and chemical reactivity descriptors. The frontier orbital energies (HOMO/LUMO) were described the charge transfer and used to predict structure-activity relationship study. Molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) has also been analyzed. Molecular docking studies are implemented to analyze the binding energy and compared with Adriamycin against 1ZXM receptor which to be considered as antitumor candidates. In silico pharmacological ADMET properties as Drug likeness and oral activity have been carried out based on Lipinski's rule of five.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Efficient actinide sequestration with ionic liquid-based extraction chromatography resins containing Aza-crown ether functionalized diglycolamides

Two new extraction chromatographic resins (ECRs) were prepared by impregnating two exotic diglycolamide (DGA) ligands (having three or four DGA moieties tethered to aza-crown ether scaffolds) dissolved in an ionic liquid onto an inert solid support. A room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) was used for enhancing the performance of the ECRs. The ECR containing triaza-9-crown-3 functionalized with three DGA moieties (TAM-3-DGA), and tetraaza-12-crown-4 tethered with four DGA arms (TAM-4-DGA) were evaluated for the separation of Am3+ and Pu4+from nitric acid solutions. The resin capacity for Eu3+ was 9.52 mg/g and 7.24 mg/g for TAM-3-DGA and TAM-4-DGA resins, respectively. Similarly, the resin capacity for Pu4+was 7.44 mg/g and 5.72 mg/g for TAM-3-DGA and TAM-4-DGA resins, respectively. These maximum loading values corresponded to the formation of a 1:1 metal/ligand complex for the Eu3+ ion and a 1:2 metal/ligand complex for the Pu4+ ion. The sorption of Eu3+and Pu4+on the resins followed a chemisorption phenomenon on both resins. The sorbed Eu3+and Pu4+ions from the resin phase could be efficiently desorbed with complexing ligands such as guanidine carbonate/HEDTA and oxalic acid, respectively.

Fabrication of crown ether-containing copolymer porous membrane and their enhanced adsorption performance for cationic dyes: Experimental and DFT investigations

Adsorptive separation membranes are widely utilized for the removal of toxic dyeing pollutants from dyeing wastewater. However, developing novel adsorption membranes with large adsorption capacities and enhanced adsorption performance for dyes in actual wastewater poses a significant challenge. This study focuses on the fabrication of crown ether-containing copolymer porous membrane (CRPM) and investigation of the adsorption performance of dyes from aqueous solutions. The morphology structure and pore size distribution revealed that the membrane was endowed with rich micropores and hierarchical porous structures. Three typical cationic dyes (MB, RhB, CV) and an anionic dye (MO) were selected to evaluate the adsorption behavior. The results of adsorption isotherms and kinetics demonstrated that the adsorption data could be well-fitted using the Freundlich and pseudo-first-order kinetic models, the thermodynamic parameters revealed that the adsorption process of dyes on CRPM is a spontaneous endothermic reaction. The membrane exhibited excellent adsorption performance for cationic dyes, with RhB displaying a higher maximum adsorption capacity than previously reported porous membranes. Notably, dynamic adsorption-desorption filtration demonstrated a rapid removal efficiency, with RhB, MB, and CV achieving removal rates of 99.09%, 98.63%, and 99.14% respectively, after five cycles. The filtration volume of the CRPM membrane was 2.4-fold greater than that of a traditional PVDF membrane when applied to actual dyeing wastewater. DFT theoretical calculations were employed to elucidate the adsorption mechanism. These calculations confirmed the significant roles of electrostatic interactions, H-bonds and π-π interactions in facilitating the high-efficiency adsorption of cationic dyes. These findings highlight the potential of the crown ether-containing copolymer as a promising material for adsorption separation membranes in the treatment of dyeing wastewater.

Complete pathologic response to neoadjuvant icotinib in stage IIIA EGFR-mutant lung adenosquamous carcinoma: A case report

RATIONALE

Radical surgery offers the best chance of cure, it is critical to expand surgery opportunities for patients with early-stage lung cancer to prolong overall survival. However, evidence is still limited regarding the application of neoadjuvant therapy with EGFR-tyrosine kinase.

PATIENT

The patient reported here was a 53-year-old woman with right lower lung adenosquamous carcinoma.

DIAGNOSES

The lung cancer was staged as T3N1M0. Tumor genotype disclosed EGFR Exon19 c.2235-2249de p.E746-A750del.

INTERVENTION

After neoadjuvant treatment with icotinib, she underwent thoracotomy and achieved pathological complete response.

OUTCOMES

She is currently receiving adjuvant icotinib therapy without recurrence or metastasis during 18-month follow-up.

LESSONS

Our case indicated that the feasibility of neoadjuvant icotinib in EGFR-mutant lung adenosquamous carcinoma.

Crossing the Solubility Rubicon: 15-Crown-5 Facilitates the Preparation of Water-Soluble Sulfo-NHS Esters in Organic Solvents

The Sulfo-NHS ester is a mainstay reagent for facilitating amide bond formation between carboxylic acids and amine functionalities in water. However, the preparation of Sulfo-NHS esters currently requires hydrophobic carboxylic acids, which are poorly water-soluble, to first be reacted with the N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide sodium salt, which is insoluble in organic solvents. The mutually incompatible solvation requirements thus complicate the synthesis of Sulfo-NHS esters. As a simple, rapid, and cost-effective solution to this problem, we report that the use of 15-crown-5 to complex the sodium cation of N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide sodium salt circumnavigates these solvation incompatibility issues by rendering the N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide salt soluble in organic solvents, resulting in a cleaner esterification reaction and thus improved yields of activated ester product. We also demonstrate that the resultant "crowned" Sulfo-NHS-ester remains water-soluble and is no less reactive than its classic "uncrowned" Sulfo-NHS counterpart when used in bioconjugation reactions between protein amine-functionalities and hydrophobic carboxylic acids.

Chiral LC-MS/MS method for the discrimination of triiodothyronine enantiomers on a crown ether-based chiral stationary phase

Considering the greater pharmaceutical and clinical interest of triiodothyronine (T3 ) thyroid hormone, an effective D/L-T3 enantiomer separation was performed on a crown ether-based chiral stationary phase by LC-MS/MS. In optimal analytical condition and selected reaction monitoring mode, the two enantiomers of T3 were baseline separated within 10 min. The limit of detection and limit of quantitation were found to be 0.05 and 0.10 ng/μl; 0.20 and 0.50 ng/μl for D- and L-T3 , respectively. During validation, this method proved to be feasible, accurate as well as enantioselective and sensitive for the resolution of T3 enantiomers. For commercial D- and L-T3 chemicals, the enantiomeric impurities as the other enantiomer were 0.11% and 4.61%. On the other hand, the impurity as D-T3 for commercial pharmaceutical products (liothyronine sodium tablets, two suppliers) was 0.68% and 6.57%.

Controlling the elution order of insulin and its analogs in sub-/supercritical fluid chromatography using methanesulfonic acid and 18-crown-6 as mobile phase additives

The purity analysis of therapeutic peptides can often be challenging, demanding the application of more than a single analytical technique. Supercritical fluid chromatography nowadays is a promising alternative to reversed-phase liquid chromatography, providing orthogonal and complementary information. This study investigated its applicability for the separation of human insulin, its analogs and degradation products. A previously published method development protocol for peptides up to 2000 Da was successfully applied to the higher molecular weight insulins (6 kDa). A single gradient method was optimized for all insulins using a Torus DEA column (100 × 3.0 mm, 1.7 μm), carbon dioxide and a modifier consisting of methanol/acetonitrile/water/methanesulfonic acid (65:35:2:0.1, v/v/v/v). Consecutively, the crown ether 18-crown-6, which is well known to complex charged lysine sidechains and other amino functionalities, was added to the modifier to evaluate its impact on selectivity. A decreased retention and a shift in the elution order for the insulins were observed. An inverse effect on retention was found when combined with a neutral stationary phase chemistry (Viridis BEH).

Ultrafast and selective separation of 99mTc from molybdenum matrix using DBDGA deliberately tailored macrocyclic crown-ethers

Technetium-99m (^99mTc) is an important medical radionuclide. Due to the crisis in supply of molybdenum-99 (⁹⁹Mo), production of ^99mTc directly via the ¹⁰⁰Mo (p, 2 n) reaction by cyclotron was proposed. In this process, the most critical challenge is to rapidly and efficiently separate ^99mTc from high concentration of molybdenum. In this work, a novel ligand, bis(N,N-dibutyldiglycolamide)dibenzo-18-crown-6 (BisDBDGA-DB18C6) was successfully synthesized and used for extraction of TcO₄^- /ReO₄^- from molybdenum. The results demonstrated that BisDBDGA-DB18C6 expressed excellent selectivity for TcO₄^- with a high separation factor of 1.6 × 10⁵ against Mo, a fast extraction kinetic (within 45 s), and a high extraction capacity of 211 mmol ReO₄^- (⁹⁹TcO₄^-)/per mole of extractant. The extraction mechanism was proposed as a co-interaction of macrocyclic crown ether and N,N-dibutyldiglycolamide group through slope analysis, FT-IR, ESI-MS, ¹H NMR titration and theory calculations. Importantly, ⁹⁹Tc in the organic phase can be quantitatively (> 99%) and easily back-extracted using deionized water, which can be directly used for medical applications.

Synthesis of crown ether-based microporous organic networks: A new type of efficient adsorbents for chlorophenols

Microporous organic networks (MONs) are a booming class of functional materials in elimination of environmental pollutants. However, the limit varieties of MONs still restrict their broad applications. Here we report the synthesis of a novel type of crown ether (CE)-based MONs via the coupling between brominated 18-crown-6 ether and different aromatic alkynyls. The constructed CE-based MONs integrates the good conjugation property of MONs and the inherent host-guest binding sites of CE, allowing the ultrafast and efficient adsorption and removal of a typical environmental priority pollutant 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP). The hydrophobic CE-based MONs can also address the recovery challenge of unstable discrete CE in most organic and inorganic solvents. All CE-based MONs displayed fast adsorption kinetics (< 3 min) and large adsorption capacities (229.1-341.7 mg g^-1) for 2,4,6-TCP. The CE-based MONs also gave stable adsorption capacities for 2,4,6-TCP in pH range of 4.0-6.0, NaCl concentration of 0-40 mg L^-1, HA concentration of 0-30 mg L^-1, or H₂O₂ ratio of < 5 %. Density functional theory calculation, Fourier transform infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectra evaluation revealed adsorption process involved hydrophobic, π-π and hydrogen bonding interactions. The CE-based MONs also showed favorable reusability and good adsorption for other toxic chlorophenols. This work highlights the potential of CE-based MONs in contaminants elimination.

Molecular Dynamics and Free Energy Calculations of Dicyclohexano-18-crown-6 Diastereoisomers with Sm2+, Eu2+, Dy2+, Yb2+, Cf2+, and Three Halide Salts in Tetrahydrofuran and Acetonitrile Using the AMOEBA Force Field

With the continual development of lanthanides (Ln) in current technological devices, an efficient separation process is needed that can recover greater amounts of these rare elements. Dicyclohexano-18-crown-6 (DCH18C6) is a crown ether that may be a promising candidate for Ln separation, but additional research is required. As such, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have been performed on four divalent lanthanide halide salts (Sm2+, Eu2+, Dy2+, and Yb2+) and one divalent actinide halide salt (Cf2+) bound to three diastereoisomers of DCH18C6. Dy2+, Yb2+, Cf2+, DCH18C6, and tetrahydrofuran (THF) solvent were parameterized for the AMOEBA polarizable force field for the first time, whereas existing parameters for Sm2+ and Eu2+ were utilized from our previous efforts. A coordination number (CN) of six for Ln2+/An2+-O solvated in THF indicated that the cations interacted almost entirely with the oxygens of the polyether ring. A CN of one for Ln2+/An2+-N solvated in acetonitrile for systems containing iodide suggested that the N atom of acetonitrile was competitive with I- for cation interactions. Fluctuation between five and six CNs for Dy2+ and Yb2+ suggested that although the cations remained in the polyether ring, the size of the ring may not be an ideal fit as these cations possess comparatively smaller ionic radii. Gibbs binding free energies of Sm2+ in all DCH18C6 diastereoisomers solvated in THF were calculated. The binding free energy of the cis-syn-cis diastereoisomer was the most favorable, followed by cis-anti-cis, and then trans-anti-trans. Finally, two major types of conformation were observed for each diastereoisomer that were related to the electrostatic interactions and charge density of the cations.

Supramolecular Biopharmaceutical Carriers Based on Host-Guest Interactions

Traditional drugs have the disadvantages of poor permeability and low solubility, which makes the utilization of pesticides lower and brings many side effects. With the continuous development of supramolecular chemistry in recent years, it has also played an irreplaceable role in the field of pharmaceutical science. Supramolecular macrocycles, such as crown ethers, cyclodextrins, calixarenes, pillararenes and cucurbiturils, are potentially good candidates for drug carriers due to their biocompatibility, hydrophobic cavity and ease of derivatization. The encapsulation of drugs based on host-guest interaction has the advantage of being adjustable and reversible as well as improving the low availability of drugs. Here, the recent advances in methods and strategies for drug encapsulation and release based on supramolecular macrocycles with host-guest interactions have been systematically summarized, laying a bright foundation for the development of novel nanopesticide preparations in the future and pointing out future directions of novel biopesticide research.

The Steric Effect in Preparations of Vanadium(II)/(III) Dinitrogen Complexes of Triamidoamine Ligands Bearing Bulky Substituents

The reactions of newly designed lithiated triamidoamines Li₃L^R (R = iPr, Pen, and Cy₂) with VCl₃(THF)₃ under N₂ yielded dinitrogen-divanadium complexes with a μ-N₂ between vanadium atoms [{V(L^R)}₂(μ-N₂)] (R = iPr (1) and Pen (2)) for the former two, while not dinitrogen-divanadium complexes but a mononuclear vanadium complex with a vacant site, [V(L^Cy2)] (R = Cy₂ (3)), were obtained for the third ligand. The V-N_N2 and N-N distances were 1.7655(18) and 1.219(4) Å for 1 and 1.7935(14) and 1.226(3) Å for 2, respectively. The ν(¹⁴N-¹⁴N) stretching vibrations of 1 and 2, as measured using resonance Raman spectroscopy, were detected at 1436 and 1412 cm^-1, respectively. Complex 3 reacted with potassium metal in the presence of 18-crown-6-ether under N₂ to give a hetero-dinuclear vanadium complex with μ-N₂ between vanadium and potassium, [VK(L^Cy2)(μ-N₂)(18-crown-6)] (4). The N-N distance and ν(¹⁴N-¹⁴N) stretching for 4 were 1.152(3) Å and 1818 cm^-1, respectively, suggesting that 4 is more activated than complexes 1 and 2. The complexes 1, 2, 3, and 4 reacted with HOTf and K[C₁₀H₈] to give NH₃ and N₂H₄. The yields of NH₃ and N₂H₄ (per V atom) were 47 and 11% for 1, 38 and 16% for 2, 77 and 7% for 3, and 80 and 5% for 4, respectively, and 3 and 4, which have a ligand L^Cy2, showed higher reactivity than 1 and 2.

Collision Cross-Section Measurements of Collision-Induced Dissociation Precursor and Product Ions in an FTICR-MS and an IM-MS: A Comparative Study

Sustained off-resonance irradiation-cross-sectional areas by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (SORI-CRAFTI) is an FTICR-MS strategy to collisionally activate precursor ions and then measure their ion-neutral collision cross sections, as well as those of selected products, at the same time. We benchmarked SORI-CRAFTI using protonated leucine-enkephalin, to excellent agreement (typically within 1-2%) with previous studies performed via collision-induced dissociation-ion mobility (CID-IMS). SORI-CRAFTI was then applied to alkali metal-cationized leucine-enkephalin and compared with CID-IMS via precursor/product cross-section ratios. Qualitative agreement between SORI-CRAFTI and CID-IMS was excellent (again, usually within 1-2%); however, neither SORI-CRAFTI nor CID-IMS could determine if metalated leucine-enkephalin was present in its canonical or zwitterionic form. When SORI-CRAFTI was used on [2.2.2]-cryptand+Cs⁺, SORI activation resulted in a 5% decrease in collision cross section, consistent with migration of the externally bound Cs⁺ into the cryptand's cavity and similar to the cross section observed when electrospraying from an isopropanol-rich solvent. Thus, SORI-CRAFTI is useful for studying gas-phase ion chemistry of small- to medium-sized molecules and host-guest systems.

Crown ether enabled enhancement of ionic-electronic properties of PEDOT:PSS

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) based organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) have proven to be one of the most versatile platforms for various applications including bioelectronics, neuromorphic computing and soft robotics. The use of PEDOT:PSS for OECTs originates from its ample mixed ionic-electronic conductivity, which in turn depends on the microscale phase separation and morphology of the polymer. Thus, modulation of the microstructure of PEDOT:PSS film enables us to tune the operation and device characteristics of the resulting OECT. Herein we report enhanced transconductance (20 mS), fast switching (32 μs) and stable operation (10 000 cycles) of modified PEDOT:PSS based OECTs using 15-crown-5 as an additive. Four probe measurements reveal an increased electronic conductivity of the modified PEDOT:PSS film (∼450 S cm^-1) while tapping mode atomic force microscopy shows an increased phase separation. Further detailed characterization using spectroelectrochemistry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and grazing incidence wide-angle X-ray diffraction (GIWAXS) provides insight into the microstructural changes brought about by the crown ether additive that result in the desirable characteristics of the modified PEDOT:PSS film.

Effective treatment with icotinib in advanced lung adenocarcinoma harboring rare EGFR mutation G719A/L833V: A case report

RATIONALE

Mutations in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) play critical roles in the pathogenesis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and they are highly associated with sensitivity to tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Targeted therapies are approved for patients with "classical" mutations and a small number of other mutations. However, patients with rare, even double EGFR mutations have different responses to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which brings uncertainty to clinical practice.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 74-year-old woman, never-smoker, was presented with chest pain. Chest computed tomography scan showed a big lesion in the right upper lobe with mediastinal lymph nodes metastases. Fine-needle biopsy and pathology suggested lung adenocarcinoma. A rare G719A/L833V double mutation of EGFR was detected in both tissue and plasma samples by next-generation sequencing.Interventions and outcomes:Icotinib was used as first-line therapy and showed good efficacy. Partial response was achieved, and the progression-free survival was 8 months.

LESSONS

This is the first report of the icotinib treatment achieving long-lasting and stable disease control in an NSCLC patient with EGFR G719A/L833V mutation. Icotinib could be a first-line treatment option in NSCLC patients harboring EGFR G719A/L833V mutation.

Synthesis of multifunctional crown ether covalent organic nanospheres as stationary phase for capillary electrochromatography

Crown ethers are macrocyclic polyether compounds containing multiple -oxo-methylene-structural units, which are often used for recognition of metal ions and ammonium ions. Inspired by the molecular design of rotaxanes, a novel covalent organic nanospheres material (CON ADBC-Tp) constructed by 4,4'-diaminodibenzo-18-crown-6 (ADBC) and 2,4,6-triformylphloroglucinol (Tp) was rationally designed as stationary phase for the separation of compounds containing imidazole structure. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were carried out to confirm the morphology and composition of ADBC-Tp and ADBC-Tp modified capillary column. Thanks to the introduction of crown ether building ligands, the prepared capillary column exhibited excellent separation selectivity towards protonated imidazole structure, with benzimidazole and its 2-substituted derivatives as modal analytes. Moreover, separation of fungicides, nucleobases, short peptides and sulfanilamides were achieved on ADBC-Tp@capillary. The multifunctional ADBC-Tp@capillary with satisfactory reproducibility and stability gives great promise for separation science.

Essential role for STAT3/FOXM1/ATG7 signaling-dependent autophagy in resistance to Icotinib

BACKGROUND

The contribution of autophagy to cancer therapy resistance remains complex, mainly owing to the discrepancy of autophagy mechanisms in different therapy. However, the potential mechanisms of autophagy-mediated resistance to icotinib have yet to be elucidated.

METHODS

The effect of autophagy in icotinib resistance was examined using a series of in vitro and in vivo assays. The results above were further verified in biopsy specimens of lung cancer patients before and after icotinib or gefitinib treatment.

RESULTS

Icotinib increased ATG3, ATG5, and ATG7 expression, but without affecting Beclin-1, VPS34 and ATBG14 levels in icotinib-resistant lung cancer cells. Autophagy blockade by 3-MA or silencing Beclin-1 had no effects on resistance to icotinib. CQ effectively restored lung cancer cell sensitivity to icotinib in vitro and in vivo. Notably, aberrantly activated STAT3 and highly expressed FOXM1 were required for autophagy induced by icotinib, without the involvement of AMPK/mTOR pathway in this process. Alterations of STAT3 activity using genetic and/or pharmacological methods effectively affected FOXM1 and ATG7 levels increased by icotinib, with altering autophagy and icotinib-mediated apoptosis in resistant cells. Furthermore, silencing FOXM1 impaired up-regulated ATG7 induced by STAT3-CA and icotinib. STAT3/FOXM1 signalling blockade also reversed resistance to icotinib in vivo. Finally, we found a negative correlation between STAT3/FOXM1/ATG7 signalling activity and epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) treatment efficacy in patients undergoing EGFR-TKIs treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings support that STAT3/FOXM1/ATG7 signalling-induced autophagy is a novel mechanism of resistance to icotinib, and provide insights into potential clinical values of ATG7-dependent autophagy in icotinib treatment.

A fundamental study on selective extraction of Li+ with dibenzo-14-crown-4 ether: Toward new technology development for lithium recovery from brines

The present study has proposed a selective Li⁺ extraction process using a novel extractant of dibenzo-14-crown-4 ether functionalized with an alkyl C16 chain (DB14C4-C16) synthesized based on the ion imprinting technology (IIT). Theoretical analysis of the possible complexes formed by DB14C4-C16 with Li⁺ and the competing ions of Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ was performed through density functional theory (DFT) modeling. The Gibbs free energy change of the complexes of metal ions with DB14C4-C16 and water molecules were calculated to be -125.81 and -166.01 kJ/mol for lithium, -55.73 and -117.77 kJ/mol for sodium, and -196.02 and -291.52 kJ/mol for magnesium, respectively. Furthermore, the solvent extraction experiments were carried out in both single Li⁺ and multi-ions containing solutions, and the results delivered a good selectivity of DB14C4-C16 towards Li⁺ over the competing ions, showing separation coefficients of 68.09 for Ca²⁺-Li⁺, 24.53 for K⁺-Li⁺, 16.32 for Na⁺-Li⁺, and 3.99 for Mg²⁺-Li⁺ under the optimal conditions. The experimental results are generally in agreement with the theoretical calculations.

Covalently Immobilizable Tris(Pyridino)-Crown Ether for Separation of Amines Based on Their Degree of Substitution

A great number of biologically active compounds contain at least one amine function. Appropriate selectivity can only be accomplished in a few cases upon the substitution of these groups, thus functionalization of amines generally results in a mixture of them. The separation of these derivatives with very similar characteristics can only be performed on a preparative scale or by applying pre-optimized HPLC methods. A tris(pyridino)-crown ether was designed and synthetized for overcoming these limitations at a molecular level. It is demonstrated, that this selector molecule is able to distinguish protonated primary, secondary and tertiary amines by the formation of reversible complexes with different stabilities. This degree of substitution-specific molecular recognition of amines opens the door to develop separation processes primarily focusing on the purification of biologically active compounds in a nanomolar scale.

Ion Mobility Studies of Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Aza-Crown Ether-Lanthanide Complexes

Lanthanide-dependent enzymes and their biomimetic complexes have arisen as an interesting target of research in the past decade. These enzymes, specifically, pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ)-bearing methanol dehydrogenases, efficiently convert alcohols to the respective aldehydes. To rationally design bioinspired alcohol dehydrogenation catalysts, it is imperative to understand the species involved in catalysis. However, given the extremely flexible coordination sphere of lanthanides, it is often difficult to assess the number and nature of the active species. Here, we show how such questions can be addressed by using a combination of ion mobility spectrometry, mass spectrometry, and quantum-chemical calculations to study the test systems PQQ and lanthanide-PQQ-crown ether ligand complexes. Specifically, we determine the gas-phase structures of [PQQH₂]^-, [PQQH₂+H₂O]^-, [PQQH₂+MeOH]^-, [PQQ-15c5+H]⁺, and [PQQ-15c5+Ln+NO₃]²⁺ (Ln = La to Lu, except Pm). In the latter case, a trend to smaller collision cross sections across the lanthanide series is clearly observable, in line with the well-known lanthanide contraction. We hope that in the future such investigations will help to guide the design and understanding of lanthanide-based biomimetic complexes optimized for catalytic function.

Acetyl Cellulose Film with 18-crown-6 Ether for Colorimetric Phosgene Detection

The use of a cellulose detection film as a carrier for a colorimetric sensor to detect phosgene and allied compounds to be evaluated primarily visually is studied. For the case study, a benzimidazole-rhodamine dye and an acetyl cellulose film were selected. The detection complex was modified using cyclic ether 18-crown-6 to achieve more desirable analytic properties. The chromatic properties of detection film was verified using reflectance colorimetry in the visible light spectrum. The employed detection agent demonstrated high sensibility to phosgene vapours, but acid gases, acyl chlorides, base organic solvents, and in higher concentrations, even some organophosphorus substances interfered. The detection film application was adjusted to the in-situ preparation of simple detection devices (a spray or a marker) as well as to manufacture detection strips with beforehand excluded polymer film.

Simultaneous quantitative detection of afatinib, erlotinib, gefitinib, icotinib, osimertinib and their metabolites in plasma samples of patients with non-small cell lung cancer using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

As numerous studies have reported the concentration-exposure relationships of epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs), therapeutic drug monitoring is a promising approach in lung cancer treatment, aiming to avoid treatment failure or toxicity. A new method for the simultaneous analysis of five EGFR-TKIs (afatinib, erlotinib, gefitinib, icotinib and osimertinib) and their metabolites in human plasma samples was developed and validated using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Afatinib-d₆, erlotinib-d₆, OSI-420-d_4, gefitinib-d₆ and osimertinib-C₁₃,d₃ were used as internal standards (ISs). The samples were prepared by liquid-liquid extraction using tert-butyl methyl ether. Chromatographic separation was undertaken on an XBridge C₁₈ column using a linear gradient elution. LC-MS/MS was conducted in positive ionization mode with multiple reaction monitoring.

RESULTS

The proposed method showed satisfactory results in terms of linearity, sensitivity, specificity, precision (intra- and inter-day coefficients of variation ranged from 1.1 to 13.9%), and accuracy (from 93.3 to 111.1%). The IS-normalized matrix factors were below 15%. The sensitivity and linearity were highly appropriate for the expected concentrations according to the analysis of samples from non-small cell lung caner (NSCLC) patients who received EGFR-TKIs.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed method showed an acceptable reproducibility, high sensitivity and selectivity, and low matrix effects. This method could be significant for monitoring plasma concentrations of the mentioned EGFR-TKIs in NSCLC patients, aiming to improve the efficacy and safety of targeted therapies.

Chemical Enhancement Effect of Icotinib-Au Complex Studied by Combined Density Functional Theory and Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering

Icotinib is an epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. The charge transfer effect between gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and icotinib molecules can be used as a model to study the adsorption mechanism between molecules and metal. The adsorption of icotinib on the AuNP surface was confirmed by UV-vis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) experiments. To explain the nature of chemisorption between icotinib and AuNPs from a theoretical perspective, the molecular correlation properties of the complex model of icotinib-Au₆ were studied by the density functional theory method. By studying the molecular electrostatic potential of an icotinib molecule, four potential binding sites of the icotinib molecule were predicted. The calculation results of binding energy showed that the complex formed by chemisorption of icotinib through acetylene group and Au₆ was the most stable one. The molecular frontier orbitals of icotinib and icotinib-Au₆ confirmed that the charge transfer effect occurred on the acetylene group, benzene ring, and quinazoline ring of the icotinib molecule. The Herzberg-Teller surface selection rule was used to explain selective enhancement in the theoretically calculated Raman spectra. By comparing the spectra of theory and experiment, the cause of spectral peak shift and broadening that appeared in the surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectrum compared with the normal Raman spectrum was explained as well. This work would contribute to the development and application of the icotinib-Au drug carrier system.

Synergistic inhibitory effect of berberine and icotinib on non-small cell lung cancer cells via inducing autophagic cell death and apoptosis

Resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosin kinase inhibitors (TKIs, e.g. icotinib) remains a major clinical challenge. Non-small cell lung cancer patients with wild-type EGFR and/or K-RAS mutation are primary resistance to EGFR-TKIs. Berberine has been found to have potent anticancer activities via distinct molecular mechanism. In this study, we sought to investigate the therapeutic utility of BBR in combination with icotinib to overcome icotinib resistance in NSCLC cells, and explore the molecular mechanism of synergism of icotinib and BBR to EGFR-resistant NSCLC cells. We used the two EGFR-resistant NSCLC cell lines H460 and H1299 for testing the inhibitory effect of icotinib and/or BBR on them. Moreover, xenograft mouse model was applied for assessing the anti-tumor activities of BBR and icotinib in combination. Results showed that BBR and icotinib have a synergistic inhibitory effect on H460 and H1299 cells through induction of autophagic cell death and apoptosis. Accordingly, the anti-cancer effect of BBR plus icotinib was further confirmed in the NSCLC xenograft mouse models. Combination of BBR and icotinib significantly inhibited the protein expression and the activity of EGFR by inducing autophagic EGFR degradation. BBR plus icotinib resulted in intracellular ROS accumulation, which could mediated autophagy and apoptosis and involved in the suppression of cell migration and invasion. In conclusions, combination application of BBR and icotinib could be an effective strategy to overcome icotinib resistance in the treatment of NSCLC.

An ion-selective crown ether covalently grafted onto chemically exfoliated MoS2 as a biological fluid sensor

We describe the basal plane functionalization of chemically exfoliated molybdenum disulfide (ce-MoS2) nanosheets with a benzo-15-crown-5 ether (B15C5), promoted by the chemistry of diazonium salts en route to the fabrication and electrochemical assessment of an ion-responsive electrode. The success of the chemical modification of ce-MoS2 nanosheets was investigated by infrared and Raman spectroscopy, and the amount of the incorporated crown ether was estimated by thermogravimetric analysis. Raman spatial mapping at on-resonance excitation allowed us to disclose the structural characteristics of the functionalized B15C5-MoS2 nanosheets and the impact of basal plane functionalization to the stabilization of the 1T phase of ce-MoS2. Morphological investigation of the B15C5-MoS2 hybrid was implemented by atomic force microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, fast-Fourier-transform analysis and in situ energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed the crystal lattice of the modified nanosheets and the presence of crown-ether addends, respectively. Finally, B15C5-MoS2 electrodes were constructed and evaluated as ion-selective electrodes for sodium ions in aqueous solution and an artificial sweat matrix.

Ratiometric Detection of Mercury (II) Ions in Living Cells Using Fluorescent Probe Based on Bis(styryl) Dye and Azadithia-15-Crown-5 Ether Receptor

Bis(styryl) dye 1 bearing N-phenylazadithia-15-crown-5 ether receptor has been evaluated as a ratiometric fluorescent chemosensor for mercury (II) ions in living cells. In aqueous solution, probe 1 selectively responds to the presence of Hg²⁺ via the changes in the emission intensity as well as in the emission band shape, which is a result of formation of the complex with 1:1 metal to ligand ratio (dissociation constant 0.56 ± 0.15 µM). The sensing mechanism is based on the interplay between the RET (resonance energy transfer) and ICT (intramolecular charge transfer) interactions occurring upon the UV/Vis (380 or 405 nm) photoexcitation of both styryl chromophores in probe 1. Bio-imaging studies revealed that the yellow (500-600 nm) to red (600-730 nm) fluorescence intensity ratio decreased from 4.4 ± 0.2 to 1.43 ± 0.10 when cells were exposed to increasing concentration of mercury (II) ions enabling ratiometric quantification of intracellular Hg²⁺ concentration in the 37 nM-1 μM range.

Silicon Quantum Dot-Based Fluorescence Turn-On Metal Ion Sensors in Live Cells

Multiple sensor systems are designed by varying aza-crown ether moiety in silicon quantum dots (SiQDs) for detecting individual Mg(2+), Ca(2+), and Mn(2+) metal ions with significant selectivity and sensitivity. The detection limit of Mg(2+), Ca(2+), and Mn(2+) can reach 1.81, 3.15, and 0.47 μM, respectively. Upon excitation of the SiQDs which are coordinated with aza-crown ethers, the photoinduced electron transfer (PET) takes place from aza-crown ether moiety to the valence band of SiQDs core such that the reduced probability of electron-hole recombination may diminish the subsequent fluorescence. The fluorescence suppression caused by such PET effect will be relieved after selective metal ion is added. The charge-electron binding force between the metal ion and aza-crown ether hinders the PET and thereby restores the fluorescence of SiQDs. The design of sensor system is based on the fluorescence "turn-on" of SiQDs while in search of the appropriate metal ion. For practical application, the sensing capabilities of metal ions in the live cells are performed and the confocal image results reveal their promising applicability as an effective and nontoxic metal ion sensor.

[Metabolic research of domestically developed small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors]

Drug metabolism research plays an essential role in drug discovery and development. Great efforts have been made domestically to be line with the international standardized research on drug metabolism. In this article, we will review new-generation of tyrosine kinase inhibitors(TKIs), these TKIs include icotinib, apatinib, famitinib, flumatinb, allitinib, fruquintinib, and selatinib, among which icotinib and apatinib have been approved by China food and drug administration(CFDA) to reach the market, while others are in clinical trials. For these TKIs, the structural modified sites are active metabolic centers and CYP3A4 is identified as the primary metabolic enzyme. Considering the active intermediates, the crown ether ring of icotinib is oxidated to open to form an aldehyde; the indolylidene ring of famitinib is oxidated followed by rearrangement to form a quinone- imine; the α, β-unsaturated carbonyl group of allitinib is oxidated to form an epoxide, these intermediates are capable of covalently binding biomolecules and generating toxicity. In addition, human (14)C radioactive trials of most of these TKIs have not been conducted, and the data of drug-drug interactions in clinic are also absent, which indicate our deficiency compared to the international regular approaches in metabolic research.

Simultaneous column preconcentration of ultra trace amounts of heavy metals with nano-adsorbent in some environmental and biological samples

In the present investigation, multi-walled carbon nanotubes impregnated by 1,4,10,13-tetraoxa-7,16-diazacyclooctadecane were prepared and applied as adsorbent for the simultaneous separation of Bi(III), Cu(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions prior to their determination by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. The following analytical figures of merit were determined for bismuth, copper, cadmium and lead, respectively: enrichment factors of 168, 134, 111 and 146, assay precisions of ±4.6%, ±4.8%, ±5.3% and ±5.0% and detection limits of 11.3, 3.7, 0.5 and 0.3 ng L(-1). The method was successfully applied for the determination of heavy metals in environmental, biological and certified reference materials.

Factors that influence competitive intermolecular solvation of protonated groups in peptides and proteins in the gas phase

The ability of 18-crown-6 (18C6) to form noncovalent complexes with cationic groups in the gas phase has been leveraged in numerous, largely orthogonal mass spectrometry-based applications. Although the fundamental interaction between 18C6 and a charged group in the gas phase is quite strong, the strength of attachment of 18C6 to large molecules is more difficult to predict because intramolecular binding of the cation can be competitive. Herein, we demonstrate in experiments with model peptides that 18C6 adducts are not strongly attached to flexible molecules with numerous potential hydrogen bonding sites. 18C6 adduct stability is increased if intramolecular charge complexation is inhibited by sterics or competitive binding. It is demonstrated with molecular mechanics that significant structural changes occur upon loss of 18C6 in model peptides. Examination of the loss of 18C6 adducts from proteins following collisional activation reveals that lower charge states lose the most 18C6. The degree of 18C6 adduct stability may reflect the degree of structural reorganization that occurs following collisional activation, suggesting that lower charge states represent structures that are not similar to gas phase idealized states. In this regard, 18C6 may serve the function of protecting solution phase protein structure. Collisional activation of holomyoglobin with 18C6 adducts attached reveals that heme loss occurs primarily after 18C6 loss, further supporting the notion that 18C6 protects native structure by solvating charged sites.

Hydrogel-based microactuators with remote-controlled locomotion and fast Pb2+-response for micromanipulation

Hydrogel-based microactuators that enable remote-controlled locomotion and fast Pb(2+)-response for micromanipulation in Pb(2+)-polluted microenvironment have been fabricated from quadruple-component double emulsions. The microactuators are Pb(2+)-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-benzo-18-crown-6-acrylamide) microgels, each with an eccentric magnetic core for magnetic manipulation and a hollow cavity for fast Pb(2+)-response. Micromanipulation of the microactuators is demonstrated by using them for preventing Pb(2+)-leakage from microchannel. The microactuators can be remotely and precisely transported to the Pb(2+)-leaking site under magnetic guide, and then clog the microchannel with Pb(2+)-responsive volume swelling to prevent flowing out of Pb(2+)-contaminated solution. The proposed microactuator structure provides a potential and novel model for developing multifunctional actuators and sensors, biomimetic soft microrobots, microelectro-mechanical systems and drug delivery systems.

High-throughput capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry: from analysis of amino acids to analysis of protein complexes

Recent advances in capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry (CE-MS) interfacing using porous tip is leading to commercialization of CE-MS with a sheathless interface for the first time. The new sheathless interface in conjunction with CE capillary coatings using self-coating background electrolytes (BGE) has significantly simplified CE-MS analysis of complex mixtures. CE-MS, with its high separation efficiency, compound identification capability, and ability to rapidly separate compounds with a wide range of mass and charge while consuming only nanoliters of samples, has become a valuable analytical technique for the analysis of complex biological mixtures. These advances have allowed a single capillary to analyze a range of compounds including amino acids, their D/L enantiomers, protein digests, intact proteins, and protein complexes. With these capabilities, CE-MS is poised to become the multipurpose tool of separation scientists. More recently, an eight-capillary CE in conjunction with an 8-inlet mass spectrometry has allowed 8 CE-MS analyses to be performed concurrently, significantly increasing throughput.

Evaluation of polymer inclusion membranes containing crown ethers for selective cesium separation from nuclear waste solution

Transport behaviour of (137)Cs from nitric acid feed was investigated using cellulose triacetate plasticized polymer inclusion membrane (PIM) containing several crown ether carriers viz. di-benzo-18-crown-6 (DB18C6), di-benzo-21-crown-7 (DB21C7) and di-tert-butylbenzo-18-crown-6 (DTBB18C6). The PIM was prepared from cellulose triacetate (CTA) with various crown ethers and plasticizers. DTBB18C6 and tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) were found to give higher transport rate for (137)Cs as compared to other carriers and plasticizers. Effect of crown ether concentration, nitric acid concentration, plasticizer and CTA concentration on the transport rate of Cs was also studied. The Cs selectivity with respect to various fission products obtained from an irradiated natural uranium target was found to be heavily dependent on the nature of the plasticizer. The present work shows that by choosing a proper plasticizer, one can get either good transport efficiency or selectivity. Though TBP plasticized membranes showed good transport efficiency, it displayed poor selectivities. On the other hand, an entirely opposite separation behaviour was observed with 2-nitrophenyloctylether (NPOE) plasticized membranes suggesting the possible application of the later membranes for the removal of bulk (137)Cs from the nuclear waste. The stability of the membrane was tested by carrying out transport runs for nearly 25 days.

Novel heavy-metal adsorption material: ion-recognition P(NIPAM-co-BCAm) hydrogels for removal of lead(II) ions

A novel polymeric lead(II) adsorbent is prepared by incorporating benzo-18-crown-6-acrylamide (BCAm) as metal ion receptor into the thermo-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) hydrogel. Both stimuli-sensitive properties and the Pb(2+)-adsorption capabilities of the prepared P(NIPAM-co-BCAm) hydrogels are investigated. The prepared P(NIPAM-co-BCAm) hydrogels exhibit good ion-recognition and Pb(2+)-adsorption characteristics. When crown ether units capture Pb(2+) and form BCAm/Pb(2+) host-guest complexes, the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the hydrogel shifts to a higher temperature due to both the repulsion among charged BCAm/Pb(2+) groups and the osmotic pressure within the hydrogel. The adsorption results at different temperatures show that P(NIPAM-co-BCAm) hydrogels adsorb Pb(2+) ions at temperature lower than the LCST, but undergo desorption at temperature higher than the LCST due to the "stretch-to-shrink" configuration change of copolymer networks which is triggered by the change in environmental temperature. This kind of ion-recognition hydrogel is promising as a novel adsorption material for adsorption and separation of Pb(2+) ions. The adsorption and desorption of Pb(2+) could be rationally achieved by simply changing the environmental temperature.

Development of a carbon paste electrode containing benzo-15-crown-5 for trace determination of the uranyl ion by using a voltammetric technique

The interaction of macrocyclic compounds like crown ethers and UO2(2+) has been studied by electrochemical methods. A modified carbon paste electrode incorporating benzo-15-crown-5 (B15C5) was used to evaluate the electron transfer reaction of UO2(2+) by cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Electrochemical impedance studies showed that charge transfer resistance was less for the B15C5-modified electrode than for the plain carbon paste electrode (PCPE). On the basis of these observations, a UO2(2+)-sensitive crown ether chemically modified electrode (CME) for trace analysis was fabricated and investigated in aqueous solutions. It was found that a 5% B15C5-CME for UO2(2+) showed a better voltammetric response than did the PCPE. UO2(2+) could be quantified at sub-microg/mL levels by differential pulse voltammetry with a detection limit of 0.03 microg/mL. By differential pulse adsorptive stripping voltammetry, UO2(2+) could be quantified in the working range of 0.002-0.2 microg/mL, with a detection limit of 1.1 microg/L. Simultaneous determination of UO2(2+), Pb(2+), and Cd(2+) was possible. The method was successfully applied to the determination of UO2(2+) in synthetic, as well as real, samples; the results were found to be comparable to those obtained by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy.

Liquid chromatographic direct resolution of β-amino acids on a doubly tethered chiral stationary phase containing NH amide linkage based on (+)-(18-crown-6)- 2,3,11,12-tetracarboxylic acid

A doubly tethered chiral stationary phase (CSP) prepared by bonding (+)-(18-crown-6)-2,3,11,12-tetracarboxylic acid to doubly tethered primary aminoalkyl silica gel was used for the resolution of various beta-amino acids. All the beta-amino acids tested were resolved quite well, the separation (alpha) and the resolution factors (RS) being in the ranges 1.34-2.09 and 2.52-7.45, respectively, with a mobile phase of methanol-water (50:50, v/v) containing 10 mM acetic acid. The chiral recognition efficiency of the doubly-tethered CSP was found to be generally superior to that of the corresponding singly-tethered CSP in the resolution of beta-amino acids. The chiral recognition behaviors for the resolution of beta-amino acids on the doubly tethered CSP were examined by varying the type and content of organic and acidic modifiers in the aqueous mobile phase and the column temperature.

Chiral NMR discrimination of amines: Analysis of secondary, tertiary, and prochiral amines using (18-crown-6)-2,3,11,12-tetracarboxylic acid

Enantiomeric discrimination is observed in the 1H and 13C NMR spectra of secondary and tertiary amines in the presence of (-)-(18-crown-6)-2,3,11,12-tetracarboxylic acid (1). Nonequivalence of the resonances of prochiral nuclei in primary and secondary amines is also observed when they associate with 1. The amines are added in their neutral form and are protonated by the carboxylic acid groups of 1 to produce the corresponding ammonium and carboxylate ions. Secondary amines associate with 1 through two hydrogen bonds and an ion pair interaction. Tertiary amines can only form one hydrogen bond to accompany the ion pairing. Chiral discrimination in the 1H and 13C NMR spectra of a series of aryl-containing secondary amines is of sufficient magnitude to determine enantiomeric purities. The discrimination in the spectra of tertiary amines with 1 is smaller, but 13C NMR spectra provided enough distinction for the determination of enantiomeric purity.

Stereoisomeric separation of pharmaceutical compounds using CE with a chiral crown ether

Optical pure (+)-(18-crown-6)-2,3,11,12-tetracarboxylic acid, a chiral crown ether, was successfully used as a chiral selector for the stereoisomeric separation of numerous real pharmaceutical compounds. Both practical and mechanistic aspects were described. Effects of chiral selector concentration under different pH values of BGE were discussed. Chiral recognition for the enantiomeric compounds with (+)-(18-crown-6)-2,3,11,12-tetracarboxylic acid was investigated through model compounds using CE and infrared spectroscopic techniques. Relations between the enantioselectivity of the chiral crown ether and the structural features of the studied compounds were also investigated. Unusual resolutions of compound-p and its enantiomer as well as compound-o and its 2b epimer were described. These compounds contained only tertiary amine, believed to be nonbinding with crown ethers in general. The possible mechanisms for the interaction between compound-o and the chiral crown ether were investigated using CE, electrospray MS (ESI-MS), and proton ((1)H) NMR spectroscopy. All experiments provided clear evidence that binding between compound-o and the chiral crown ether had occurred. ESI-MS spectra indicated that the complexes had a 1:1 stoichiometric ratio. The advantages and disadvantages of using chiral crown ether for stereoisomeric separations were compared with those using sulfated CDs.

Molecular modelling approaches to host-guest complexes

Host-guest interactions can be modelled as a non-bonding recognition process using long-range electrostatic forces. By using molecular isopotential maps the differences between the methotrexate-dihydrofolate reductase and folate-dihydrofolate reductase complexes can be predicted. By extending the technique to molecule-molecule docking the interaction of formamide with the crown ether 18-crown-6 can be simulated with reasonable accuracy. The closely related problem of predicting the separation of enantiomers of chiral molecules by chromatography has been attempted with encouraging results. A preliminary report is presented on the progress being made towards a better model for simulating stacking arrangement of pi systems by charge distribution.

Visible fluorescence chemosensor for saxitoxin

Absorption spectra of a number of shellfish extracts have been obtained and reveal prominent absorptions in all samples at 210 and 260 nm and at 325 nm in some of them. These absorptions preclude the use of chromophores with similar absorptions in testing of shellfish samples for paralytic shellfish toxins. Two crown ether chemosensors featuring a boron azadipyrrin chromophore have been synthesized; both have absorption maxima at 650 nm, where all the shellfish extracts are transparent. The synthetic sensors feature either 18- or 27-membered crown ether rings and have been evaluated as visible sensors for the paralytic shellfish toxin saxitoxin. The binding constant for one of them is in the range of 3-9x10(5) M-1 and exhibits a fluorescence enhancement of over 100% at 680 nm in the presence of 40 microM saxitoxin.

Adsorption of copper and lead in aqueous solution onto bentonite modified by 4'-methylbenzo-15-crown-5

The adsorption of heavy metal ions (Cu2+ and Pb2+) onto organobentonite modified by 4'-methylbenzo-15-crown-5 (MB15C5) from bentonite compared with natural bentonite (N-Bentonite) is described in this paper. The kinetic parameters of the models are calculated and discussed, and closely fitted a pseudo-second-order model in all cases. For bentonite modified with MB15C5 (MB15C5-Bentonite) and N-Bentonite, the equilibrium data closely fitted the Langmuir model and showed the following affinity order: Pb2+ > Cu2+, and the adsorption capacity of MB15C5-Bentonite is higher than that of N-Bentonite for Pb2+ and Cu2+. The effect of pH is examined over the range 1.5-6. The adsorption of Cu2+ and Pb2+ increases with increasing pH and the adsorption of Cu2+ and Pb2+ reaches a maximum at pH 3.5-6.

Liquid chromatographic enantiomer resolution ofN-hydrazide derivatives of 2-aryloxypropionic acids on a crown ether derived chiral stationary phase

The liquid chromatographic separation of the enantiomers of several N-hydrazide derivatives of 2-aryloxypropionic acids was performed on a crown ether type chiral stationary phase derived from (18-crown-6)-2,3,11,12-tetracarboxylic acid. The behavior of chromatographic parameters by the change of mobile phases and additives for the resolution of these analytes was investigated. The enantiomers of all analytes were base-line resolved with a mobile phase of 100% methanol containing 20 mM H2SO4. These results are the first reported for enantiomer resolution of chiral acids of 2-aryloxypropionic acids as their N-hydrazide derivatives.

Crown Ether-Mediated Extraction and Functional Conversion of Cytochrome c in Ionic Liquids

We report that a macrocyclic ligand enables transfer of a protein from an aqueous phase to ionic liquids. The extraction behavior of heme protein cytochrome c (Cyt-c) from an aqueous phase into ionic liquids was investigated with crown ethers. A hydroxyl-group-containing ionic liquid with dicyclohexano-18-crown-6 was found to be capable of quantitative partitioning of Cyt-c, whereas the protein transfer using conventional organic solvents was negligibly small. Furthermore, we clarified that Cyt-c solubilized in ionic liquids caused a structural transformation of Cyt-c, which triggers its functional conversion from an electron-transfer protein to peroxidase.

Enantioseparation of aromatic amino acids and amino acid esters by capillary electrophoresis with crown ether and prediction of enantiomer migration orders by a three-dimensional quantitative structure-property relationship/comparative field analysis model

The complete enantioseparations of eight aromatic amino acids and four alkyl esters of 2-phenylglycine were achieved by chiral capillary electrophoresis employing 20 mM Tris-citric acid background electrolyte (pH 2.50) containing 5.0 mM of (+)-18-crown-6-tetracarboxylic acid. The relative migration times (RMTs) to that of 6-aminonicotinic acid were characteristic of each enantiomer with good within-day precisions (% relative standard deviation (RSD) < or = 2.0). Quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) modeling based on comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) was performed to investigate the correlation between the molecular field descriptor values of each enantiomer studied as analyte and its RMT. The resulting CoMFA model allowed reliable prediction for the RMT values (q2= 0.406, r2 = 0.996), thus being expected to become a valuable tool to predict enantiomer migration orders (EMOs) of amino acids and amines whose pure enantiomers are unavailable. The CoMFA steric fields supported the well-established chiral recognition mechanism based on molecular interaction between chiral selector (+)-18-crown-6-tetracarboxylic acid and amino acid enantiomers.

Development of a capillary electrophoretic method for the separation of diastereoisomers of a new human immunodeficiency virus protease inhibitor

A capillary electrophoretic (CE) method was developed for the separation of diastereoisomers of a new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protease inhibitor TMC114. In total 16 isomers of this drug have been synthesized (eight pairs of enantiomers). We succeeded in the separation of the eight diastereoisomers, but no enantiomers could be separated. Because of the high similarity and water-insolubility of these isomers, the separation is a real challenge. Different CE modes were tried out: capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE), nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis (NACE), micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MEKC), and microemulsion electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MEEKC). Only MEEKC offered resolution of these compounds.

Liquid chromatographic enantioseparation of aryl?-amino ketones on a crown ether-based chiral stationary phase

A liquid chromatographic chiral stationary phase based on (3,3'-diphenyl-1,1'-binaphthyl)-20-crown-6 covalently bonded to silica gel was applied in the resolution of aryl alpha-amino ketones including cathinone, the main psychoactive alkaloid found in the leaves of the khat plant. The resolution was excellent, the separation factors ranging between 1.72 and 8.58 and the resolution factors (R(S)) ranging between 2.60 and 11.10. The chromatographic resolution behaviour was dependent on the type and the content of organic and acidic modifiers and the ammonium acetate concentration in aqueous mobile phase and the column temperature.

Synthesis and characterization of covalently immobilized bis-crown ether based potassium ionophore

The synthesis of a novel covalently immobilized crown ether based potassium ionophore is presented. Apart from previously proposed methods for the preparation of PVC linked ionophores based on the chemical modification of functionalized PVC polymers, the hereby proposed procedure involves the direct copolymerization of a suitable derivative of the bis-crown ether type potassium ionophore (BME 44) and vinyl chloride monomer. The analytical performance of the potentiometric ion selective electrodes incorporating the PVC bound ionophore were optimized and determined. Compared with electrodes based on other bis-crown ether type immobilized potassium selective ionophores a slightly improved logK(K, Na)(Pot) and a longer lifetime was found. Spectral imaging and chronoamperometry were used to study the mobility of different bis-crown ether derivatives in plasticized PVC membranes.

In vivo determination of tumor oxygenation during growth and in response to carbogen breathing using 15C5-loaded alginate capsules as fluorine-19 magnetic resonance imaging oxygen sensors

PURPOSE

The objective was to present a method for the repeated noninvasive measurement of tumor oxygenation (Po(2)) over the whole period of tumor growth.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A mixture of tumor homogenate (GH3 prolactinoma) and alginate capsules loaded with perfluoro-15-crown-5-ether (15C5) was injected into the flanks of Wistar Furth rats. The temporal behavior of tumor Po(2) was monitored between Day 1 and 26 after injection using fluorine-19 ((19)F) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In addition, the response of tumor Po(2) to modifiers of the tumor microenvironment (carbogen [95% O(2)/5% CO(2)], nicotinamide, and hydralazine) was investigated.

RESULTS

An initial increase of tumor Po(2), probably reflecting neovascularization, followed by a decrease after Week 2, probably indicating tumor hypoxia or necrosis, were observed. The minimum and maximum average Po(2) +/- SEM observed were 3.3 +/- 2.0 mm Hg on Day 2 and 25.7 +/- 3.8 mm Hg on Day 13, respectively. Carbogen increased the tumor Po(2), whereas nicotinamide caused no significant change and hydralazine induced a significant decrease in tumor oxygenation.

CONCLUSIONS

A preclinical method for the repeated noninvasive determination of tumor Po(2) was presented. It might help to investigate tumor physiology and the mechanisms of modifiers of the tumor microenvironment and their role in different therapeutic approaches.

Biological activity of bacterial lectins and their molecular complexes with heterocyclic bis-adducts

A new convenient method for the preparation of heterocyclic bis-adducts: of imidazole, benzimidazole, uracile with 1,1,1-trifluoro-2-bromo-2-chloroethane is described. The reactions are catalysed by the 18-crown-6-complex. The critical toxicity and antitumour activity of saprophytic strains Bacillus genus (B. subtilis 668 IMV and B. polymyxa 102 KSU) extracellular lectins were studies. It was discovered that these substances apply to a few toxic preparations and have a expression antitumour action on the tumours: Walker carcinosarcoma 256, Pliss' lymphosarcoma and Sarcoma 45. The new molecular complexes were created with bacterial lectins and the same heterocyclic-bis-adducts of unsubstituted benzimidazole and 6-methyluracile. A strongly antitumour effect of these complexes has been discovered: of growth relaxation of Pliss' lymphosarcoma tumour mass was 62.5-82.01%.