Powering the planet: chemical challenges in solar energy utilization

Global energy consumption is projected to increase, even in the face of substantial declines in energy intensity, at least 2-fold by midcentury relative to the present because of population and economic growth. This demand could be met, in principle, from fossil energy resources, particularly coal. However, the cumulative nature of CO(2) emissions in the atmosphere demands that holding atmospheric CO(2) levels to even twice their preanthropogenic values by midcentury will require invention, development, and deployment of schemes for carbon-neutral energy production on a scale commensurate with, or larger than, the entire present-day energy supply from all sources combined. Among renewable energy resources, solar energy is by far the largest exploitable resource, providing more energy in 1 hour to the earth than all of the energy consumed by humans in an entire year. In view of the intermittency of insolation, if solar energy is to be a major primary energy source, it must be stored and dispatched on demand to the end user. An especially attractive approach is to store solar-converted energy in the form of chemical bonds, i.e., in a photosynthetic process at a year-round average efficiency significantly higher than current plants or algae, to reduce land-area requirements. Scientific challenges involved with this process include schemes to capture and convert solar energy and then store the energy in the form of chemical bonds, producing oxygen from water and a reduced fuel such as hydrogen, methane, methanol, or other hydrocarbon species.

Free radicals, metals and antioxidants in oxidative stress-induced cancer

Oxygen-free radicals, more generally known as reactive oxygen species (ROS) along with reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are well recognised for playing a dual role as both deleterious and beneficial species. The "two-faced" character of ROS is substantiated by growing body of evidence that ROS within cells act as secondary messengers in intracellular signalling cascades, which induce and maintain the oncogenic phenotype of cancer cells, however, ROS can also induce cellular senescence and apoptosis and can therefore function as anti-tumourigenic species. The cumulative production of ROS/RNS through either endogenous or exogenous insults is termed oxidative stress and is common for many types of cancer cell that are linked with altered redox regulation of cellular signalling pathways. Oxidative stress induces a cellular redox imbalance which has been found to be present in various cancer cells compared with normal cells; the redox imbalance thus may be related to oncogenic stimulation. DNA mutation is a critical step in carcinogenesis and elevated levels of oxidative DNA lesions (8-OH-G) have been noted in various tumours, strongly implicating such damage in the etiology of cancer. It appears that the DNA damage is predominantly linked with the initiation process. This review examines the evidence for involvement of the oxidative stress in the carcinogenesis process. Attention is focused on structural, chemical and biochemical aspects of free radicals, the endogenous and exogenous sources of their generation, the metal (iron, copper, chromium, cobalt, vanadium, cadmium, arsenic, nickel)-mediated formation of free radicals (e.g. Fenton chemistry), the DNA damage (both mitochondrial and nuclear), the damage to lipids and proteins by free radicals, the phenomenon of oxidative stress, cancer and the redox environment of a cell, the mechanisms of carcinogenesis and the role of signalling cascades by ROS; in particular, ROS activation of AP-1 (activator protein) and NF-kappaB (nuclear factor kappa B) signal transduction pathways, which in turn lead to the transcription of genes involved in cell growth regulatory pathways. The role of enzymatic (superoxide dismutase (Cu, Zn-SOD, Mn-SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase) and non-enzymatic antioxidants (Vitamin C, Vitamin E, carotenoids, thiol antioxidants (glutathione, thioredoxin and lipoic acid), flavonoids, selenium and others) in the process of carcinogenesis as well as the antioxidant interactions with various regulatory factors, including Ref-1, NF-kappaB, AP-1 are also reviewed.

The chemistry behind antioxidant capacity assays

This review summarizes the multifaceted aspects of antioxidants and the basic kinetic models of inhibited autoxidation and analyzes the chemical principles of antioxidant capacity assays. Depending upon the reactions involved, these assays can roughly be classified into two types: assays based on hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) reactions and assays based on electron transfer (ET). The majority of HAT-based assays apply a competitive reaction scheme, in which antioxidant and substrate compete for thermally generated peroxyl radicals through the decomposition of azo compounds. These assays include inhibition of induced low-density lipoprotein autoxidation, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), total radical trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP), and crocin bleaching assays. ET-based assays measure the capacity of an antioxidant in the reduction of an oxidant, which changes color when reduced. The degree of color change is correlated with the sample's antioxidant concentrations. ET-based assays include the total phenols assay by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent (FCR), Trolox equivalence antioxidant capacity (TEAC), ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), "total antioxidant potential" assay using a Cu(II) complex as an oxidant, and DPPH. In addition, other assays intended to measure a sample's scavenging capacity of biologically relevant oxidants such as singlet oxygen, superoxide anion, peroxynitrite, and hydroxyl radical are also summarized. On the basis of this analysis, it is suggested that the total phenols assay by FCR be used to quantify an antioxidant's reducing capacity and the ORAC assay to quantify peroxyl radical scavenging capacity. To comprehensively study different aspects of antioxidants, validated and specific assays are needed in addition to these two commonly accepted assays.

Reactive oxygen species and the central nervous system

Radicals are species containing one or more unpaired electrons, such as nitric oxide (NO.). The oxygen radical superoxide (O2.-) and the nonradical hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) are produced during normal metabolism and perform several useful functions. Excessive production of O2.- and H2O2 can result in tissue damage, which often involves generation of highly reactive hydroxyl radical (.OH) and other oxidants in the presence of "catalytic" iron or copper ions. An important form of antioxidant defense is the storage and transport of iron and copper ions in forms that will not catalyze formation of reactive radicals. Tissue injury, e.g., by ischemia or trauma, can cause increased metal ion availability and accelerate free radical reactions. This may be especially important in the brain because areas of this organ are rich in iron and CSF cannot bind released iron ions. Oxidative stress on nervous tissue can produce damage by several interacting mechanisms, including increases in intracellular free Ca2+ and, possibly, release of excitatory amino acids. Recent suggestions that free radical reactions are involved in the neurotoxicity of aluminum and in damage to the substantia nigra in patients with Parkinson's disease are reviewed. Finally, the nature of antioxidants is discussed, it being suggested that antioxidant enzymes and chelators of transition metal ions may be more generally useful protective agents than chain-breaking antioxidants. Careful precautions must be used in the design of antioxidants for therapeutic use.

Antioxidant and prooxidant behavior of flavonoids: structure-activity relationships

The antioxidant and prooxidant behavior of flavonoids and the related activity-structure relationships were investigated in this study using the oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay. Three different reactive species were used in the assay: 2,2'-azobis(2-amidino-propane) dihydrochloride, a peroxyl radical generator; Cu(2+)-H2O2, mainly a hydroxyl radical generator; and Cu2+, a transition metal. Flavonoids including flavones, isoflavones, and flavanones acted as antioxidants against peroxyl and hydroxyl radicals and served as prooxidants in the presence of Cu2+. Both the antioxidant and the copper-initiated prooxidant activities of a flavonoid depend upon the number of hydroxyl substitutions in its backbone structure, which has neither antioxidant nor prooxidant action. In general, the more hydroxyl substitutions, the stronger the antioxidant and prooxidant activities. The flavonoids that contain multiple hydroxyl substitutions showed antiperoxyl radical activities several times stronger than Trolox, an alpha-to copherol analogue. The single hydroxyl substitution at position 5 provides no activity, whereas the di-OH substitution at 3' and 4' is particularly important to the peroxyl radical absorbing activity of a flavonoid. The conjugation between rings A and B does not affect the antioxidant activity but is very important for the copper-initiated prooxidant action of a flavonoid. The O-methylation of the hydroxyl substitutions inactivates both the antioxidant and the prooxidant activities of the flavonoids.

Radical generation by the interaction of transition metals with common oxidants

Nine transition metals were tested for the activation of three oxidants and the generation of inorganic radical species such as sulfate, peroxymonosulfate, and hydroxyl radicals. From the 27 combinations, 14 M/Ox couples demonstrated significant reactivity toward transforming a model organic substrate such as 2,4-dichlorophenol and are further discussed here. It was found that Co(II) and Ru(III) are the best metal catalysts for the activation of peroxymonosulfate. As expected on the basis of the Fenton reagent, Fe(III) and Fe(II) were the most efficient transition metals for the activation of hydrogen peroxide. Finally, Ag(I) showed the best results toward activating persulfate. Quenching studies with specific alcohols (tert-butyl alcohol and ethanol) were also performed to identify the primary radical species formed from the reactive M/Ox interactions. The determination of these transient species allowed us to postulate the rate-determining step of the redox reactions taking place when a metal is coupled with an oxidant in aqueous solution. It was found that when Co(II), Ru(III), and Fe(II) interact with peroxymonosulfate, freely diffusible sulfate radicals are the primary species formed. The same was proven for the interaction of Ag(I) with persulfate, but in this case caged or bound to the metal sulfate radicals might be formed as well. The conjunction of Ce(III), Mn(II), and Ni(II) with peroxymonosulfate showed also to generate caged or bound to the metal sulfate radicals. A combination of sulfate and hydroxyl radicals was formed from the conjunction of V(III) with peroxymonosulfate and from Fe(II) with persulfate. Finally, the conjunction of Fe(III), Fe(II), and Ru(III) with hydrogen peroxide led primarily to the generation of hydroxyl radicals. It is also suggested here that the redox behavior of a particular metal in solution cannot be predicted based exclusively on its size and charge. Additional phenomena such as metal hydrolysis as well as complexation with other counterions present in solution might affect the thermodynamics of the overall process and are further discussed here.

Free radical-mediated oxidation of free amino acids and amino acid residues in proteins

We summarize here results of studies designed to elucidate basic mechanisms of reactive oxygen (ROS)-mediated oxidation of proteins and free amino acids. These studies have shown that oxidation of proteins can lead to hydroxylation of aromatic groups and aliphatic amino acid side chains, nitration of aromatic amino acid residues, nitrosylation of sulfhydryl groups, sulfoxidation of methionine residues, chlorination of aromatic groups and primary amino groups, and to conversion of some amino acid residues to carbonyl derivatives. Oxidation can lead also to cleavage of the polypeptide chain and to formation of cross-linked protein aggregates. Furthermore, functional groups of proteins can react with oxidation products of polyunsaturated fatty acids and with carbohydrate derivatives (glycation/glycoxidation) to produce inactive derivatives. Highly specific methods have been developed for the detection and assay of the various kinds of protein modifications. Because the generation of carbonyl derivatives occurs by many different mechanisms, the level of carbonyl groups in proteins is widely used as a marker of oxidative protein damage. The level of oxidized proteins increases with aging and in a number of age-related diseases. However, the accumulation of oxidized protein is a complex function of the rates of ROS formation, antioxidant levels, and the ability to proteolytically eliminate oxidized forms of proteins. Thus, the accumulation of oxidized proteins is also dependent upon genetic factors and individual life styles. It is noteworthy that surface-exposed methionine and cysteine residues of proteins are particularly sensitive to oxidation by almost all forms of ROS; however, unlike other kinds of oxidation the oxidation of these sulfur-containing amino acid residues is reversible. It is thus evident that the cyclic oxidation and reduction of the sulfur-containing amino acids may serve as an important antioxidant mechanism, and also that these reversible oxidations may provide an important mechanism for the regulation of some enzyme functions.

The chemistry and antioxidant properties of tocopherols and tocotrienols

This article is a review of the fundamental chemistry of the tocopherols and tocotrienols relevant to their antioxidant action. Despite the general agreement that alpha-tocopherol is the most efficient antioxidant and vitamin E homologue in vivo, there was always a considerable discrepancy in its "absolute" and "relative" antioxidant effectiveness in vitro, especially when compared to gamma-tocopherol. Many chemical, physical, biochemical, physicochemical, and other factors seem responsible for the observed discrepancy between the relative antioxidant potencies of the tocopherols in vivo and in vitro. This paper aims at highlighting some possible reasons for the observed differences between the tocopherols (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-) in relation to their interactions with the important chemical species involved in lipid peroxidation, specifically trace metal ions, singlet oxygen, nitrogen oxides, and antioxidant synergists. Although literature reports related to the chemistry of the tocotrienols are quite meager, they also were included in the discussion in virtue of their structural and functional resemblance to the tocopherols.

Reactive oxygen species in living systems: source, biochemistry, and role in human disease

Reactive oxygen species are constantly formed in the human body and removed by antioxidant defenses. An antioxidant is a substance that, when present at low concentrations compared to that of an oxidizable substrate, significantly delays or prevents oxidation of that substrate. Antioxidants can act by scavenging biologically important reactive oxygen species (O2-., H2O2.OH, HOCl, ferryl, peroxyl, and alkyl), by preventing their formation, or by repairing the damage that they do. One problem with scavenging-type antioxidants is that secondary radicals derived from them can often themselves do biologic damage. These various principles will be illustrated by considering several thiol compounds.

A novel automated method to measure total antioxidant response against potent free radical reactions

OBJECTIVES

Oxidative damage of biomolecules occurs as a result of potent free radical reactions. In this study, a novel, colorimetric and fully automated method for measuring total antioxidant response (TAR) against potent free radical reactions is described.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Potent free radical reactions were initiated with the production of hydroxyl radical (OH(*)) via Fenton reaction, and the rate of the reactions was monitored by following the absorbance of colored dianisidyl radicals. Ortho-dianisidine (10 mM) and ferrous ammonium sulfate (45 microM) were dissolved in KCl/HCl solution (75 mM, pH 1.8). This mixture was named as Reagent 1 and hydrogen peroxide solution (7.5 mM) as Reagent 2. The OH(*), produced by mixing of R1 and R2, oxidized o-dianisidine molecules into dianisidyl radicals, leading to a bright yellow-brown color development within seconds. Antioxidants, present in the sample, suppressed the color formation to a degree that is proportional to their concentrations. The method was applied to an automated analyzer and analytical performance characteristics of the assay were determined.

RESULTS

Vitamin C and Trolox, reduced glutathione, bilirubin, uric acid and (+/-)-catechin solutions suppressed the color formation depending on their concentrations. Serum TAR against potent free radical reactions was lower in patients with chronic renal failure (1.13 +/- 0.21 mmol Trolox equiv./l) and was higher in the individuals with neonatal icterus (2.82 +/- 1.18 mmol Trolox equiv./l) than in healthy subjects (1.54 +/- 0.15 mmol Trolox equiv./l).

CONCLUSIONS

The easy, inexpensive and fully automated method described can be used to measure TAR of samples against potent free radical reactions.

Guanylate cyclase and the .NO/cGMP signaling pathway

Signal transduction with the diatomic radical nitric oxide (NO) is involved in a number of important physiological processes, including smooth muscle relaxation and neurotransmission. Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), a heterodimeric enzyme that converts guanosine triphosphate to cyclic guanosine monophosphate, is a critical component of this signaling pathway. sGC is a hemoprotein; it is through the specific interaction of NO with the sGC heme that sGC is activated. Over the last decade, much has been learned about the unique heme environment of sGC and its interaction with ligands like NO and carbon monoxide. This review will focus on the role of sGC in signaling, its relationship to the other nucleotide cyclases, and on what is known about sGC genetics, heme environment and catalysis. The latest understanding in regard to sGC will be incorporated to build a model of sGC structure, activation, catalytic mechanism and deactivation.

Radicals: Reactive Intermediates with Translational Potential

This Perspective illustrates the defining characteristics of free radical chemistry, beginning with its rich and storied history. Studies from our laboratory are discussed along with recent developments emanating from others in this burgeoning area. The practicality and chemoselectivity of radical reactions enable rapid access to molecules of relevance to drug discovery, agrochemistry, material science, and other disciplines. Thus, these reactive intermediates possess inherent translational potential, as they can be widely used to expedite scientific endeavors for the betterment of humankind.

Diminishing catalyst concentration in atom transfer radical polymerization with reducing agents

The concept of initiators for continuous activator regeneration (ICAR) in atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) is introduced, whereby a constant source of organic free radicals works to regenerate the Cu(I) activator, which is otherwise consumed in termination reactions when used at very low concentrations. With this technique, controlled synthesis of polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate) (Mw/Mn < 1.2) can be implemented with catalyst concentrations between 10 and 50 ppm, where its removal or recycling would be unwarranted for many applications. Additionally, various organic reducing agents (derivatives of hydrazine and phenol) are used to continuously regenerate the Cu(I) activator in activators regenerated by electron transfer (ARGET) ATRP. Controlled polymer synthesis of acrylates (Mw/Mn < 1.2) is realized with catalyst concentrations as low as 50 ppm. The rational selection of suitable Cu complexing ligands {tris[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]amine (Me6TREN) and tris[(2-pyridyl)methyl]amine (TPMA)} is discussed in regards to specific side reactions in each technique (i.e., complex dissociation, acid evolution, and reducing agent complexation). Additionally, mechanistic studies and kinetic modeling are used to optimize each system. The performance of the selected catalysts/reducing agents in homo and block (co)polymerizations is evaluated.

The basics of thiols and cysteines in redox biology and chemistry

Cysteine is one of the least abundant amino acids, yet it is frequently found as a highly conserved residue within functional (regulatory, catalytic, or binding) sites in proteins. It is the unique chemistry of the thiol or thiolate group of cysteine that imparts to functional sites their specialized properties (e.g., nucleophilicity, high-affinity metal binding, and/or ability to form disulfide bonds). Highlighted in this review are some of the basic biophysical and biochemical properties of cysteine groups and the equations that apply to them, particularly with respect to pKa and redox potential. Also summarized are the types of low-molecular-weight thiols present in high concentrations in most cells, as well as the ways in which modifications of cysteinyl residues can impart or regulate molecular functions important to cellular processes, including signal transduction.

Antioxidant and antiradical activities of L-carnitine

L-carnitine plays an important regulatory role in the mitochondrial transport of long-chain free fatty acids. In this study, the antioxidant activity of L-carnitine was investigated as in vitro. The antioxidant properties of the L-carnitine were evaluated by using different antioxidant assays such as 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl free radical (DPPH.) scavenging, total antioxidant activity, reducing power, superoxide anion radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging and metal chelating activities. Total antioxidant activity was measured according to ferric thiocyanate method. alpha-tocopherol and trolox, a water-soluble analogue of tocopherol, were used as the reference antioxidant compounds. At the concentrations of 15, 30 and 45 microg/mL, l-carnitine showed 94.6%, 95.4% and 97.1% inhibition on lipid peroxidation of linoleic acid emulsion, respectively. On the other hand, 45 microg/mL of standard antioxidant such as alpha-tocopherol and trolox indicated an inhibition of 88.8% and 86.2% on peroxidation of linoleic acid emulsion, respectively. In addition, L-carnitine had an effective DPPH. scavenging, superoxide anion radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, total reducing power and metal chelating on ferrous ions activities. Also, those various antioxidant activities were compared to alpha-tocopherol and trolox as references antioxidants.

Intermolecular atom transfer radical addition to olefins mediated by oxidative quenching of photoredox catalysts

Atom transfer radical addition of haloalkanes and α-halocarbonyls to olefins is efficiently performed with the photocatalyst Ir[(dF(CF(3))ppy)(2)(dtbbpy)]PF(6). This protocol is characterized by excellent yields, mild conditions, low catalyst loading, and broad scope. In addition, the atom transfer protocol can be used to quickly and efficiently introduce vinyl trifluoromethyl groups to olefins and access 1,1-cyclopropane diesters.

Playing with organic radicals as building blocks for functional molecular materials

The literature has shown numerous contributions on the synthesis and physicochemical properties of persistent organic radicals but there are a lesser number of reports about their use as building blocks for obtaining molecular magnetic materials exhibiting an additional and useful physical property or function. These materials show promise for applications in spintronics as well as bistable memory devices and sensing materials. This critical review provides an up-to-date survey to this new generation of multifunctional magnetic materials. For this, a detailed revision of the most common families of persistent organic radicals-nitroxide, triphenylmethyl, verdazyl, phenalenyl, and dithiadiazolyl-so far reported will be presented, classified into three different sections: materials with magnetic, conducting and optical properties. An additional section reporting switchable materials based on these radicals is presented (257 references).

Power ultrasound in organic synthesis: moving cavitational chemistry from academia to innovative and large-scale applications

Ultrasound, an efficient and virtually innocuous means of activation in synthetic chemistry, has been employed for decades with varied success. Not only can this high-energy input enhance mechanical effects in heterogeneous processes, but it is also known to induce new reactivities leading to the formation of unexpected chemical species. What makes sonochemistry unique is the remarkable phenomenon of cavitation, currently the subject of intense research which has already yielded thought-provoking results. This critical review is aimed at discussing the present status of cavitational chemistry and some of the underlying phenomena, and to highlight some recent applications and trends in organic sonochemistry, especially in combination with other sustainable technologies. (151 references.).

The Many Faces of Vitamin B12: Catalysis by Cobalamin-Dependent Enzymes

Vitamin B12 is a complex organometallic cofactor associated with three subfamilies of enzymes: the adenosylcobalamin-dependent isomerases, the methylcobalamin-dependent methyltransferases, and the dehalogenases. Different chemical aspects of the cofactor are exploited during catalysis by the isomerases and the methyltransferases. Thus, the cobalt-carbon bond ruptures homolytically in the isomerases, whereas it is cleaved heterolytically in the methyltransferases. The reaction mechanism of the dehalogenases, the most recently discovered class of B12 enzymes, is poorly understood. Over the past decade our understanding of the reaction mechanisms of B12 enzymes has been greatly enhanced by the availability of large amounts of enzyme that have afforded detailed structure-function studies, and these recent advances are the subject of this review.

Production of hydroxyl radicals from the simultaneous generation of superoxide and nitric oxide

Both nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide are generated by macrophages, neutrophils and endothelial cells. It has been postulated that the generation of these two radicals under physiological conditions can lead to the formation of peroxynitrite and (as a result of the homolytic lysis of this molecule) the production of hydroxyl radicals. We have used 3-morpholinosydnonimine N-ethylcarbamide (SIN-1), a sydnonimine capable of generating both NO and superoxide simultaneously, to test this hypothesis. SIN-1 (1 mM) generated superoxide and NO at rates of 7.02 microM/min and 3.68 microM/min respectively in phosphate-buffered saline, pH 7.2, at 37 degrees C. Incubation of SIN-1 with both deoxyribose and sodium benzoate resulted in the formation of malondialdehyde (MDA). In addition, the incubation of SIN-1 with sodium benzoate resulted in the production of compounds with fluorescence emission spectra characteristic of hydroxylated products. Both the production of MDA and the generation of fluorescent compounds were inhibited by the hydroxyl radical scavenger mannitol. In all the above respects, SIN-1 mimicked the production of hydroxyl radicals from the ascorbate-driven Fenton reaction. Catalase had no effect on the SIN-1-dependent generation of MDA, and superoxide dismutase was partially inhibitory. SIN-1 produces an oxidant with the properties of the hydroxyl radical by a mechanism clearly different to that of the Fenton reaction. We conclude that the simultaneous production of NO and superoxide from SIN-1 results in the formation of hydroxyl radicals.