Conversion of Undaria pinnatifida residue to glycolic acid with recyclable methylamine in low temperature hydrothermal liquefaction

The conversion of Undaria pinnatifida residue to glycolic acid was carried out using methylamine as catalyst by hydrothermal method at relatively low temperature. GC-MS and HPLC were used to identify the composition of bio-oil and liquid products which provide the knowledge of the chemical reaction pathways of the hydrothermal liquefaction. The main liquid product was organic acid which contained glycolic acid, lactic acid, formic acid and acetic acid. And the major organic acid was glycolic acid with the highest yield of 46.52% or 33.98% of dry biomass. Methylamine promoted the dissolution of cellulose from Undaria pinnatifida residue, and significantly improved the yield of glycolic acid. The mechanism of HTL was investigated and the results show that the carbocation C3 was attacked by methylamine molecule which led to the high yield of glycolic acid. In addition, the recovery of methylamine was studied and the highest recovery rate reached 99.28%.

Novel organic salts based on fluoroquinolone drugs: synthesis, bioavailability and toxicological profiles

In order to overcome the problems associated with low water solubility, and consequently low bioavailability of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), novel organic salts containing fluoroquinolones (e.g. ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin) were prepared, using an optimized synthetic procedure based on direct protonation, with different biocompatible counter ions such as mesylate, gluconate and glycolate. All the prepared organic salts were characterized by spectroscopic techniques, mass spectrometry and thermal analysis. Solubility studies in water and simulated biological fluids at 25°C and 37°C were also performed. Additionally, octanol-water and phospholipid-water partition coefficients were measured at 25°C. The cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory efficacy using an human cell model of intestinal epithelia (Caco-2 cells) were also evaluated and compared to those of the parent APIs. The adequate selection of the biocompatible anions allows the tuning of important physical, thermal and toxicological properties.

Asymmetric synthesis of diverse glycolic acid scaffolds via dynamic kinetic resolution of α-keto esters

The dynamic kinetic resolution of α-keto esters via asymmetric transfer hydrogenation has been developed as a technique for the highly stereoselective construction of structurally diverse β-substituted-α-hydroxy carboxylic acid derivatives. Through the development of a privileged m-terphenylsulfonamide for (arene)RuCl(monosulfonamide) complexes with a high affinity for selective α-keto ester reduction, excellent levels of chemo-, diastereo-, and enantiocontrol can be realized in the reduction of β-aryl- and β-chloro-α-keto esters.

Bioactivated collagen-based scaffolds embedding protein-releasing biodegradable microspheres: tuning of protein release kinetics

In tissue engineering, the recapitulation of natural sequences of signaling molecules, such as growth factors, as occurring in the native extracellular matrix (ECM), is fundamental to support the stepwise process of tissue regeneration. Among the manifold of tissue engineering strategies, a promising one is based on the creation of the chrono-programmed presentation of different signaling proteins. This approach is based upon the integration of biodegradable microspheres, loaded with suitable protein molecules, within scaffolds made of collagen and, in case, hyaluronic acid, which are two of the fundamental ECM constituents. However, for the design of bioactivated gel-like scaffolds the determination of release kinetics must be performed directly within the tissue engineering template. In this work, biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic)acid (PLGA) microspheres were produced by the multiple emulsion-solvent evaporation technique and loaded with rhodamine-labelled bovine serum albumin (BSA-Rhod), a fluorescent model protein. The microdevices were dispersed in collagen gels and collagen-hyaluronic acid (HA) semi-interpenetrating networks (semi-IPNs). BSA-Rhod release kinetics were studied directly on single microspheres through confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). To thoroughly investigate the mechanisms governing protein release from PLGA microspheres in gels, BSA-Rhod diffusion in gels was determined by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS), and water transport through the microsphere bulk was determined by dynamic vapor sorption (DVS). Moreover, the decrease of PLGA molecular weight and glass transition temperature (T(g)) were determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), respectively. Results indicate that protein release kinetics and delivery onset strongly depend on the complex interplay between protein transport through the PLGA matrix and in the collagen-based release media, and water sequestration within the scaffolds, related to the scaffold hydrophilicity, which is dictated by HA content. The proper manipulation of all these features may thus allow the obtainment of a fine control over protein sequential delivery and release kinetics within tissue-engineering scaffolds.

Oxidation of glycerol to glycolate by using supported gold and palladium nanoparticles

Glycolic acid is an important chemical that has uses as a cleaning agent as well as a chemical intermediate. At present glycolic acid is manufactured from either chloroacetic acid or from formaldehyde hydrocyanation, both routes being nongreen and using nonsustainable resources. We investigate the possibility of producing glycolate from the oxidation of glycerol, a sustainable raw material. We show that by using 1 % wt Au/carbon catalysts prepared using a sol-immobilization method glycolate yields of ca. 60 % can be achieved, using hydrogen peroxide as oxidant in an autoclave reactor. We describe and discuss the reaction mechanism and consider the reaction conditions that maximize the formation of glycolate.

Synthesis and evaluation of in vitro anti-tuberculosis activity of N-substituted glycolamides

On the basis of the structural similarity of N-substituted glycolamides with N-glycolyl muramic acid residues of the cell wall of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a series of these compounds were designed and synthesized by the reaction of glycolic acid acetonide 1 (2,2-dimethyl-5-oxo-1,3-dioxolane) with the proper amines. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined against M. tuberculosis H(37)Rv in BACTEC 12B medium, using the Microplate Alamar Blue Assay (MABA). Among the synthesized compounds, all those with disubstituted amide structure accompanied by one or two heteroatom(s) with loan pair(s) of electrons atom(s) beta to the amide nitrogen demonstrated moderate anti-tuberculosis activity and all the monosubstituted amides showed no activity at all.

Protein engineering of nitrilase for chemoenzymatic production of glycolic acid

A key step in a chemoenzymatic process for the production of high-purity glycolic acid (GLA) is the enzymatic conversion of glycolonitrile (GLN) to ammonium glycolate using a nitrilase derived from Acidovorax facilis 72W. Protein engineering and over-expression of this nitrilase, combined with optimized fermentation of an E. coli transformant were used to increase the enzyme-specific activity up to 15-fold and the biocatalyst-specific activity up to 125-fold. These improvements enabled achievement of the desired volumetric productivity and biocatalyst productivity for the conversion of GLN to ammonium glycolate.

Effect of acidic degradation products of poly(lactic-co-glycolic)acid on the apatite-forming ability of poly(lactic-co-glycolic)acid-siloxane nanohybrid material

The effect of poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) degradation products on the apatite-forming ability of a PLGA-siloxane nanohybrid material were investigated. Two PLGA copolymer compositions with low and high degradability were used in the experiment. The PLGA-siloxane nanohybrid materials were synthesized by end-capping PLGA with acid end-groups using 3-isocyanatopropyl triethoxysilane following the sol-gel reaction with calcium nitrate tetrahydrate. Two nanohybrid materials that had different degradability were exposed to simulated body fluid (SBF) for 1-28 days at 36.5 degrees C. The low degradable PLGA hybrid showed apatite-forming ability within 3 days of incubation while the high degradable one did not within 28 days testing period. The results were explained in terms of the acidity of the PLGA degradation products, which could directly influence on the apatite dissolution.

Vertical bone augmentation with granulated brushite cement set in glycolic acid

Brushite cements are a biocompatible materials that are resorbed in vivo. A new cement composed of a mixture of monocalcium phosphate (MCP) and beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) that sets using glycolic acid (GA) was synthesized and characterized. After setting, the cement composition, derived from X-ray diffraction, was 83 wt % brushite and 17 wt % beta-TCP with an average brushite crystal size of about 2.6 +/- 1.4 microm. The cement has a diametral tensile strength of 2.9 +/- 0.7 MPa. Granules prepared from the set-cement were used as grafting material in bone defects on rabbit calvaria for evaluating in vivo its bone regeneration capacity. Considerable cement resorption, improvement in the bone mineral density, and bone neoformation was observed after 4 weeks of the granules' implantation.

Monosaccharide-H2O2 reactions as a source of glycolate and their stimulation by hydroxyl radicals

An analysis of the H(2)O(2)-induced breakdown and transformation of different keto-monosaccharides at physiological concentrations reveals that glycolate and other short-chained carbohydrates and organic acids are produced. Depletion of monosaccharides and glycolate synthesis occurs at increased rates as the length of the carbohydrate chain is decreased, and is significantly increased in the presence of trace amounts of Fe(2+) ions (10 microM). Rates of monosaccharide depletion (initial concentration of 3 mM) observed were up to 1.55 mmol h(-1) in the case of fructose, and 2.59 mmol h(-1) in the case of dihydroxyacetone, depending upon pH, H(2)O(2) concentration, temperature and the presence or absence of catalytic amounts of Fe(2+). Glycolate was produced by dihydroxyacetone cleavage at rates up to 0.45 mmol h(-1) in the absence, and up to 1.88 mmol h(-1) in the presence of Fe(2+) ions (pH 8). Besides glycolate, other sugars (ribose, glyceraldehyde, glucose), glucitol (sorbitol) and organic acids (formic and 2-oxogluconic acid) were produced in such H(2)O(2)-induced reactions with fructose or dihydroxyacetone. EPR measurements demonstrated the participation of the OH radical, especially at higher pH. Presence of metal ions at higher pH values, resulting in increased glycolate synthesis, was accompanied by enhanced hydroxyl radical generation. Observed changes in intensity of DEPMPO-OH signals recorded from dihydroxyacetone and fructose reactions demonstrate a strong correlation with changes in glycolate yield, suggesting that OH radical formation enhances glycolate synthesis. The results presented suggest that different mechanisms are responsible for the cleavage or other reactions (isomerisation, auto- or free-radical-mediated oxidation) of keto-monosaccharides depending of experimental conditions.

Fabrication and characterization of six electrospun poly(alpha-hydroxy ester)-based fibrous scaffolds for tissue engineering applications

The most common synthetic biodegradable polymers being investigated for tissue engineering applications are FDA approved, clinically used poly(alpha-hydroxy esters). To better assess the applicability of the electrospinning technology for scaffold fabrication, six commonly used poly(alpha-hydroxy esters) were used to prepare electrospun fibrous scaffolds, and their physical and biological properties were also characterized. Our results suggest that specific, optimized fabrication parameters are required for each polymer to produce scaffolds that consist of uniform structures morphologically similar to native extracellular matrix. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a highly porous, three-dimensional structure for all scaffolds, with average fiber diameter ranging from 300nm to 1.5microm, depending on the polymer type used. The poly(glycolic acid) (PGA) and poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid 50:50) (PLGA5050) fibrous structures were mechanically stiffest, whereas the poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) and poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds were most compliant. Upon incubation in physiological solution, severe structural destruction due to polymer degradation was found in the PGA, poly(d,l-lactic acid) (PDLLA), PLGA5050, and poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid 85:15) (PLGA8515) fibrous scaffolds, whereas PLLA and PCL fibrous scaffolds maintained a robust scaffold structure during the same time period, based on macroscopic and SEM observations. In addition, PLLA scaffolds supported the highest rate of proliferation of seeded cells (chondrocytes and mesenchymal stem cells) than other polymeric scaffolds. Our findings showed that PLLA and PCL based fibrous scaffolds exhibited the most optimal structural integrity and supported desirable cellular response in culture, suggesting that such scaffolds may be promising candidate biomaterials for tissue engineering applications.

A Practical Synthesis of (S)-2-Cyclohexyl-2-phenylglycolic Acid via Organocatalytic Asymmetric Construction of a Tetrasubstituted Carbon Center

[reaction: see text] A concise and enantioselective synthesis of (S)-2-cyclohexyl-2-phenylglycolic acid as a key intermediate for (S)-oxybutynin is reported. The crucial asymmetric tetrasubstituted carbon center was constructed with excellent stereoselectivity through the proline-catalyzed direct asymmetric aldol reaction between cyclohexanone and ethyl phenylglyoxylate under mild conditions.

Three-component coupling reactions of silylglyoxylates, alkynes, and aldehydes: a chemoselective one-step glycolate aldol construction

A single-pot three-component coupling reaction of silylglyoxylates (1), terminal alkynes, and aldehydes in the presence of ZnI2 and Et3N is presented. The products of the reaction, densely functionalized silyl-protected glycolate aldols (2), can be converted to the corresponding acetonides (3) in a one-pot deprotection/ketalization sequence. A variety of terminal alkynes and aldehydes can be successfully employed to give a range of highly functionalized, fully protected 1,2-diols in good yields and moderate diastereoselectivities. Mechanistic experiments suggest that the zinc acetylide reacts with the silylgyloxylate (1) in a chemoselective manner. Using an unoptimized (+)-N-methylephedrine and Zn(OTf)2 system, silyl-deprotected adduct 2 was formed in 64% ee and 89:11 dr.

Phase-transfer-catalyzed asymmetric glycolate alkylation

[reaction: see text] Asymmetric surrogate glycolate alkylation has been performed under phase-transfer conditions. Diphenylmethyloxy-2,5-dimethoxyacetophenone with trifluorobenzyl cinchonidinium catalyst and cesium hydroxide provided alkylation products at -35 degrees C in high yield (80-99%) and with excellent enantioselectivities (90:10 to 95:5). Useful alpha-hydroxy products were obtained using bis-TMS peroxide Baeyer-Villiger conditions and selective transesterification. The intermediate aryl ester can be obtained with >99% ee after a single recrystallization. A tight ion-pair model for the observed (S)-stereoinduction is proposed.

Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microparticles as systems for controlled release of proteins -- preparation and characterization

Poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PDLLGA) and poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLLGA) copolymers were prepared by bulk ring opening polymerization of lactide and glycolide and characterized by GPC, FTIR, 1H NMR and DSC. Copolymers with different molar masses at a constant lactide/glycolide ratio were used for preparation of bovine serum albumin (BSA)-loaded microparticles by the double emulsion w/o/w method. The influence of the copolymer molar mass and composition on the microparticle morphology, size, yield, degradation rate, BSA-loading efficiency and BSA release profile were studied. For microparticles prepared from PDLLGA copolymers, a biphasic profile for BSA release was found and for those made from PLLGA copolymers the release profile was typically triphasic; both of them were characterized by high initial burst release. Possible reasons for such behavior are discussed.

Preparation of naltrexone hydrochloride loaded poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres and the effect of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as surfactant on the characteristics of the microspheres

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the surfactant properties of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) in enhancing the yield of small size microspheres. Naltrexone microspheres were prepared by solvent-solvent extraction evaporation process. PVA of various concentrations were added into the aqueous phase prior to the mixing process. The addition of PVA was expected to influence the shape, size distribution, drug loading and drug release profile. The results indicated that it is desirable to increase the weight fraction of the microspheres with size range below 106 mm for the highest possible yield.

Structure formation in injectable poly(lactide-co-glycolide) depots. II. Nature of the gel

The benzyl benzoate solutions of poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide), a random oriented synthesized copolymer with L/G ratio of 50:50, have been shown to form gels during aging and upon injection into buffer or water. The gelation properties influence drug release kinetics for these injectable, depot-forming solutions. In this article, we report on the mechanism of gelation. We find that only polymers that have a certain average block length of glycolide units form gels during aging as well as depots upon in vitro. Thus, gel formation is likely due to the formation of ordered solvated aggregates of blocky glycolide units. Rheometry, differential scanning calorimetry, and nuclear magnetic resonance were used to investigate the gelation kinetics and the polymer molecular parameters. Of all the polymers used, poly(lactide-co-glycolide)s with glycolide average block length <2.9 did not show any gelation behavior. The details of the gelation process are also solvent dependent.

Development of a novel method for synthesis of a polymeric ultrasound contrast agent

Medical ultrasound is a highly valuable diagnostic tool, especially when compared with other imaging modalities. It is a noninvasive, real-time, portable, extremely safe method compared with X-ray and inexpensive relative to magnetic resonance imaging. However, ultrasound is limited in its ability to distinguish between diseased and normal tissue. This limitation has led to the development of contrast agents. We have produced novel poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid air-filled microcapsules that work well as ultrasound contrast agents, giving up to 24 and 25 dB enhancement when insonated in the medical imaging range at 5 and 7.5 MHz, respectively. The capsules were fabricated by modifying a double emulsion method to encapsulate camphor in the oil phase and ammonium carbonate in the aqueous phase, and later sublime the encapsulated material, leaving voids capable of being filled with a gas in their place. The role of the surfactant, poly vinyl alcohol, solution temperature, was studied and found to play an important role in the morphology of the capsules, altering their acoustic response.

In situ pore formation in a polymer matrix by differential polymer degradation

A new approach for the in situ formation of porosity in a matrix based on differential polymer degradation has been studied. This approach exploits the differences in polymer properties such as molecular weight, hydrophilicity (hydrophobicity), and degradation to induce preferential degradation of one phase in a biphasic polymer system. Biphasic polymer systems polymers derived from alpha-hydroxy acids and poly(anhydrides), which vary in their erosion characteristics (surface vs. bulk) and hydrophobicities were studied. In addition to examining the generality of the approach, potential advantages of such systems in the context of tissue engineering and drug delivery are briefly discussed.

Synthesis and use of alpha-silyl-substituted alpha-hydroxyacetic acids

[reaction: see text] Rhodium-catalyzed oxygen transfer was used to generate benzyl 2-silyl-2-oxoacetates in good yields. The hydrogenation of these compounds led to chiral alpha-silyl-substituted alpha-hydroxyacetic acids. Resolution by means of HPLC using a chiral stationary phase afforded an enantiomerically pure representative of this class of compounds, which was successfully applied as a chiral ligand in an asymmetric aldol-type reaction.

Soluble biodegradable polymer-based cytokine gene delivery for cancer treatment

Transgene expression and tumor regression after direct injection of plasmid DNA encoding cytokine genes, such as mIL-12 and mIFN-gamma, remain very low. The objective of this study is to develop nontoxic biodegradable polymer-based cytokine gene delivery systems, which should enhance mIL-12 expression, increasing the likelihood of complete tumor elimination. We synthesized poly[alpha-(4-aminobutyl)-l-glycolic acid] (PAGA), a biodegradable nontoxic polymer, by melting condensation. Plasmids used in this study encoded luciferase (pLuc) and murine interleukin-12 (pmIL-12) genes. PAGA/plasmid complexes were prepared at different (+/-) charge ratios and characterized in terms of particle size, zeta potential, osmolality, surface morphology, and cytotoxicity. Polyplexes prepared by complexing PAGA with pmIL-12 as well as pLuc were used for transfection into cultured CT-26 colon adenocarcinoma cells as well as into CT-26 tumor-bearing BALB/c mice. The in vitro and in vivo transfection efficiency was determined by luciferase assay (for pLuc), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (for mIL-12, p70, and p40), and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) (for Luc and mIL-12 p35). PAGA condensed and protected plasmids from nuclease degradation. The mean particle size and zeta potential of the polyplexes prepared in 5% (w/v) glucose at 3:1 (+/-) charge ratio were approximately 100 nm and 20 mV, respectively. The surface characterization of polyplexes as determined by atomic force microscopy showed complete condensation of DNA with an ellipsoidal structure in Z direction. The levels of mIL-12 p40, mIL-12 p70, and mIFN-gamma were significantly higher for PAGA/pmIL-12 complexes compared to that of naked pmIL-12. This is in good agreement with RT-PCR data, which showed significant levels of mIL-12 p35 expression. The PAGA/pmIL-12 complexes did not induce any cytotoxicity in CT-26 cells as evidenced by 3-¿4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl¿-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and showed enhanced antitumor activity in vivo compared to naked pmIL-12. PAGA/pmIL-12 complexes are nontoxic and significantly enhance mIL-12 expression at mRNA and protein levels both in vitro and in vivo.

Novel antiallergic and antiinflammatory agents. Part I: Synthesis and pharmacology of glycolic amide derivatives

A series of mono-glycoloylamino derivatives was synthesized by treatment of the corresponding aromatic monoamine derivatives with glycoloyl chloride derivatives in pyridine or dichloromethane, in the presence of a base such as triethylamine or pyridine. Hydrolysis of acetoxy compounds in aqueous ammonia and methanol solution produced hydroxy derivatives with ease. These compounds were tested in the rat PCA (passive cutaneous anaphylaxis) assay by oral administration. Thiazole and thiadiazole derivatives showed moderate inhibition in this assay. In contrast, benzothiazole and benzonitrile derivatives exhibited marked inhibition. In particular, compound 5t also showed marked inhibition of eosinophil adhesion to TNF (tumor necrosis factor) -alpha-treated HUVEC (human umbilical vein endothelial cells) in the range of 10(-8)-10(-5) M.

Synthesis, characterization, biodegradation, and drug delivery application of biodegradable lactic/glycolic acid oligomers: I. Synthesis and characterization

A series of oligomers or low molecular weight polymers of lactic and/or glycolic acid has been synthesized with different molar ratios of lactic to glycolic acid. These oligomers have been characterized with respect to oligomer composition, molecular weight, intrinsic viscosity, crystallinity, melting temperature, and glass transition temperature. The polymerization conditions for the lactic/glycolic acid oligomer syntheses were as follows: 180-220 degrees C, 5 mm Hg, 5 h, and 0.1 wt% of catalyst (antimony oxide) concentration. The polymeric compositions correlated to the feed ratios of lactic to glycolic acid. The molecular weight of the oligomers ranged from 895.8 +/- 48.7 to 1368.0 +/- 0 D with the intrinsic viscosity ranging from 0.0513 to 0.0814 dl g-1. The lactic/glycolic acid oligomers were found to be amorphous. The glass transition temperatures of the lactic/glycolic acid oligomers were lower than physiological temperature.

Thermodynamics of Strecker synthesis in hydrothermal systems

Submarine hydrothermal systems on the early Earth may have been the sites from which life emerged. The potential for Strecker synthesis to produce biomolecules (amino and hydroxy acids) from starting compounds (ketones, aldehydes, HCN and ammonia) in such environments is evaluated quantitatively using thermodynamic data and parameters for the revised Helgeson-Kirkham-Flowers (HKF) equation of state. Although there is an overwhelming thermodynamic drive to form biomolecules by the Strecker synthesis at hydrothermal conditions, the availability and concentration of starting compounds limit the efficiency and productivity of Strecker reactions. Mechanisms for concentrating reactant compounds could help overcome this problem, but other mechanisms for production of biomolecules may have been required to produce the required compounds on the early Earth. Geochemical constraints imposed by hydrothermal systems provide important clues for determining the potential of these and other systems as sites for the emergence of life.

Synthesis and receptor affinities of new 3-quinuclidinyl alpha-heteroaryl-alpha-aryl-alpha-hydroxyacetates

Five analogues of 3-quinuclidinyl benzilate were prepared in which one phenyl ring was substituted by a heterocycle; a bromine was included on either the remaining phenyl or the heterocycle to provide information relating to the affinity of potential radiohalogenated derivatives. Their affinities for the muscarinic cholinergic receptor were determined. Replacing a phenyl ring with either the 2- or 3-furyl moiety or the 2- or 3-thienyl moiety did not significantly alter the affinity to the muscarinic receptor compared with 3-quinuclidinyl 4-bromobenzilate.

An exploration of the binding site of aldolase using alkyl glycolamido phosphoric esters and alkyl monoglycolate phosphoric esters

Alkyl glycolamido phosphoric esters (P-O-CH2-CO-NH-(CH2)n-CH3) and alkyl monoglycolate phosphoric esters (P-O-CH2-CO-O-(CH2)n-CH3), which are analogs of the aldolase substrate fructose-1-phosphate, were synthesized and use for probing the active site of rabbit muscle aldolase. The inhibition constants (Ki) were affected by the length of the alkyl groups of these compounds and a maximum value of Ki was observed between the number of methylene groups 2 and 4, depending on the type of compound. In the previous investigation, N-(omega-hydroxyalkyl)-glycolamido bisphosphoric esters (P-O-CH2-CO-NH-(CH2)n-O-P) and alkanediol monoglyclolate bisphosphoric esters (P-O-CH2-CO-O-(CH2)n-O-P) have a minimum Ki value between the number of methylene groups 1 and 4. The difference spectra of aldolase caused by binding of alkyl glycoamido phosphoric esters or alkyl monophosphates resembled that of their analogous bisphosphoric esters, but the intensity of absorbance was smaller than that of the bisphosphoric ester analogs. These results suggest that rabbit muscle aldolase has two binding sites for the phosphate groups on the entrance end of the active site cavity, the singly wound beta-barrel of the parallel alpha/beta class structure. The distance between the phosphate binding site Lys-107 in the beta-sheet structure (c) and Arg-148 in the beta-sheet structure (d) may possibly be expanded or contracted by the forms of the bending structure of the biphosphate compounds. Also, the change of distance between the beta-sheet structure (c) and (d) containing Trp-147, may have an effect on the environment of the tryptophan and cause a change of the absorbance of aldolase especially at 295-299 nm. On the other hand, the synthetic monophosphate compounds bind at only one of the two phosphate binding sites and have very little effect on the absorbance of Trp-147, in a similar manner as orthophosphate. The alkyl groups of monophosphate may be repelled by the ionic amino acid side chains, Asp-33, Lys-146, Glu-187 and/or Lys-229 in the middle of the active site cavity. However, the end of the long alkyl group of some monophosphates may possibly contact the hydrophobic bottom of the active site cavity without effect on the environment of Trp-147.

Synthesis and investigation of effects of 2-[4- [[(arylamino)carbonyl]amino]phenoxy]-2-methylpropionic acids on the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen: structure-activity relationships

A series of 2-[4-[[[(substituted-phenyl)amino]carbonyl]amino]phenoxy]-2- methylpropionic acids and other substituted phenoxyacetic acids were synthesized and tested for their ability to reduce the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen. 2-[4-[[[(3,4,5-trichlorophenyl)amino]carbonyl]amino]phenoxy]-2- methylpropionic acid was found to be the most potent compound known. Structure-activity relationships of the compounds synthesized are discussed.

Radioiodinated phenoxyacetic acid derivatives as potential brain imaging agents. I. Efficient synthesis via trimethylsilyl intermediates

The usefulness of radioiodination via demetallation of aryltrimethylsilanes was demonstrated. The radioiodination reaction was found to be very rapid and the regiospecific incorporation of radioiodine could be carried out with high radiochemical yields and high radiospecific activity. 125I-Labeled dimethylaminoethyl iodophenoxyacetate derivatives (5a--e), dimethylaminoethyl iodophenoxyacetamide derivatives (7a--c), iodophenoxyethyl ethylenediamine derivatives (9,14) and an iodophenoxyethylpiperazine derivative (18) were efficiently synthesized from the corresponding aryltrimethylsilyl intermediates (4a--e, 6a--c, 8, 13, 17) by this method.

Evaluation of glycolamide esters and various other esters of aspirin as true aspirin prodrugs

A series of glycolamide, glycolate, (acyloxy)methyl, alkyl, and aryl esters of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) were synthesized and evaluated as potential prodrug forms of aspirin. N,N-Disubstituted glycolamide esters were found to be rapidly hydrolyzed in human plasma, resulting in the formation of aspirin as well as the corresponding salicylate esters. These in turn hydrolyzed rapidly to salicylic acid. The largest amount of aspirin formed from the esters were 50 and 55% in case of the N,N-dimethyl- and N,N-diethylglycolamide esters, respectively. Similar results were obtained in blood with the N,N-dimethyl- and N,N-diethylglycolamide esters. Unsubstituted and monosubstituted glycolamide esters as well as most other esters previously suggested to be aspirin prodrugs were shown to hydrolyze exclusively to the corresponding salicylic acid esters. Lipophilicity parameters and water solubilities of the esters were determined, and structural factors favoring ester prodrug hydrolysis at the expense of deacetylation to yield salicylate ester are discussed. The properties of some N,N-disubstituted glycolamide esters of aspirin are highlighted with respect to their use as potential aspirin prodrugs.

Glycolamide esters as biolabile prodrugs of carboxylic acid agents: synthesis, stability, bioconversion, and physicochemical properties

Benzoic acid esters of various substituted 2-hydroxyacetamides (glycolamides) were found to be hydrolyzed extremely rapidly in human plasma solutions, the half-lives of hydrolysis being less than 5 s in 50% plasma solutions for some N,N-disubstituted glycolamide esters. The rapid rate of hydrolysis could be largely attributed to cholinesterase (also called pseudocholinesterase) present in plasma. From a study of a variety of substituted glycolamide esters and structurally related esters, the most prominent structural requirement needed for a rapid rate of hydrolysis was found to be the glycolamide ester structure combined with the presence of two substituents on the amide nitrogen atom. A structural similarity of such esters with benzoylcholine, a good substrate for cholinesterase, was put forward. Esters of N,N-disubstituted glycolamides are suggested to be a useful biolabile prodrug type for several carboxylic acid agents. The esters combine a high susceptibility to undergo enzymatic hydrolysis in plasma with a high stability in aqueous solution. Furthermore, as demonstrated with the benzoic acid model esters, it is feasible to obtain ester derivatives with almost any desired water solubility or lipophilicity with retainment of marked lability to enzymatic hydrolysis.

Synthesis of regiospecifically labeled [18O]glycolic acid and [18O]acyldihydroxyacetone phosphate

Methods are detailed for the preparation of [2-18O]glycolate from chloroacetic acid and for the direct conversion of these intermediates to regiospecifically labeled [2-18O]-2-O-acylglycolic acids containing approximately 90% 18O at the C-O-acyl bond. Methods are also detailed for optimization of reaction conditions and yields for each synthetic step in previously published methods for the preparation of 1-O-acyldihydroxyacetone-3-O-phosphate (DHAP) from acyloxyacetic acid (i.e., 2-O-acylglycolic acid), where acyl is tetradecanoyl, hexadecanoyl, or heptadecanoyl. The optimized reaction conditions generate 1-O-acyl DHAP in its acid form, both in high overall yield and in high purity, without requiring a final chromatographic purification of the product, 1-O-acyl DHAP. Combining these new methods, efficient and facile preparations of regiospecifically labeled [1-18O]-1-O-hexadecanoyl DHAP and [1-18O]-1-O-heptadecanoyl DHAP have now been demonstrated, in which approximately 90% 18O is specifically located only at the C-O-acyl position. Some mechanistic postulates are offered to account for the optimized yields, regioselectivities, and high 18O incorporation which are observed in the reactions we have employed to generate 1-O-acyl DHAP from glycolate intermediates.

Proton concentration jumps and generation of transmembrane pH-gradients by photolysis of 4-formyl-6-methoxy-3-nitrophenoxyacetic acid

Proton concentration gradients across membranes are important for many biological energy transducing processes. The kinetics of proton dependent processes can be studied by pH-jump methods in which protons are photochemically released. In the following we describe the synthesis and the properties of photolabile 4-formyl-6-methoxy-3-nitrophenoxyacetic acid, a 'caged proton'. The synthesis is based on vanillin, which is alkylated with chloroacetic acid to give a carboxylic acid (pK = 2.72). In a second step a nitro group ortho to the formyl group is introduced. Photochemical proton release occurs by a reaction mechanism analogous to the well known photochemical formation of 2-nitrosobenzoic acid from 2-nitrobenzaldehyde. The pK values of the photoproduct are 0.75 and 2.76, respectively, thus allowing the use of the compound in a wide pH-range. The quantum yield is 0.18, lower than in the case of the 2-nitrobenzaldehyde/2-nitrosobenzoic acid system (phi = 0.5). The release of the proton in a flash photolysis experiment occurs within less than 1 microseconds. The spectrum of photolabile compound has absorption maxima at 263 nm and 345 nm, respectively. Its permeability across a lipid bilayer membrane is very low (permeability coefficient Pd approximately equal to 10(-9) cm.s-1 at pH 8) so that transmembrane proton concentration gradients can be generated.

[(6,7-Dichlorobenzo[b]thien-5-yl)oxy]acetic acids and 1,1-dioxides. 1. A structurally novel class of diuretics with hypotensive activity

A series of [(6,7-dichlorobenzo[b]thien-5-yl)oxy]acetic acids and their corresponding 1,1-dioxides were synthesized and evaluated for diuretic activity in the acute saline loaded mice (ASLM) and hypotensive activity in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). A significant number of compounds were found to display potent activity in one or both assays, and preliminary structure-activity relationships with respect to each assay were delineated. Compound 94, the 1,1-dioxide of [(6,7-dichloro-2-n-propylbenzo[b]thien-5-yl)oxy]acetic acid was markedly active in both the ASLM and SHR by oral administration. The combined diuretic/hypotensive profile of this compound was further substantiated by its good saluretic response in water loaded conscious dogs and a moderate to good activity in renal hypertensive rats and sinoaortic-deafferented hypertensive dogs.

Immobilization of proteins via arginine residues

A new method for activating polyacrylamide beads to bind proteins via arginine residues is described. The linking reagent, 4-(oxyacetyl)phenoxyacetic acid (OAPA), has been synthesized and characterized. OAPA reacts with arginine or N alpha-acetyl-L-arginine with a stoichiometry of 2 to 1. As expected for an arginine-specific reagent, OAPA inactivates horse liver alcohol dehydrogenase in a time-dependent manner, with the rate of this inactivation decreasing sixfold in the presence of 1 mM NADH. The presence of the carboxyl group in the linking reagent allows efficient coupling to aminated polyacrylamide beads. These derivatized beads are capable of binding various proteins via arginine residues in a time- and pH-dependent manner. Capacities range from less than 0.5 mg/ml to greater than 11 mg/ml, depending on the protein. The proteins are bound in a stable linkage, and preblocking the beads with either arginine or N alpha-acetyl-L-arginine eliminates all protein binding. Preblocking of the protein ubiquitin with OAPA reduces binding to a level compatible with the amount of underivatized ubiquitin remaining. The specificity, water solubility, negative charge, and linking ability of OAPA make it an especially valuable tool, both as a protein-modification reagent and as a linking reagent in preparing specialized affinity chromatographic media.

Conformational unfolding in the N-terminal region of ribonuclease A detected by nonradiative energy transfer

Unfolding in the N-terminal region of RNase A was studied by the nonradiative energy-transfer technique. RNase A was labeled with a nonfluorescent acceptor (2,4-dinitrophenyl) on the alpha-amino group and a fluorescent donor (ethylenediamine monoamide of 2-naphthoxyacetic acid) on a carboxyl group in the vicinity of residue 50 (75% at Glu-49 and 25% at Asp-53). The distribution of donor labeling sites does not affect the results of this study since they are close in both the sequence and the three-dimensional structure. The sites of labeling were determined by peptide mapping. The derivatives possessed full enzymatic activity and underwent reversible thermal transitions. However, there were some quantitative differences in the thermodynamic parameters. When the carboxyl groups were masked, there was a 5 degrees C lowering of the melting temperature at pH 2 and 4, and no significant change in delta H(Tm). Labeling of the alpha-amino group had no effect on the melting temperature or delta H(Tm) at pH 2 but did result in a dramatic decrease in delta H(Tm) of the unfolding reaction at pH 4. The melting temperature did not change appreciably at pH 4, indicating that an enthalpy/entropy compensation had occurred. The efficiencies of energy transfer determined with both fluorescence intensity and lifetime measurements were in reasonably good agreement. The transfer efficiency dropped from about 60% under folding conditions to roughly 20% when the derivatives were unfolded with disulfide bonds intact and was further reduced to 5% when the disulfide bonds were reduced. The interprobe separation distance was estimated to be 35 +/- 2 A under folding conditions. The contribution to the interprobe distance resulting from the finite size of the probes was treated by using simple geometric considerations and a rotational isomeric state model of the donor probe linkage. With this model, the estimated average interprobe distance of 36 A is in excellent agreement with the experimental result cited above.

[(Aminomethyl)arloxy]acetic acid esters. A new class of high-ceiling diuretics. 3. Variation in the bridge between the aromatic rings to complete mapping of the receptor

Continued structural evaluation of the [(aminomethyl)aryloxy]acetic ester diuretics has produced a series of compounds in which the functional group that bridges the two aromatic rings has been varied. Diuretic screening of these analogues in rats indicates that the keto group can be effectively replaced with an ether or thio ether function with a slight increase in potency, whereas the methylene and sulfoxide linking groups lead to diminished saluretic potency. Replacement with either -SO2-, -COCO-, -CH2O-, -CONH- or direct bond results in a loss of activity. Although the series was designed according to QSAR criteria, the traditional linear free-energy properties of these compounds do not correlate with diuretic potency. However, conformational analysis of the series by potential energy calculations indicates that all active compounds have an accessible conformation that matches the bridge atom-carboxylate distance of the very potent dihydrobenzofuran analogue 56. Conformational calculations of several compounds in which the aminomethyl group was varied suggests that the active conformation is probably a low-energy conformation. Consideration of rotation about the bridge could not distinguish between two possible orientations of the aminomethyl ring in the active conformation. However, there is a quantitative negative linear correlation between diuretic potency and the protrusion into space of the group that bridges the two aromatic rings.

[(Aminomethyl)aryloxy]acetic acid esters. A new class of high-ceiling diuretics. 2. Modifications of the oxyacetic side chain

The discovery of high-ceiling natriuretic activity from a series of aminomethyl derivatives of ethyl [2,3-dichloro-4-(4-hydroxybenzoyl)phenoxy]acetate prompted our continued investigation of this new class of (aryloxy)acetic acid diuretics. Systematic alteration of the oxyacetic side chain has shown that the carboxylic acid function is the active species in vivo and that the ethyl ester group serves as a prodrug to enhance oral absorption. Side-chain functional groups that are incapable of generating the carboxylic acid in vivo failed to impart diuretic activity to the target compounds. Additional side-chain modifications including homologation, methyl substitution, and heteroatom replacement are also described. Ring annelation of the oxyacetic side chain to a dihydrobenzofuran-2-carboxylic acid produced compound 32, which displayed the highest level of saluretic activity for this series.

[(Aminomethyl)aryloxy]acetic acid esters. A new class of high-ceiling diuretics. 1. Effects of nitrogen and aromatic nuclear substitution

A series of Mannich bases and aminomethyl derivatives of ethyl [2,3-dichloro-4-(4-hydroxybenzoyl)phenoxy]acetate were synthesized and tested for saluretic and diuretic activities. The effects of nitrogen and aromatic nuclear substitution, reorientation of the aminomethyl group relative to that of the phenolic hydroxyl group, and replacement of either the phenolic hydroxyl or the aminomethyl group by other functional groups are described. Ethyl [2,3-dichloro-4-[3-(aminomethyl)-4-hydroxybenzoyl]phenoxy]acetate (27) was found to be a very potent, high-ceiling diuretic.

Design, synthesis, and testing of potential antisickling agents. 4. Structure-activity relationships of benzyloxy and phenoxy acids

In this paper we further establish the activity of two classes of small molecules, benzyloxy and phenoxy acids, as potent inhibitors of hemoglobin S (HbS) gelation. Structural modifications with a large number of each class confirm our earlier work that the highest activity is observed with compounds that contain dihalogenated aromatic rings with attached polar side chains. We have also found a halogenated aromatic malonic acid derivative to be quite active. Compounds reported in this paper are compared with other antigelling agents studied in our laboratory. Comments are made concerning the antigelling activity and binding sites of four derivatives and their effect on the allosteric mechanism of hemoglobin (Hb) function.

(Acylaryloxy)acetic acid diuretics. 5. [(2-Alkyl- and 2,2-disubstituted-1,3-dioxo-5-indanyl)oxy]acetic acids

Investigation of the chemistry of the potent uricosuric diuretic indacrinone (MK-196) prompted the synthesis of a series of 3-oxo derivatives, i.e., the indan-1,3-diones. In general, both pharmacological parameters (uricosuria and diuresis) were significantly less pronounced with the 1,3-diones than with the parent 1-oxo compounds.

Synthesis and evaluation of radioiodinated derivatives of 1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl alpha-hydroxy-alpha-(4-iodophenyl)-alpha- phenylacetate as potential radiopharmaceuticals

Two derivatives of (RS)-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl (RS)-alpha-hydroxy-alpha-(4-iodophenyl)-alpha-phenylacetate (1a) and three partially resolved (R)- or (S)-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl (RS)-alpha-hydroxy-alpha-(4-iodophenyl)-alpha-phenylacetates labeled with no carrier added iodine-125 (1b, 18, and 19) and iodine-123 (1c and 18a) were synthesized by the Wallach triazene approach. We have found that this approach is necessary to obtain no carrier added labeling and gives far better results than the direct electrophilic iodination. The obtained yields were 7 to 18% when using iodine-123 (yield dependent on the source of iodide) and up to 17% for iodine-123 (yield dependent on the source of iodide) and up to 17% for iodine-125 labeled compounds. Our preliminary distribution studies indicate that 1b localizes in the organs known to have a large concentration of muscarinic receptors and that this localization is due to binding to those receptors.

Synthesis of N-tert.-butoxycarbonyl-( alpha-phenyl)aminomethylphenoxyacetic acid for use as a handle in solid-phase synthesis of peptide alpha-carboxamides

N-tert.-butoxycarbonyl-aminomethyl( alpha-phenyl)phenoxyacetic acid was synthesized and found to be suitable for use as a handle in the solid-phase synthesis of peptide alpha-carboxamides. This handle was prepared with an 82% yield when N-tert.-butoxycarbonyl-( rho-hydroxy)benzhydrylamine was treated with excess sodium iodoacetate under alkaline conditions. In stability studies the linkage between the C-terminal amino acid and the handle was found to be resistant to acidolysis in 50% TFA/CH2Cl2 (less than 1% loss after 10h). Upon treatment for 30 min with HF:anisole(9:1) at 0 degrees, 92% cleavage of glycinamide from Gly-handle-resin was obtained. In a test synthesis of a peptide alpha-carboxamide, pyroglutamylhistidylprolinamide was synthesized in 83% yield. Two other handles, tert.-butoxycarbonyl-aminomethylphenoxyacetic acid and N-tert.-butoxycarbonyl-aminomethylphenyloxymethylphenoxyacetic acid, were also synthesized but found to be unsuitable for carboxamide synthesis under the same conditions of solid-phase synthesis.

Synthesis of phenylphenoxyacetamide derivatives with potential antiinflammatory activity

Twenty four derivatives of N-(phenoxyacetyl)-p-aminophenoxyacetic acid have been obtained. The tests of the in vitro inhibition of prostaglandin synthetase revealed that compounds 19 and 24 have the activity similar to that of Naproxen.

Quantitative structure-activity relationships involving the inhibition of glycolic acid oxidase by derivatives of glycolic and glyoxylic acids

The enzyme glycolic acid oxidase oxidizes glycolate to glyoxylate and glyoxylate to oxalate. Three series of compounds related to the natural substrates, substituted glycolic, oxyacetic, and glyoxylic acids, have been investigated as inhibitors of this enzyme using the techniques of regression analysis and quantitative structure-activity relationships. The best overall correlation with inhibitory potencies was found with the Hansch hydrophobic parameter pi. The classical electronic parameters sigmap, sigmam, F, and R performed poorly. For the substituted glyoxylic acids, a dummy parameter relating to the presence of a nucleophilic group in close proximity to the alpha-carbonyl of the glyoxylate group was found to be highly significant. The syntheses of six novel glycolic and glyoxylic acids are described.