Metal Chelating Research Articles

Melanin in the Retinal Epithelium and Magnetic Sensing: A Review of Current Studies.

Coming in a variety of forms, melanin is one of the most abundant, stable, diverse, and evolutionarily ancient pigments found in living things in nature. These pigments often serve protective functions, typically well-adapted to their specific roles. One such protective function is metal chelation and cation exchange, which help regulate and buffer metal concentrations within cells. By binding to certain metals, melanin can acquire magnetic properties. Because of this, it may play a role in magnetic effects and possibly in the response of organisms to external magnetic fields and magnetic sensing. While there is melanin in plants, microbes, fungi, and invertebrates, certain types of melanin are specifically associated with the retina in vertebrates, including migrating bird and fish species. In this review, we examine studies focusing on the properties of melanin in these parts of the body and their possible association with magnetic sensing, and generally, magnetic sensing in the retina.

Evaluation of antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti-tyrosinase, and neuroprotective effects of β-ionone: In vitro and in silico analysis

β-Ionone is a bioactive phytochemical that has been extracted from many flowers, vegetables, and fruits. β-Ionone is an intriguing lead molecule from which several derivatives have been generated and exhibiting a variety of biological effects. Here, we investigated the β-Ionones’ antioxidant, anti-cholinesterases (AChE and BChE), anti-α-amylase, anti-α-glucosidase, and anti-tyrosinase activities. The antibacterial and antifungal effects were also studied. Moreover, in silico studies using molecular docking were carried out to understand the obtained results. The antioxidant activity performed by six different assays including phosphomolybdenum, CUPRAC, FRAP, DPPH, ABTS and metal chelating assay showed that β-Ionone exhibits a promising antioxidant activity. Besides, a good inhibition of AChE and BChE, as well as α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and tyrosinase was obtained. Molecular docking evidenced that β-Ionone correctly occupied the active site of the five studied enzymes through various kind of interactions which corroborate the in vitro outcomes. Moreover, in silico ADMET assessment showed that β-Ionone presented a good ADMET profile. Gram positive bacteria, specifically S. aureus (DIZ = 25 ± 1.5 mm; MIC = 6.25 mg/mL; CMB = 6.25 mg/mL) and B. cereus (DIZ = 21.5 ± 1 mm; MIC = 0.78 mg/mL; CMB = 0.78 mg/mL), showed greater susceptibility. Regarding Gram negative ones, P. aeruginosa exhibited also marked sensitivity (DIZ = 20.33 ± 1.5 mm; MIC = 12.5 mg/mL; CMB = 12.5 mg/mL). Additionally, β-Ionone can limit the growth of C. albicans (DIZ = 23 ± 1 mm; MIC = 1.56 mg/mL; CMB = 1.56 mg/mL). A bactericidal and fungicidal efficacy could be suggested as the MBC/MIC towards all the four inhibited pathogens was equal to 1. To sum up, data suggested that β-Ionone could have potential applications as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antifungal compound, as well as a potential inhibitor of tyrosinase, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and cholinesterases. Furthermore, it can serve as a lead chemical in the creation of a new semisynthetic drug intended in order to treat numerous illnesses, including diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and pigmentation disorders

Evaluation of Different Swab Wetting Chemicals Affecting the Yield of DNA Obtained From Biological Evidence on Cartridge Casings

Cartridge casings made from transition metals can be examined ballistically and also serve as significant evidence by containing touch DNA. However, the success rate of profiles obtained from this type of evidence is generally low. To enhance the success of DNA profiling from suspects' biological evidence, using swabs moistened with chemicals can be beneficial. Swabs are typically moistened with water, whose hypotonic nature disrupts cell integrity, causing the release of DNA. However, water is not the only agent used for moistening swabs; various buffer solutions are also utilized. The ability of swabs to transfer touch DNA depends on the type of buffer solution used. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), a strong anionic detergent, denatures non-covalently linked secondary and tertiary structures to increase the release of bound DNA. Another buffer solution used for swab moistening is Te+4 buffer, which contains EDTA and Tris. EDTA chelates metal ions, inactivating enzymes that could potentially damage DNA, while Tris adjusts the pH to an optimal level. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of microfibre and cotton swabs moistened with SDS, Te+4 buffer, and water in recovering genetic material from blood and epithelial cells deposited on brass cartridge casings. The study also evaluates the impact of firing on the quality of DNA profiles. Among the profiles obtained, the swabs moistened with SDS produced the highest rate of complete profiles at 44%, while the lowest rate of complete profiles at 22% was observed with swabs moistened with Te+4 buffer. SDS is particularly advantageous over water when used on casings with epithelial cells. Microfibre swabs are more effective in eliminating degradative factors caused by firing, thus enhancing profiling success. Comparisons of the RFU values indicate that casings yield lower values compared to cartridges, supporting the negative impact of the high heat, pressure, and residues generated during firearm discharge.

A novel multifunctional nanocomposite hydrogel orchestrates the macrophage reprogramming-osteogenesis crosstalk to boost bone defect repair.

Repairing bone defects is a complex cascade reaction process, as immune system regulation, vascular growth, and osteogenic differentiation are essential. Thus, developing a tissue-engineered biomaterial that caters to the complex healing process of bone regeneration remains a major clinical challenge. In the study, Ca2+-TA-rGO (CTAG)/GelMA hydrogels were synthesized by binding Ca2+ using metal chelation to graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets reduced by tannic acid (TA-rGO) and doping them into gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogels. TA and rGO exhibited biocompatibility and immunomodulatory properties in this composite, while Ca2+ promoted bone formation and angiogenesis. This novel nanocomposite hydrogel demonstrated good mechanical properties, degradability, and conductivity, and it could achieve slow Ca2+ release during bone regeneration. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that CTAG/GelMA hydrogel modulated macrophage reprogramming and induced a shift from macrophages to healing-promoting M2 macrophages during the inflammatory phase, promoted vascular neovascularization, and facilitated osteoblast differentiation during bone formation. Moreover, CTAG/GelMA hydrogel could downregulate the NF-κB signaling pathway, offering new insights into regulating macrophage reprogramming-osteogenic crosstalk. Conclusively, this novel multifunctional nanocomposite hydrogel provides a multistage treatment for bone and orchestrates macrophage reprogramming-osteogenic crosstalk to boost bone repair.

A Metal Chelation Therapy to Effectively Eliminate Breast Cancer and Intratumor Bacteria While Suppressing Tumor Metastasis by Copper Depletion and Zinc Ions Surge.

The intratumor microbiota results in the immunosuppressive microenvironment and facilitates tumor growth and metastasis. However, developing a synergistic therapy with antitumor, antibacterial, and antimetastatic effects faces enormous challenges. Here, we propose an innovative metal chelation therapy to effectively eliminate tumor and intratumor bacteria and suppress tumor metastasis. Different from traditional chelation therapy that only consumes metal elements, this therapy not only eliminates the crucial metal elements for tumor metabolism but also releases new metal ions with antitumor and antibacterial properties. Based on the high demand for copper in breast cancer, we prepare a fibrous therapeutic nanoagent (Zn-PEN) by chelating the copper chelator D-Penicillamine (D-PEN) with Zn2+. Firstly, Zn-PEN achieves dual inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and glycolysis metabolism in breast cancer through copper depletion and Zn2+ activated cGAS-STING pathway, thus inducing tumor cell death. Secondly, Zn-PEN has the capability to eradicate Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) in breast cancer, thereby mitigating its immunosuppressive impact on the tumor microenvironment. Finally, Zn-PEN effectively inhibits tumor metastasis through multiple routes, including the inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, activation of cGAS-STING pathway, and elimination with F. nucleatum. Therefore, we verify the feasibility of Zn-PEN mediated metal chelation therapy in a 4T1 model infected with F. nucleatum, providing a new therapeutic strategy for inhibiting tumor metastasis.

A Metal Chelation Therapy to Effectively Eliminate Breast Cancer and Intratumor Bacteria While Suppressing Tumor Metastasis by Copper Depletion and Zinc Ions Surge

AbstractThe intratumor microbiota results in the immunosuppressive microenvironment and facilitates tumor growth and metastasis. However, developing a synergistic therapy with antitumor, antibacterial, and antimetastatic effects faces enormous challenges. Here, we propose an innovative metal chelation therapy to effectively eliminate tumor and intratumor bacteria and suppress tumor metastasis. Different from traditional chelation therapy that only consumes metal elements, this therapy not only eliminates the crucial metal elements for tumor metabolism but also releases new metal ions with antitumor and antibacterial properties. Based on the high demand for copper in breast cancer, we prepare a fibrous therapeutic nanoagent (Zn‐PEN) by chelating the copper chelator D‐Penicillamine (D‐PEN) with Zn2+. Firstly, Zn‐PEN achieves dual inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and glycolysis metabolism in breast cancer through copper depletion and Zn2+ activated cGAS‐STING pathway, thus inducing tumor cell death. Secondly, Zn‐PEN has the capability to eradicate Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) in breast cancer, thereby mitigating its immunosuppressive impact on the tumor microenvironment. Finally, Zn‐PEN effectively inhibits tumor metastasis through multiple routes, including the inhibition of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, activation of cGAS‐STING pathway, and elimination with F. nucleatum. Therefore, we verify the feasibility of Zn‐PEN mediated metal chelation therapy in a 4T1 model infected with F. nucleatum, providing a new therapeutic strategy for inhibiting tumor metastasis.

Experimental Charge Density Study of Hypersilyl Sulfur Diimide

AbstractIn here three newly synthesized silyl substituted sulfur diimides S(NSi(SiMe3)3)2 (2), S(NSi(NMe2)3)2 (3) and S(NSiHiPr2)2 (4) are presented. 2 is characterised by experimental charge density investigations and compared to the di‐tert‐butyl sulfur diimide S(NtBu)2 (1). While the silylation seems not to have much impact on the sulfur‐nitrogen bonding the increase of negative charge at the nitrogen atoms is obvious. Hence, the silylated molecules should be better donors in metal chelation, provided the change from the genuine E/Z conformation to E/E is facilitated. Indeed, their calculated free energy gaps between initial and transition states, related to the rotation of the silyl substituted derivatives 2–4, interestingly found via different rearrangements, turned out to be only a third of that of 1, despite of changing the substituents linked to the Si atoms. This is due to the longer and more polar N−Si bonds compared to the N−C bonds.

Coplanar Atropochiral 5H‐Cyclopenta[2,1‐b:3,4‐b′]dipyridine Ligands: Synthesis and Applications in Asymmetric Ring‐Opening Reaction

AbstractBipyridines represent a class of ligands renowned for their versatility and efficacy in numerous transition metal‐catalyzed reactions. Chiral bipyridine ligands are noted for their distinctive reactivity and stereoselectivity. In this work, we have designed and synthesized a class of bipyridine ligands endowed with an axially chiral scaffold. These ligands feature: (a) a precisely aligned coplanar bipyridine framework that is beneficial for metal chelation; (b) a spacious environment around the metal‐bipyridine complexes, capable of hosting substrates with substantial steric bulk; (c) a chiral pocket induced by the axially chiral architecture. These atropochiral planar bipyridine ligands were successfully applied in copper‐catalyzed ring‐opening reactions of cyclic diaryliodoniums with bulky secondary amines, achieving high efficiency and stereoselectivity that were unsuccessful in our previous efforts.

Inoculation with multifunctional Bacillus sp. NEAU-DCB1-2 mitigates chromium toxicity in pakchoi (Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis) through a multi-level mechanism

Soil chromium (Cr) accumulation is escalating, severely hindering plant growth and development. Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) have shown potential in enhancing plant tolerance to heavy metals. However, the role and mechanisms of Cr(VI)-reducing PGPB strains in improving the growth of pakchoi under Cr toxicity remain unclear. This study aimed to isolate a Cr(VI)-reducing PGPB strain from Cr-contaminated soil, evaluate its effect on pakchoi growth under Cr(VI) stress, and investigate the mechanisms involved. Our findings showed that Bacillus sp. NEAU-DCB1–2 effectively reduce Cr(VI) to Cr(III) and produced indole-3-acetic acid and siderophores. Under Cr(VI) stress, inoculation with NEAU-DC1–2 significantly promoted seed germination and early growth of pakchoi. In pot experiments, NEAU-DCB1–2 significantly increased biomass accumulation, plant height, and root length of Cr(VI)-treated pakchoi seedlings, while reducing the Cr(VI) content in root, shoot and soil. Moreover, NEAU-DCB1–2 greatly increased catalase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and ascorbate peroxidase activities in seedlings under Cr(VI) stress, thereby reducing malondialdehyde content. Transcriptome analysis indicated substantial alterations in gene expression patterns after inoculation with NEAU-DCB1–2 under Cr(VI) stress. Further analyses revealed that NEAU-DCB1–2 mainly affected the responses of antioxidant system, metal chelation and transport, together with auxin, abscisic acid, and jasmonic acid signaling to Cr(VI) stress. Conclusively, the Cr(VI)-reducing PGPB strain NEAU-DCB1–2 significantly enhances the growth and Cr tolerance of pakchoi through multiple mechanisms, offering a valuable microbial resource for mitigating the adverse effects of heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils on the yield and safety of vegetable crops.

Exploring the Functional Potential of Breast Milk Protein Hydrolysates: Antiglycation, Antioxidant, Metal Chelation, and Lipid Peroxidation Activities

The formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is a pivotal factor in the development of various age-related and diabetes associated pathophysiologies, including but not limeted to arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, atherosclerosis and cataracts. Consequently, the prospect of inhibiting AGE formation emerges as a viable strategy to prevent or halt the advancement of diabetic complications. In the scientific literature, there is still a reluctance to produce bioactive peptides demonstrating antiglycation activity from breast milk. The breast milk protein was hydrolysed using trypsin for 240 min. The antiglycation, metal chelating activity, lipid peroxidation activity, and antioxidant activity of the peptides in the hydrolysates obtained after hydrolysis of human milk with trypsin enzyme were performed. The peptide diversity obtained after hydrolysis was determined by RP-HPLC. The breast milk hydrolysate was demonstrated significant antiglycation activity (IC50: 312.8 ± 12.1 µg/mL), antioxidant activity (61.8±4.58 mM AAE/µg peptide) , metal chelation activity (24.4%/μg peptide). The hydrolysate effectively inhibited lipid peroxidation (30.5±0.12%) compared to Trolox (51.2±0.3%). These findings highlight the potential of breast milk protein hydrolysates as a source of bioactive peptides with diverse health benefits. The present study offers valuable insights into utilizing human milk peptides as novel functional food components.

In vitro antioxidants and anti-inflammatory potentials of high protein-fibre cookies produced from whole wheat, sweet potato, rice bran and peanut composite flour blends

The growing demand for low-cost and functional snacks in many developing nations called for interest in the use of locally grown crops as substitutes for costly imported wheat flour. The amino acid composition, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the cookies from whole wheat, sweet potato, rice bran and peanut (56.25:18.75:5:20; 37.50:37.50:5:20; 18.75:56.25:5:20% as WPRG 1, WPRG 2, WPRG 3) composite flour blends, respectively, were obtained in this study. The 100% whole wheat and 100% refined flours served as control 1 and 2, respectively. The level of hydrophobic and aromatic amino acids was significantly (p < 0.05) high in WPRG 2 (~ 30 and ~ 10%), respectively when compared to others. However, the branched chain amino acids and Fischer ratio was significantly (p < 0.05) high in WPRG 1 (11.40% and 1.29), respectively, which could have contributed to their improved bioactivities. Notably, the composite cookie samples WPRG 1, 2 and 3 had higher hydroxyl (73.86 − 84.16%), DPPH (76.52 − 84.60%) radical scavenging as well as ferric reducing antioxidant (0.64–0.87 mmolFe2+/mg) properties than the control samples WWF and CWF, respectively. On the contrary, the metal chelating activities of the cookies WPRG 1–3 were not significantly (p > 0.05) different from control samples WWF and CWF. The improved amino acid profile and enhanced antioxidant properties of the composite cookies might have effectively influenced their anti-inflammatory properties (IC50; < 26 μg/ml) when compared to the control samples (IC50; ~ 40 μg/ml), respectively. Hence, the cookies that comprised of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory potentials needed in human health, were acceptable by the consumers.Graphical

Antioxidant activities of developed natural smoothies and their effects on blood glucose levels and expression of pro-inflammatory genes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Fruits and vegetables are laden with antioxidants and have been used to quench reactive oxygen species. The combination of two or more fruits and vegetables to produce smoothies is expected to yield a synergistic effect that could further improve functionality. This study investigated the antioxidative and blood glucose-lowering potentials of smoothies made from selected fruits and vegetables as well as their effect on the expression of pro-inflammatory genes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Standard procedures were used for the in vitro antioxidant determination while pancreas tissue was excised for molecular study. The inclusion of beetroot increased the total phenolic contents by 30-50% while the flavonoid content was increased by more than 3-fold. Similarly, smoothies with beetroot and bitter gourd exhibited stronger free radical scavenging abilities as shown by DPPH (1, 1- diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid), Nitric oxide (NO) scavenging ability, metal chelation (Fe2+) and ferric reducing antioxidant properties (FRAP) compared to the sample devoid of the duo. The blood glucose levels of the rats fed the smoothie were significantly lowered with a similar trend in the animals that were administered metformin. The smoothies significantly (p<0.05) reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) content thus reducing lipid peroxidation in the animals. The endogenous antioxidant enzymes; catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in the pancreas were all significantly (p<0.05) increased when the animals were fed smoothies. The expression of pro-inflammatory genes, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, was down-regulated in the animals fed with smoothies. The findings showed that the smoothies made from the combination have the potential for managing type-2 diabetes mellitus.Graphical

Facile constructing ZrO2 nanoparticles equipped with high conductivity carbon networks as pseudocapacitive anodes for removing phosphorus

Phosphorus pollution can seriously disrupt water quality and endanger ecosystem sustainability. Nonetheless, a few typical methods have been employed to remove phosphorus, but there are still challenges in controlling phosphorus from sewage. Capacitive deionization (CDI) displays the merits of having eco-friendliness and low energy consumption when capturing phosphorus. However, traditional carbon electrodes often suffer from the limitation that phosphorus uptake sites are insufficient. Herein, a novel ZrO2 nanoparticle equipped with a highly conductive carbon network (NZrC) was fabricated by a facile co-pyrolysis process. Na2EDTA can provide additional carbon backbones, N species, and metal chelation sites. Zr-MOF was applied as the ZrO2 precursor with abundant phosphorus trapping sites. The results suggested that Na2EDTA favors improving the ZrO2 dispersion, mesoporous channel formation, and pseudocapacitive behavior. NZrC-21 at 1.2 V displays low energy consumption and the optimal phosphorus uptake capacity of 10.99 mg P/g because of its rich mesoporous structure, abundant pyrrolic-N, graphitic-N, and ZrO2 active sites, and outstanding electrochemical properties. Furthermore, several key parameters were investigated for their effect on phosphorus removal performance. The mechanism revealed that hydrogen bonds, ligand exchange, and electrostatic attraction are the main uptake processes. This work presents a novel perspective for the facile construction and utilization of metal oxide nanoparticles equipped with a highly conductive carbon network for removing phosphorus.

Convection-enhanced delivery of [177Lu]Lu-labeled gold nanoparticles combined with anti-PD1 checkpoint immunotherapy improves the survival of immunocompetent C57BL/6J mice with orthotopic GL261 murine glioma tumors

IntroductionOur objective was to study convection enhanced delivery (CED) of 177Lu-labeled metal chelating polymer (MCP) conjugated to gold nanoparticles ([177Lu]Lu-MCP-AuNP) alone or combined with anti-PD1 immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) for improving the survival of immunocompetent C57BL/6J mice with orthotopic GL261 murine glioma tumors. MethodsC57BL/6J mice with GL261 tumors were treated with [177Lu]Lu-MCP-AuNP (0.8 or 2.7 MBq; 4 × 1011 AuNP) alone or combined with anti-PD1 antibodies (200 μg i.p. every 2 d × 3 doses). Control mice received normal saline, non-radioactive MCP-AuNP or anti-PD1 antibodies. Kaplan-Meier median survival was estimated. T-cell infiltration into the brain was probed by flow cytometry. Toxicity was assessed by monitoring body weight and cognitive function tests [Object Location Test (OLT) and Novel Object Recognition Test (NORT)] and T2-weighted MRI of the brain, overall health and ex vivo histopathological examination of the brain. ResultsTreatment with [177Lu]Lu-MCP-AuNP (0.8 MBq) significantly increased median survival compared to MCP-AuNP (29 vs. 25 d; P = 0.007) or normal saline-treated mice (24 d; P < 0.001). Combining [177Lu]Lu-MCP-AuNP (0.8 MBq) with anti-PD1 antibodies increased median survival to 32 d (P < 0.0001 vs. normal saline). Increasing the mean amount of [177Lu]Lu-MCP-AuNP to 2.7 MBq and combining with anti-PD1 antibodies extended survival to at least 218 d in 5/9 mice. Increased CD8+ cytotoxic T-cells and decreased CD4+ helper T-cells were found in the brain vs. normal saline-treated mice. No weight loss (>20 %) was observed for treated or control mice. There was no change in cognitive function in mice treated with [177Lu]Lu-MCP-AuNP (0.8 MBq) alone or combined with anti-PD1 antibodies assessed by the OLT or NORT. T2-weighted MRI in mice treated with 2.7 MBq [177Lu]Lu-MCP-AuNP combined with anti-PD1 antibodies revealed edema, gliosis and ex vacuo dilatation of the ventricle proximal to the site of infusion. Histopathological examination of the brain revealed dilatation of the ventricle and gliosis proximal to the site of infusion but no radiation necrosis. MRI and histological analysis did not reveal tumor in the brain of these mice. Mice treated with 2.7 MBq [177Lu]Lu-MCP-AuNP combined with anti-PD1 antibodies did not demonstrate overall deleterious health effects. ConclusionsWe conclude that CED of [177Lu]Lu-MCP-AuNP combined with anti-PD1 checkpoint immunotherapy improved the survival of immunocompetent C67BL/6J mice with GL261 glioma tumors in the brain. Higher administered amounts of [177Lu]Lu-MCP-AuNP (2.7 MBq vs. 0.8 MBq) were most effective and yielded long-term survival. Advances in knowledge and implications for patient careThis study demonstrates that combining a locally-infused radiation nanomedicine, [177Lu]Lu-MCP-AuNP and anti-PD1 checkpoint immunotherapy improved the survival of mice with glioma tumors in the brain. In the future, this treatment may be useful to treat residual tumor at the surgical margins in patients with GBM to prevent local recurrence and improve survival.

Design and fabrication of self-calibration colorimetric/fluorescence/SERS tri-modal optical sensor for highly rapid and accurate detection of mercury ions in foods

The improvement of detection accuracy without loss of rapidity and sensitivity by optical sensors in complex food analysis is still full of challenges owing to the matrix interference. Herein, a novel and simple self-calibration colorimetric/fluorescence/surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) tri-modal optical sensor based on aminated Rhodamine 6G (R6G-NH2) was developed for highly rapid, sensitive, and accurate detection of Hg2+ in food samples. The high recognition specificity of R6G-NH2 for Hg2+ can be achieved through the metal chelation interaction between Hg2+ and -NH2, -COOH groups in R6G-NH2 with formation of R6G-NH2-Hg2+-R6G-NH2 complex. The DFT and FDTD simulations were adopted to confirm the theoretical feasibility in Hg2+ detection by tri-modal optical. Under the optimum conditions, the analytical method based on self-calibration tri-modal optical sensor for Hg2+ detection was established with promising properties (rapidity, linearity, linear range, LOD, and LOQ), providing a strategy in rapid, selective, sensitive, and accurate detection for food safety.

Synthesis and anion binding properties of (thio)urea functionalized Ni(II)-salen complexes.

Salen ligands (salen = N,N'-ethylenebis(salicylimine)) are well-known for their versatility and widespread utility in chelating metal complexes. However, installation of hydrogen-bonding units on the salen framework, particularly functional groups that require amine-based precursors such as (thio)ureas, is difficult to achieve without the use of protecting group strategies. In this report, we show that the phenylketone analog of salicyladehyde is a stable alternative that enables the facile installation of hydrogen bonding (thio)urea groups on the salen scaffold, thus imparting anion binding abilities to a metal salen complex. Synthesis of symmetric N-phenyl(thio)urea salen ligands functionalized at the 3,3'-position and an unsymmetric salen ligand with N-phenylurea at the 5-position was achieved. Subsequent metalation with nickel(II) acetate afforded the nickel(II) complexes that were investigated for their anion binding properties towards F-, Cl-, Br-, CH3COO-, and H2PO4-. Solid-state structures of the nickel(II) complexes as well as the Cl- bound dimer of the symmetric urea complex were obtained. The unusual acidity of the (thio)urea groups is reflected in the pKa-dependent anion binding behavior of the nickel(II) complexes, as elucidated by 1H and 19F Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and Diffusion Ordered Spectroscopy (DOSY) experiments.

Utilization of Lemon Juice (Citrus limon L.) as an Alternative Substitute for Sodium Citrate in Blood Sedimentation Rate Examination

Background: The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (LED) examination is a hematological test that describes the rate at which red blood cells settle in plasma, using 3.8% sodium citrate anticoagulant and is measured in mm/hour. Lemon (Citrus limon L.) is a plant with natural properties as a metal binding agent or chelating agent. Lemons contain vitamin C, citric acid, potassium, and limonene. Citric acid compounds are able to form complex bonds with metals because they have COOH and -OH functional groups. Apart from citric acid, lemons contain flavonoids which function as antiviral, anticancer and antiallergenic. Objective: To test whether lemon juice (Citrus limon L.) can be used as an alternative ingredient to replace sodium citrate in LED tests. Method: This research is an experiment using the Westergreen method. Results: LED examination with 3.8% sodium citrate produced a value of 10 mm/hour. Lemon juice with a concentration of 3.8% produces a value of 15 mm/hour, 10% produces a value of 10 mm/hour, 50% produces a value of 18 mm/hour, and 100% produces a value of 0 mm/hour. Conclusion: A lemon juice concentration of 10% showed results closest to the control, with similar LED values. Thus, lemon juice (Citrus limon L.) can serve as a substitute for sodium citrate in the LED test

Evaluation of Anti-Alzheimer's Potential of Azo-Stilbene-Thioflavin-T derived Multifunctional Molecules: Synthesis, Metal and Aβ Species Binding and Cholinesterase Activity.

Inhibition of amyloid β (Aβ) aggregation and cholinesterase activity are two major therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Multifunctional Molecules (MFMs) specifically designed to address other contributing factors, such as metal ion induced abnormalities, oxidative stress, toxic Ab aggregates etc. are very much required. Several multifunctional molecules have been developed using different molecular scaffolds. Reported herein is a new series of four MFMs based on ThT, Azo-stilbene and metal ion chelating pockets. The synthesis, characterization, and metal chelation ability for [Cu(II) and Zn(II)] are presented herein. Furthermore, we explored their multifunctionality w.r.t. to their (i) recognition of Aβ aggregates and monomeric form, (ii) utility in modulating the aggregation pathways of both metal-free and metal-bound amyloid-β, (iii) ex-vivo staining of amyloid plaques in 5xFAD mice brain sections, (iv) ability to scavenge free radicals and (v) ability to inhibit cholinesterase activity. Molecular docking studies were also performed with Aβ peptides and acetylcholinesterase enzyme to understand the observed inhibitory effect on activity. Overall, the studies presented here establish the multifunctional nature of these molecules and qualify them as promising candidates for furthermore investigation in the quest for finding Alzheimer's disease treatment.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles containing Cichorium intybus to treat the sepsis-induced DNA damage in the liver of Wistar albino rats

Abstract Sepsis is a severe reaction of the body to an infection, presenting a critical medical crisis. It represents an imbalance between the body’s anti- and pro-inflammatory reactions. The occurrence of sepsis, which leads to multiple-organ failure and increased mortality, is marked by dysfunction in the lungs, heart, kidneys, and liver. The involvement of reactive oxygen species is believed to contribute to the progression of sepsis. Data suggest potential advantages of phenolic compounds derived from plants in combating sepsis. Plant polyphenols can be antioxidants by scavenging free radicals, chelating metals, and binding to proteins. In this research, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were produced by the aqueous extract of Cichorium intybus leaf for the purpose of treating sepsis-induced DNA harm. The recent study focused on the biological aspect including the cytotoxicity properties on normal (HUVEC) cell line. The AgNPs were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and UV-Vis. The TEM and SEM images of AgNPs exhibited the average size of 35.29 nm with spherical morphology. In the in vivo study, the animals were categorized into four groups: sepsis-induced, sham, AgNPs-20, and AgNPs-100. AgNPs treatment resulted in a significant decrease in tissues damage (p &lt; 0.01). The sepsis-induced group showed a significantly elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) level in comparison to the sham group (p &lt; 0.01). Nevertheless, the groups that received AgNPs experienced a decrease in MDA levels and an increase in glutathione and superoxide dismutases levels (p &lt; 0.01). Additionally, the rats treated with AgNPs exhibited a reduction in the IL-1β mRNA expression levels (p &lt; 0.01).

Advanced-designed Ru(II) complexes containing phosphinite ligands derived from chiral amino alcohols: Electrochemical behavior, DFT calculations, and biological activity

We report two phosphinite ligands derived from chiral amino alcohols, and their complexes with ruthenium(II). These compounds were characterized by spectroscopic methods. Then, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and DNA binding activities of the chiral Ru(II)-phosphinite complexes were tested. Complex (1R)-2-{benzyl[(1S)-1-(naphthalen-1-yl)ethyl]amino}-1-phenylethyl diphenylphos- phinito[dichloro(η6-p-cymene)ruthenium(II)], 7 showed both the highest radical scavenging activity (90.93 ± 0.98 %) and the highest metal chelating activity (65.45 ± 1.46 %) at 200.0 mg l-1 concentration. In addition, all of complexes had different rates of binding activity to calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA). Moreover, extensive theoretical and experimental investigations were conducted to gain a more profound understanding of the chemical descriptors and the diverse electronic transitions taking place within the ruthenium complexes, as well as their electrochemical characteristics.