Presence Of Polyethylene Glycol Research Articles

Transcriptional and metabolic response in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells during polyethylene glycol‐dependent transformation

Intact cells of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae were transformed with exogenous DNA by incubating the cells with plasmid in the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG), which has been shown to be required, although the underlying has not been elucidated. In this study, we found that incubation of the S. cerevisiae cells with PEG was not only required for the PEG-dependent transformation but also enhanced transformation, suggesting that PEG might cause an intracellular response. To understand the response, microarray and metabolome analyses were conducted. We found that incubation of the cells without PEG caused up-regulation of several genes, including those which are involved in carbon source metabolisms, e.g. fatty acid metabolism, yielding acetyl-CoA and those involved in stress-response. Contrary to this, incubation of the cells with PEG gave no transcriptional change. These microarray data were supported by the results of metabolome analysis for anionic metabolites, implying that the physical effect of PEG on cell membrane, rather than the effect of PEG itself on the intracellular response, could cause high transformation in the PEG-dependent transformation.

Photocatalytic properties of nanocrystalline titanium dioxide films in the degradation of domoic acid in aqueous solution: potential for use in molluscan shellfish biotoxin depuration facilities

Domoic acid (DA) is a water-soluble marine neurotoxin produced and released by certain species of the diatom genus Pseudo-nitzschia. Present in coastal waters, it can be a threat to public health and marine life, and can result in severe economic losses to the molluscan shellfish and crustacean harvesting industries. Here we report on the efficiency of nanocrystalline (NC) titania (TiO2) thin films used as a photocatalyst in the ultraviolet light photodegradation of DA. Titanium dioxide thin films produced by a sol-gel dip-coating method in the presence of polyethylene glycol of different molecular weights (200, 400 and 600) were deposited on glass substrates and crystallised at 90°C. The films were characterised using spectroscopic ellipsometry, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity measurements were carried out by immersing the NC TiO2 films in a DA solution (2500 ng ml−1) and then exposing them for various times at room temperature to UVA irradiation (λ = approximately 350 nm). The degradation of DA, quantified by HPLC analysis, was not significant when using daylight or ultraviolet light irradiation alone, whereas the NC TiO2 films prepared at low temperature proved to be a very efficient photocatalyst when used in conjunction with UVA light. The effectiveness of the photodegradation was improved by increasing molecular weight of polyethylene glycol, which increased the thickness of the film. The presence, transformation and degradation of three DA isomers were observed. The approach may eventually be practical for destroying DA in seawater used by aquaculture industry depuration facilities.

An in vitro nutritive evaluation and rumen fermentation kinetics of Sesbania aculeate as affected by harvest time and cutting regimen

The nutritive value of Sesbania aculeate harvested after 60 and 120 days of planting and subjected to two cutting regimen (15 or 30 cm length) was evaluated by determination of the crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF), buffer soluble nitrogen (BS-N), buffer soluble non-protein nitrogen (BS-NPN) and cell wall constituents (neutral-detergent fibre; NDF, acid-detergent fibre; ADF and lignin). In vitro digestible organic matter (IVDOM), metabolizable energy (ME), microbial nitrogen (MN) and biomass (MBM) production were also estimated in the experimental plant samples after their incubation with rumen fluid for 96 h in the absence or presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG, 6000) at a ratio of 2:1 PEG:substrate. Fermentation characteristics (initial gas production; a, gas production during incubation; b, potential gas production; a+b, fractional rate of gas production; c) were assessed using an in vitro incubation technique with rumen fluid. There was a significant (P < 0.05) effect of harvest time on all studied nutritive parameters and fermentation characteristics. The early harvest plant samples (after 60 days of planting) gave significantly higher values of IVOMD, ME, CP, BS-N, BS-NPN, MN, MBM and fractional rate of gas production and lower values of CF and cell wall constituents than the late harvest. Crude protein, BS-N, BS-NBN, IVOMD and ME were negatively correlated with CF and cell wall constituents. Metabolisable energy and IVOMD were positively correlated with CP, BS-N and BS-NPN. Cutting treatments significantly affected the CP, CF, BS-N, BS-NPN, NDF, ADF, IVDOM, ME, potential gas production and b values. There was no significant (P > 0.05) effect of added PEG on IVDOM, ME, MN, MBM, fermentation characteristics and gas production over 96 h. The greatest proportion of gas production occurred between 6 and 24 h of incubation. The fractional rate of gas production from 100 mg substrate was higher (0.046 mL/h) for the plant samples harvested at early stage and cut at 30 cm length than harvested at late stage (0.018 mL/h). C values were negatively correlated with lignin concentrations. The amount of MN and MBM produced from 100 mg substrate amounted to 1.29 mg and 14.95 mg at early maturity stage and 0.68 mg and 7.89 mg at late stage, respectively. Microbial nitrogen and MBM production were negatively correlated with CF, cell wall constituents and gas production but positively correlated with CP, BS-N and BS-NPN.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of a complex between the electron-transfer partners hexameric Cu-containing nitrite reductase and pseudoazurin

The complex between Cu-containing nitrite reductase (HdNIR) and its electron-donor protein pseudoazurin (HdPAz) from Hyphomicrobium denitrificans has been crystallized. The crystals were obtained from a mixture of the two proteins using the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method in the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol (MPD) as precipitants. SDS-PAGE analysis demonstrated that the crystals contained both proteins. The X-ray diffraction experiment was carried out at SPring-8 and diffraction data were collected to 3.3 A resolution. The crystals were tetragonal (space group P4(1)2(1)2), with unit-cell parameters a = b = 130.39, c = 505.55 A. Preliminary analysis indicated that there was one HdNIR and at least two HdPAz molecules in the asymmetric unit of the crystal.

The comparison of the behaviors of polymer/clay nanocomposites based on high density polyethylene and polypropylene in exposure of electron‐irradiation

AbstractThe effect of irradiation on thermal and mechanical properties of high density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP)/clay nanocomposites in the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polypropylene glycol (PPG) for enhancing the clay dispersion into the polymer matrices is considered. The morphology studies show that clay layers satisfactorily expand in the presence of compatibilizers. The irradiation improves the mechanical properties of HDPE nanocomposites at 500 kGy, but it decreases the tensile strength of PP nanocomposites. The addition of PEG markedly ameliorates the mechanical properties of HDPE nanocomposites at 500 kGy, while this improvement is not deduced for PP nanocomposites. The thermogravimetric analysis data show that the irradiation increases the thermal stability of HDPE nanocomposites at the clay content of 5 wt% with and without compatibilizer. The thermal stability of PP nanocomposites descends with the irradiation dose, and the presence of PPG into the PP matrix intensifies this reduction. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers

A Rapid and Highly Selective Resonance Scattering Spectral Assay for Trace Carcinoembryonic Antigen

AbstractGold nanoparticles, in size of 10 nm, were used to label monoclonal carcinoembryonic antigen antibody (CEAAb) to obtain an immunonanogold resonance scattering (RS) spectral probe (AuCEAAb) for the measurement of trace carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). In pH 6.8 Na2HPO4‐NaH2PO4 buffer solution and the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG)‐6000, the AuCEAAb combined with CEA to form the nanogold‐labeled immunocomplex clusters in average size of 227 nm, which exhibited two scattering peaks at about 320 and 581 nm. The enhanced RS intensity at 581 nm (ΔI581 nm) is proportional to CEA concentration in the range of 1.0–50.0 ng/mL, with a detection limit (DL) of 0.52 ng/mL. The immunonanogold RS assay was utilized to determine CEA in serum samples with high sensitivity, good selectivity and simplicity.

PEG blocking of single pores arising on phase transitions in unmodified lipid bilayers

Changes in ionic permeability of bilayer lipid membranes (BLM) from dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine at temperature of phase transition in 1 M LiCl solution in the presence of polyethyleneglycols (PEG) of various molecular masses are studied. The transition of ionic membrane channels from conducting to blocked nonconducting state using polymers makes it possible to calibrate lipid pores. It is shown that low-molecular weight glycerol and PEG with molecular weights of 300 and 600 decrease the amplitude of current fluctuations through the membrane, the decrease being proportional to the size of the polymer molecule incorporated. The addition of PEG with molecular masses of 1450, 2000, and 3350 decrease the current fluctuations to the basal noise level. The result is considered as a complete blockade of ion channel conductivity. In the presence of rather large polymers, such as PEG with molecular masses of 6000 and 20000, which are hardly incorporated in the pore, single current fluctuations occur again; however, their amplitudes are somewhat smaller than in the absence of PEG. It is assumed that a complete blockade of the conductivity of lipid ionic channels by PEG with molecular masses of 1450, 2000, and 3350 is due to dehydration of the pore gap and the conversion of the hydrophilic pore to a hydrophobic one.

Preparation of polyethylene glycol/polyacrylamide adduct and utilization in cotton finishing

Highly concentrated aqueous solutions of acrylamide (Am) were polymerized in presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG) using ammonium persulfate as initiator under different conditions including ammonium persulfate concentration (0.02–0.06 g/gAm) temperature (60–95 °C), Am/PEG400 ratio (1/1–1/5 g/g), PEG molecular weight (400–6000). At optimum reaction conditions a PEG 400/PAm adduct was prepared with a % total conversion of 99.7 in 2 min using ammonium persulfate (0.05 g/gAm), Am/PEG (1/2 g/g) at 70 °C. The structure of the adduct was confirmed by FT-IR spectra. The adduct was utilized as a finishing additive for cotton fabric in presence and absence of dimethyloldihydroxy ethylene urea (DMDHEU) by the bad – dry – cure method. In absence of DMDHEU, the adduct improves the fabric tensile strength, stiffness and oily stain release rating without affect the wettability along with decreasing the fabric resiliency compared to the blank sample. Inclusion DMDHEU the finishing bath (50 g/l) results in improving the fabric resiliency and stiffness as well as decreasing the strength, wettability and oily stain release compared to those of fabric treated with adduct in absence of DMDHEU. However, at an adduct concentration of 40 g/l and in presence of 50 g/l DMDHEU the fabric properties are in general, superior to those of blank fabric.

Effect of polyols on polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced precipitation of proteins: Impact on solubility, stability and conformation

Effect of polyols on the solubility of bovine serum albumin (BSA) in the presence of polyethylene glycols (PEGs) was investigated in order to strengthen the understanding of the observed effects of polyols and PEGs on protein properties in solution. Effect of polyols and/or PEGs on the thermodynamic (conformational) stability of BSA was measured using DSC and circular dichroism (CD). Glucose, sucrose, raffinose, glycerol and sorbitol, all reduced the extent of protein precipitation. Solubility of BSA in the presence of ethylene glycol increased in the case of PEG 1450 and PEG 8000, but was unaffected in the case of PEG 400. DSC studies indicated that smaller PEGs have destabilizing influence on protein structure. CD studies showed that smaller PEGs (ethylene glycol) induce subtle unfolding while stabilizing polyols induce subtle compaction. Results show that, effect of polyols on the apparent solubility of the protein correlates with their effect on the thermodynamic stability of the protein, smaller PEGs are not appropriate for estimating the activity of proteins in saturated solutions, and subtle changes in protein conformation can significantly affect protein precipitation. Though smaller PEGs have weak attractive interactions with protein molecules, perturbation of protein structure by PEGs can be balanced by utilizing appropriate stabilizing solutes.

The use of copper(II) oxide nanorod bundles for the non-enzymatic voltammetric sensing of carbohydrates and hydrogen peroxide

Abstract CuO nanorod agglomerates were synthesised via a simple hydrothermal method in the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG; Mw 20,000). The chemical composition, size and morphology of the prepared CuO material was investigated by X-ray powder diffraction, voltammetry and transmission electron microscopy. A basal plane pyrolytic graphite electrode (bppg) was modified with the CuO nanorods and used to study the direct oxidation of glucose, fructose and sucrose in an alkaline medium (0.1 M NaOH). The CuO nanorod modified electrode was shown to have far larger analytical signals in the presence of carbohydrates than an electrode modified with CuO microparticles and gave a limit of detection for glucose of 1.2 × 10−6 M which is comparable with the literature. As such it is a non-selective, non-enzymatic, total carbohydrate sensor. The CuO nanorod modified bppg electrode was also used for the detection of H2O2, it was shown that in this case it is preferential to look at the oxidation of the analyte due to interference of oxygen in the reductive window. A limit of detection of 2.2 × 10−7 M was obtained for the sensing of hydrogen peroxide in an alkaline solution.

A highly sensitive and selective immunonanogold resonance scattering spectral assay for sudan I

A sensitive and selective resonance scattering spectral (RSS) assay was proposed for the determination of sudan I (SDI), using 10 nm nanogold to label the antibody against sudan I (anti-SDI Ab) to obtain a RSS probe for SDI. The immunonanogold reaction between nanogold-labelled anti-SDI Ab and SDI took place in pH 4.92 KH2PO4–Na2HPO4 buffer solution and in the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-6000, and the intensity of resonance scattering peak at 580 nm decreased greatly. The decreased intensity ΔI580 nm was proportional to the concentration of SDI in the range of 0.23–45.0 ng mL−1. The linear regression equation was calculated as ΔI580nm = 1.20c + 2.01 (R = 0.9975, n = 6), with a detection limit (3σ) of 0.13 ng mL−1. The SDI in egg samples was assayed, with satisfactory results.

Solubility of Lysozyme in Polyethylene Glycol-Electrolyte Mixtures: The Depletion Interaction and Ion-Specific Effects

The solubility of aqueous solutions of lysozyme in the presence of polyethylene glycol and various alkaline salts was studied experimentally. The protein-electrolyte mixture was titrated with polyethylene glycol, and when precipitation of the protein occurred, a strong increase of the absorbance at 340 nm was observed. The solubility data were obtained as a function of experimental variables such as protein and electrolyte concentrations, electrolyte type, degree of polymerization of polyethylene glycol, and pH of the solution; the last defines the net charge of the lysozyme. The results indicate that the solubility of lysozyme decreases with the addition of polyethylene glycol; the solubility is lower for a polyethylene glycol with a higher degree of polymerization. Further, the logarithm of the protein solubility is a linear function of the polyethylene glycol concentration. The process is reversible and the protein remains in its native form. An increase of the electrolyte (NaCl) concentration decreases the solubility of lysozyme in the presence and absence of polyethylene glycol. The effect can be explained by the screening of the charged amino residues of the protein. The solubility experiments were performed at two different pH values (pH = 4.0 and 6.0), where the lysozyme net charge was +11 and +8, respectively. Ion-specific effects were systematically investigated. Anions such as Br −, Cl −, F −, and H 2 P O 4 − (all in combination with Na +), when acting as counterions to a protein with positive net charge, exhibit a strong effect on the lysozyme solubility. The differences in protein solubility for chloride solutions with different cations Cs +, K +, and Na + (coions) were much smaller. The results at pH = 4.0 show that anions decrease the lysozyme solubility in the order F − < H 2 P O 4 − < C l − < B r − (the inverse Hofmeister series), whereas cations follow the direct Hofmeister series (Cs + < K + < Na +) in this situation.

Immunonanogold Catalytic Resonance Scattering Spectral Assay of Trace Immunoglobulin M

AbstractGold nanoparticles of 10 nm were prepared by the improved method of trisodium citrate, and used to label goat anti‐human immunoglobulin M (anti‐IgM) to obtain a resonance scattering spectral probe for IgM. In pH 4.5 KH2PO4‐Na2HPO4 buffer solution and in the presence of polyethylene glycol, the nanogold‐labeled anti‐IgM was combined with IgM specifically to form immunogold complex particles. After centrifugation, the immunonanogold in the supernatant catalyzed the reduction of AuCl4− ions by NH2OH·HCl to form larger size gold particles in pH 1.9 citrate buffer solution, making the resonance scattering intensity at 580 nm enhanced. The amount of the nanogold‐labeled anti‐IgM in the supernatant decreased with the addition of IgM. The decreased intensity ΔI580 nm was proportional to the concentration of IgM in the range of 0.06–4.80 ng·mL−1. The regression equation was ΔI580 nm=14.5c(IgM)+1.8, with a detection limit of 0.03 ng·mL−1 IgM. The method was applied to the determination of IgM in sera of healthy humans, with satisfactory results.

PEG-400 Partitioning in the HCCD/PEG Process for Cs and Sr Recovery

The properties of the chloro-protected cobalt bis(dicarbollide) anion in the acidic form (HCCD), and in the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG-400), are well known for the recovery of Cs and Sr from acidic radioactive streams. In the early development of HCCD/PEG extraction processes, questions were raised regarding the ability to control the concentration of PEG-400 in the organic phase due to its high solubility in the aqueous process solutions relative to HCCD or the diluent. The purpose of this study was to quantify the partitioning behavior of PEG-400 under a wide variety of relevant process conditions. PEG distribution ratios (D PEG ) were measured by equilibrium batch contacts between the organic and aqueous phases over a wide range of conditions using radiometric techniques with 14C labeled PEG-400 to monitor the behavior of the bulk material. The results vary dramatically from 0.1 < DPEG < 50, indicate that the PEG phase transfer kinetics are rapid, and that the aqueous phase nitric acid concentration has minimal impact on PEG solubility. The molar concentration ratio of [HCCD]:[PEG] in the organic phase has the greatest impact on PEG solubility. This ratio should be maintained at [HCCD]:[PEG] greater than or equal to approximately 6 to minimize PEG losses from the organic phase.

Improved antibody aggregate removal by hydroxyapatite chromatography in the presence of polyethylene glycol

This paper reports a method for improving the effectiveness of aggregate removal from monoclonal antibodies by the use of hydroxyapatite (HA) in the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG). PEG preferentially enhances aggregate retention, thereby increasing the degree of separation between aggregated and non-aggregated antibodies. PEG has a similar effect on ion exchangers but only half the enhancement observed with HA. The HA method is suitable for preparation of aggregate-free IgG and IgM monoclonal antibodies for research, diagnostic, or therapeutic applications.

A SERS study of the galvanostatic sequence used for the electrochemical deposition of copper from baths employed in the fabrication of interconnects

This paper reports the first study carried out by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) during the galvanostatic electrodeposition (ECD) of copper from an acidic sulphate solution, in the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG), bis-(3-sulfopropyl)-disulfide Na salt (SPS), benzyl–phenyl modified polyethyleneimine (BPPEI) and chloride ions. The analysis of SERS spectra recorded during electrodeposition allowed to get an insight into the complex interfacial behaviour of the organic blend, in terms of co-adsorption and reactivity. At open-circuit (OC), the additives co-adsorb on the copper cathode. Upon increasing the cathodic polarization, progressive SPS-scavenging action of PEG was observed. BPPEI is adsorbed in the entire process window and cathodic reaction products of PEG were identified. The joint action of the organic additives yields a continuous deposit with crystallites of submicron dimensions, as revealed by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

An artificial virus-like nano carrier system: enhanced endosomal escape of nanoparticles via synergistic action of pH-sensitive fusogenic peptide derivatives

We previously reported that transferrin (Tf)-modified liposomes (Tf-L) additionally modified with a cholesterylated pH-sensitive fusogenic peptide (Chol-GALA) can release an encapsulated aqueous phase marker to cytosol via endosomal membrane fusion. However, further obstacles need to be overcome to bring the Tf-L to the level of a viral-like gene delivery system. In this study, we developed a novel packaging method to encapsulate condensed plasmid DNA into PEgylated Tf-L (Tf-PEG-L) to form a core-shell-type nanoparticle. The most difficult challenge was to provide a mechanism of escape for the condensed core from endosome to cytosol in the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG). We hypothesized that a membrane-introduced Chol-GALA and a PEgylated GALA would interact synergistically to induce membrane fusion between liposome and endosome. By simultaneously incorporating Chol-GALA into the membrane of Tf-PEG-L and GALA at tips of PEG chains, a condensed core was released into cytosol, and transfection activity increased 100-fold. We concluded that topological control was responsible for the synergistic effect of GALA derivatives introduced on Tf-PEG-L.

Adsorption of SDS and PEG on Calcium Fluoride Studied by Sum Frequency Generation Vibrational Spectroscopy

The adsorption of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) from aqueous solution onto a calcium fluoride substrate (CaF(2)), in the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG) of different molecular weights, has been investigated using the interface specific nonlinear optical technique of sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy. Spectra of adsorbed SDS (in the C-H stretching region) were recorded at the surface of a CaF(2) prism in contact with SDS solutions at concentrations up to the cmc (8 mM) of the pure surfactant and in contact with binary solutions containing SDS and PEG with molecular weights from 400 to 12 000. In contrast with SFG spectra from the same combinations of surfactant and polymer on a hydrophobic surface, there was no evidence of spectra arising from the actual polymer adsorbed on CaF(2) at any polymer molecular weight either in the absence or presence of surfactant. However, there was indirect evidence for the presence of adsorbed polymer from changes in the SDS SFG spectra in the presence of polymer compared with spectra when the polymer was absent. The SFG spectra of SDS at 0.8 mM were closely similar to each other at all polymer molecular weights and different from the spectra in the absence of the polymer. The spectral differences between the polymer present and polymer absent was much smaller when the solution concentration of surfactant was 8 mM.

Effects of Vitamin E on the Activities of Protective Enzymes and Membrane Lipid Peroxidation in Leymus Chinensis under Drought Stress

Abstract Leymus chinensis seedlings were treated with 0.05—10 mmol/L vitamin E under osmotic stress in the presence of polyethylene glycol(PEG) as the stress reagent. The effects of the different concentrations of exogenous vitamin E on the activities of SOD, POD and free proline, and the MDA contents under drought stress were examined so as to ascertain the mechanism of Leymus chinensis resistance to drought stress and explore the possible preventive measures. The results indicate that the activities of SOD and POD decreased but the free proline and MDA contents increased as drought stress was accentuated, showing an enhancement of oxidative stress that may cause a decline in membrane stabilization. However, the activities of SOD and POD and the free proline content increased, whereas the MDA content reduced in Leymus chinensis pretreated with vitamin E in comparison with that of the control. This indicates that exogenous vitamin E enhanced the antioxidation of Leymus chinensis seedlings. It suggests that cytomembrane can be protected from damage by increasing the free proline content and the activities of SOD and POD that result in enhancing the drought resistance of Leymus chinensis seedlings.

Solvothermal synthesis of CoFe2O4 hollow spheres

Hollow CoFe2O4 spheres consisted of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized by a facile solvothermal treatment of an ethylene glycol solution of FeCl3 · 6H2O, CoCl2 · 6H2O, and NaAc at 200 °C in the presence of polyethylene glycol and oleic acid. The products were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, high-resolution transmission microscopy, scanning electron microscopy. The magnetic properties were evaluated using a vibrating sample magnetometer. The probable mechanism of the formation of Hollow CoFe2O4 spheres was discussed.