Sodium Benzoic Acid Research Articles

Isolation and characterization of pigment from Cinnamomum burmannii' peel

Cinnamomum burmannii is cultivated for use as a spice, and as an ornamental tree. With the aim to develop a natural colorant for use in cosmetics and food additives from a new source, in the present study, pigment derived from C. burmannii' peel (CBP) was isolated by alkaline extraction, acid hydrolysis, repeated precipitation and purification by Sephadex G-75 with a total yield of 0.06g/100g (wet weight basis). The color values of the pigment was E1cm1% 278nm=65.21. Physical and chemical properties revealed that CBP presses similar properties as most natural pigment. It was scarcely soluble in both water and all common organic solvents, and was soluble only in alkaline aqueous and DMSO. It was stable under ultraviolet light or room-light, stable in the range of 25–100°C, relatively stable in alkaline aqueous and reducer, but was bleached by strong oxidants (KMnO4, H2O2 and NaOCl). Sodium benzoic acid, tartaric acid, table salt and cane sugar affected it slightly. Spectroscopic analysis of CBP in relation with its structure was also discussed. This is the first report on the characterization of pigment obtained from C. burmannii 'peel.

Chronic social defeat stress disrupts regulation of lipid synthesis

Several psychiatric disorders increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, including posttraumatic stress disorder and major depression. While the precise mechanism for this association has not yet been established, it has been shown that certain disorders promote an unfavorable lipid profile. To study the interaction of stress and lipid dysregulation, we utilized chronic social defeat stress (CSDS), a mouse model of chronic stress with features of posttraumatic stress disorder and major depression. Following exposure to CSDS, mice were given access to either regular chow or a Western-style diet high in fat and cholesterol (HFD). The combination of social stress and HFD resulted in significant perturbations in lipid regulation, including two key features of the metabolic syndrome: increased plasma levels of non-HDL cholesterol and intrahepatic accumulation of triglycerides. These effects were accompanied by a number of changes in the expression of hepatic genes involved in lipid regulation. Transcriptional activity of LXR, SREBP1c, and ChREBP were significantly affected by exposure to HFD and CSDS. We present CSDS as a model of social stress induced lipid dysregulation and propose that social stress alters lipid metabolism by increasing transcriptional activity of genes involved in lipid synthesis.

Altered aquaporin expression in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: hyperandrogenism in follicular fluid inhibits aquaporin-9 in granulosa cells through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway

The present study was designed to evaluate whether the alteration of aquaporin-9 (AQP-9) expression in granulosa cells (GCs) of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was associated with the hyperandrogenism in follicular fluid (FF). We recruited infertile women with PCOS (n = 14) and infertile women with tubal blockage (controls, n = 31) for this study. We examined total testosterone (TT), free androgen index (FAI), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), FSH, LH and estradiol in FF. Real-time PCR and western blotting were performed to assess AQP-9 expression in GCs, including effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in vitro. AQP-9 protein was localized in the nucleus, cytoplasm and cell membrane of the human GCs. The TT, FAI and LH levels were all higher, and SHBG levels lower, in the FF of women with PCOS versus controls (P = 0.0145, 0.0001, 0.0191, 0.0001, respectively). AQP-9 mRNA level in GCs of patients with PCOS was tightly correlated with the TT, SHBG levels and FAI in FF (P = 0.0020, 0.0001, 0.0020, respectively). In vitro, DHT (10(-9) mol/l) decreased AQP-9 mRNA (lowest at 12 h) and protein levels in control GCs (P = 0.0005, 0.0247, respectively). The inhibitory effect of DHT on AQP-9 mRNA was attenuated by LY294002, a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor (P = 0.0013). Fifty micromolar 4-(hydroxymercuri) benzoic acid sodium salt (PMB) and 10(-9) mol/l DHT blunted the swelling of GCs in hypotonic medium, respectively (P = 0.0350, 0.0027). Hyperandrogenism in FF of women with PCOS inhibited AQP-9 in GCs through the PI3K pathway.

Low temperature heat capacities and standard molar enthalpy of formation of sodium benzoate C 6H 5COONa (s)

Sodium benzoate was synthesized by the method of liquid phase synthesis, in which benzoic acid and anhydrous sodium carbonate were chosen as the reactants. The structure and composition of the compound were characterized by FTIR, chemical analysis, elemental analysis and X-ray powder diffraction techniques. Low temperature heat capacities of the compound were measured by a precision automated adiabatic calorimeter over the temperature range from 78 to 400 K. A polynomial equation of the heat capacities as a function of the temperature was fitted by least square method. The smoothed heat capacities and the thermodynamic functions of the compound relative to 298.15 K have been calculated based on the equation. In accordance with Hess law, the standard molar enthalpy of formation of the title compound C 6H 5COONa (s) was determined to be Δ f H ° m [ C 6 H 5 COONa , s ] = − ( 642.56 ± 0.64 ) kJ mo l − 1 by using an isoperibol solution-reaction calorimeter.

Simultaneous Determination of Paracetamol, Caffeine, Guaifenesin and Preservatives in Syrups by Micellar LC

A micellar liquid chromatographic technique allowing the separation and simultaneous determination of the active ingredients paracetamol, caffeine, and guaifenesin, and preservatives benzoic acid, methyl and propyl paraben is described. The separation was effective by using the Kromasil C18 column (150 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) and a mobile phase of 1-butanol:water (1:99, v/v), containing 0.04 M sodium dodecyl sulfate and 0.1% (v/v) trichloroacetic acid, for eluting all compounds. The detection wavelength was set as 260 nm. The column heater was also used, set at 40 °C for these determinations. Under these conditions, separation of the six components was achieved in less than 30 min. The specificity of the method was demonstrated. Analytical characteristics such as limit of detection, limit of quantification, linear range, accuracy, precision (repeatability) and the influence of the various method parameters (robustness study) were evaluated. The developed method was applied to the determination of paracetamol, caffeine, guaifenesin, benzoic acid (sodium benzoate), methyl and propyl paraben in cough-drop syrups.

Leukotriene B4 receptor inhibitor LY293111 induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human anaplastic large-cell lymphoma cells via JNK phosphorylation

Anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a heterogeneous lymphoma category in which a subset of cases carry the t(2;5)(p23;q35) or variant translocations resulting in overexpression of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK). LY293111 (2-[2-propyl-3-[3-[2-ethyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-hydroxyphenoxy]-propoxy]-phenoxy] benzoic acid sodium salt) is a leukotriene B4 receptor antagonist, which was found to be safe and tolerable in Phase I clinical trials. In this study, we investigated the potential therapeutic effects and mechanisms of action of LY293111 in ALCL cell lines. LY293111 inhibited proliferation of both ALK(+) and ALK(-) ALCL cell in a dose-dependent fashion and induced complete G(1)-S cell cycle arrest, which was accompanied by upregulation of p27 and downregulation of cyclin E. Pretreatment with LY293111 for 4 h resulted in profound inhibition of serum-induced phosphorylation of extracellular-regulated kinases-1 and 2 and Akt and a concomitant increase in the phosphorylation of the stress-activated kinase c-jun N-terminal kinases (JNK). Simultaneously, LY293111 induced caspase-dependent apoptosis via activation of the intrinsic pathway, including early loss of mitochondrial inner transmembrane potential and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), cleavage of caspases-9, -3, poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis. The phospho-JNK inhibitor SP600125 partially protected Sup-M2 cells from LY293111-induced apoptosis, PARP cleavage and ROS generation, suggesting a role for JNK in LY293111-induced cell death. These results warrant further studies of LY293111 in ALCL.

Induction of Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis by Dephosphorylation of ERK, Akt, and Bcl-2 and Phosphorylation of JNK by LY293111 in Human Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL).

The prognosis of patients with anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) treated with standard chemotherapy remains poor. Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) receptor has been reported to exhibit a growth-promoting activity in lymphoma, since it augments DNA synthesis and increases cell proliferation of lymphocytes. LY293111 (2-[2-propyl-3-[3-[2-ethyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-hydroxyphenoxy]-propoxy]-phenoxy] benzoic acid sodium salt) is a Leukotriene B4 receptor antagonist, which was found to be safe and tolerable in Phase I clinical trials. LY293111 inhibits pancreatic cancer cell growth, induces apoptosis, and reduces growth of colon cancer in vivo. In the present study, we investigated the potential therapeutic effects and mechanisms of action of LY293111 in an ALCL cell line. We utilized the Sup/M2 cell line derived from human anaplastic large cell lymphoma as a model. Dose-response studies demonstrated that the IC50 of LY293111 was 4μM after 5 days of treatment. LY293111 caused retardation of Sup/M2 cell entry into S phase in a dose-dependent fashion as measured by BrdU/propidium iodide flow cytometry. LY293111 at 2.5μM induced complete G1-S cell cycle arrest in cells synchronized by serum starvation. LY293111 upregulated p21 and p27 protein expression and reduced cyclin E mRNA and protein. Pre-treatment with LY293111 for 4 hours resulted in profound inhibition of serum-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2, Akt, and Bcl-2. Concomitantly, phosphorylation of stress-activated kinase JNK dramatically increased following LY293111 treatment. LY293111 induced pronounced apoptosis of Sup/M2 cells and caspase inhibition by Benzyloxycarbonyl -Val-Ala-Asp (OMe) fluoromethylketone (Z-VAD.FMK) abrogated this effect. LY293111 induced cleavage of the caspase-9, -3, PARP and XIAP, but had no effect on caspase-8, suggesting activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Accordingly, early loss of mitochondrial membrane potential was observed in a dose-dependent fashion. At 72 hrs, LY293111 decreased Bcl-2 expression levels. These findings provide the first evidence that LY293111 inhibits ALCL proliferation by arresting cells in G1 phase of the cell cycle, as a result of cyclin E downregulation and induction of cell-cycle inhibitory proteins p21 and p27. LY293111 induces apoptosis in Sup/M2 lymphoma cells, with activation of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway, including cleavage of caspase 9, caspase 3, PARP, XIAP, and Bcl-2. Furthermore, LY293111 treatment markedly shifts signaling toward the JNK stress-related pathway and away from cytoprotective MEK/ERK and AKT signaling. These results suggest that LY293111 may have a utility in the management of aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.

Inhibition of antigen-induced arthritis in guinea pigs by a selective LTB4 receptor antagonist LY293111Na.

To investigate the role of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the development and progression of antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) in guinea pigs and rats. Arthritis was induced by injecting cationic amidated bovine serum albumin (aBSA) into the knee joint of immunized guinea pigs or rats. The effect of a potent and selective LTB4 receptor antagonist, LY29311INa (2-[2-propyl-3-[3-[2-ethyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-hydroxyphenoxy]-propoxy]-phenoxy]benzoic acid sodium salt) was compared with those of indomethacin and dexamethasone. The effect of LY293111Na on adjuvant arthritis in rats was also examined. LY293 111Na (5 to 50 mg/kg b.i.d.) significantly inhibited knee joint swelling and histopathological changes of AIA in guinea pigs, but not in rats. Especially its protective effect against bone and cartilage destruction was substantial. In contrast, the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin significantly inhibited AIA in rats, but slightly inhibited in guinea pigs, while dexamethasone markedly inhibited AIA in both guinea pigs and rats. Increases of LTB4 and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were observed in the knee joint tissue of AIA guinea pigs, and LY293111Na dose-dependently inhibited the increase of MPO activity. Moreover, in adjuvant arthritic rats, LY293111Na showed slight inhibitory effect, while indomethacin showed marked inhibition. LTB4 but not PGE2 appeared to play important roles as an effective mediator in joint, particularly in cartilage and bone destruction of AIA in guinea pigs probably by inducing polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) chemotaxis to the joint tissue. In contrast, PGE2 but not LTB4 is an important mediator of arthritis in rats.

Model Analysis for Oral Absorption of a Drug/Cyclodextrin Complex Involving Competitive Inclusion Complexes

The bioavailability parameters of a drug after oral administration of a preparation containing drug/CyD complexes may be modified by formation of competitive inclusion complexes. In this study, we examined the effects of competitors on drug permeation from its CyD complex through in-vitro artificial membranes and in-situ recirculation conditions, for comparison with the results under in-vivo conditions in the bile duct of cannulated rats. Phenacetin, an antipyretic, was used as a model drug, natural CyDs and maltosyl-β-CyD as host molecules, and benzoic acid derivatives, sodium taurocholate and acetaminophen as competitors. The in-vitro cellophane membrane permeation rate and the in-situ absorption rate of phenacetin were quantitatively predicted by theoretical calculation using the stability constants of drug/CyD and competitor/CyD complexes when CyD weakly interacts with membrane components in lower CyD concentrations (generally below 10 mM). The in-vivo absorption behavior was only qualitatively reproducible by the theoretical calculation, probably because of various physicochemical and physiological factors affecting the absorption. The present results may be useful not only for prediction of intestinal absorption of drugs from CyD preparations, but also for formulation design of CyD preparations containing multi-components.

Successful Treatment of Severe Hyperammonemia Using Sodium Phenylacetate Powder Prepared in Hospital Pharmacy.

In order to treat a hyperammonemic patient with adult-onset type-II citrullinemia (CTLN2), sodium phenylacetate powder was prepared from chemical reagent grade phenylacetic acid in Gunma University Hospital. After purification by recrystalization, phenylacetic acid was neutralized with sodium carbonate and dried at 70 degrees C under reduced pressure. A solution of the prepared powder produced a single peak of m/z=181.0 (M+Na+) in electrospray-ionization-MS spectrogram. The content of phenylacetate was 74% of theoretical value, suggesting the existence of water of crystallization. The content of phenylacetate remained constant for 5 months under dark conditions at room temperature. The prepared sodium phenylacetate powder was orally administered to a 16-year-old patient with CTLN2 at a dosage of 12 g/d. The serum ammonia concentration of the patient, who did not show adequate response to intravenous arginine or oral sodium benzoic acid decreased remarkably to less than 100 microg/dl. Sodium phenylacetate powder should be an essential drug for the treatment of hyperammonemia caused by an inborn error of the urea cycle.

Effects of leukotriene B4 receptor antagonist, LY293111Na, on antigen-induced bronchial hyperresponsiveness and leukocyte infiltration in sensitized guinea pigs.

LY29311 Na, 2-[2-propyl-3-[3-[2-ethyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-hydroxyphenoxy] propoxy] -phenoxy]-benzoic acid sodium salt, is a novel leukotriene B4 (LTB4) receptor antagonist. Its effects on guinea pig models of asthma were compared with those of dexamethasone. Effects of LY293111Na were tested in antigen (ovalbumin, OA)-induced bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) and leukocyte accumulation in actively sensitized guinea pigs. Its effects on antigen-induced acute bronchoconstriction in passively sensitized guinea pigs were also studied. LY293111 Na (10 to 30 mg/kg p.o., 1 h before and 6 h after OA challenge) inhibited BHR to acetylcholine. LY293111 Na (3 mg/kg p. o.) significantly inhibited accumulation of neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid 24 h after antigen challenge but it did not inhibit accumulation of eosinophils and macrophages at any doses used. In contrast, dexamethasone (30 mg/kg p.o., 4 h before OA challenge) not only inhibited BHR but also reduced the infiltration of all three types of leukocytes. A significant increase of LTB4 levels in BAL fluid was noted at 3 and 15 min after the antigen challenge. LY293111Na did not inhibit antigen-induced acute bronchoconstriction in passively sensitized guinea pigs. These results indicate that LTB4 may participate in antigen-induced BHR but not in eosinophil infiltration and acute bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs.

Effects of the second-generation leukotriene B 4 receptor antagonist, LY293111Na, on leukocyte infiltration and collagen-induced arthritis in mice

The effects of the second-generation leukotriene B 4 receptor (LTB 4 receptor) antagonist, 2-[2-propyl-3-{3-[2-ethyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-hydroxy-phenoxy]-propoxy}phenoxy]benzoic acid sodium salt (LY293111Na), on leukotriene B 4-induced leukocyte infiltration and interleukin-1-accelerated collagen-induced arthritis in mice were studied. Neutrophil infiltration induced into an air pouch by leukotriene B 4 was dose-dependently inhibited by LY293111Na and strongly so by another LTB 4 receptor antagonist, 4-[5-{4-(aminoiminomethyl)phenoxy}pentoxy]-3-methoxy- N, N-bis(1-methylethyl) ( Z)-2butenedioate (1:1) (CGS25019C). Both compounds significantly inhibited the increase of the arthritis index and the ankle bone destruction in interleukin-1-accelerated collagen-induced arthritis. Phenidone, a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, also inhibited interleukin-1-accelerated collagen-induced arthritis, while indomethacin and tenidap, cyclooxygenase inhibitors, had slight inhibitory effects. Injection of interleukin-1 elicited a marked increase of the leukotriene B 4 level in arthritic paws, while the prostaglandin E 2 level was slightly increased. These findings indicate clearly that leukotriene B 4 is an important mediator of interleukin-1-accelerated collagen-induced arthritis in mice. If this can be extrapolated to man, LTB 4 receptor antagonists might be useful for treatment of the acute progressive phase of human arthritis.

Ferrocenecarboxaldehyde labeled DNA probe for the study on DNA damage and protection.

A ferrocenecarboxaldehyde (FCA) labeled DNA probe is used for the first time in the study of DNA damage and protection. The electrochemically active reagent FCA was labeled successfully on to a denatured calf-thymus DNA by 1-ethyl-3- (3-dimethyl-aminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC). The FCA labeled DNA probe was used to hybridize with the sample DNA sequence accumulated on the surface of a graphite electrode. The anodic peaks of the FCA bound to the double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) were used for the detection of DNA damage and protection. Thiourea, sodium benzoic acid and isopropanol can decrease DNA damage by hydroxyl radicals, and their protection efficiencies are discussed.

Wettability Change Related to Adsorption of Organic Acids on Calcite: Experimental and Ab Initio Computational Studies

Summary We have investigated the interactions between organic acids and a calcite powder by adsorption from an organic phase (benzoic acid and lauric acid in toluene) and from an aqueous phase (benzoic acid and lauric sodium salt). In addition to the experimental study, ab initio quantum chemistry calculations were performed for cluster models, simulating the interactions of molecules with calcite surface sites. At the toluene/calcite interface, acids chemisorb on surface calcium ions, replacing surface hydroxyls resulting from the previous surface hydration by water. This surface saponification phenomenon was predicted by ab initio calculations and confirmed by spectroscopic techniques. The adsorbed acids conferred a hydro-phobic character to calcite, with the higher contact angles in water for the longest alkyl chains in the organic acid. At the water/calcite interface, organic acids do not displace water. Our results support the possible existence of mixed wettability patterns, related to spatial distribution of pore sizes, in the specific case of organic acids with calcite.

Formic acid–sodium benzoate preserved slaughterhouse offal and supplementary folic acid in mink diet

Slaughterhouse offal from beef slaughtering was preserved with 16 g kg −1 formic acid and 3 g kg −1 sodium benzoate and used in mink feed throughout the production year. The ensiled offal replaced 0, 0.5 or 1.0 parts of the frozen stored slaughterhouse offal in the basal diet, the level of which was 300, 200 and 260 g kg −1 during growth-furring, breeding and lactation periods respectively. Because folic acid has a central role in formate metabolism and in all tissues of high rate of cellular division during the breeding and lactation periods, each diet group was further divided into two levels of supplemented dietary folic acid, 1.3 or 10 mg kg −1 DM. Weaning weights of male kits and lactating females, as well as early post-weaning growth and hemoglobin development were negatively affected by the highest silage level, providing 4.5 g formic acid kg −1 feed. The pelt quality of the groups that received silage was comparable to or even better ( p < 0.10) than that of the group of untreated, frozen stored offal. Both male and female reproduction performance was good and unaffected by the dietary manipulations. The effect of increased dietary folic acid could not be seen in any of the reproduction parameters or in pre-weaning kit growth. Extensive formation of free fatty acids in the silage due to high ash content of the offal and probable subsequent fat saponification are suggested to be among the factors that led to the slightly impaired growth performance of the animals, especially before weaning. In conclusion, ensiling of slaughterhouse offal with formic acid and sodium benzoate is an applicable preservation method and inhibits microbiological spoilage for several weeks. The lower performance of animals during lactation and early postweaning periods indicates that the high level of use of silage containing formic acid should be limited to the period from approximately 12 weeks of age to pelting.

Reduction of acute and reactivated colitis in rats by an inhibitor of neutrophil activation.

Neutrophils have been implicated as major contributors to tissue injury in inflammatory bowel disease. In this study, we have assessed the effects of an inhibitor of neutrophil activation and adherence, NPC-18915 (4-¿2-[2-(2-benzofuranyl)phenyl]-(E)-ethenyl¿benzoic acid sodium salt), in models of both acute and reactivated colitis. Acute colitis was induced by intracolonic administration of a hapten. In other rats, colitis was reactivated 6 wk after a bout of acute colitis by subcutaneous administration of the hapten. NPC-18915 given during the first 4 days after induction of acute colitis significantly reduced tissue injury and the incidence of diarrhea and adhesions. When treatment of NPC-18915 was initiated after colitis was firmly established (48 h posthapten), it did not produce a significant effect. NPC-18915 was effective at significantly reducing colonic injury and granulocyte infiltration in the reactivated colitis model, and a similar effect could be observed in rats treated with antineutrophil serum. These results demonstrate that an inhibitor of neutrophil activation is effective in both acute and reactivated colitis, although in the former case, effectiveness is only seen when the drug is given before full establishment of colitis. These results also suggest that neutrophils, are a critical effector cell of hapten-induced colitis in the rat, particularly in the case of reactivated colitis.

Ultrafast photoisomerization of azobenzene compounds

The spectroscopy and dynamics of the azobenzene compound 4-(4′-aminophenylazo) benzoic acid sodium salt (APB) is described and its applicability as a reversible fast photoswitch for conformational control in small peptides is discussed. Addition. of an electron withdrawing (carboxy-) and an electron donating (amino-) group on the phenyl rings of azobenzene shifts the absorption maximum of the π-π ∗ band of the resulting APB molecule from 320 to 420 nm. Reversible photoisomerization is detected by UV-vis, MR and NMR spectroscopy. Femtosecond time resolved ground and excited state dynamics were recorded, indicating that excited trans-APB reaches the electronic ground state within ≈ 1 ps. This ultrafast photoisomerization is followed by a wavelength dependent process in the 10 ps range which is interpreted as vibrational cooling of the product molecules. At delay times longer than 200 ps the absorption characteristics, as expected from the cw-difference spectrum, can be seen, indicating the completion of the photoprocess.

Hydroxyl Radical-scavenging Effects of Spices and Scavengers from Brown Mustard (Brassica nigra)

The effects of methanol extracts of 51 spices on ·OH scavenging were studied in detail. 2-Deoxyribose oxidation and sodium benzoic acid hydroxylation methods were used for detecting the scavenging activity of ·OH. Mustard varieties, thyme, oregano, clove, and allspice all exhibited strong ·OH-scavenging activity. In particular, 3 varieties of mustard had above 90% ·OH-scavenging activity with a 1 μg/ml concentration of their extracts. The ·OH scavenger of Brassica nigra (brown mustard) was isolated and purified by XAD-2 column chromatography and preparative HPLC, and was identified as a 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxycinnamic acid methyl ester by MS, ‘H-NMR, and 13C-NMR. The 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxycinnamic acid methyl ester was prepared by methylating of sinapic acid with diazomethane.

Generation and trapping of singlet oxygen during strong illumination of a Photosystem II core complex

Strong illumination of the Photosystem II (PS II) core complex, under aerobic conditions, resulted in rapid inactivation of electron transport activity and pigment photobleaching, which was followed by the degradation of the D1 polypeptide. Singlet oxygen, which was generated during strong illumination of Photosystem II, reacted with 4-[2-(3-methyl-3-butenyl)] benzoic acid-sodium salt and the products of the reaction were identified by NMR spectroscopy. Exposure of the PS II core complex to singlet oxygen, generated chemically in the dark, caused pigment bleaching and a similar degradation of the D1 protein.

Solute transport in poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) hydrogel membranes

The swelling, permeation, and release characteristics for benzoic acid, caffeine, propranolol hydrochloride, and diclofenac sodium in crosslinked poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) hydrogels were examined. Increasing polymer crosslinking density resulted in decreases in the degree of swelling, drug loading, the diffusivity of solute in the hydrogels, and in the rate of drug release. Diclofenac sodium led to an abnormally large degree of swelling as the maximum value is given as 6.5, while the highest for the other three was 1.07. That the logarithmic drug diffusivity was proportional to the reciprocal of hydration indicates that the free volume theory accounts for the transport of solute in the gels. Increasing the concentration resulted in increases in the diffusivities, solubilities, and permeabilities of the solutes in the hydrogels. The drug release kinetics from most wet hydrogel samples can be well-fitted by a Fickian diffusion model. Near zero-order release is observed only for dry samples with caffeine of low loading.