Turbidity Assay Research Articles

Correlation between Molecular Weight and Branch Structure of Glycopolymers Stars and Their Binding to Lectins

It has been hypothesized that maximum binding of carbohydrates can be achieved when the distance between two carbohydrate units are equivalent to two binding sites of a lectin. Therefore, a library of glyco starpolymers was prepared using RAFT polymerization to study the interaction with Concanavalin A (Con A). The starpolymers had a block structure in each arm and were composed of poly(2-acryloylethyl-2′,3′,4′,6′-tetra-O-acetyl-α-d-mannopyranoside) (PMEA) as the outer block and the inactive, but water-soluble, poly(2-hydroxyethyl acrylate) (PHEA) as the inner block. The sizes of the starpolymers were determined using dynamic light scattering and hydrodynamic diameters between 3 and 12 nm in buffer solution were measured, which match the distance between two binding pockets of 6.5 nm (Chem. Rev. 2002, 102, 555). Turbidity assay, precipitation assay, surface plasmon resonance and quartz crystal microbalance were employed to investigate the binding of the polymers with Con A. The effect of the molecular weight of PHEA, which is located in the core of the star, was found to contribute to chain stretching allowing the interaction with more Con A molecules. Longer PMEA blocks showed a lower binding efficiency per mannose functionality than shorter blocks. It was found that the initial diameter of the polymer in solution does not play a role in determining the binding efficiency. The measured amount of Con A conjugated per star polymer suggests that during the process the chains stretch significantly to accommodate a maximum amount of Con A.

An improved 96-well turbidity assay for T4 lysozyme activity

T4 lysozyme (T4L) is an important model system for investigating the relationship between protein structure and function. Despite being extensively studied, a reliable, quantitative activity assay for T4L has not been developed. Here, we present an improved T4L turbidity assay as well as an affinity-based T4L expression and purification protocol. This assay is designed for 96-well format and utilizes conditions amenable for both T4L and other lysozymes. This protocol enables easy, efficient, and quantitative characterization of T4L variants and allows comparison between different lysozymes. Our method:•Is applicable for all lysozymes, with enhanced sensitivity for T4 lysozyme compared to other 96-well plate turbidity assays;•Utilizes standardized conditions for comparing T4 lysozyme variants and other lysozymes; and•Incorporates a simplified expression and purification protocol for T4 lysozyme.

Capsaicin inhibits collagen fibril formation and increases the stability of collagen fibers.

Capsaicin is a versatile plant product which has been ascribed several health benefits and anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. We have investigated the effect of capsaicin on the molecular stability, self-assembly, and fibril stability of type-I collagen. It was found that capsaicin suppresses collagen fibril formation, increases the stability of collagen fibers in tendons, and has no effect on the molecular stability of collagen. Turbidity assay data show that capsaicin does not promote disassembly of collagen fibrils. However, capsaicin moderately protects collagen fibrils from enzymatic degradation. Computational studies revealed the functions of the aromatic group and amide region of capsaicin in the collagen-capsaicin interaction. The results may have significant implications for capsaicin-based therapeutics that target excess collagen accumulation-linked pathology, for example thrombosis, fibrosis, and sclerosis.

A Combination Turbidity and Supernatant Microplate Assay to Rank‐Order the Supersaturation Limits of Early Drug Candidates

A unique opportunity exists at the drug discovery stage to overcome inherently poor solubility by selecting drug candidates with superior supersaturation propensity. Existing supersaturation assays compare either precipitation‐resistant or precipitation‐inhibiting excipients, or higher‐energy polymorphic forms, but not multiple compounds or multiple concentrations. Furthermore, these assays lack sufficient throughput and compound conservation necessary for implementation in the discovery environment. A microplate‐based combination turbidity and supernatant concentration assay was therefore developed to determine the extent to which different compounds remain in solution as a function of applied concentration in biorelevant media over a specific period of time. Dimethyl sulfoxide stock solutions at multiple concentrations of four poorly soluble, weak base compounds (Dipyridamole, Ketoconazole, Albendazole, and Cinnarizine) were diluted with pH 6.5 buffer as well as FaSSIF. All samples were monitored for precipitation by turbidity at 600 nm over 1 h and the final supernatant concentrations were measured. The maximum supersaturation ratio was calculated from the supersaturation limit and the equilibrium solubility in each media. Compounds were rank‐ordered by supersaturation ratio: Ketoconazole > Dipyridamole > Cinnarizine ∼ Albendazole. These in vitro results correlated well with oral AUC ratios from published in vivo pH effect studies, thereby confirming the validity of this approach. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 103:3022–3032, 2014

The BSD2 ortholog in Chlamydomonasreinhardtii is a polysome-associated chaperone that co-migrates on sucrose gradients with the rbcL transcript encoding the Rubisco large subunit.

The expression of the CO2 -fixation enzyme ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco), which is affected by light, involves the cysteine-rich protein bundle-sheath defective-2 (BSD2) that was originally identified in maize bundle-sheath cells. We identified the BSD2 ortholog in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as a small protein (17kDa) localized to the chloroplast. The algal BSD2-ortholog contains four CXXCXGXG DnaJ-like elements, but lacks the other conserved domains of DnaJ. BSD2 co-migrated with the rbcL transcript on heavy polysomes, and both BSD2 and rbcL mRNA shifted to the lighter fractions under oxidizing conditions that repress the translation of the Rubisco large subunit (RbcL). This profile of co-migration supports the possibility that BSD2 is required for the denovo synthesis of RbcL. Furthermore, BSD2 co-migrated with the rbcL transcript in a C.reinhardtii premature-termination mutant that encodes the first 60 amino acids of RbcL. In both strains, BSD2 shared its migration profile with the rbcL transcript but not with psbA mRNA. The chaperone activity of BSD2 was exemplified by its ability to prevent the aggregation of both citrate synthase (CS) and RbcL invitro following their chemical denaturation. This activity did not depend on the presence of the thiol groups on BSD2. In contrast, the activity of BSD2 in preventing the precipitation of reduced β-chains invitro in the insulin turbidity assay was thiol-dependent. We conclude that BSD2 combines a chaperone 'holdase' function with the ability to interact with free thiols, with both activities being required to protect newly synthesized RbcL chains.

Binding of TDP-43 to the 3'UTR of its cognate mRNA enhances its solubility.

TAR DNA binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a broad range of neurodegenerative diseases termed TDP-43 proteinopathies, which encompass a spectrum of diseases ranging from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis to frontotemporal dementia. Pathologically misfolded and aggregated forms of TDP-43 are found in cytoplasmic inclusion bodies of affected neurons in these diseases. The mechanism by which TDP-43 misfolding causes disease is not well-understood. Current hypotheses postulate that the TDP-43 aggregation process plays a major role in pathogenesis. We amplify that hypothesis and suggest that binding of cognate ligands to TDP-43 can stabilize the native functional state of the protein and ameliorate aggregation. We expressed recombinant TDP-43 containing an N-terminal Venus yellow fluorescent protein tag in Escherichia coli and induced its aggregation by altering solvent salt concentrations and examined the extent to which various oligonucleotide molecules affect its aggregation in vitro using aggregation-induced turbidity assays. We show that vYFP-TDP-43 binding to its naturally occurring RNA target that comprises a sequence on the 3'UTR region of its mRNA improves its solubility, suggesting interplay among TDP-43 solubility, oligonucleotide binding, and TDP-43 autoregulation.

Identification of DW532 as a novel anti-tumor agent targeting both kinases and tubulin.

7,8-Dihydroxy-4-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2H-chromen-2-one (DW532) is one of simplified analogues of hematoxylin that has shown broad-spectrum inhibition on tyrosine kinases and in vitro anti-cancer activities. The aim of this study was to identify DW532 as a agent targeting both kinases and tubulin, and to investigate its anti-cancer and anti-angiogenesis activities. In vitro tyrosine kinases activity was examined with ELISA, and tyrosine kinases activity in cells was evaluated with Western blot analysis. Tubulin turbidity assay, surface plasmon resonance and immunofluorescence technique were used to characterize the tubulin inhibitory activity. Cell proliferation was examined with SRB assay, and cell apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were analyzed with Annexin-V/PI staining and flow cytometry. Tube formation, aortic ring and chick chorioallantoic membrane assays were used to evaluate the anti-angiogenesis efficacy. DW532 inhibited EGFR and VEGFR2 in vitro kinase activity (the IC50 values were 4.9 and 5.5 μmol/L, respectively), and suppressed their downstream signaling. DW532 dose-dependently inhibited tubulin polymerization via direct binding to tubulin, thus disrupting the mitotic spindle assembly and leading to abnormal cell division. In a panel of human cancer cells, DW532 (1 and 10 μmol/L) induced G2/M phase arrest and cell apoptosis, which subsequently resulted in cytotoxicity. Knockdown of BubR1 or Mps1, the two core proteins of the spindle assembly checkpoint dramatically decreased DW532-induced cell cycle arrest in MDA-MB-468 cells. Moreover, treatment with DW532 potently and dose-dependently suppressed angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. DW532 is a dual inhibitor against tubulin and tyrosine kinases, and deserves further development as a novel anti-cancer agent.

Development of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification method for rapid mass-screening of sand flies for Leishmania infection

Entomological monitoring of Leishmania infection in leishmaniasis endemic areas offers epidemiologic advantages for predicting the risk and expansion of the disease, as well as evaluation of the effectiveness of control programs. In this study, we developed a highly sensitive loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method for the mass screening of sand flies for Leishmania infection based on the 18S rRNA gene. The LAMP technique could detect 0.01 parasites, which was more sensitive than classical PCR. The method was robust and could amplify the target DNA within 1h from a crude sand fly template without DNA purification. Amplicon detection could be accomplished by the newly developed colorimetric malachite green (MG)—mediated naked eye visualization. Pre-addition of MG to the LAMP reaction solution did not inhibit amplification efficiency. The field applicability of the colorimetric MG-based LAMP assay was demonstrated with 397 field-caught samples from the endemic areas of Ecuador and eight positive sand flies were detected. The robustness, superior sensitivity, and ability to produce better visual discriminatory reaction products than existing LAMP fluorescence and turbidity assays indicated the field potential usefulness of this new method for surveillance and epidemiological studies of leishmaniasis in developing countries.

Reversal Of Dabigatran By Recombinant Factor VIIa Is Dependent On The Amount Of Tissue-Factor

BackgroundDabigatran is a new oral anticoagulant that specifically and reversibly inhibits thrombin. Its predictable pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics allow for minimal monitoring. However, there is currently no specific antidote to reverse its anticoagulant effects. Instead, activated prothrombin complex concentrate (aPCC) or recombinant Factor VIIa (rFVIIa) has been used to stop bleeding complications in patients on dabigatran. Both were originally used to treat hemophilia patients with inhibitors. Currently, Factor Eight Inhibitor Bypass Activity (FEIBA) is the only clinically approved aPCC, which contains Factors II, IX, X, and VII in both active and non-active forms. In contrast, rFVIIa is a human recombinant protein which can initiate clotting via the tissue factor (TF) pathway. It has been controversial which of these hemostatic agents is more efficient at reversing the effect of dabigatran, as animal models have failed to yield consistent results. We hereby utilized a modified Hemoclot turbdity assay to determine the equivalent concentrations of FEIBA and rFVIIa that can reverse the anticoagulant effect of dabigatran. MethodsA mixture was prepared by incubating normal pooled plasma (NPP) with 382 nM dabigatran and varying concentration of hemostatic agents (FEIBA or rFVIIa), in the absence or presence of TF (Thrombosel®). The mixture was diluted 1:8 in TSP buffer, from which a 50 µL-aliquot was then incubated with 100 µL of NPP at 37°C for 5 min. Clotting was initiated with 100 µL of another mixture containing 10 mM Ca2+ and 2.5 nM thrombin in TSP. Turbidity was measured at 350 nm using a SpectraMax Pro spectrophotometer at 37°C for 2 hr. Clotting time (CT) was defined as the time to reach half of the maximum turbidity. ResultsIn this modified Hemoclot turbidity assay, the CT without dabigatran was 101 s and it linearly increased dependent on the dabigatran concentration up to 1500 nM. Dabigatran at 382 nM, the therapeutic plasma concentration, prolonged CT 5-fold to 505 s. Addition of 1 U/mL FEIBA reduced the CT approximately 35% to 328 s. The reversal effect of FEIBA plateaued at 2.5 U/mL to 5 U/mL because there was minimal further reduction in the CT even with 10 U/mL FEIBA. In contrast, rFVIIa at a therapeutic concentration of 50 nM barely reduced the CT by <10% to 469 s. The reversal effects of rFVIIa were drastically enhanced by the addition of extrinsic tissue factor. With TF at 1.5 pM, the rFVIIa reduced the CT to a level similarly achieved by 1 U/mL of FEIBA, but the CT could not be reduced further despite the concentration of rFVIIa increased 10-fold to 400 nM. Finally, although both FEIBA and rFVIIa/TF reached an eventual plateau in the reversal of dabigatran, none of them could lower the CT to the baseline level. Summary/ConclusionsOur in vitro study shows that reversal of dabigatran by rFVIIa is dependent on the concentration of TF. Higher levels of TF augment the reversal effects of rFVIIa to the extents similarly achieved with FEIBA. The data may, in part, explain the inconsistency of results obtained from in vivo studies using various animal models to compare rFVIIa and FEIBA for the reversal of dabigatran. The circulating TF levels in vivo are much lower than the amount of TF used in this study, thus its availability in the microenvironment for hemostasis varies depending on the methods used to induce bleeding. The data in this study also explain the variable clinical efficacy of rFVIIa reported in the literature when it is used to reverse the bleeding complications in patients on dabigatran. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Covalent Stabilization Of Coagulation Factor Xa Enhances Its Fibrinolytic Function In Vitro and In Vivo: A Novel Cofactor-Based Thrombolytic Agent

The key “clot-busting” enzyme, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), functions to activate plasminogen (Pg) to plasmin, which directly cleaves and solubilizes the clot. tPA requires a cofactor for physiologically significant plasmin generation. Fibrin is thought to be the only essential tPA cofactor and consequently localizes fibrinolysis. Limited proteolysis of fibrin enhances this tPA cofactor function by exposing C-terminal lysines that are integral to new Pg and tPA binding sites. Our recent work has suggested that the initiating steps of fibrinolysis are accelerated not just by fibrin, but also by localized auxiliary cofactors. These proteins can be cleaved by plasmin more efficiently than fibrin to reveal C-terminal lysine. Our focus has been clotting factor Xa (FXa), whose sequential plasmin-mediated derivatives FXaβ and Xa33/13 acquire C-terminal lysines that facilitate Pg binding and tPA-cofactor function. We now report that in plasma Xa33/13 is rapidly degraded, and hypothesize that preventing formation of Xa33/13 will prolong the fibrinolytic cofactor activity of FXaβ in plasma. To impair the production of Xa33/13 and stabilize the FXaβ activity, an ∼25 angstrom tetraethylene glycol (TEG) steric group was linked to the active site. A C-terminal lysine was tethered to the TEG to further enhance the activity (Xa-K). Treatment with purified plasmin showed that Xa-K was converted to the β-form without further proteolysis to the Xa33/13 analogue. Using conventional turbidity assays, the time for thrombin (3 nM)-induced plasma clots to reach 50% fibrinolysis (25 pM tPA) was shortened ∼8-fold by 1 nM Xa-K, whereas unmodified FXa at 200-fold higher concentration was insignificant. Identically modified trypsin-K had no effect on fibrinolysis. Using Doppler ultrasound to follow blood flow in surgically exposed mouse carotid arteries, the effect of Xa-K on shortening the time to reperfusion was evaluated after complete occlusion was induced by ferric chloride. The tPA variant Tenecteplase (TNKase) injected into the tail vein (17 µg/g) completely restored blood flow by ∼30 min, which was reduced to ∼14 min in the presence of Xa-K (0.5 µg/g, n=10). At a sub-therapeutic dose (9 µg/g, n=4) TNKase did not restore blood flow by the experimental end-point (60 minutes). However, complete reperfusion was observed by ∼20 min when combined with Xa-K (0.5 µg/g, n=8), showing that adjunctive Xa-K can reduce the required amount of TNKase. In the absence of TNKase, a dose-dependent effect on reperfusion was observed when Xa-K was injected alone (0.5 and 1.1 µg/g n=5), indicating an effect on endogenous tPA. Western blots of plasma from mice achieving complete reperfusion showed animals administered Xa-K alone, but not TNKase alone, had no systemic plasminogen or fibrinogen fragmentation. Furthermore, XaK appears to have significantly attenuated the systemic effect of TNKase during adjunctive treatment, possibly due to localization by Xa-K to the site of the clot. These results support a role for auxiliary cofactors in fibrinolysis and suggest that Xa-K may have novel thrombolytic applications. Disclosures:Pryzdial:Canadian Blood Services: Employment, Inventor, Inventor Patents & Royalties.

Binge ethanol exposure alters CD206 expression on alveolar macrophages from burn injured mice

Prolonged ethanol abuse has been associated with brain injury caused by impaired synaptogenesis, cellular migration, neurogenesis, and cell signaling, all of which require proper microtubule functioning. However, the means by which ethanol may impair microtubule formation or function and the role that microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) have in mediating such effects are not clear. In the present studies, purified MAP-deficient (2 mg/mL) and MAP-rich (pre-conjugated; 1 mg/mL) bovine α/β tubulin dimer was allowed to polymerize at 37 °C, forming microtubules in the presence or absence of ethanol (25–500 mm). Microtubule formation was assessed in a 96-well format using a turbidity assay, with absorption measured at 340 nm for 45 min. Additional studies co-exposed α/β tubulin dimers to 50 mm ethanol and purified MAPs (0.1 mg/mL) for 45 min. Polymerization of MAP-deficient tubulin was significantly decreased (at 15–45 min of polymerization) during exposure to ethanol (>25 mm). In contrast, ethanol exposure did not alter polymerization of α/β tubulin dimers pre-conjugated to MAPs, at any concentration. Concurrent exposure of MAP-deficient tubulin with purified MAPs and ethanol resulted in significant and time-dependent decreases in tubulin polymerization, with recovery from inhibition at later time points. The present results suggest that ethanol disrupts MAP-independent microtubule formation and MAP-dependent microtubule formation via direct actions at an MAP-sensitive microtubule residue, indicating that disruption of neuronal microtubule formation and function may contribute to the neurodegenerative effects of binge-like ethanol intake.

Ethanol impairs microtubule formation via interactions at a microtubule associated protein-sensitive site

Prolonged ethanol abuse has been associated with brain injury caused by impaired synaptogenesis, cellular migration, neurogenesis, and cell signaling, all of which require proper microtubule functioning. However, the means by which ethanol may impair microtubule formation or function and the role that microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) have in mediating such effects are not clear. In the present studies, purified MAP-deficient (2 mg/mL) and MAP-rich (pre-conjugated; 1 mg/mL) bovine α/β tubulin dimer was allowed to polymerize at 37 °C, forming microtubules in the presence or absence of ethanol (25–500 mm). Microtubule formation was assessed in a 96-well format using a turbidity assay, with absorption measured at 340 nm for 45 min. Additional studies co-exposed α/β tubulin dimers to 50 mm ethanol and purified MAPs (0.1 mg/mL) for 45 min. Polymerization of MAP-deficient tubulin was significantly decreased (at 15–45 min of polymerization) during exposure to ethanol (>25 mm). In contrast, ethanol exposure did not alter polymerization of α/β tubulin dimers pre-conjugated to MAPs, at any concentration. Concurrent exposure of MAP-deficient tubulin with purified MAPs and ethanol resulted in significant and time-dependent decreases in tubulin polymerization, with recovery from inhibition at later time points. The present results suggest that ethanol disrupts MAP-independent microtubule formation and MAP-dependent microtubule formation via direct actions at an MAP-sensitive microtubule residue, indicating that disruption of neuronal microtubule formation and function may contribute to the neurodegenerative effects of binge-like ethanol intake.

Quantitative turbidity assay for lipolytic enzymes in microtiter plates

A clearing assay for lipolytic enzymes has been realized in 96-well microtiter plates. A thin layer containing emulsified tributyrin as turbidity-generating substrate was placed on a thicker supporting aqueous layer. Both layers were stabilized by a gel-forming agent. Enzyme addition leads to clearing of the emulsion detected with a standard microtiter plate reader as a decrease of extinction. Dependencies of the signal kinetics on the substrate and enzyme concentrations were studied. For 0.5-1% tributyrin content the reaction rate is not substrate-limited. An initial slope of the signal kinetics is proportional to the lipase activity. A detailed characterization of the assay was performed. Lipolysis of tributyrin was confirmed by glycerol detection. Various gel-forming agents were compared and diffusion conditions in these gels were analyzed. Agar and agarose were found to be the most suitable gel-forming agents, which do not affect enzyme diffusion whereas polyacrylamide gels block lipase diffusion and therefore are not suitable for the assay. The optimized assay prepared from 1% tributyrin emulsion in 2% agar gel was tested with six microbial lipases and porcine pancreatic lipase. The detection limit is 20-60 ng/well which is equivalent to 30 μU/well for T. lanuginosus lipase.

Polymerization-induced self-assembly of galactose-functionalized biocompatible diblock copolymers for intracellular delivery.

Recent advances in polymer science are enabling substantial progress in nanobiotechnology, particularly in the design of new tools for enhanced understanding of cell biology and for smart drug delivery formulations. Herein, a range of novel galactosylated diblock copolymer nano-objects is prepared directly in concentrated aqueous solution via reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization using polymerization-induced self-assembly. The resulting nanospheres, worm-like micelles, or vesicles interact in vitro with galectins as judged by a turbidity assay. In addition, galactosylated vesicles are highly biocompatible and allow intracellular delivery of an encapsulated molecular cargo.

Inhibition of TDP-43 Aggregation by Nucleic Acid Binding

The aggregation of TAR DNA-binding protein (TDP-43) has been shown as a hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) since 2006. While evidence has suggested that mutation or truncation in TDP-43 influences its aggregation process, nevertheless, the correlation between the TDP-43 aggregation propensity and its binding substrates has not been fully established in TDP-43 proteinopathy. To address this question, we have established a platform based on the in vitro protein expression system to evaluate the solubility change of TDP-43 in response to factors such as nucleotide binding and temperature. Our results suggest that the solubility of TDP-43 is largely influenced by its cognate single-strand DNA (ssDNA) or RNA (ssRNA) rather than hnRNP, which is known to associate with TDP-43 C-terminus. The direct interaction between the refolded TDP-43, purified from E.coli, and ssDNA were further characterized by Circular Dichroism (CD) as well as turbidity and filter binding assay. In addition, ssDNA or ssRNA failed to prevent the aggregation of the F147L/F149L double mutant or truncated TDP-43 (TDP208–414). Consistently, these two mutants form aggregates, in contrast with the wild-type TDP-43, when expressed in Neuro2a cells. Our results demonstrate an intimate relationship between the solubility of TDP-43 and its DNA or RNA binding affinity, which may shed light on the role of TDP-43 in ALS and FTLD.

Fluorescence quenching of triazatruxene-based glycocluster induced by peanut agglutinin lectin

Abstract A novel triazatruxene-based fluorescent glycocluster was synthesized and its selective binding interactions with PNA lectin were investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy, CD spectroscopy, and a turbidity assay. The glycocluster exhibited a strong binding affinity for PNA lectin with a Stern–Volmer quenching constant of 5.8 × 10 5 mol −1 L.

Effects of decorin proteoglycan on fibrillogenesis, ultrastructure, and mechanics of type I collagen gels

The proteoglycan decorin is known to affect both the fibrillogenesis and the resulting ultrastructure of in vitro polymerized collagen gels. However, little is known about its effects on mechanical properties. In this study, 3D collagen gels were polymerized into tensile test specimens in the presence of decorin proteoglycan, decorin core protein, or dermatan sulfate (DS). Collagen fibrillogenesis, ultrastructure, and mechanical properties were then quantified using a turbidity assay, 2 forms of microscopy (SEM and confocal), and tensile testing. The presence of decorin proteoglycan or core protein decreased the rate and ultimate turbidity during fibrillogenesis and decreased the number of fibril aggregates (fibers) compared to control gels. The addition of decorin and core protein increased the linear modulus by a factor of 2 compared to controls, while the addition of DS reduced the linear modulus by a factor of 3. Adding decorin after fibrillogenesis had no effect, suggesting that decorin must be present during fibrillogenesis to increase the mechanical properties of the resulting gels. These results show that the inclusion of decorin proteoglycan during fibrillogenesis of type I collagen increases the modulus and tensile strength of resulting collagen gels. The increase in mechanical properties when polymerization occurs in the presence of the decorin proteoglycan is due to a reduction in the aggregation of fibrils into larger order structures such as fibers and fiber bundles.

Optimization of a Fluorescence-based Lysozyme Activity Assay for Contact Lens Studies

ABSTRACTPurpose: To optimize a fluorescence-based lysozyme activity assay to investigate the conformational state of lysozyme in solution and to determine the impact of extraction and evaporation procedures and the possible interference of contact lens materials on lysozyme activity.Methods: The fluorescence-based lysozyme activity assay, Enzchek (Molecular Probes Inc, Eugene, OR) which utilizes fluorescently quenched Micrococcus lysodeikticus, was compared to the gold standard, classical lysozyme turbidity assay, using four differently concentrated lysozyme samples (20, 10, 5.0 and 2.0 ng/µL). Furthermore, six differently concentrated lysozyme samples (2.0, 1.0, 0.5, 0.25, 0.125 and 0.01 µg/µL) were quantified using the fluorescence-based assay in the presence of extraction solvents consisting of 0.2% and 0.02% trifluroacetic acid/acetonitrile and following evaporation procedures.Results: A standard curve was generated by the fluorescence-based assay ranging from 2 to 150 ng. The total active lysozyme quantified in the four lysozyme samples was not significantly different between the two assays (p > 0.05) and the concordance correlation coefficient was determined to be 0.995. However an average discrepancy between the two assays was found to be 0.474 ng, with the turbidity assay typically reporting higher active lysozyme measurements. The sensitivity of the fluorescence-based assay was higher than the classical turbidity assay when quantifying 20 ng or less active lysozyme. Following the extraction and evaporation procedures and the addition of lens extracts, the total active lysozyme recovered was 95% or greater.Conclusions: In comparison to the classical turbidity assay, the fluorescence-based assay is a very sensitive method, making it a favorable technique, particularly when studying contact lens materials that deposit relatively low levels of lysozyme.

A Triazatruxene-Based Glycocluster as a Fluorescent Sensor for Concanavalin A

A new triazatruxene-based fluorescent glycocluster has been designed, synthesized, and fully characterized by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Furthermore, its specific and selective binding properties with concanavalin A (Con A) have been investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, and turbidity assay. The obtained results showed that the multivalent mannose-modified triazatruxene exhibited specific binding with Con A, but no binding to peanut agglutinin (PNA) lectin or bovine serum albumin (BSA), corresponding to a two-orders-of-magnitude higher affinity than that of monovalent mannose ligands. Most interestingly, a fluorescence enhancement of the triazatruxene-based glycocluster was observed upon binding with Con A because of hydrophobic interactions involving sites close to the triazatruxene moiety. Furthermore, the inhibitory ability of the triazatruxene-based glycocluster against ORN178-induced haemagglutination has been investigated by haemagglutination inhibition assay. The results indicated selective binding with ORN178.

Efficient Utilization of Plant Resources by Alkaline Extraction

As compared to the studies with hot water extracts of plants, those with alkaline extracts were limited. Both alkaline and hot water extracts from green tea leaf, oolong tea leaf and orange flower were compared for their biological activities. Plant materials were successively extracted first with hot-water and then alkaline solution, or extracted directly with alkaline solution. Viable cell number of HIV-infected and UV-irradiated cells was determined by MTT method. Antibacterial activity against Porphyromonas gingivalis 381 was determined by turbidity assay. Cytochrome P-450 (CYP)3A4 activity was measured by β-hydroxylation of testosterone using human recombinant CYP3A4 (Figure 5). Radical intensity of superoxide and hydroxyl radical was determined by ESR spectroscopy. Alkaline extraction recovered twice as much as dried materials as compared with water extraction. Water extracts showed higher anti-bacterial, CYP3A4 inhibitory and superoxide scavenging activities, whereas alkaline extract showed higher anti-HIV and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. Both water and alkaline extracts showed comparable anti-UV activity. The present study suggests the usefulness of alkaline extraction for the efficient utilization of the natural resources.