SYNTESIS AND CRYSTALLINE STRUCTURE OF THE EXO-3,6-DIMETHYL-3,6-EPOXI-1,2,3,6-TETRAHYDROPHTLALIMIDE AND ITS N-BROMODECYL ANALOG: TWO THERMALLY LABILE DIELS-ALDER ADDUCTS

Indexación: Web of Science; Scielo.The molecular structure of the exo-3,6-dimethyl-3,6-epoxi-1,2,3,6-tetrahydrophthalimide (1), determined by X-ray diffraction analysis, as well as, its complete spectroscopic characterization and the synthesis and complete spectroscopic characterization of its N-(10-bromodecyl) analog (2) are presented.http://ref.scielo.org/kh5xv

SENSING IMMOBILIZED MOLECULES OF STREPTAVIDIN ON A SILICON SURFACE BY MALDI-TOF MASS SPECTROMETRY AND FLUORESCENCE MICROSCOPY

Indexación: Web of Science; Scielo.A hydrogen-terminated Si (111) surface was modified to form an aminoterminated monolayer for immobilization of streptavidin. Cleavage of an N-(ω-undecylenyl)-phthalimide covered surface using hidrazine yields an amino group-modified surface, which serves as a substrate for the attachment of biotin and subsequently streptavidin. We used surface analytical techniques to characterize the surface and to control the course of functionalization before the immobilization of streptavidin. To confirm the presence of the streptavidin Texas red on the surface two powerful techniques available in a standard biochemical laboratory are used, Fluorescence Microscopy and MALDI-TOF that allow us to detect and determine the immobilized streptavidin. This work provides an avenue for the development of devices in which the exquisite binding specificity of biomolecular recognition is directly coupled to a biosensor. In addition, we have demonstrated that MALDI-TOF and fluorescence microscopy are useful techniques for the characterization of silicon functionalized surfaces.http://ref.scielo.org/gm87c

HAI Peptide and Backbone Analogs-Validation and Enhancement of Biostability and Bioactivity of BBB Shuttles

Low effectiveness and resistance to treatments are commonplace in disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). These issues concern mainly the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which preserves homeostasis in the brain and protects this organ from toxic molecules and biohazards by regulating transport through it. BBB shuttles-short peptides able to cross the BBB-are being developed to help therapeutics to cross this barrier. BBB shuttles can be discovered by massive exploration of chemical diversity (e.g. computational means, phage display) or rational design (e.g. derivatives from a known peptide/protein able to cross). Here we present the selection of a peptide shuttle (HAI) from several candidates and the subsequent in-depth in vitro and in vivo study of this molecule. In order to explore the chemical diversity of HAI and enhance its biostability, and thereby its bioactivity, we explored two new protease-resistant versions of HAI (i.e. the retro-D-version, and a version that was N-methylated at the most sensitive sites to enzymatic cleavage). Our results show that, while both versions of HAI are resistant to proteases, the retro-D-approach preserved better transport properties

Improving cell penetration of gold nanorods by using an amphipathic arginine rich peptide

Indexación: Scopus.Gold nanorods are highly reactive, have a large surface-to-volume ratio, and can be functionalized with biomolecules. Gold nanorods can absorb infrared electromagnetic radiation, which is subsequently dispersed as local heat. Gold nanoparticles can be used as powerful tools for the diagnosis and therapy of different diseases. To improve the biological barrier permeation of nanoparticles with low cytotoxicity, in this study, we conjugated gold nanorods with cell-penetrating peptides (oligoarginines) and with the amphipathic peptide CLPFFD. Methods: We studied the interaction of the functionalized gold nanorods with biological membrane models (liposomes) by dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy and the Langmuir balance. Furthermore, we evaluated the effects on cell viability and permeability with an MTS assay and TEM. Results and Discussion: The interaction study by DLS, the Langmuir balance and cryo-TEM support that GNR-Arg7 CLPFFD enhances the interactions between GNRs and biological membranes. In addition, cells treated with GNR-Arg7 CLPFFD internalized 80% more nanoparticles than cells treated with GNR alone and did not induce cell damage. Conclusion: Our results indicate that incorporation of an amphipathic sequence into oligoarginines for the functionalization of gold nanorods enhances biological membrane nanoparticle interactions and nanoparticle cell permeability with respect to nanorods functionalized with oligoarginine. Overall, functionalized gold nanorods with amphipathic arginine rich peptides might be candidates for improving drug delivery by facilitating biological barrier permeation.https://www.dovepress.com/improving-cell-penetration-of-gold-nanorods-by-using-an-amphipathic-ar-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-IJ

Metal Nanoparticles for the Treatment and Diagnosis of Neurodegenerative Brain Diseases

This review focuses on the application of metal nanoparticles in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Metal nanoparticles present interesting physicochemical properties that can be applied to increase biomarker detection sensitivities in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, these nanoparticles could be used in different strategies for the treatment of central nervous system diseases, particularly in regards to drug delivery. Herein, specific potential applications of metal nanoparticles are separately discussed for the contexts of in vitro diagnoses and treatments. Briefly, research using surface plasmon resonance methodologies has mainly used these nanoparticles for the in vitro detection of A beta and, to a lesser extent, of alpha-synuclein. Regarding treatment approaches, in vitro studies have focused on using metal nanoparticles to manipulate the A beta aggregation, thus reducing toxicity. Furthermore, in vivo applications of metal nanoparticles are also discussed, with many of the existing studies focusing on a magnetic nanoparticle-detection of A beta through magnetic resonance imaging and, to a lesser degree, extension fluorescence techniques. Finally, conclusions and perspectives are provided regarding the real potential for using metal nanoparticles in the treatment and diagnosis of central nervous system diseases.Fondap, 15130011 / Fondecyt, 1130425, 11130494, 1120079 / MECESUP, UCH-0811 / UNAB DI, 1309-16/R / MECESUP Doctoral Fellowship, UCH0714 / Millenium Institute Initiative, BNI P09-015-F / CONICYT Doctoral Fellowship, 2113061

Nucleosides and nucleobases from Ophiactis asperula, Ophiacantha vivipara and Gorgonocephalus chilensis

Fil: Murray, Ana Paula. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Química Orgánica; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Unidad de Microanálisis y Métodos Físicos en Química Orgánica. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Unidad de Microanálisis y Métodos Físicos en Química Orgánica; ArgentinaFil: Araya, Eyleen. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Química Orgánica; ArgentinaFil: Maier, Marta Silvia. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Química Orgánica; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Unidad de Microanálisis y Métodos Físicos en Química Orgánica. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Unidad de Microanálisis y Métodos Físicos en Química Orgánica; ArgentinaFil: Seldes, Alicia M.. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Química Orgánica; Argentin