The preparation of graft copolymers of cellulose and cellulose derivatives using ATRP under homogeneous reaction conditions

In this comprehensive review, we report on the preparation of graft-copolymers of cellulose and cellulose derivatives using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) under homogeneous conditions. The review is divided into four sections according to the cellulosic material that is graft-copolymerised; (i) cellulose, (ii) ethyl cellulose, (iii) hydroxypropyl cellulose and (iv) other cellulose derivatives. In each section, the grafted synthetic polymers are described as well as the methods used for ATRP macro-initiator formation and graft-copolymerisation. The physical properties of the graft-copolymers including their self-assembly in solution into nanostructures and their stimuli responsive behaviour are described. Potential applications of the self-assembled graft copolymers in areas such as nanocontainers for drug delivery are outline

Mechanism of thermal rearrangement of the spiro bicyclo[2.1.0]-pentane-5,2′-methylenecyclopropanes to 6- and 7- methylenebicyclo[3.2.0]hept-1-enes

The thermal rearrangements of the bicyclo[2.1.0]pentane-5,2′-methylenecyclopropanes fall into two classes. The first occurs near 80°C and consists of a double epimerization (“bridge flip”) which is initiated by cleavage of the bridge bond. An alternative mechanism by way of a trimethylenemethane intermediate is ruled out by an isotopic position-marking experiment. The second rearrangement begins to be detected above 120°C. It gives the isomeric 6- and 7-methylenebicyclo[3.2.0]hept-1-enes. Two possible mechanisms can operate in this complex change, but a choice between them is not yet possible

Orthogonal HPLC methods for quantitating related substances and degradation products of pramlintide

Pramlintide is a 37-amino acid peptide that is being evaluated as a drug candidate for treating people with type 1 and insulin-using type 2 diabetes. Two high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods were developed for quantitating related substance impurities in pramlintide drug substance as well as degradation products of pramlintide formulated for parenteral administration. The methods differ with respect to separation mode and therefore provide orthogonal information concerning related substances and degradation products. One method uses a reverse phase (RP) separation mode, and the other involves a strong cation exchange (SCX) separation. Method performance testing showed that the RP- and SCX-HPLC methods both afford a high degree of selectivity, accuracy, precision, and sensitivity. The limit of quantitation for determining spiked authentic samples of degradation products was shown to be approximately 0.1% (relative to intact pramlintide) for both methods. Relative retention times for known pramlintide degradation products were determined for both the RP- and SCX-HPLC methods, demonstrating the selectivities of the 2 methods as well as the orthogonality of the information. The methods were also shown to be diastereospecific with respect to separating pramlintide from authentic samples of D-isomers at Ala5, Ala8, Ala5-Ala8, and Leu12. The methods did not resolve pramlintide, however, from diastereomers with D-isomers near the C- and N-termini, namely Lys1,Cys2, and Tyr37

Multiple Immediate-Early Gene-Deficient Herpes Simplex Virus Vectors Allowing Efficient Gene Delivery to Neurons in Culture and Widespread Gene Delivery to the Central Nervous System In Vivo

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) has several potential advantages as a vector for delivering genes to the nervous system. The virus naturally infects and remains latent in neurons and has evolved the ability of highly efficient retrograde transport from the site of infection at the periphery to the site of latency in the spinal ganglia. HSV is a large virus, potentially allowing the insertion of multiple or very large transgenes. Furthermore, HSV does not integrate into the host chromosome, removing any potential for insertional activation or inactivation of cellular genes. However, the development of HSV vectors for the central nervous system that exploit these properties has been problematical. This has mainly been due to either vector toxicity or an inability to maintain transgene expression. Here we report the development of highly disabled versions of HSV-1 deleted for ICP27, ICP4, and ICP34.5/open reading frame P and with an inactivating mutation in VP16. These viruses express only minimal levels of any of the immediate-early genes in noncomplementing cells. Transgene expression is maintained for extended periods with promoter systems containing elements from the HSV latency-associated transcript promoter (J. A. Palmer et al., J. Virol. 74:5604–5618, 2000). Unlike less-disabled viruses, these vectors allow highly effective gene delivery both to neurons in culture and to the central nervous system in vivo. Gene delivery in vivo is further enhanced by the retrograde transport capabilities of HSV. Here the vector is efficiently transported from the site of inoculation to connected sites within the nervous system. This is demonstrated by gene delivery to both the striatum and substantia nigra following striatal inoculation; to the spinal cord, spinal ganglia, and brainstem following injection into the spinal cord; and to retinal ganglion neurons following injection into the superior colliculus and thalamus