Fungal hydroxylation of (-)-α-santonin

Functionalization of organic compounds using enzymes present in microorganisms is a very useful tool for organic chemists, since it is a method carried out under milder conditions than chemical ones and allows the introduction of functional groups in a nonreactive carbon in a regioselective and stereoselective way. In order to look for new compounds derived from natural products with antioxidant and cytotoxic activity, the sesquiterpene lactone (-)-α-santonin was transformed using a pure strain of Cunninghamella spp. A two-stage standard protocol with growing cells was followed, which led to 8β-hydroxy-α-santonin. The structure of the product was unequivocally elucidated by spectroscopic methods. Both the starting material and metabolite were tested in vitro for antioxidant activity using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl method, and cytotoxic activity was tested using the Artemia salina (brine shrimp) method. In both assays, the new compound was less active than substrate and reference compounds, which means that the introduction of a hydroxyl group on carbon-8 of (-)-α-santonin with β stereochemistry did not improve the tested biological activitiesFil: Bustos, Daniela. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Filosofía, Humanidades y Artes. Instituto de Cs.basicas. Area de Química; ArgentinaFil: Pacciaroni, Adriana del Valle. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Química Orgánica; ArgentinaFil: Bustos, Daniela A.. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Departamento de Química Orgánica; ArgentinaFil: Sosa, Virginia Estela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal; Argentin

Dibucaine in Ionic-Gradient Liposomes: Biophysical, Toxicological, and Activity Characterization

Administration of local anesthetics is one of the most effective pain control techniques for postoperative analgesia. However, anesthetic agents easily diffuse into the injection site, limiting the time of anesthesia. One approach to prolong analgesia is to entrap local anesthetic agents in nanostructured carriers (e.g., liposomes). Here, we report that using an ammonium sulphate gradient was the best strategy to improve the encapsulation (62.6%) of dibucaine (DBC) into liposomes. Light scattering and nanotracking analyses were used to characterize vesicle properties, such as, size, polydispersity, zeta potentials, and number. In vitro kinetic experiments revealed the sustained release of DBC (50% in 7 h) from the liposomes. In addition, in vitro (3T3 cells in culture) and in vivo (zebrafish) toxicity assays revealed that ionic-gradient liposomes were able to reduce DBC cyto/cardiotoxicity and morphological changes in zebrafish larvae. Moreover, the anesthesia time attained after infiltrative administration in mice was longer with encapsulated DBC (27 h) than that with free DBC (11 h), at 320 μM (0.012%), confirming it as a promising long-acting liposome formulation for parenteral drug administration of dibucaine.Fil: Couto, Verônica M.. Universidade Estadual de Campinas; BrasilFil: Prieto, Maria Jimena. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular. Grupo Vinculado al IMBICE - Grupo de Biología Estructural y Biotecnología-Universidad Nacional de Quilmes - GBEyB | Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular. Grupo Vinculado al IMBICE - Grupo de Biología Estructural y Biotecnología-Universidad Nacional de Quilmes - GBEyB | Universidad Nacional de la Plata. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular. Grupo Vinculado al IMBICE - Grupo de Biología Estructural y Biotecnología-Universidad Nacional de Quilmes - GBEyB; ArgentinaFil: Igartúa, Daniela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular. Grupo Vinculado al IMBICE - Grupo de Biología Estructural y Biotecnología-Universidad Nacional de Quilmes - GBEyB | Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular. Grupo Vinculado al IMBICE - Grupo de Biología Estructural y Biotecnología-Universidad Nacional de Quilmes - GBEyB | Universidad Nacional de la Plata. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular. Grupo Vinculado al IMBICE - Grupo de Biología Estructural y Biotecnología-Universidad Nacional de Quilmes - GBEyB; ArgentinaFil: Feas, Daniela Agustina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular. Grupo Vinculado al IMBICE - Grupo de Biología Estructural y Biotecnología-Universidad Nacional de Quilmes - GBEyB | Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular. Grupo Vinculado al IMBICE - Grupo de Biología Estructural y Biotecnología-Universidad Nacional de Quilmes - GBEyB | Universidad Nacional de la Plata. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular. Grupo Vinculado al IMBICE - Grupo de Biología Estructural y Biotecnología-Universidad Nacional de Quilmes - GBEyB; ArgentinaFil: Ribeiro, Lígia N.M.. Universidade Estadual de Campinas; BrasilFil: Silva, Camila M.G.. Universidade Estadual de Campinas; BrasilFil: Castro, Simone R.. Universidade Estadual de Campinas; BrasilFil: Guilherme, Viviane A.. Universidade Estadual de Campinas; BrasilFil: Dantzger, Darlene D.. Universidade Estadual de Campinas; BrasilFil: Machado, Daisy. Universidade Estadual de Campinas; BrasilFil: Alonso, Silvia del Valle. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular. Grupo Vinculado al IMBICE - Grupo de Biología Estructural y Biotecnología-Universidad Nacional de Quilmes - GBEyB | Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular. Grupo Vinculado al IMBICE - Grupo de Biología Estructural y Biotecnología-Universidad Nacional de Quilmes - GBEyB | Universidad Nacional de la Plata. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celular. Grupo Vinculado al IMBICE - Grupo de Biología Estructural y Biotecnología-Universidad Nacional de Quilmes - GBEyB; ArgentinaFil: de Paula, Eneida. Universidade Estadual de Campinas; Brasi

Diacetylenic lipids in the design of stable lipopolymers able to complex and protect plasmid DNA

Different viral and non-viral vectors have been designed to allow the delivery of nucleic acids in gene therapy. In general, non-viral vectors have been associated with increased safety for in vivo use; however, issues regarding their efficacy, toxicity and stability continue to drive further research. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the potential use of the polymerizable diacetylenic lipid 1,2-bis(10,12-tricosadiynoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DC8,9PC) as a strategy to formulate stable cationic lipopolymers in the delivery and protection of plasmid DNA. Cationic lipopolymers were prepared following two different methodologies by using DC8,9PC, 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC), and the cationic lipids (CL) 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DOTAP), stearylamine (SA), and myristoylcholine chloride (MCL), in a molar ratio of 1:1:0.2 (DMPC:DC8,9PC:CL). The copolymerization methodology allowed obtaining cationic lipopolymers which were smaller in size than those obtained by the cationic addition methodology although both techniques presented high size stability over a 166-day incubation period at 4C. Cationic lipopolymers containing DOTAP or MCL were more efficient in complexing DNA than those containing SA. Moreover, lipopolymers containing DOTAP were found to form highly stable complexes with DNA, able to resist serum DNAses degradation. Furthermore, neither of the cationic lipopolymers (with or without DNA) induced red blood cell hemolysis, although metabolic activity determined on the L-929 and Vero cell lines was found to be dependent on the cell line, the formulation and the presence of DNA. The high stability and DNA protection capacity as well as the reduced toxicity determined for the cationic lipopolymer containing DOTAP highlight the potential advantage of using lipopolymers when designing novel nonviral carrier systems for use in in vivo gene therapy. Thus, this work represents the first steps toward developing a cationic lipopolymer-based gene delivery system using polymerizable and cationic lipids.Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celula

Diacetylenic lipids in the design of stable lipopolymers able to complex and protect plasmid DNA

Different viral and non-viral vectors have been designed to allow the delivery of nucleic acids in gene therapy. In general, non-viral vectors have been associated with increased safety for in vivo use; however, issues regarding their efficacy, toxicity and stability continue to drive further research. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the potential use of the polymerizable diacetylenic lipid 1,2-bis(10,12-tricosadiynoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DC8,9PC) as a strategy to formulate stable cationic lipopolymers in the delivery and protection of plasmid DNA. Cationic lipopolymers were prepared following two different methodologies by using DC8,9PC, 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC), and the cationic lipids (CL) 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DOTAP), stearylamine (SA), and myristoylcholine chloride (MCL), in a molar ratio of 1:1:0.2 (DMPC:DC8,9PC:CL). The copolymerization methodology allowed obtaining cationic lipopolymers which were smaller in size than those obtained by the cationic addition methodology although both techniques presented high size stability over a 166-day incubation period at 4C. Cationic lipopolymers containing DOTAP or MCL were more efficient in complexing DNA than those containing SA. Moreover, lipopolymers containing DOTAP were found to form highly stable complexes with DNA, able to resist serum DNAses degradation. Furthermore, neither of the cationic lipopolymers (with or without DNA) induced red blood cell hemolysis, although metabolic activity determined on the L-929 and Vero cell lines was found to be dependent on the cell line, the formulation and the presence of DNA. The high stability and DNA protection capacity as well as the reduced toxicity determined for the cationic lipopolymer containing DOTAP highlight the potential advantage of using lipopolymers when designing novel nonviral carrier systems for use in in vivo gene therapy. Thus, this work represents the first steps toward developing a cationic lipopolymer-based gene delivery system using polymerizable and cationic lipids.Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celula

Avaliação da associação do biosilicato® ao laser de Nd:YAG para o tratamento de cárie/ Nd:YAG biosilicate® association assessment for the treatment of cárie

A cárie é uma doença infecciosa, transmissível, crônica, multifatorial e de lenta progressão. Ultimamente, há a busca pelo desenvolvimento de tratamentos minimamente invasivos das lesões cariosas com preservação estética. Uma estratégia interessante é o tratamento com Biomateriais e Laserterapia, pois permitiria uma melhor absorção e aproveitamento do Biosilicato® (BS) pelo dente lesionado com intuito de regeneração. Este estudo objetivou a investigação de métodos de aderência de BS ao dente cariado, assim como o desenvolvimento de metodologia para melhor interação do BS com o laser de Nd:YAG. O estudo foi conduzido em 2 fases experimentais. Na primeira, adotou-se o modelo de cárie química em dentina radicular bovina e, após, foi feito o tratamento com as partículas de BS em diferentes veículos de aplicação (água destilada, silicone e gel dental), com posterior avaliação composicional e morfológica, que mostraram a efetividade do tratamento de cárie com o BS veiculado em água destilada. Na segunda fase, a dentina cariada foi tratada com BS, associado ou não à irradiação laser e diferentes fotoabsorvedores, e avaliaram-se a morfologia e temperatura intrapulpar decorrentes dos tratamentos. A irradiação laser após a aplicação do BS, com utilização de carvão como fotoabsorvedor, possibilitou o recobrimento dos túbulos dentinários de forma uniforme, com aspecto de derretimento e recristalização do BS, proveniente do aquecimento promovido pelo laser. Ademais, a temperatura intrapulpar, monitorada durante a etapa de irradiação não apresentou variação superior a 5,6 ºC, que é considerada crítica para a vitalidade da polpa. Em conclusão, o tratamento de BS combinado ao laser de Nd:YAG se mostrou promissor ao tratamento da cárie

Influencia de las condiciones de síntesis en la composición y comportamiento catalítico de hidrotalcitas CuMgAl

En este trabajo se sintetizaron por coprecipitación una serie de hidrotalcitas formadas por Mg, Cu y Al. Se investigó el efecto de la temperatura de coprecipitación del precursor en la estructura de estos materiales. Los sólidos se caracterizaron por ICP, EDAX y DRX. Estos solidos están formados por nanopartículas, y la temperatura de coprecipitación influye en la composición química de las hidrotalcitas Cu-Mg-Al. La actividad de estos catalizadores se ve influenciada por las condiciones de síntesis.In this work, a series of Cu-Mg-Al hydrotalcites were synthesised by coprecipitation. The effect of the coprecipitation temperature of the precursor on the structure of these materials was investigated. The solids were characterised by ICP, EDAX and XRD. The materials are formed by nanoparticles, and the coprecipitation temperature influences the chemical composition of the Cu-Mg-Al hydrotalcites. The activity of these catalysts is influenced by the conditions of synthesis.Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Ciencias Aplicada

Diacetylenic lipids in the design of stable lipopolymers able to complex and protect plasmid DNA

Different viral and non-viral vectors have been designed to allow the delivery of nucleic acids in gene therapy. In general, non-viral vectors have been associated with increased safety for in vivo use; however, issues regarding their efficacy, toxicity and stability continue to drive further research. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the potential use of the polymerizable diacetylenic lipid 1,2-bis(10,12-tricosadiynoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DC8,9PC) as a strategy to formulate stable cationic lipopolymers in the delivery and protection of plasmid DNA. Cationic lipopolymers were prepared following two different methodologies by using DC8,9PC, 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC), and the cationic lipids (CL) 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DOTAP), stearylamine (SA), and myristoylcholine chloride (MCL), in a molar ratio of 1:1:0.2 (DMPC:DC8,9PC:CL). The copolymerization methodology allowed obtaining cationic lipopolymers which were smaller in size than those obtained by the cationic addition methodology although both techniques presented high size stability over a 166-day incubation period at 4C. Cationic lipopolymers containing DOTAP or MCL were more efficient in complexing DNA than those containing SA. Moreover, lipopolymers containing DOTAP were found to form highly stable complexes with DNA, able to resist serum DNAses degradation. Furthermore, neither of the cationic lipopolymers (with or without DNA) induced red blood cell hemolysis, although metabolic activity determined on the L-929 and Vero cell lines was found to be dependent on the cell line, the formulation and the presence of DNA. The high stability and DNA protection capacity as well as the reduced toxicity determined for the cationic lipopolymer containing DOTAP highlight the potential advantage of using lipopolymers when designing novel nonviral carrier systems for use in in vivo gene therapy. Thus, this work represents the first steps toward developing a cationic lipopolymer-based gene delivery system using polymerizable and cationic lipids.Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Celula

Establishing an International, Multidisciplinary Community of Practice for the Study of Methylated Sulfur Compounds in the Ocean: SCOR Working Group DMS-Pro

ASLO Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Resilience and Recovery in Aquatic Systems, 4-9 June 2023, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.-- 1 page, figuresOrganic methylated sulfur compounds (MSCs) play key roles in marine planktonic food webs and are also involved in climate regulation through the emission of aerosol-forming gases (dimethylsulfide and methanethiol). Therefore, the study of MSCs naturally bridges a wide range of disciplines, from molecular ecology, through oceanography, up to Earth System modelling. In 2022, a new SCOR Working Group named DMS-PRO was created to address knowledge gaps in MSC research by (i) compiling an open-access database of MSC cycling rates; (ii) publishing standardized operating practices for the determination of MSC cycling rates; and (iii) providing guidance to data users, e.g. modelers. DMS-PRO nucleates 20 researchers from 14 countries in Asia, North and South America, Oceania, and Europe; including 6 members from low- and upper-middle income countries and 6 early-career researchers. Forming a group with a balanced geographic spread was challenging because researchers focusing in this area of study are overwhelmingly associated to institutions based in developed countries. To reduce this imbalance, an overarching aspiration of DMS-PRO is to stimulate research, build capacity, and establish an international, multidisciplinary community of practice on the oceanic cycle of MSCs that can share knowledge and skills with the broader oceanographic and Earth system science communities. In this presentation we will briefly introduce DMS-PRO, share the lessons learned during the initial phase of the project, and outline our plans for achieving the group’s objective

Short-term variability in euphotic zone biogeochemistry and primary productivity at Station ALOHA : a case study of summer 2012

Author Posting. © American Geophysical Union, 2015. This article is posted here by permission of American Geophysical Union for personal use, not for redistribution. The definitive version was published in Global Biogeochemical Cycles 29 (2015): 1145–1164, doi:10.1002/2015GB005141.Time-series observations are critical to understand the structure, function, and dynamics of marine ecosystems. The Hawaii Ocean Time-series program has maintained near-monthly sampling at Station ALOHA (22°45′N, 158°00′W) in the oligotrophic North Pacific Subtropical Gyre (NPSG) since 1988 and has identified ecosystem variability over seasonal to interannual timescales. To further extend the temporal resolution of these near-monthly time-series observations, an extensive field campaign was conducted during July–September 2012 at Station ALOHA with near-daily sampling of upper water-column biogeochemistry, phytoplankton abundance, and activity. The resulting data set provided biogeochemical measurements at high temporal resolution and documents two important events at Station ALOHA: (1) a prolonged period of low productivity when net community production in the mixed layer shifted to a net heterotrophic state and (2) detection of a distinct sea-surface salinity minimum feature which was prominent in the upper water column (0–50 m) for a period of approximately 30 days. The shipboard observations during July–September 2012 were supplemented with in situ measurements provided by Seagliders, profiling floats, and remote satellite observations that together revealed the extent of the low productivity and the sea-surface salinity minimum feature in the NPSG.NOAA Climate Observation Division; National Science Foundation (NSF) Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research and Education (C-MORE) Grant Numbers: EF0424599, OCE-1153656, OCE-1260164; Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation Marine Microbiology Investigator2016-02-1