This work was funded by a grant from the Faculty Research Council to K.S. Huang (Azusa Pacific University - United States). C.R. Drisko is a recipient of the John Stauffer Scholarship and the Gencarella Undergraduate Research Grant. S.A. Griffin received an S2S Undergraduate Research Fellowship from the Department of Biology and Chemistry.
<img alt="Image 1" src="/files/ftp_upload/58508/58508img1.jpg" />
Authors (left to right) Cody Drisko, Dr. Kevin Huang and Silas Griffin conducted the experiments and prepared the manuscript. Cody Drisko is a John Stauffer Fellow&#160;and a recipient of the Gencarela Research Grant. Silas is a S2S Azusa Pacific University Research Fellow. Dr. Kevin Huang provided the research mentoring and is a recipient of the Azusa Pacific University Faculty Research Council Grant.

CAUTION: Please consult all relevant material safety data sheets (MSDS) before use. Several of the chemicals used in these syntheses are acutely toxic and carcinogenic. Please use all appropriate safety practices when performing the following reactions, including the use of engineering controls (fume hood and IR and NMR spectrometers) and personal protective equipment (safety goggles, gloves, lab coat, full-length pants, and closed-toe shoes).
1. Michael Addition of Furfurylamine to the REM Linker
NOTE: The duration of this step is 25 min for the set-up and 24 h of reaction time.
<ol>
	<li>Add 1 g (1 equiv.) of REM resin, 20 mL (20 equiv.) of dimethylformamide (DMF), and 2.4 mL of furfurylamine to a 25 mL solid-phase reaction vessel.</li>
	<li>Agitate the reaction vessel for 24 h at room temperature using a shaker following the reaction initiation. The vessel is capped during the reaction. 
	NOTE: Ensure that the resin does not sit at the bottom of the vessel and mixes thoroughly.</li>
	<li>Drain the solution and wash the resin 1x with 5 mL of DMF after the reaction is complete.
	<ol>
		<li>Then, wash the resin 4x, alternating between 5 mL of dichloromethane (DCM) and 5 mL of methanol.</li>
		<li>Following the washes, dry the resin thoroughly with compressed air in the reaction vessel for 30 min.</li>
		<li>Monitor the reaction progress for a change in IR stretching frequencies, as shown in Table 1.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
2. Tandem Michael Addition/1,3-dipolar Cycloaddition
NOTE: The duration of this step is 25 min for the set-up and 48 h of reaction time.
<ol>
	<li>Take the dry resin and add 1.48 mL (5 equiv.) of triethylamine (TEA), 10 mL of dry toluene, and 0.637 g (2 equiv.) of nitro-olefin to the reaction vessel.</li>
	<li>Add 1 mL (4 equiv.) of trimethylsilyl chloride (TMSCl) to the reaction vessel in a well-ventilated fume hood. 
	CAUTION: This reaction will form HCl gas. Do not cap the reaction vessel until the gas has been released under a fume hood.</li>
	<li>Securely cap the reaction vessel and agitate using a shaker for 48 h at room temperature. Ensure that the resin mixes thoroughly with the reagents.</li>
	<li>Quench the reaction with 5 mL of methanol.
	<ol>
		<li>Drain the solution from the vessel and, then, wash the resin 4x, alternating between 5 mL of DCM and 5 mL of methanol.</li>
		<li>Following the washes, dry the resin thoroughly with compressed air in the reaction vessel for 30 min.</li>
		<li>Monitor the reaction progress by observing a change in the IR stretching frequencies, as shown in Table 1.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
3. Ring Opening of Resin-bound Isoxazole by Tetra-n-butylammonium Fluoride
NOTE: The duration of this step is 10 min for the set-up and 12 h of reaction time.
<ol>
	<li>Place 1 mL of dry tetrahydrofuran (THF) in the reaction vessel with the dry resin. Then, add 1.24 mL (2 equiv.) of 1 M tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride (TBAF) in THF to the reaction vessel.</li>
	<li>Using a shaker, agitate the solution for 12 h at room temperature and ensure that the resin thoroughly mixes with the solution.</li>
	<li>Drain the solution and wash the resin 1x with 5 mL of THF after the reaction is complete.
	<ol>
		<li>Then, wash the resin 4x, alternating between 5 mL of DCM and 5 mL of methanol.</li>
		<li>Following the washes, dry the resin thoroughly with compressed air in the reaction vessel for 30 min.</li>
		<li>Monitor the reaction progress by observing a change in the IR stretching frequencies, as shown in Table 1.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
4. N-alkylation of the Resin-bound Heterocycle to Form Quaternary Amine
NOTE: The duration of this step is 10 min for the set-up and 24 h of reaction time.
<ol>
	<li>Take the dry resin in the reaction vessel and add 5 mL of DMF.
	<ol>
		<li>Then, add 1 mL of alkyl halide (10 equiv.) to the vessel and agitate using a shaker for 24 h at room temperature. Ensure the thorough mixing of the resin with the reagents.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Drain the solution and wash the resin 1x with 5 mL of DMF after the reaction is complete.
	<ol>
		<li>Then, wash the resin 4x, alternating between 5 mL of DCM and 5 mL of methanol.</li>
		<li>Following the washes, dry the resin thoroughly with compressed air in the reaction vessel for 30 min.</li>
		<li>Monitor the reaction progress by observing a change in IR stretching frequencies as shown in Table 1.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
5. &#946;-elimination of the Quaternary Amine from the Polymer Support
NOTE: The duration of this step is 15 min for the set-up and 24 h of reaction time.
<ol>
	<li>Take the dry resin and add 3 mL of DCM to the reaction vessel.
	<ol>
		<li>Then, add 1.5 mL (5 equiv.) of TEA to the reaction vessel to cleave the heterocycle from the polymer support.</li>
		<li>Agitate using a shaker for 24 h, ensuring the thorough mixing of the resin with the solution. Drain the solution from the resin. 
		NOTE: Do not discard since the cleaved product is in the TEA/DCM solution.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Wash the resin 4x, alternating between 5 mL of DCM and 5 mL of methanol. 
	NOTE: Do not discard.
	<ol>
		<li>Combine the elution from all washes in steps 5.1.2 and 5.2 and concentrate it via rotatory evaporation.</li>
		<li>Purify the spirocyclic oxime by trituration: add 0.5 mL of hot methanol to dissolve any impurities. The pure product will crash out of the solution and is collected via gravity filtration.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Following two washes with 5 mL of DCM for reuse in future experiments, thoroughly dry the resin with compressed air in the reaction vessel for 30 min.
	<ol>
		<li>Monitor the reaction progress by observing a change in the IR stretching frequencies, as shown in Table 1.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>

The authors have nothing to disclose.

In a typical REM linker/solid-phase synthetic strategy, prior to the release of an amine from the solid support, it is critical to form a quaternary ammonium salt, as described in section 4 of the protocol39. Due to the steric hindrance of the tricyclic system and bulky R2 groups (benzyl and octyl halides), only small alkylating reagents (methyl and allyl halides) could be utilized in this reaction46. With a simple modification, allowing for the addition and use ...

Despite recent discoveries using highly-functionalized spirocyclic heterocycles in a number of biological systems1, a convenient pathway is still necessary for their easy manufacture. Such systems and uses for these heterocycles include: MDM2 inhibition and other anticancer activities2,3,4,5, enzyme inhibition6,7,8, antibiotic activity9,10, fluorescent tagging10,11,12, enantioselective binding for DNA probes13,14,15 and RNA targeting16, along with numerous potential applications to therapeutics17,18,19. With an increasing demand for these heterocycles, current literature remains divided about which synthetic pathway is best. Modern synthetic approaches to this problem use isatin and isatin derivatives as starting materials for a variety of heterocycles20,21, complicated intramolecular rearrangements22,23,24,25, Lewis acid1,26,27 or transition metal catalysis17,28,29,30, or asymmetric processes31. While these procedures have had success in producing specific spirocyclic oximes with limited functionality, a synthetic strategy for producing a library of molecules with high diastereoselectivity has been explored relatively less32.
The technique presented here shows that these molecules of interest can be generated using a number of well-understood synthetic techniques in tandem. Starting with the synthesis of the molecule on a solid support using a REM linker and intramolecular silyl nitronate-olefin cycloaddition (ISOC), the proposed pathway deploys a nonlinear route, characterized by bond severing in a tricyclic system, leaving a highly functionalized heterocycle. REM linkers, known for their convenience and recyclability, utilize a solid support to synthesize tertiary amines33. Due to the ease of purification accredited to the REM linker via simple filtration, this solid-phase synthesis technique provides scientists with a recyclable and traceless linker, which has been used here. Once the reaction is complete, the REM linker is regenerated and can be reused multiple times. The REM linker is also traceless because, unlike many solid-phase linkers, the point of attachment between the product and the polymer is indistinguishable34,35. Also well-studied and understood is the ISOC reaction, useful in the synthesis of pyrrolidine oximes36,37. Perhaps better known as a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition, these reactions form a number of heterocycles with high diastereoselectivity38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45. Using the modified REM-coupled-ISOC technique for the synthesis of spirocyclic molecules yields a highly diastereoselective product.Herein, we report on the efficient production of spirocyclic oximes using a new synthetic approach, combining two well-understood pathways and readily available starting materials.

<table>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Chemicals</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>REM Resin</td>
			<td>Nova Biochem</td>
			<td>8551010005</td>
			<td>Solid Polymer Support; 1.1 mmol/g loading</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Furfurylamine</td>
			<td>Acros Organics</td>
			<td>119800050</td>
			<td>Reagent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dimethylformamide (DMF)</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>227056</td>
			<td>Solvent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dichloromethane (DCM)</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>270997</td>
			<td>Solvent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Methanol</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>34860</td>
			<td>Solvent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>trans-4-bromo-&#946;-nitrostyrene</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>400017</td>
			<td>Nitro-olefin solid</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>trans-3,4-dimethoxy-&#946;-nitrostyrene</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>S752215</td>
			<td>Nitro-olefin solid</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>trans-2,4-dichloro-&#946;-nitrostyrene</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>642169</td>
			<td>Nitro-olefin solid</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>trans-&#946;-nitrostyrene</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>N26806</td>
			<td>Nitro-olefin solid</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Triethylamine (TEA)</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>T0886</td>
			<td>Solvent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Trimethylsilyl chloride (TMSCl)</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>386529</td>
			<td>Reagent; CAUTION - highly volatile; creates HCl gas</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride (TBAF) in Tetrahydrofuran (THF)</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>216143</td>
			<td>Reagent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tetrahydrofuran (THF)</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>401757</td>
			<td>Reagent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1-Bromooctane</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>152951</td>
			<td>Alkyl-halide</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Iodomethane</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>289566</td>
			<td>Alkyl-halide</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Allylbromide</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>337528</td>
			<td>Alkyl-halide</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Benzylbromide</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>B17905</td>
			<td>Alkyl-halide</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Glassware/Instrumentation</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>25 mL solid-phase reaction vessel</td>
			<td>Chemglass</td>
			<td>CG-1861-02</td>
			<td>Glassware with filter</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Thermo Scientific Nicole iS5</td>
			<td>Thermo Scientific</td>
			<td>IQLAADGAAGFAHDMAZA</td>
			<td>Instrument</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>AVANCE III NMR Spectrometer</td>
			<td>Bruker</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>Instrument; 300 MHz; Solvents: CDCl3 and CD3OH</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Wrist-Action Shaker Model 75</td>
			<td>Burrell Scientific</td>
			<td>757950819</td>
			<td>Instrument</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

solid-phase synthesis of [4.4] spirocyclic oximes

A convenient synthetic route for spirocyclic heterocycles is well sought after due to the molecule&#39;s potential use in biological systems. By means of solid-phase synthesis, regenerating Michael (REM) linker strategies, and 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition, a library of structurally similar heterocycles, both with and without a spirocyclic center, can be constructed. The main advantages of the solid-support synthesis are as follows: first, each reaction step can be driven to completion using a large excess of reagents resulting in high yields; next, the use of commercially available starting materials and reagents keep the costs low; finally, the reaction steps are easy to purify via simple filtration. The REM linker strategy is attractive because of its recyclability and traceless nature. Once a reaction scheme is completed, the linker can be reused multiple times. In a typical solid-phase synthesis, the product contains either a part of or the whole linker, which can prove undesirable. The REM linker is &#34;traceless&#34; and the point of attachment between the product and the polymer is indistinguishable. The high diastereoselectivity of the intramolecular 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition is well documented. Limited by the insolubility of the solid support, the reaction progression can only be monitored by a change in the functional groups (if any) via infrared (IR) spectroscopy. Thus, the structural identification of intermediates cannot be characterized by conventional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Other limitations to this method stem from the compatibilities of the polymer/linker to the desired chemical reaction scheme. Herein we report a protocol that allows for the convenient production of spirocyclic heterocycles that, with simple modifications, can be automated with high-throughput techniques.

As outlined in the procedure above, the synthetic route to spirocyclic oximes (see Figure 1) begins with the Michael addition of furfurylamine to compound 1, the REM linker, to afford 2. A subsequent Michael addition and 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of the support 2 using various &#946;-nitrostyrene derivatives yield the tricyclic compound 3, an N-silyloxy isoxazolidine with four unique...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Solid-phase Synthesis of [4.4] Spirocyclic Oximes at JoVE.com

Solid-phase Synthesis of [4.4] Spirocyclic Oximes

Here we present a protocol to demonstrate an efficient method for the synthesis of spirocyclic heterocycles. The five-step process utilizes solid-phase synthesis and regenerating Michael linker strategies. Generally difficult to synthesize, we present a customizable method for the synthesis of spirocyclic molecules otherwise inaccessible to other modern approaches.

A convenient synthetic route for spirocyclic heterocycles is well sought after due to the molecule&#39;s potential use in biological systems. By means of ...

solid-phase-synthesis-of-44-spirocyclic-oximes

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Chemistry

6.7K Views.  Azusa Pacific University. Here we present a protocol to demonstrate an efficient method for the synthesis of spirocyclic heterocycles. The five-step process utilizes solid-phase synthesis and regenerating Michael linker strategies. Generally difficult to synthesize, we present a customizable method for the synthesis of spirocyclic molecules otherwise inaccessible to other modern approaches.

Video: Solid-phase Synthesis of [4.4] Spirocyclic Oximes

Synthesis of Immunotargeted Magneto-plasmonic Nanoclusters

Magnetic and plasmonic properties combined in a single nanoparticle provide a synergy that is advantageous in a number of biomedical applications including contrast enhancement in novel magnetomotive imaging modalities, simultaneous capture&#160;and detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs),&#160;and multimodal molecular imaging combined with photothermal therapy of cancer cells. These applications have stimulated significant interest in development of protocols for synthesis of magneto-plasmonic nanoparticles with optical absorbance in the near-infrared (NIR) region and a strong magnetic moment. Here, we present a novel protocol for synthesis of such hybrid nanoparticles that is based on an oil-in-water microemulsion method. The unique feature of the protocol described herein is synthesis of magneto-plasmonic nanoparticles of various sizes from primary blocks which also have magneto-plasmonic characteristics. This approach yields nanoparticles with a high density of magnetic and plasmonic functionalities which are uniformly distributed throughout the nanoparticle volume. The hybrid nanoparticles can be easily functionalized by attaching antibodies through the Fc moiety leaving the Fab portion that is responsible for antigen binding available for targeting.

Here, we describe a protocol for synthesis of magneto-plasmonic nanoparticles with a strong magnetic moment and a strong near-infrared (NIR) absorbance. The protocol also includes antibody conjugation to the nanoparticles through the Fc moiety for various biomedical applications which require molecular specific targeting.

Magnetic and plasmonic properties combined in a single nanoparticle provide a synergy that is advantageous in a number of biomedical applications ...

Synthetic Methodology for Asymmetric Ferrocene Derived Bio-conjugate Systems via Solid Phase Resin-based Methodology

Early detection is a key to successful treatment of most diseases, and is particularly imperative for the diagnosis and treatment of many types of cancer. The most common techniques utilized are imaging modalities such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Positron Emission Topography (PET), and Computed Topography (CT) and are optimal for understanding the physical structure of the disease but can only be performed once every four to six weeks due to the use of imaging agents and overall cost. With this in mind, the development of &#8220;point of care&#8221; techniques, such as biosensors, which evaluate the stage of disease and/or efficacy of treatment in the clinician&#8217;s office and do so in a timely manner, would revolutionize treatment protocols.1 As a means to exploring ferrocene based biosensors for the detection of biologically relevant molecules2, methods were developed to produce ferrocene-biotin bio-conjugates described herein. This report will focus on a biotin-ferrocene-cysteine system that can be immobilized on a gold surface.

The synthesis of asymmetric species of ferrocene is challenging using solution techniques. This report focuses on the methods carried out to produce a ferrocene-biotin bioconjugate using facile and clean reactions accomplished via solid-phase synthesis. Incorporation of a thiolate moiety is shown to impart the ability for immobilization on gold surfaces.

Early detection is a key to successful treatment of most diseases, and is particularly imperative for the diagnosis and treatment of many types of cancer. ...

Synthesis of Indoxyl-glycosides for Detection of Glycosidase Activities

Indoxyl glycosides proved to be valuable and versatile tools for monitoring glycosidase activities. Indoxyls are released by enzymatic hydrolysis and are rapidly oxidized, for example by atmospheric oxygen, to indigo type dyes. This reaction enables fast and easy screening in vivo without isolation or purification of enzymes, as well as rapid tests on agar plates or in solution (e.g., blue-white screening, micro-wells) and is used in biochemistry, histochemistry, bacteriology and molecular biology. Unfortunately the synthesis of such substrates proved to be difficult, due to various side reactions and the low reactivity of the indoxyl hydroxyl function. Especially for glucose type structures low yields were observed. Our novel approach employs indoxylic acid ester as key intermediates. Indoxylic acid esters with varied substitution patterns were prepared on scalable pathways. Phase transfer glycosylations with those acceptors and peracetylated glycosyl halides can be performed under common conditions in high yields. Ester cleavage and subsequent mild silver mediated glycosylation yields the peracetylated indoxyl glycosides in high yields. Finally deprotection is performed according to Zempl&#233;n.

Indoxyl glycosides are well-established and widely used tools for enzyme screening and enzyme activity monitoring. Especially for glucose type structures previous syntheses proved to be challenging and low yielding. Our novel approach employs indoxylic acid esters as precious intermediates to yield a considerable number of indoxyl glycosides in good yields.

Indoxyl glycosides proved to be valuable and versatile tools for monitoring glycosidase activities. Indoxyls are released by enzymatic hydrolysis and are ...

Synthesis and Characterization of Supramolecular Colloids

Control over colloidal assembly is of utmost importance for the development of functional colloidal materials with tailored structural and mechanical properties for applications in photonics, drug delivery and coating technology. Here we present a new family of colloidal building blocks, coined supramolecular colloids, whose self-assembly is controlled through surface-functionalization with a benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamide (BTA) derived supramolecular moiety. Such BTAs interact via directional, strong, yet reversible hydrogen-bonds with other identical BTAs. Herein, a protocol is presented that describes how to couple these BTAs to colloids and how to quantify the number of coupling sites, which determines the multivalency of the supramolecular colloids. Light scattering measurements show that the refractive index of the colloids is almost matched with that of the solvent, which strongly reduces the van der Waals forces between the colloids. Before photo-activation, the colloids remain well dispersed, as the BTAs are equipped with a photo-labile group that blocks the formation of hydrogen-bonds. Controlled deprotection with UV-light activates the short-range hydrogen-bonds between the BTAs, which triggers the colloidal self-assembly. The evolution from the dispersed state to the clustered state is monitored by confocal microscopy. These results are further quantified by image analysis with simple routines using ImageJ and Matlab. This merger of supramolecular chemistry and colloidal science offers a direct route towards light- and thermo-responsive colloidal assembly encoded in the surface-grafted monolayer.

A protocol for the synthesis and characterization of colloids coated with supramolecular moieties is described. These supramolecular colloids undergo self-assembly upon the activation of the hydrogen-bonds between the surface-anchored molecules by UV-light.

Control over colloidal assembly is of utmost importance for the development of functional colloidal materials with tailored structural and mechanical ...

Hydroquinone Based Synthesis of Gold Nanorods

Gold nanorods are an important kind of nanoparticles characterized by peculiar plasmonic properties. Despite their widespread use in nanotechnology, the synthetic methods for the preparation of gold nanorods are still not fully optimized. In this paper we describe a new, highly efficient, two-step protocol based on the use of hydroquinone as a mild reducing agent. Our approach allows the preparation of nanorods with a good control of size and aspect ratio (AR) simply by varying the amount of hexadecyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and silver ions (Ag+) present in the "growth solution". By using this method, it is possible to markedly reduce the amount of CTAB, an expensive and cytotoxic reagent, necessary to obtain the elongated shape. Gold nanorods with an aspect ratio of about 3 can be obtained in the presence of just 50 mM of CTAB (versus 100 mM used in the standard protocol based on the use of ascorbic acid), while shorter gold nanorods are obtained using a concentration as low as 10 mM.

This paper describes a protocol for the synthesis of gold nanorods, based on the use of hydroquinone as reducing agent, plus the different mechanisms for controlling their size and aspect ratio.

Gold nanorods are an important kind of nanoparticles characterized by peculiar plasmonic properties. Despite their widespread use in nanotechnology, the ...

Synthesis of Hierarchical ZnO/CdSSe Heterostructure Nanotrees

A two-step chemical vapor deposition procedure is here employed to prepare tree-like hierarchical ZnO/CdSSe hetero-nanostructures. The structures are composed of CdSSe branches grown on ZnO nanowires that are vertically aligned on a transparent sapphire substrate. The morphology was measured via scanning electron microscopy. The crystal structure was determined by X-ray powder diffraction analysis. Both the ZnO stem and CdSSe branches have a predominantly wurtzite crystal structure. The mole ratio of S and Se in the CdSSe branches was measured by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The CdSSe branches result in strong visible light absorption. Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy showed that the stem and branches form a type-II heterojunction. PL lifetime measurements showed a decrease in the lifetime of emission from the trees when compared to emission from individual ZnO stems or CdSSe branches and indicate fast charge transfer between CdSSe and ZnO. The vertically aligned ZnO stems provide a direct electron transport pathway to the substrate and allow for efficient charge separation after photoexcitation by visible light. The combination of the abovementioned properties makes ZnO/CdSSe nanotrees promising candidates for applications in solar cells, photocatalysis, and opto-electronic devices.

Here, we prepare and characterize novel tree-like hierarchical ZnO/CdSSe nanostructures, where CdSSe branches are grown on vertically aligned ZnO nanowires. The resulting nanotrees are a potential material for solar energy conversion and other opto-electronic devices.

A two-step chemical vapor deposition procedure is here employed to prepare tree-like hierarchical ZnO/CdSSe hetero-nanostructures. The structures are ...

Integration of Miniaturized Solid Phase Extraction and LC-MS/MS Detection of 3-Nitrotyrosine in Human Urine for Clinical Applications

Free 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) has been extensively used as a possible biomarker for oxidative stress. Increased levels of 3-NT have been reported in a wide variety of pathological conditions. However, existing methods lack the sufficient sensitivity and/or specificity necessary to measure the low endogenous level of 3-NT reliably and are too cumbersome for clinical applications. Hence, analytical improvement is urgently needed to accurately quantify the levels of 3-NT and verify the role of 3-NT in pathological conditions. This protocol presents the development of a novel liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) detection combined with a miniaturized solid phase extraction (SPE) for the rapid and accurate measurement of 3-NT in human urine as a non-invasive biomarker for oxidative stress. SPE using a 96-well plate markedly simplified the process by combining sample cleanup and analyte enrichment without tedious derivatization and evaporation steps, reducing solvent consumption, waste disposal, risk of contamination and overall processing time. The employment of 25 mM ammonium acetate (NH4OAc) at pH 9 as the SPE elution solution substantially enhanced the selectivity. Mass spectrometry signal response was improved through adjustment of the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) transitions. Use of 0.01% HCOOH as additive on a pentafluorophenyl (PFP) column (150 mm x 2.1 mm, 3 &#181;m) improved signal response another 2.5-fold and shortened the overall run time to 7 min. A lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) of 10 pg/mL (0.044 nM) was achieved, representing a significant sensitivity improvement over the reported assays. This simplified, rapid, selective and sensitive method allows two plates of urine samples (n = 192) to be processed in a 24 h time-period. Considering the markedly improved analytical performance, and non-invasive and inexpensive urine sampling, the proposed assay is beneficial for pre-clinical and clinical studies.

A selective and sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method coupled with an efficient solid phase extraction on a mixed-mode cation-exchange (MCX) 96-well microplate was developed for the measurement of free 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) in human urine with high throughput, which is suitable for clinical applications.

Free 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) has been extensively used as a possible biomarker for oxidative stress. Increased levels of 3-NT have been reported in a wide ...

Protocol for the Solid-phase Synthesis of Oligomers of RNA Containing a 2'-O-thiophenylmethyl Modification and Characterization via Circular Dichroism

Solid-phase synthesis has been used to obtain canonical and modified polymers of nucleic acids, specifically of DNA or RNA, which has made it a popular methodology for applications in various fields and for different research purposes. The procedure described herein focuses on the synthesis, purification, and characterization of dodecamers of RNA 5&#39;-[CUA CGG AAU CAU]-3&#39; containing zero, one, or two modifications located at the C2&#39;-O-position. The probes are based on 2-thiophenylmethyl groups, incorporated into RNA nucleotides via standard organic synthesis and introduced into the corresponding oligonucleotides via their respective phosphoramidites. This report makes use of phosphoramidite chemistry via the four canonical nucleobases (Uridine (U), Cytosine (C), Guanosine (G), Adenosine (A)), as well as 2-thiophenylmethyl functionalized nucleotides modified at the 2&#39;-O-position; however, the methodology is amenable for a large variety of modifications that have been developed over the years. The oligonucleotides were synthesized on a controlled-pore glass (CPG) support followed by cleavage from the resin and deprotection under standard conditions, i.e., a mixture of ammonia and methylamine (AMA) followed by hydrogen fluoride/triethylamine/N-methylpyrrolidinone. The corresponding oligonucleotides were purified via polyacrylamide electrophoresis (20% denaturing) followed by elution, desalting, and isolation via reversed-phase chromatography (Sep-pak, C18-column). Quantification and structural parameters were assessed via ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) and circular dichroism (CD) photometric analysis, respectively. This report aims to serve as a resource and guide for beginner and expert researchers interested in embarking in this field. It is expected to serve as a work-in-progress as new technologies and methodologies are developed. The description of the methodologies and techniques within this document correspond to a DNA/RNA synthesizer (refurbished and purchased in 2013) that uses phosphoramidite chemistry.

Protocol for the Solid-phase Synthesis of Oligomers of RNA Containing a 2'-O-thiophenylmethyl Modification and Characterization via Circular Dichroism

This article provides a detailed procedure on the solid-phase synthesis, purification, and characterization of dodecamers of RNA modified at the C2&#39;-O-position. UV-vis and circular dichroism photometric analyses are used to quantify and characterize structural aspects, i.e., single-strands or double-strands.

Solid-phase synthesis has been used to obtain canonical and modified polymers of nucleic acids, specifically of DNA or RNA, which has made it a popular ...

Synthesis of Substrate-Bound Au Nanowires Via an Active Surface Growth Mechanism

Advancing synthetic capabilities is important for the development of nanoscience and nanotechnology. The synthesis of nanowires has always been a challenge, as it requires asymmetric growth of symmetric crystals. Here, we report a distinctive synthesis of substrate-bound Au nanowires. This template-free synthesis employs thiolated ligands and substrate adsorption to achieve the continuous asymmetric deposition of Au in solution at ambient conditions. The thiolated ligand prevented the Au deposition on the exposed surface of the seeds, so the Au deposition only occurs at the interface between the Au seeds and the substrate. The side of the newly deposited Au nanowires is immediately covered with the thiolated ligand, while the bottom facing the substrate remains ligand-free and active for the next round of Au deposition. We further demonstrate that this Au nanowire growth can be induced on various substrates, and different thiolated ligands can be used to regulate the surface chemistry of the nanowires. The diameter of the nanowires can also be controlled with mixed ligands, in which another &#34;bad&#34; ligand could turn on the lateral growth. With the understanding of the mechanism, Au nanowire-based nanostructures can be designed and synthesized.

We report a solution-based method to synthesize substrate-bound Au nanowires. By tuning the molecular ligands used during the synthesis, the Au nanowires can be grown from various substrates with different surface properties. Au nanowire-based nanostructures can also be synthesized by adjusting the reaction parameters.

Advancing synthetic capabilities is important for the development of nanoscience and nanotechnology. The synthesis of nanowires has always been a ...

Synthesis and Characterization of Amphiphilic Gold Nanoparticles

Gold nanoparticles covered with a mixture of 1-octanethiol (OT) and 11-mercapto-1-undecane sulfonic acid (MUS) have been extensively studied because of their interactions with cell membranes, lipid bilayers, and viruses. The hydrophilic ligands make these particles colloidally stable in aqueous solutions and the combination with hydrophobic ligands creates an amphiphilic particle that can be loaded with hydrophobic drugs, fuse with the lipid membranes, and resist nonspecific protein adsorption. Many of these properties depend on nanoparticle size and the composition of the ligand shell. It is, therefore, crucial to have a reproducible synthetic method and reliable characterization techniques that allow the determination of nanoparticle properties and the ligand shell composition. Here, a one-phase chemical reduction, followed by a thorough purification to synthesize these nanoparticles with diameters below 5 nm, is presented. The ratio between the two ligands on the surface of the nanoparticle can be tuned through their stoichiometric ratio used during synthesis. We demonstrate how various routine techniques, such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrometry, are combined to comprehensively characterize the physicochemical parameters of the nanoparticles.

Amphiphilic gold nanoparticles can be used in many biological applications. A protocol to synthesize gold nanoparticles coated by a binary mixture of ligands and a detailed characterization of these particles is presented.

Gold nanoparticles covered with a mixture of 1-octanethiol (OT) and 11-mercapto-1-undecane sulfonic acid (MUS) have been extensively studied because of ...