KG was supported by the R.A. Welch Foundation grant P-1760, TCU Andrews Institute of Mathematics &#38; Science Education (to KG), TCU Research and Creativity Activity Grant (to KG) and TCU SERC Grant (to JHS).

1. Synthesis of Biotin-Fc-cysteine (1)
<ol>
	<li>Solid phase methods to produce resin-bound 1.
	<ol>
		<li>Place biotin loaded resin (250 mg, 0.145 mmol) into a fritted syringe and swell the resin by drawing up dimethylformamide (5 ml) and shaking the syringe on a lab shaker for 20 min. Expel the solution and repeat dimethylformamide swelling one more time.</li>
		<li>Remove the Fmoc protecting group by adding 4-6 ml of 20% piperidine in dimethylformamide to the syringe followed by 10-15 min of shaking. Repeat the deprotection process with another 4-6 ml of piperidine. Wash the resin with a sequence of 3x dimethylformamide, 3x dimethylformamide:methanol (1:1), 3x methanol:dichloromethane (1:1), 3x dichloromethane, ~5 ml each. Do a ninhydrin test (+) on a small sampling (~10) of the beads to confirm successful deprotection by the presence of blue upon heating.</li>
		<li>Mix a solution containing 1&#8217;-Fmoc-amino-ferrocene-1-carboxylic acid (203.3 mg, 0.4350 mmol), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole hydrate (58.8 mg, 0.413 mmol), diisopropyl carbodiimide (0.0673 ml, 0.435 mmol), diisopropyl ethyl amine (0.0757 ml, 0.435 mmol), and a 4:1 mixture of dichloromethane and dimethylformamide. Draw this into the fritted syringe and gently shake on a lab shaker for 6 hr. Then expel the solution from the syringe and wash as previously described.</li>
		<li>Perform the ninhydrin test (-) as described above to confirm coupling. The ninhydrin test can still be useful in confirming coupling despite the orange color of the bead derived from the attachment of the iron containing moiety.</li>
		<li>Then remove the Fmoc group by the addition of 20% piperidine in dimethylformamide and washed as described above. The ninhydrin test (+) should be used to confirm Fmoc removal.</li>
		<li>Prepare a solution composed of Fmoc-Cys(Trt)-OH (254.8 mg, 0.4350 mmol), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole hydrate (58.8 mg, 0.4125 mmol), diisopropyl carbodiimide (0.0673 ml, 0.4350 mmol), diisopropyl ethyl amine (0.0757 ml, 0.4350 mmol), and a 4:1 mixture of dichloromethane and dimethylformamide. Add this cysteine coupling cocktail the fritted syringe and gently shake for 6 hr. Wash using the protocol described previously.</li>
		<li>Confirm coupling using the ninhydrin test (-), followed by removal of the Fmoc component with 20% piperidine and washing. Verify the free terminal amine using the ninhydrin test (+).</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Cleavage of 1 from the resin.
	<ol>
		<li>Make a solution of TFA (9.45 ml), water (0.25 ml), 1,2-ethanedithiol (0.25 ml), and triisopropyl silane (0.1 ml), add it to the syringe and shake gently for 4 hr.</li>
		<li>Collect the resulting red-brown solution in an Eppendorf tube and evaporate the TFA slowly using a stream of air.</li>
		<li>Add cold diethyl ether (~15 ml) to the Eppendorf tube to precipitate 1, which will form gentle agitation. Isolate the product via centrifugation (1 g, 5 min). Then repeat cycles of diethyl ether washings (~60 ml total) and centrifuge to obtain 1 as a red/brown solid.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
2. Characterization and Analysis of 1
<ol>
	<li>Confirm that the identity matches the connectivity and composition shown in Figure 2 using 1H (16 scans)&#160;and 13C NMR (512 scans) in deuterated methanol (300 &#181;l) and ESI-MS analysis. 
	Expect the following results: 
	1H NMR spectrum (CD3OD) &#948;/ppm: 1.407-1.684 (m, 6H), 2.245 (t, 2H), 2.665-3.150 (m, 12H), 4.015 (t, 1H), 4.104 (d, 2H), 4.274 (q, 1H), 4.426 (d, 2H), 4.479 (q, 1H), 4.595 (t, 1H) and 13C NMR spectrum (CD3OD) &#948;/ppm: 24.644 (CH2), 25.472 (CH2), 28.051(CH2), 28.300 (CH2), 35.474 (CH2), 38.698 (CH2), 39.241 (CH2), 39.717 (CH2), 55.340/55.538 (Cp-ring), 60.286 (CH), 61.964 (CH), 62.521/62.821 (Cp-ring), 66.038/66.170 (Cp-ring), 69.153/69.328 (Cp-ring), 71.468/71.593 (Cp-ring), 76.466 (CH), 171.770 (C=O), 175.361 (C=O). 
	ESI-MS (m/z): Found: 639.00 [1+Na]+, Theoretical: 639.1 [1+Na]+ and HR-MS (m/z): Found: 617.2049 [1+H]+ , Theoretical: 617.1622 [1+H]+.</li>
	<li>Perform HPLC, elemental analysis to confirm the composition of isolated 1. 
	Carry out HPLC chromatograms using a C8 reversed phase column with 100% MeOH at a flow rate of 0.5 ml/min. Note: HPLC retention times were: 3.198-4.674 min.</li>
</ol>
3. Immobilization of 1 on a Gold Surface
<ol>
	<li>Cut polymer backed gold slides into squares of ~0.25 in2.</li>
	<li>Fill a 50 ml beaker with a DI water solution of 1 (~1 mM).</li>
	<li>Add the gold slide to the beaker and cover with a watch glass. Allow the glass slide to incubate O/N at RT with no agitation.</li>
	<li>Remove the gold slide from the solution and allow it dry in air.</li>
	<li>Obtain scanning electron microscopy images using a scanning electron microscope (or equivalent) to observe immobilized 1.</li>
</ol>

The authors have nothing to disclose.

The synthesis of asymmetric ferrocene derivatives is challenging in solution. For example, attempts to produce 1 in solution resulted in low yields of the desired product (less than 20%). Likewise, reactions utilizing 1&#8217;-amino-ferrocene carboxylic acid (sans Fmoc) and resin bound biotin resulted in insoluble product consistent with the polymerized product reported by Baristic et al. and minimal product.47 This is further complicated by ferrocene and its derivatives bein...

Biosensors are small devices that employ biomolecular recognition technology as the platform for selective analysis and are utilized for their specificity, speed, and low-cost. Electrochemical biosensors for the detection of biomolecules are at the forefront of this field due to their simplicity, cost effectiveness, and high sensitivity.1,3 The general anatomy of these sensors is an electrode equipped with a recognition molecule specific for the biological marker of interest. Binding of the biomarker by the recognition molecule results in a local change of potential or current that can be detected by simple measurement. To date the recognition moiety can range from enzymes,4-8 antibodies,9-12 whole cells,13-16 receptors,17-20 peptides21-23 and DNA24 and have largely focused on larger, biological molecules.25-28 Research efforts in this arena have concentrated mainly on immunosensors where an immunoglobulin is immobilized with a redox active core (such as ferrocene) and used to detect an antibody of interest. These studies have been excluded from clinical applications due to poor precision and time consumption stemming from the complications arising from use of antigen/antibodies.1,3 Growing attention has focused on the detection of small molecules (less than 1 kg/mol) of biomedical, food and environmental interest in addition to national security.29 The best known examples of biosensor devices are self-test glucose monitors, which have screen printed enzyme electrodes coupled to a pocket-size amperometric meter. These systems typically utilize a coulometric method where the total amount of charge generated by the glucose oxidation reaction is measured over a period of time. Marketable devices must be portable, robust and hand-held to make use facile for the population at large.
Redox tags such as ferrocene are necessary to provide the electrochemical detection of biomarkers or small molecules in solution as most biomarkers are not intrinsically electrochemically active.30-38 Ferrocene is an organometallic molecule that is a gold standard for electrochemistry, which makes it an excellent choice for integration into electrochemical biosensors. Ferrocene-based redox active species have already garnered considerable attention due to their small size, good stability, convenient synthetic access, easy chemical modification, relative lipophilicity, and ease of redox tuning.3,30-42 Small molecules based on the ferrocene core have been used extensively as detectors of metal ions and small molecules.32-38,43 Systems targeting larger species such as biomolecules have utilized the attachment of large antibodies or immunoglobulins to ferrocene derivatives that have been embedded onto an electrochemical surface.1,3,39,44 In each case, the potential and current intensity of the FeIII/FeII redox couple was altered upon molecular coupling, thus producing a new spectroscopic handle indicating the presence of the analyte molecule. This change arises from the extensive overlap that occurs between the pi-system of the cyclopentadienyl rings and the iron d-orbitals. If the pi-system is modified, i.e., derivatized or reacted, then the orbital interaction will, in turn, change. This will affect the Fe core and can be observed as a shift in the potential of the FeIII/FeII couple.40,45,46 These properties make such a system attractive for use as a quantifying agent in an electrochemical immunoassay or biosensor.
In order to produce ferrocene containing systems specific for biosensor capacities it is optimal to modify one Cp ring with the bio-receptor specific for a target molecule and utilize the other Cp ring as a molecular tether to the electrochemical readout or electrode (Figure 1). Synthesis of these asymmetric ferrocene derivatives is challenged by side reactions and the formation of dimeric and polymeric species formed upon intermolecular cross-linking.47 However, coupling chemistry producing an amide bond is the most direct route to provide simple derivatives of ferrocene involving biological components such as peptides and their metabolites. Therefore, solid phase techniques first developed in the 1950s by Merrifield for peptide synthesis can be applied to organometallic compounds containing ferrocene. Through the use of the orthogonally substituted 1&#8217;-Fmoc-amino-ferrocene-1-carboxylic acid molecule, a ferrocene system that can contain a receptor moiety (biotin), electrochemical readout (ferrocene), and immobilizing-linker component (cysteine) has been constructed and detailed herein. The synthesis of this bio-conjugate is discussed as well as evidence for immobilization on a gold surface. This work represents the first presentation of a system composed of biotin, ferrocene and an amino acid for immobilization on a gold surface.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Biotin Novatag Resin</td>
			<td>NovaBiochem</td>
			<td>8550510001</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>TORVIQ 10ML LUER LOCK FRITTED SYRINGE</td>
			<td>Fisher</td>
			<td>NC9299151</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>piperdine</td>
			<td>Acros</td>
			<td>P/3520/PB05</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>ninhydrin test</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>60017-1ea</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1&#8217;-Fmoc-amino-ferrocene-1-carboxylic acid</td>
			<td>Omm Scientific</td>
			<td>Special Order</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1-&#8203;Hydroxybenzotriazole hydrate</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>157260-25G</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>N,N&#8242;-Diisopropylcarbodiimide</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>D125407-5G</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>N,N-&#8203;Diisopropylethylamine</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>496219-100ML</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Fmoc-Cys(Trt)-OH</td>
			<td>Novabiochem</td>
			<td>8520080025</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>trifluoroacetic acid</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>T5408</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1,2-ethanedithiol</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>2930</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>triisopropyl silane</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>233781</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Eppendorf tubes (20 mL)</td>
			<td>any source</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>methanol</td>
			<td>any source</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>dry with molecular sieves prior to use &#38; store in 100 mL media bottle for easy usage.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>dichloromethane</td>
			<td>any source</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>dry with molecular sieves prior to use &#38; store in 100 mL media bottle for easy usage.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>dimethylformamide</td>
			<td>any source</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>dry with molecular sieves prior to use &#38; store in 100 mL media bottle for easy usage.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>centrifuge</td>
			<td>any source</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

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 resin bound form of 1 is shown in Figure 2. The covalent attachment of the ferrocene component gives rise to an orange tint to the resin beads that is persistent with continuous washing and indicative of an immobilized iron containing complex as opposed to iron absorption by the PEG component of the resin bead. The resin-free form of 1 is identical in color to the resin beads. Following removal of the compound from the resin-beads, the purity and yield (68%) resultin...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Synthetic Methodology for Asymmetric Ferrocene Derived Bio-conjugate Systems via Solid Phase Resin-based Methodology at JoVE.com

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

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. ...

synthetic-methodology-for-asymmetric-ferrocene-derived-bio-conjugate

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Chemistry

9.6K Views.  Texas Christian University. 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.

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

Activating Molecules, Ions, and Solid Particles with Acoustic Cavitation

The chemical and physical effects of ultrasound arise not from a direct interaction of molecules with sound waves, but rather from the acoustic cavitation: the nucleation, growth, and implosive collapse of microbubbles in liquids submitted to power ultrasound. The violent implosion of bubbles leads to the formation of chemically reactive species and to the emission of light, named sonoluminescence. In this manuscript, we describe the techniques allowing study of extreme intrabubble conditions and chemical reactivity of acoustic cavitation in solutions. The analysis of sonoluminescence spectra of water sparged with noble gases provides evidence for nonequilibrium plasma formation. The photons and the "hot" particles generated by cavitation bubbles enable to excite the non-volatile species in solutions increasing their chemical reactivity. For example the mechanism of ultrabright sonoluminescence of uranyl ions in acidic solutions varies with uranium concentration: sonophotoluminescence dominates in diluted solutions, and collisional excitation contributes at higher uranium concentration. Secondary sonochemical products may arise from chemically active species that are formed inside the bubble, but then diffuse into the liquid phase and react with solution precursors to form a variety of products. For instance, the sonochemical reduction of Pt(IV) in pure water provides an innovative synthetic route for monodispersed nanoparticles of metallic platinum without any templates or capping agents. Many studies reveal the advantages of ultrasound to activate the divided solids. In general, the mechanical effects of ultrasound strongly contribute in heterogeneous systems in addition to chemical effects. In particular, the sonolysis of PuO2 powder in pure water yields stable colloids of plutonium due to both effects.

Acoustic cavitation in liquids submitted to power ultrasound creates transient extreme conditions inside the collapsing bubbles, which are the origin of unusual chemical reactivity and light emission, known as sonoluminescence. In the presence of noble gases, nonequilibrium plasma is formed. The "hot" particles and the photons generated by collapsing bubbles are able to excite species in solution.

The chemical and physical effects of ultrasound arise not from a direct interaction of molecules with sound waves, but rather from the acoustic ...

High-pressure Sapphire Cell for Phase Equilibria Measurements of CO2/Organic/Water Systems

The high pressure sapphire cell apparatus was constructed to visually determine the composition of multiphase systems without physical sampling. Specifically, the sapphire cell enables visual data collection from multiple loadings to solve a set of material balances to precisely determine phase composition. Ternary phase diagrams can then be established to determine the proportion of each component in each phase at a given condition. In principle, any ternary system can be studied although ternary systems (gas-liquid-liquid) are the specific examples discussed herein. For instance, the ternary THF-Water-CO2 system was studied at 25 and 40&#160;&#176;C and is described herein. Of key importance, this technique does not require sampling. Circumventing the possible disturbance of the system equilibrium upon sampling, inherent measurement errors, and technical difficulties of physically sampling under pressure is a significant benefit of this technique. Perhaps as important, the sapphire cell also enables the direct visual observation of the phase behavior. In fact, as the CO2 pressure is increased, the homogeneous THF-Water solution phase splits at about 2 MPa. With this technique, it was possible to easily and clearly observe the cloud point and determine the composition of the newly formed phases as a function of pressure.
The data acquired with the sapphire cell technique can be used for many applications. In our case, we measured swelling and composition for tunable solvents, like gas-expanded liquids, gas-expanded ionic liquids and Organic Aqueous Tunable Systems (OATS)1-4. For the latest system, OATS, the high-pressure sapphire cell enabled the study of (1) phase behavior as a function of pressure and temperature, (2) composition of each phase (gas-liquid-liquid) as a function of pressure and temperature and (3) catalyst partitioning in the two liquid phases as a function of pressure and composition. Finally, the sapphire cell is an especially effective tool to gather accurate and reproducible measurements in a timely fashion.

High-pressure Sapphire Cell for Phase Equilibria Measurements of CO2/Organic/Water Systems

The high pressure sapphire cell apparatus is a unique tool to study, without sampling, phase behavior under a wide range of pressures. Using a cathetometer, very precise volume measurements can be recorded to measure liquid expansion and phase composition. Thus, this synthetic method enables the study of (1) phase equilibria of multi-component mixtures and (2) the partition behavior of catalyst or model compounds as a function of pressure.

The high pressure sapphire cell apparatus was constructed to visually determine the composition of multiphase systems without physical sampling. ...

Stabilizing Hepatocellular Phenotype Using Optimized Synthetic Surfaces

Currently, one of the major limitations in cell biology is maintaining differentiated cell phenotype. Biological matrices are commonly used for culturing and maintaining primary and pluripotent stem cell derived hepatocytes. While biological matrices are useful, they permit short term culture of hepatocytes, limiting their widespread application. We have attempted to overcome the limitations using a synthetic polymer coating. Polymers represent one of the broadest classes of biomaterials and possess a wide range of mechanical, physical and chemical properties, which can be fine-tuned for purpose. Importantly, such materials can be scaled to quality assured standards and display batch-to-batch consistency. This is essential if cells are to be expanded for high through-put screening in the pharmaceutical testing industry or for cellular based therapy. Polyurethanes (PUs) are one group of materials that have shown promise in cell culture. Our recent progress in optimizing a polyurethane coated surface, for long-term culture of human hepatocytes displaying stable phenotype, is presented and discussed.

This article will focus on developing polymer coated surfaces for long-term, stable culture of stem cell derived human hepatocytes.

Currently, one of the major limitations in cell biology is maintaining differentiated cell phenotype. Biological matrices are commonly used for culturing ...

Measurement of Particle Size Distribution in Turbid Solutions by Dynamic Light Scattering Microscopy

A protocol for measuring polydispersity of concentrated polymer solutions using dynamic light scattering is described. Dynamic light scattering is a technique used to measure the size distribution of polymer solutions or colloidal particles. Although this technique is widely used for the assessment of polymer solutions, it is difficult to measure the particle size in concentrated solutions due to the multiple scattering effect or strong light absorption. Therefore, the concentrated solutions should be diluted before measurement. Implementation of the confocal optical component in a dynamic light scattering microscope1 helps to overcome this barrier. Using such a microscopic system, both transparent and turbid systems can be analyzed under the same experimental setup without a dilution. As a representative example, a size distribution measurement of a temperature-responsive polymer solution was performed. The sizes of the polymer chains in an aqueous solution were several tens of nanometers at a temperature below the lower critical solution temperature (LCST). In contrast, the sizes increased to more than 1.0 &#181;m when above the LCST. This result is consistent with the observation that the solution turned turbid above the LCST.

A protocol for the direct measurement of particle size distribution in concentrated solutions using dynamic light scattering microscopy is presented.

A protocol for measuring polydispersity of concentrated polymer solutions using dynamic light scattering is described. Dynamic light scattering is a ...

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 ...

Application and Methodology of the Non-destructive 19F Time-domain NMR Technique to Measure the Content in Fluorine-containing Drug Products

Here, we describe a protocol developed by our group that uses low-field fluorine-19 (19F) time-domain (TD) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to measure the average content of fluorinated drugs in their formulated drug product forms: tablets or capsules. This method is specific to fluorinated drugs because it detects only the content of fluorine, avoiding interference from the excipients that lack fluorine. The advantages of measuring the active content of fluorinated drugs using low-field 19F TD-NMR versus high-field 19F solid-state (SS) NMR are the simplicity of the method; the low cost; and the non-destructive nature of the technique, with all samples recoverable in intact forms (e.g., powders, tablets, and capsules), making this technique affordable for any laboratory.
We have tested the method with three fluorinated drug products available on the market - cinacalcet, lansoprazole, and ciprofloxacin - with doses ranging from 15 to 500 mg. The results of the analyses, measured by low-field 19F TD-NMR, supported the reported label claims for the average drug content.
Based on the simplicity and reproducibility of the analysis, we envision this methodology being implemented in any laboratory, including manufacturing plants, as a process analytical technology (PAT) tool in the pharmaceutical industry.

Application and Methodology of the Non-destructive 19F Time-domain NMR Technique to Measure the Content in Fluorine-containing Drug Products

A simple and non-destructive technique that measures the average content of drug substances in formulated drug products containing fluorine using low-field fluorine-19 (19F) time-domain (TD) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is presented here. The technique can be applied to the development and manufacturing of drugs in the pharmaceutical industry.

Here, we describe a protocol developed by our group that uses low-field fluorine-19 (19F) time-domain (TD) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to measure the ...

Phase Behavior of Charged Vesicles Under Symmetric and Asymmetric Solution Conditions Monitored with Fluorescence Microscopy

Phase-separated giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) exhibiting coexisting liquid-ordered and liquid-disordered domains are a common biophysical tool to investigate the lipid raft hypothesis. Numerous studies, however, neglect the impact of physiological solution conditions. On that account, the current work presents the effect of high-salinity buffer and trans-membrane solution asymmetry on liquid-liquid phase separation in charged GUVs grown from dioleylphosphatidylglycerol, egg sphingomyelin, and cholesterol. The effects were studied under isothermal and varying temperature conditions.
We describe equipment and experimental strategies applicable for monitoring the stability of coexisting liquid domains in charged vesicles under symmetric and asymmetric high-salinity solution conditions. This includes an approach to prepare charged multicomponent GUVs in high-salinity buffer at high temperatures. The protocol entails the option to perform a partial exchange of the external solution by a simple dilution step while minimizing the vesicle dilution. An alternative approach is presented utilizing a microfluidic device that allows for a complete external solution exchange. The solution effects on phase separation were also studied under varying temperatures. To this end, we present the basic design and utility of an in-house built temperature control chamber. Furthermore, we reflect on the assessment of the GUV phase state, pitfalls associated with it and how to circumvent them.

Experiments on phase separated giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) frequently neglect physiological solution conditions. This work presents approaches to study the effect of high-salinity buffer on liquid-liquid phase separation in charged multicomponent GUVs as a function of trans-membrane solution asymmetry and temperature.

Phase-separated giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) exhibiting coexisting liquid-ordered and liquid-disordered domains are a common biophysical tool to ...

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&#039;-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 ...

Characterization of Synthetic Polymers via Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) Mass Spectrometry

There are many techniques that can be employed in the characterization of synthetic homopolymers, but few provide as useful of information for end group analysis as matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). This tutorial demonstrates methods for optimization of the sample preparation, spectral acquisition, and data analysis of synthetic polymers using MALDI-TOF MS. Critical parameters during sample preparation include the selection of the matrix, identification of an appropriate cationization salt, and tuning the relative proportions of the matrix, cation, and analyte. The acquisition parameters, such as mode (linear or reflector), polarization (positive or negative), acceleration voltage, and delay time, are also important. Given some knowledge of the chemistry involved to synthesize the polymer and optimizing both the data acquisition parameters and the sample preparation conditions, spectra should be obtained with sufficient resolution and mass accuracy to enable the unambiguous determination of the end groups of most homopolymers (masses below 10,000) in addition to the repeat unit mass and the overall molecular weight distribution. Though demonstrated on a limited set of polymers, these general techniques are applicable to a much wider range of synthetic polymers for determining mass distributions, though end group determination is only possible for homopolymers with narrow dispersity.

Characterization of Synthetic Polymers via Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry

A protocol for the matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) characterization of synthetic polymers is described including the optimization of sample preparation, spectral acquisition, and data analysis.

There are many techniques that can be employed in the characterization of synthetic homopolymers, but few provide as useful of information for end group ...

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.

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 ...