Environmentally friendly molecularly imprinted polymers as an insert for SPE type columns in the gentamicin monitoring process.

The quantity and variety of micro-pollutants infiltrating water resources have increased rapidly in recent times. The appearance of many harmful substances in the waters has resulted in so-called chemical cocktails which significantly contribute to the deterioration of water quality. Additionally, the variety of these compounds, often similar to each other in terms of molecular weights, makes their separation and identification very difficult.

Highly selective ethanol vapour sensing materials for a new generation of gas sensors based on molecularly imprinted polymers.

A simple gas sensor consisting of a molecularly imprinted polymer-carbon nanotube composite cast onto a screen-printed electrode has been developed with extremely high selectivity for ethanol vapour over methanol vapour. Ethanol gas sensors typically display selectivity for ethanol over methanol in the range 2-4 times, while the mean ratio of ethanol to methanol response observed with the described device was 672. This selectivity was achieved under ambient conditions.

Molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticle-carbon nanotube composite electrochemical gas sensor for highly selective and sensitive detection of methanol vapour.

An electrochemical gas sensor has been fabricated using molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (nanoMIPs) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes on screen-printed electrodes. Methanol vapour was chosen as the target due to its toxicity as its suitability as a model for more harmful pollutant gases. The sensor functions under ambient conditions and in the required concentration range, in contrast to all previous MIP-based gas sensors for methanol.

Design of smart nanoparticles for the electrochemical detection of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine to allow in field screening by law enforcement officers.

A portable and highly sensitive sensor was designed for the specific detection of 3,4-methyl-enedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA), in a range of field-testing situations. The sensor can detect MDMA in street samples, even when other controlled substances drugs, or adulterants are present. In this work, we report for the first time a sensor using electroactive molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles computationally designed to recognize MDMA and then produced using solid phase synthesis.

A Biomimetic Polymer for the Extraction and Purification of Superior Analogues of Amphotericin B.

Amphotericin B has been an essential drug in the fight against leishmaniasis and fungal pathogens for decades, and has more recently gained attention for the very limited microbial resistance displayed against it. However, its toxicity has restricted its use to only the most severe cases of disease, and attempts to reduce these ill effects via formulation have had only minor success. Genetic engineering has allowed the development of superior amphotericin analogues, notably 16-descarboxyl-16-methyl amphotericin B (MeAmB), which shows a ten-fold reduction in toxicity in addition to a slight improvement in therapeutic activity.

The effect of immediate environment on bond strength of different bond types-A valence bond study.

The ability to design catalysis largely depends on our understanding of the electrostatic effect of the surrounding on the bonds participating in the reaction. Here, we used a simplistic model of point charges (PCs) to determine a set of rules guiding how to construct PC-bond arrangement that can strengthen or weaken different chemical bonds. Using valence bond theory to calculate the in situ bond energies, we show that the effect of the PC mainly depends on the bond's dipole moment irrespective of its type (being covalent or charge shift).

Nanoparticle-induced enhancement of cholinesterase activity in the presence of malathion: A potential nerve agent therapeutic.

Organophosphate nerve agents are associated with assassination, terrorism and chemical warfare, but there has been slow progress in developing a broad-spectrum response to poisoning. For some nerve agents the oxime component of the therapy may not be effective, limiting the effectiveness of emergency treatment that is desperately needed. An alternative therapy may be possible based on accelerating enzyme (acetylcholinesterase) catalysis in unaffected adjacent enzymes.

Template Imprinting Versus Porogen Imprinting of Small Molecules: A Review of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers in Gas Sensing.

The selective sensing of gaseous target molecules is a challenge to analytical chemistry. Selectivity may be achieved in liquids by several different methods, but many of these are not suitable for gas-phase analysis. In this review, we will focus on molecular imprinting and its application in selective binding of volatile organic compounds and atmospheric pollutants in the gas phase.

Geological Hydrogen Storage: Geochemical Reactivity of Hydrogen with Sandstone Reservoirs.

The geological storage of hydrogen is necessary to enable the successful transition to a hydrogen economy and achieve net-zero emissions targets. Comprehensive investigations must be undertaken for each storage site to ensure their long-term suitability and functionality. As such, the systematic infrastructure and potential risks of large-scale hydrogen storage must be established.

Design and fabrication of a smart sensor using in silico epitope mapping and electro-responsive imprinted polymer nanoparticles for determination of insulin levels in human plasma.

A robust and highly specific sensor based on electroactive molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (nanoMIP) was developed. The nanoMIP tagged with a redox probe, combines both recognition and reporting capabilities. The developed nanoMIP replaces enzyme-mediator pairs used in traditional biosensors thus, offering enhanced molecular recognition for insulin, improving performance in complex biological samples, and yielding high stability.

Molecularly imprinted nanoparticles-based assay (MINA) - detection of leukotrienes and insulin.

A novel molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticle-based assay (MINA) performed in magnetic microplates was developed as an improved high-quality alternative to existing antibody-based immunoassays. MINA is a generic technology that can be adapted for biomarker detection in biological samples. Herein, we demonstrate the applicability of the MINA assay for the detection of leukotrienes and insulin in biological samples.

Probing Peptide Sequences on Their Ability to Generate Affinity Sites in Molecularly Imprinted Polymers.

An array of 4000 defined and addressable tripeptides on a polymer-coated glass slide is used to synthesize molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) nanoparticles. This work is undertaken to systematically probe the impact of the peptide sequence on the ability to generate affinity MIPs. The polymer affinity is assessed by measuring the fluorescence of bound MIP nanoparticles at each peptide spot on the surface after washing the array to remove any low-affinity polymer.

Electrochemical sensing of cocaine in real samples based on electrodeposited biomimetic affinity ligands.

A selective electrochemical sensor for direct detection of cocaine was developed based on molecularly imprinted polymers electropolymerized onto graphene-modified electrodes. Palladium nanoparticles were integrated in the sensing layer for the benefit of enhancing the communication between the imprinted sites and the electrode and improving their homogeneous distribution. The molecularly imprinted polymer was synthesized by cyclic voltammetry using p-aminobenzoic acid as a high affinity monomer selected by computational modeling, and cocaine as a template molecule.

Highly Efficient Abiotic Assay Formats for Methyl Parathion: Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Nanoparticle Assay as an Alternative to Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay.

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is a widely used standard method for sensitive detection of analytes of environmental, clinical, or biotechnological interest. However, ELISA has clear drawbacks related to the use of relatively unstable antibodies and enzyme conjugates and the need for several steps such as washing of nonbound conjugates and addition of dye reagents. Herein, we introduce a new completely abiotic assay where antibodies and enzymes are replaced with fluorescent molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (nanoMIPs) and target-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles, which acted as both reporter probes and binding agents.

Polymer platforms for selective detection of cocaine in street samples adulterated with levamisole.

Accurate drug detection is of utmost importance for fighting against drug abuse. With a high number of cutting agents and adulterants being added to cut or mask drugs in street powders the number of false results is increasing. We demonstrate for the first time the usefulness of employing polymers readily synthesized by electrodeposition to selectively detect cocaine in the presence of the commonly used adulterant levamisole.

Modulation of Quorum Sensing in a Gram-Positive Pathogen by Linear Molecularly Imprinted Polymers with Anti-infective Properties.

We describe the development, characterization, and biological testing of a new type of linear molecularly imprinted polymer (LMIP) designed to act as an anti-infective by blocking the quorum sensing (QS) mechanism and so abrogating the virulence of the pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae. The LMIP is prepared (polymerized) in presence of a template molecule, but unlike in traditional molecular imprinting approaches, no cross-linker is used. This results in soluble low-molecular-weight oligomers that can act as a therapeutic agent in vitro and in vivo.

In Silico Synthesis of Synthetic Receptors: A Polymerization Algorithm.

Molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) synthetic receptors have proposed and applied applications in chemical extraction, sensors, assays, catalysis, targeted drug delivery, and direct inhibition of harmful chemicals and pathogens. However, they rely heavily on effective design for success. An algorithm has been written which mimics radical polymerization atomistically, accounting for chemical and spatial discrimination, hybridization, and geometric optimization.

Computational approaches in the design of synthetic receptors - A review.

The rational design of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) has been a major contributor to their reputation as "plastic antibodies" - high affinity robust synthetic receptors which can be optimally designed, and produced for a much reduced cost than their biological equivalents. Computational design has become a routine procedure in the production of MIPs, and has led to major advances in functional monomer screening, selection of cross-linker and solvent, optimisation of monomer(s)-template ratio and selectivity analysis. In this review the various computational methods will be discussed with reference to all the published relevant literature since the end of 2013, with each article described by the target molecule, the computational approach applied (whether molecular mechanics/molecular dynamics, semi-empirical quantum mechanics, ab initio quantum mechanics (Hartree-Fock, Møller-Plesset, etc.

Validation of a cardiorespiratory fitness assessment for firefighters.

Currently, a submaximal protocol is used to measure cardiorespiratory fitness in firefighters by estimating their true aerobic capacity (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max); however, this submaximal test has not been cross-validated among firefighters. Thirty firefighters (85% male, 15% female), completed the submaximal protocol and the maximal (Bruce) treadmill protocol on separate occasions. Pearson's correlation analyses between the submaximal and Bruce protocol revealed a significant moderate positive correlation (r = 0.

Neurotoxic and neurotrophic roles of proNGF and the receptor sortilin in the adult and ageing nervous system.

The precursor form of the nerve growth factor (proNGF), forms a heterotrimeric complex with the receptors p75 and sortilin; this complex has been implicated in neuron cell death. However, it is not known whether proNGF and the receptors p75 and sortilin contribute to age- and disease-related neurodegeneration. Here we show that proNGF induces cell death in subpopulations of basal forebrain and peripheral sympathetic neurons of old, but not of young, adult rodents.

Enteric neurodegeneration in ageing.

The objective of this article is to review the clinical presentation and neurobiology of degeneration of the enteric nervous system with emphasis on human data where available. Constipation, incontinence and evacuation disorders are frequently encountered in the ageing population. Healthy lower gastrointestinal function is essential for successful ageing as it is critical to maintaining independence and autonomy to pursue further activity.

Enteric neurodegeneration in ageing.

The objective of this article is to review the clinical presentation and neurobiology of degeneration of the enteric nervous system with emphasis on human data where available. Constipation, incontinence and evacuation disorders are frequently encountered in the ageing population. Healthy lower gastrointestinal function is essential for successful ageing as it is critical to maintaining independence and autonomy to pursue further activity.

ProNGF, sortilin, and age-related neurodegeneration.

Several studies have sought to demonstrate that neurodegeneration during disease and in old age is associated with reduced neurotrophic support. Little positive evidence has been forthcoming, either in relation to the availability of neurotrophins or to expression and function of the relevant receptors. Recently, a novel way in which neurotrophins could contribute to neurodegeneration has been suggested.

On the presence of neurotrophin p75 receptor on rat sympathetic cerebrovascular nerves.

Although the presence of neurotrophin p75 receptor on sympathetic nerves is a well-recognised feature, there is still a scarcity of details of the distribution of the receptor on cerebrovascular nerves. This study examined the distribution of p75 receptor on perivascular sympathetic nerves of the middle cerebral artery and the basilar artery of healthy young rats using immunohistochemical methods at the laser confocal microscope and transmission electron microscope levels. Immunofluorescence methods of detection of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in sympathetic nerves, p75 receptor associated with the nerves, and also S-100 protein in Schwann cells were applied in conjunction with confocal microscopy, while the pre-embedding single and double immunolabelling methods (ExtrAvidin and immuno-gold-silver) were applied for the electron microscopic examination.

Modulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species level in chondrocytes by IGF-1, FGF, and TGF-beta1.

Growth factors are important in the development, maintenance and repair of cartilage. The principal aim of this study was to test the capacity of three growth factors with established roles in cartilage, namely insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta 1, to alter intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Explants of articular cartilage from young, mature, and aged rats were pretreated with IGF-1, FGF, or TGF-beta 1 and intracellular ROS levels were quantified using the free radical sensing probe dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR 123), confocal microscopy, and densitometric image analysis.