New Hydroxydecanoic Acid Derivatives Produced by an Dndophytic Yeast Aureobasidium pullulans AJF1 from Flowers of Aconitum carmichaeli.

Endophytes have been recognized as a source for structurally novel and biologically active secondary metabolites. Among the host plants for endophytes, some medicinal plants that produce pharmaceuticals have been reported to carry endophytes, which could also produce bioactive secondary metabolites. In this study, the medicinal plant Aconitum carmichaeli was selected as a potential source for endophytes. An endophytic microorganism, Aureobasidium pullulans AJF1, harbored in the flower of Aconitum carmichaeli, was cultured on a large scale and extracted with an organic solvent. Extensive chemical investigation of the extracts resulted in isolation of three lipid type compounds (1-3), which were identified to be (3R,5R)-3,5-dihydroxydecanoic acid (1), (3R,5R)-3-(((3R,5R)-3,5-dihydroxydecanoyl)oxy)-5-hydroxydecanoic acid (2), and (3R,5R)-3-(((3R,5R)-5-(((3R,5R)-3,5-dihydroxydecanoyl)oxy)-3-hydroxydecanoyl)oxy)-5-hydroxydecanoic acid (3) by chemical methods in combination with spectral analysis. Compounds 2 and 3 had new structures. Absolute configurations of the isolated compounds (1-3) were established using modified Mosher's method together with analysis of NMR data for their acetonide derivatives. All the isolates (1-3) were evaluated for antibiotic activities against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and their cytotoxicities against MCF-7 cancer cells. Unfortunately, they showed low antibiotic activities and cytotoxic activities.

Ultrastiff Hydrogels Prepared by Schiff's Base Reaction of Bis(p-Formylphenyl) Sebacate and Pillar[5]arene Appended with Multiple Hydrazides.

Herein a facile method is reported to prepare polymer gels based on the formation of acylhydrazone bond under mild conditions. A pillar[5]arene derivative appended with ten hydrazide groups provides multiple sites for the reaction with the aldehyde groups of bis(p-formylphenyl) sebacate in the presence of a small amount of HCl as the catalyst in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), producing transparent polymer organogels. The mechanical properties of gels can be easily tuned by the molar ratio of the reactant compounds. After solvent exchange from DMSO to water, translucent polymer hydrogels with dramatically enhanced strength and stiffness are obtained. The tensile breaking stress and Young's modulus of hydrogels are 20-60 and 1.2-2.7 MPa, respectively, 100 and 20 times those of the corresponding organogels. These robust hydrogels with ultrahigh stiffness should find applications such as in load-bearing artificial organs. This work should merit designing functional materials using other macrocycles.

Stable polyanhydride synthesized from sebacic acid and ricinoleic acid.

Poly(anhydride) are unstable and prone to hydrolytic degradation and depolymerisation via anhydride interchange. They are stored at -20°C, packed under inert atmosphere until use. We synthesized a new poly(anhydride) from ricinoleic (RA) and sebacic (SA) acid with alternating ester-anhydride structure that is stable at 25°C for over 18months. The copolymer is also stable in chloroform solution and under γ-irradiation. The polymer hydrolyses through anhydride cleavage lasting ~7days to form oligoesters, which are stable for >30days. The release of gentamycin from the synthesized alternate polymer matrix is sustained compared to the random copolymer.

Pulmonary biodistribution and cellular uptake of intranasally administered monodisperse particles.

PURPOSE: For the rational design of nanovaccines against respiratory pathogens, careful selection of optimal particle size and chemistry is paramount. This work investigates the impact of these properties on the deposition, biodistribution, and cellular interactions of nanoparticles within the lungs. METHOD: In this work, biodegradable poly(sebacic anhydride) (poly(SA)) nanoparticles of multiple sizes were synthesized with narrow particle size distributions. The lung deposition and retention as well as the internalization by phagocytic cells of these particles were compared to that of non-degradable monodisperse polystyrene nanoparticles of similar sizes. RESULTS: The initial deposition of intranasally administered particles in the lungs was dependent on primary particle size, with maximal deposition occurring for the 360-470 nm particles, regardless of chemistry. Over time, both particle size and chemistry affected the frequency of particle-positive cells and the specific cell types taking up particles. The biodegradable poly(SA) particles associated more closely with phagocytic cells and the dynamics of this association impacted the clearance of these particles from the lung. CONCLUSIONS: The findings reported herein indicate that both size and chemistry control the fate of intranasally administered particles and that the dynamics of particle association with phagocytic cells in the lungs provide important insights for the rational design of pulmonary vaccine delivery vehicles.

Stereoselective synthesis of (2S,3R)-α-hydroxy-ß-amino acids (AHBAs): valinoctin A, (2S,3R)-3-amino-2-hydroxydecanoic acid, and a fluorescent-labeled (2S,3R)-AHBA.

We report the stereoselective synthesis of an alkynyl side-chain containing (2S,3R)-α-hydroxy-ß-amino acid ((2S,3R)-AHBA) analogues. The Cu(I)-catalyzed reactions of (R)-glyceraldehyde acetonide and dibenzylamine with terminal alkynes provided the corresponding (2S,3R)-α-amino alcohols with good-to-excellent diastereoselectivity. Subsequent chemical transformations provided easy access to the alkynyl side-chain containing (2S,3R)-AHBAs. The utility of the methodology was demonstrated by the stereoselective synthesis of valinoctin A and (2S,3R)-3-amino-2-hydroxydecanoic acid ((2S,3R)-AHDA). Photophysical properties and cell permeability of a pyrene-labeled (2S,3R)-AHBA were also determined.

Optimized enzymatic synthesis of hesperidin fatty acid esters in a two-phase system containing ionic liquid.

Response surface methodology (RSM) based on a five-level, three-variable central composite design (CCD) was employed for modeling and optimizing the conversion yield of the enzymatic acylation of hesperidin with decanoic acid using immobilized Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB) in a two-phase system containing [bmim]BF(4). The three variables studied (molar ratio of hesperidin to decanoic acid, [bmim]BF(4)/acetone ratio and lipase concentration) significantly affected the conversion yield of acylated hesperidin derivative. Verification experiments confirmed the validity of the predicted model. The lipase showed higher conversion degree in a two-phase system using [bmim]BF(4) and acetone compared to that in pure acetone. Under the optimal reaction conditions carried out in a single-step biocatalytic process when the water content was kept lower than 200 ppm, the maximum acylation yield was 53.6%.

An improved synthesis of (2S, 4S)- and (2S, 4R)-2-amino-4-methyldecanoic acids: assignment of the stereochemistry of culicinins.

An improved synthesis of (2S, 4S)- and (2S, 4R)-2-amino-4-methyldecanoic acids was accomplished using a glutamate derivative as starting material and Evans' asymmetric alkylation as the decisive step. The NMR data of the two diastereomers were measured and compared with those of the natural product. As a result, the stereochemistry of this novel amino acid unit in culicinins was assigned as (2S, 4R).

Synthesis and field tests of possible minor components of the sex pheromone of Prionus californicus.

Earlier work has shown that adult male Prionus californicus Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) are attracted to the female-produced compound (3R,5S)-3,5-dimethyldodecanoic acid, and to a synthetic mixture of the four stereoisomers of 3,5-dimethyldodecanoic acid. Here, we report the results of field trials that tested whether or not three structurally related compounds (methyl 3,5-dimethyldodecanoate, 3,5-dimethyltridecanoic acid, and 3,5-dimethylpentadecanoic acid), present in extracts of virgin females, are attractive, and whether or not they influence attraction to 3,5-dimethyldodecanoic acid. In a trial with single components, only traps baited with the acid or its methyl ester captured more beetles than did control traps; catches to the acid were five times higher than to the methyl ester. Another trial, excluding 3,5-dimethyldodecanoic acid, confirmed the activity of the methyl ester. Finally, addition of the three compounds to 3,5-dimethyldodecanoic acid, in the ratio found in extracts from female beetles, gave a catch similar to that of traps baited with 3,5-dimethyldodecanoic acid alone. Consequently, the function of these minor compounds remains undetermined.

Synthesis, antimicrobial evaluation, QSAR and in Silico ADMET studies of decanoic acid derivatives.

Various derivatives of decanoic acid (CD) have been synthesized and evaluated against Gram positive B. subtilis, S. aureus and Gram negative E. coli bacteria as well a sagainst fungi C. albicans and A. niger. Quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) models for antimicrobial activities were developed using multiple linear regression and cross validated by leave one out (LOO) approach. QSAR studies indicated that activity against Gram positive bacteria was governed by lipophilicity of the compounds while topologicalsteric nature of the molecule was deciding factor for antifungal activity. Further, in silico ADMET studies showed that compounds CD12, 19, 20 and 23 could be explored further for other activities.

Thiazolidin-4-one and hydrazone derivatives of capric acid as possible anti-inflammatory, analgesic and hydrogen peroxide-scavenging agents.

Starting from capric acid, hydrazone and thiazolidin-4-one derivatives have been synthesized in the present investigation. Decanoic acid hydrazide was reacted appropriately to yield hydrazones, which were then cyclized to yield the corresponding thiazolidin-4-ones. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were confirmed by analytical and spectral methods. Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and hydrogen peroxide-scavenging activity of the title compounds were evaluated. Among synthesized compounds, 2-hydroxyphenyl thiazolidinone with 44.90% inhibition of inflammation was the most potent anti-inflammatory agent. Similarly, 4-methoxybenzylidine hydrazide with 64.90% inhibition of writhing was observed to be the most potent analgesic agent of the synthesized compounds. All the synthesized compounds exhibited potent hydrogen peroxide-scavenging activity.

Preparation and characterization of protein-loaded polyanhydride microspheres.

Poly(1,3-bis-(p-carboxyphenoxy propane)-co-(sebacic anhydride) (P(CPP-SA)) have the anhydride bonds in copolymer backbone, which are available for degradation on the base of passive hydrolysis. This chemical structure made it degraded within a short time in linear degradation rate. For this property, polyanhydrides are one of the most suitable biodegradable polymers employed as drug carriers. This paper aimed at researching the erosion and degradation of P(CPP-SA) microspheres with CPP/SA monomer ratios of 20:80, 35:65 and 50:50. In vitro protein release from the microspheres was also investigated in this paper. Human serum albumin (HSA) was used as the model protein. In this research, the microspheres degradation and drug release rate from microspheres can be adjusted by altering the CPP/SA ratios of P(CPP-SA). The features of surface erosion were observed in SEM. The structural integrity of HSA extracted from microspheres was detected by gel permeation chromatography, compared with native HSA. The results showed HSA remained its molecule weight after encapsulated.

Identification and synthesis of a female-produced sex pheromone for the cerambycid beetle Prionus californicus.

Females of the large cerambycid beetle Prionus californicus produce a powerful sex pheromone that attracts males. The pheromone was adsorbed on solid phase microextraction (SPME) fibers inserted into the ovipositor sheath and analyzed by coupled gas chromatography-electroantennogram detection and GC-mass spectrometry. The pheromone was identified as an isomer of 3,5-dimethyldodecanoic acid by a combination of retention index comparisons and mass spectral interpretation. The mass spectrum was misleading because it exhibited enlarged fragment ions that were not representative of branch points or other obvious stabilizing structural elements. The structure was verified by synthesis of 3,5-dimethyldodecanoic acid as a mixture of all four possible isomers, and this mixture was highly attractive to male beetles in field bioassays. The SPME extracts also contained several other compounds that were tentatively identified as chain-extended homologs of the main pheromone component. This pheromone should prove useful for sampling and management of the beetle, which is an important pest of hops, and an occasional pest in a variety of orchard crops. Although this is the first female-produced pheromone to be identified from the Cerambycidae, there is considerable evidence for pheromone production by females of other species in the subfamily Prioninae. Thus, this pheromone and the associated methodology used in its identification should be useful in the identification of female-produced attractant pheromones from other members of the subfamily.

Polymer chemistry influences monocytic uptake of polyanhydride nanospheres.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate that polyanhydride copolymer chemistry affects the uptake and intracellular compartmentalization of nanospheres by THP-1 human monocytic cells. METHODS: Polyanhydride nanospheres were prepared by an anti-solvent nanoprecipitation technique. Morphology and particle diameter were confirmed via scanning election microscopy and quasi-elastic light scattering, respectively. The effects of varying polymer chemistry on nanosphere and fluorescently labeled protein uptake by THP-1 cells were monitored by laser scanning confocal microscopy. RESULTS: Polyanhydride nanoparticles composed of poly(sebacic anhydride) (SA), and 20:80 and 50:50 copolymers of 1,6-bis-(p-carboxyphenoxy)hexane (CPH) anhydride and SA were fabricated with similar spherical morphology and particle diameter (200 to 800 nm). Exposure of the nanospheres to THP-1 monocytes showed that poly(SA) and 20:80 CPH:SA nanospheres were readily internalized whereas 50:50 CPH:SA nanospheres had limited uptake. The chemistries also differentially enhanced the uptake of a red fluorescent protein-labeled antigen. CONCLUSIONS: Nanosphere and antigen uptake by monocytes can be directly correlated to the chemistry of the nanosphere. These results demonstrate the importance of choosing polyanhydride chemistries that facilitate enhanced interactions with antigen presenting cells that are necessary in the initiation of efficacious immune responses.

Biodegradable poly(polyol sebacate) polymers.

We have developed a family of synthetic biodegradable polymers that are composed of structural units endogenous to the human metabolism, designated poly(polyol sebacate) (PPS) polymers. Material properties of PPS polymers can be tuned by altering the polyol monomer and reacting stiochiometric ratio of sebacic acid. These thermoset networks exhibited tensile Young's moduli ranging from 0.37+/-0.08 to 378+/-33 MPa with maximum elongations at break from 10.90+/-1.37% to 205.16+/-55.76%, and glass transition temperatures ranging from approximately 7-46 degrees C. In vitro degradation under physiological conditions was slower than in vivo degradation rates observed for some PPS polymers. PPS polymers demonstrated similar in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility compared to poly(L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA).

Convergent synthesis of (2R,3R,8R,9R)-N-Boc-ADDA.

The convergent synthesis of N-Boc-(2R,3R,8R,9R,4E,6E)-3-amino-9-methoxy-2,6,8-trimethyl-10-phenyldecadenoic acid (enantio-N-Boc-ADDA) is reported. Our flexible approach takes advantage of highly efficient non-aldol aldol and cross-metathesis methodologies.

Hydroxy fatty acid based polyanhydride as drug delivery system: synthesis, characterization, in vitro degradation, drug release, and biocompatibility.

Low molecular weight hydroxy fatty acid based polyanhydrides were synthesized by one pot method, a variable of typical melt-condensation and characterized by FTIR, NMR, DSC, and GPC. Polymer degrades by both surface and bulk erosion as trailed by weight loss, anhydride loss and surface morphology. Control over drug release was accessed with drugs featuring different aqueous solubility, that is, methotrexate (hydrophobic) and 5-fluorouracil (hydrophilic). Effect of loading, at 5, 10, and 20% w/w of methotrexate on release profiles was also studied and negligible effect was discovered. Biocompatibility of polymers was evaluated in SD rats after SC injection of the polymer. Histopathology revealed initial inflammation of the tissues near the injection site however healed with time. Overall, these polymers were found good to control the release of the entrapped drug and were found biocompatible in preliminary in vivo study. Due to their low melting temperatures they can be injected locally (SC or intratumorally) to from regional in situ depot and have a great potential as a drug carrier for localized delivery of anticancer drugs.

A very simple synthesis of GlcNAc-alpha-pyrophosphoryl-decanol: a substrate for the assay of a bacterial galactosyltransferase.

Lipid-linked sugar pyrophosphates, such as GlcNAc-pyrophosphoryl undecaprenol, are important intermediates in the biosynthesis of cell-surface bacterial polysaccharides. It was recently demonstrated that much simpler lipids could substitute for undecaprenol while retaining biological activity, thus making efficient synthetic access to this class of compounds highly desirable. In order to facilitate the synthesis of pure substrates for bacterial glycosyltransferases, we have developed a simple 'two-pot' synthesis which we demonstrate here for GlcNAc-alpha-pyrophosphoryl-decanol (4). GlcNAc pyrophosphate, produced by mild periodate oxidation/beta-elimination of commercial UDP-GlcNAc, is alkylated using 1-iododecane to yield the target compound 4 in 39% yield. Compound 4 is shown to be an efficient acceptor for a bacterial galactosyltransferase.

Synthesis of 2-amino-8-oxodecanoic acids (Aodas) present in natural hystone deacetylase inhibitors.

[reaction: see text] Differently substituted 2-amino-8-oxodecanoic acids (Aodas), present in naturally occurring inhibitors of hystone deacetylase (HDAC), have been prepared using a convergent approach. The configuration in position 2 was derived from enantiomerically pure allylglycine or glutamic acid, whereas the stereochemistry of the substituent in position 9 derived from lactic acid or glyceraldehyde derivatives. Starting from allylglycine, (S)-Aodas, protected at the nitrogen as Boc or Fmoc, were obtained in four steps in about 30% overall yield. These products have been used to prepare a simplified analogue of a natural cyclic tetrapeptide HDAC inhibitor by SPPS.

Supercritical fluid crystallization of griseofulvin: crystal habit modification with a selective growth inhibitor.

Poly (sebacic anhydride) (PSA) was used as a growth inhibitor to selectively modify habit of griseofulvin crystals formed via the Precipitation with a compressed-fluid antisolvent (PCA) process. PSA and griseofulvin were coprecipitated within a PCA injector, which provided efficient mixing between the solution and compressed antisolvent process streams. Griseofulvin crystal habit was modified from acicular to bipyramidal when the mass ratio of PSA/griseofulvin in the solution feed stream was

Poly(ester-anhydride):poly(beta-amino ester) micro- and nanospheres: DNA encapsulation and cellular transfection.

Poly(ester-anhydride) delivery devices allow flexibility regarding carrier dimensions (micro- versus nanospheres), degradation rate (anhydride versus ester hydrolysis), and surface labeling (through the anhydride functional unit), and were therefore tested for DNA encapsulation and transfection of a macrophage P388D1 cell line. Poly(l-lactic acid-co-sebacic anhydride) and poly(l-lactic acid-co-adipic anhydride) were synthesized through melt condensation, mixed with 25 wt.% poly(beta-amino ester), and formulated with plasmid DNA (encoding firefly luciferase) into micro- and nanospheres using a double emulsion/solvent evaporation technique. The micro- and nanospheres were then characterized (size, morphology, zeta potential, DNA release) and assayed for DNA encapsulation and cellular transfection over a range of poly(ester-anhydride) copolymer ratios. Poly(ester-anhydride):poly(beta-amino ester) composite microspheres (6-12 microm) and nanospheres (449-1031 nm), generated with copolymers containing between 0 and 25% total polyanhydride content, encapsulated plasmid DNA (>or=20% encapsulation efficiency). Within this polyanhydride range, poly(adipic anhydride) copolymers provided DNA encapsulation at an increased anhydride content (10%, microspheres; 10-25%, nanospheres) compared to poly(sebacic anhydride) copolymers (1%, microspheres and nanospheres) with cellular transfection correlating with the observed DNA encapsulation.