Self-assembled solvato-morphologically controlled photochromic crystals.

Here we describe, for the first time, intriguing solvato-morphological control of spiropyran-based microcrystalline structures. These microstructures exhibit reversible photoisomerization upon light irradiation (UV/Vis) in the solid-state. Finally, light-guided aggregation of these microstructures at the liquid/air interface is also demonstrated.

Polymerisation and surface modification of methacrylate monoliths in polyimide channels and polyimide coated capillaries using 660 nm light emitting diodes.

An investigation into the preparation of monolithic separation media utilising a cyanine dye sensitiser/triphenylbutylborate/N-methoxy-4-phenylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate initiating system activated by 660 nm light emitting diodes is reported. The work demonstrates multiple uses of red-light initiated polymerisation in the preparation of monolithic stationary phases within polyimide and polyimide coated channels and the modification of monolithic materials with molecules which absorb strongly in the UV region. This initiator complex was used to synthesise poly(butyl methacrylate-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) and poly(methyl methacrylate-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) monolithic stationary phases in polyimide coated fused silica capillaries of varying internal diameters, as well as within polyimide micro-fluidic chips. The repeatability of the preparation procedure and resultant monolithic structure was demonstrated with a batch of poly(butyl methacrylate-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) monoliths in 100 µm i.d. polyimide coated fused silica capillary, which were applied to the separation of a model protein mixture (ribonuclease A, cytochrome C, myoglobin and ovalbumin). Taking an average from 12 chromatograms originating from each batch, the maximum relative standard deviation of the retention factor (k) for the protein separations was recorded as 0.53%, the maximum variance for the selectivity factor (α) was 0.40% while the maximum relative standard deviation in peak resolution was 8.72%. All maxima were recorded for the Ribonuclease A/Cytochrome C peaks. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the success of experiments in which poly(butyl methacrylate-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) monoliths were prepared using the same initiation approach in capillary and micro-fluidic chips, respectively. The initiating system was also applied to the photo-initiated grafting of a chromophoric monomer onto poly(butyl methacrylate-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) monoliths within poly(tetrafluoroethylene) coated fused silica capillaries.

Cinnamaldehydes inhibit thioredoxin reductase and induce Nrf2: potential candidates for cancer therapy and chemoprevention.

Trans-cinnamaldehyde (CA) and its analogs 2-hydroxycinnamaldehyde and 2-benzoyloxycinnamaldehyde have been reported to possess antitumor activity. CA is also a known Nrf2 activator. In this study, a series of ortho-substituted cinnamaldehyde analogs was synthesized and screened for antiproliferative and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR)-inhibitory activities. Whereas CA was weakly cytotoxic and TrxR inhibiting, hydroxy and benzoyloxy substitutions resulted in analogs with enhanced antiproliferative activity paralleling increased potency in TrxR inactivation. A novel analog, 5-fluoro-2-hydroxycinnamaldehyde, was identified as exhibiting the strongest antitumor effect (GI(50) 1.6 microM in HCT 116 cells) and TrxR inhibition (IC(50) 7 microM, 1 h incubation with recombinant TrxR). CA and its 2-hydroxy- and 2-benzoyloxy-substituted analogs possessed dual TrxR-inhibitory and Nrf2-inducing effects, both attributed to an active Michael acceptor pharmacophore. At lethal concentrations, TrxR-inhibitory potencies correlated with the compounds' antiproliferative activities. The penultimate C-terminal selenocysteine residue was shown to be a possible target. Conversely, at sublethal concentrations, these agents induced an adaptive antioxidant response through Nrf2-mediated upregulation of phase II enzymes, including TrxR induction. We conclude from the results obtained that TrxR inactivation contributes at least partly to cinnamaldehyde cytotoxicity. These Michael acceptor molecules can potentially be exploited for use in different concentrations in chemotherapeutic and chemopreventive strategies.

Structure-activity analysis of 2'-modified cinnamaldehyde analogues as potential anticancer agents.

The natural product 2'-hydroxycinnamaldehyde (HCA) and its analogue, 2'-benzoyloxycinnamaldehyde (BCA), have been previously shown to have antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects in vitro and inhibit tumor growth in vivo. In this study, we use structure-activity analysis to define structural features that are important for the activity of cinnamaldehyde analogues. Our results emphasize an important role for both the propenal group as well as the modification at the 2'-position. Further studies were aimed to characterize the mechanism of action of BCA. Exposure to BCA induced cell death via caspase-dependent and -independent pathways. Cell death was not due to autophagy or necrosis as a result of energy depletion or induction of reactive oxygen species. Our findings have important implications for future drug design and highlight the importance of defining molecular drug targets for this promising class of potential anticancer agents.