Based on reactions with two flavanones, three flavonols, and five flavones the regioselectivities of twelve human UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) isozymes were elucidated. The various flavonoid glucuronides were differentiated based on LC-MS/MS fragmentation patterns of [Co(II)(flavonoid – H)(4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline)2]+ complexes generated upon post-column complexation. Glucuronide distributions were evaluated to allow a systematic assessment of the regioselectivity of each isozyme. The various UGT enzymes, including eight UGT1A and four UGT2B, displayed a remarkable range of selectivities, both in terms of the positions of glucuronidation and relative reactivity with flavanones, flavonols and flavones. The UGT1A enzyme selectivities are affected by the presence of a hydroxyl group at the 3, 6, 4’, or 3’ positions as well as by the presence of a methoxy at the 3’ position. The UGT2B enzymes show poor to no reactivity with the flavonols or flavones. This result implies that the greater planarity of the flavonols and flavones compared to structure of flavanones inhibits interaction with the UGT2 enzymes. For baicalein and scutellarein, three of the UGT1A isozymes (1A8, 1A9, and 1A10) resulted in the formation of 6-O glucuronides, enabling the fragmentation rules for the metal complexation/MS/MS strategy to be expanded. / text

Although iron occurs at extremely low concentrations in the world’s oceans, it is essential for all living organisms. It is the limiting nutrient in High Nutrient Low Chlorophyll (HNLC) areas of the ocean, and exerts critically important influences on levels of atmospheric CO2 and the global carbon cycle. Understanding the chemical processes that govern the fluxes and biogeochemistry of oceanic iron requires thorough assessment of the aqueous physical chemistry of iron and analytical techniques capable of measuring iron at sub-nanomolar concentration measurements. This dissertation extends prior work on the physical and analytical chemistry of iron through (a) investigation of the complexation of iron by silicate in aqueous solutions, (b) investigation the solubility of ferric hydroxide using spectrophotometric procedures over a wide range of pH (c) utilization of novel in-situ instrumentation for iron measurements in seawater. Previous investigations of ferric iron complexation by silicate ions (SiO(OH)-3) included no measurements at ionic strengths greater than 0.15 molal and produced formation constant estimates at zero ionic strength that differed by more than a factor of two. In this work ferric silicate formation constants were measured at ionic strengths of 0.1, 0.3 and 0.7 molal by ultraviolet absorbance spectroscopy. The dependence of the ferric silicate formation constant on ionic strength at 25° C, summarized using the Bronsted-Guggenheim-Scatchard specific ion interaction (SIT) model, indicated that the ionic strength dependence of the ferric silicate formation constant, (written as Si ∗β1 = [FeSiO(OH)23+][H+][Fe3+]-1[Si(OH)04]-1) can be expressed as: log Si *β1 = (-0.125 ± 0.042) - (2.036 I0.5)/(1+ 1.5I0.5) + (0.588 ± 0.094) I. The result obtained at zero ionic strength is in good agreement with the average result obtained in four previous studies, but with a substantially reduced level of uncertainty. The solubility of ferric iron in aqueous sodium perchlorate solutions at the ionic strength of seawater was determined by use of novel automated spectrophotometric procedures. Two colorimetric measurement chemistries were utilized to measure dissolved ferric iron concentrations in equilibrium with precipitated amorphous ferric hydroxide over a range of pH between 4.0 and 12.0. Soluble iron concentrations decreased from approximately 3.2 micromolar at pH 4.0 to subnanomolar levels between pH 7.5 and 9.5, and rose to approximately 0.1 micromolar at pH 12. The results of this investigation were in good agreement with solubility results obtained in previous investigations of iron solubility in seawater at circumneutral pH, and previous results obtained in sodium chloride at high pH, but differed from previous results obtained in sodium chloride between pH 7 and pH 9. In view of the agreement between solubility results obtained in seawater and sodium perchlorate (this work) and, in contrast, results in sodium chloride that were more than an order of magnitude lower than were obtained in seawater and sodium perchlorate, it is advisable that further solubility investigations are performed in sodium chloride solutions. The iron measurement procedures developed for the investigation of ferric iron solubility were incorporated in an in situ spectrophotometric instrument. The Spectrophometric Elemental Analysis System (SEAS) utilizes long pathlength absorbance spectrometry (LPAS) combined with colorimetric protocols to achieve the sensitivity required to measure analytes at nanomolar concentration levels. The M-SEAS was initially tested on cruises in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico in June 2013 and November 2013. Due to limited opportunity for deployments of M-SEAS during these cruises, iron concentration data was obtained from only three casts. During these casts the heater pressure vessel flooded due to a compromised seal, causing the temperature of both channels to be strongly affected by ambient seawater. Further measurements of iron with the M-SEAS instrument in profiling mode will require an engineering analysis and redesign of the faulty seal. The international GEOTRACES program has stated that an improved understanding of the biogeochemical cycles and largescale distributions of trace-elements and isotopes will inform many areas of environmental research, from climate science to planning for future global change. As the only instrument currently capable of continuous in situ measurements of iron, the M-SEAS instrument should greatly enhance capabilities for investigation of iron biogeochemistry.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the potential usefulness of tubulin inhibitors when complexed with hydroxypropyl-â-cyclodextrin (ÇPâCD) against a range of protozoan parasites. This approach involved investigations into the complexation of these drugs with ÇPâCD, and subsequent investigations of these drugs and their complexes in regard to cytotoxicity, pharmacokinetics, in vitro efficacy against Giardia, Cryptosporidium and rodent malaria (Plasmodium chabaudi), and their in vivo efficacy against Giardia and malaria. Albendazole (ABZ) is a benzimidazole carbamate with a broad anti-parasite spectrum, while the dinitroanilines trifluralin (TF) and oryzalin (OZ) have recently been found to exhibit activity against certain parasites. All three compounds are microtubule antagonists in either nematodes or weeds and have poor aqueous solubility, with the solubility of ABZ and OZ dependent on pH. Cyclodextrins (CD) have a hydrophobic cavity that allows them to form inclusion complexes with hydrophobic drugs, resulting in increased drug aqueous solubility, and often, improved drug dissolution and bioavailability. Thus the complexation of these drugs with ÇPâCD was investigated. All three compounds exhibited type AL phase solubility diagrams with ÇPâCD complexation, with additional increases in ABZ and OZ solubility achieved through the manipulation of temperature and pH. OZ displayed a stronger interaction with ÇPâCD when ionised over its neutral form. However, insufficient concentrations of the TF/ÇPâCD complex were achieved for drug efficacy studies. The cytotoxicity of the drugs and their complexes was assessed using the assay kit Cytotox 96 with human carcinoma cells. This is a colourimetric assay that measures lactate dehydrogenase release as a consequence of compromised cellular and membrane integrity. Both ABZ and OZ are cytotoxic to rapidly proliferating and differentiating cells but are not cytotoxic to cells in the stationary phase. Complexation did not affect drug cytotoxicity. In pharmacokinetic studies, complexation improved ABZ (and metabolites) bioavailability, but had no significant affect on OZ bioavailability. In vitro drug assessment studies found ABZ to be highly effective against Giardia, and effectiveagainst Cryptosporidium and malaria. OZ on the other hand exhibited no activity against Giardia, but was effective against Cryptosporidium and malaria. Complexation did not improve the antiprotozoal efficacy of either ABZ or OZ. In particular, excess ÇPâCD decreased the antigiardial effects of ABZ, possibly due to competitive complex formation. In addition, complexation did not improve the antiprotozoal effects of ABZ in vivo. However, the cytotoxic effect of the ABZ/ÇPâCD complex was more evident in the treatment of malaria in vivo, resulting in increased anaemia and suppression in weight gain, due to the improved bioavailability of ABZ and metabolites. ÇPâCD alone was found to be cytotoxic at greater than 2.5%, and inhibited Giardia both in vitro and in vivo at greater than 1% and 2% respectively. This was attributed to membrane disruption caused by the dissolution and removal of membrane components. In comparison, malaria grew better in the presence of ÇPâCD in vitro, with no detrimental effect observed at up to 8% ÇPâCD. This was attributed to either the increased solubilization of a necessary media component, or the complexation and removal of an inhibitory compound from the cultivation medium. Therefore ÇPâCD complexation did not improve the antiprotozoal activity of the tubulin antagonists ABZ and OZ. However, the results of the pharmacokinetic studies suggest that anthelmintic activity of ABZ, particularly against systemic infections, may be improved with oral administration of the ABZ/ÇPâCD complex. In addition, the antiparasitic activity of ÇPâCD alone may be promising, especially against intestinal infections. Finally, the improved in vitro cultivation of P. chabaudi in the presence of ÇPâCD presents a promising approach to its potential long term cultivation.

Introdução: A Galectina-1 (Gal-1) é uma proteína multifuncional capaz de reconhecer, de modo específico, glicanas compostas por resíduos de -galactosídeos, por meio de domínios de reconhecimento de carboidrato (CRD). A Gal-1 é um homodímero de 14.900 daltons, pI = 5.6, apresenta uma topologia molecular do tipo jelly-roll composto por duas folhas- anti-paralelas. Além disso, esta proteína não apresenta peptídeo sinal e possui 6 cisteínas, 7 ácidos glutâmicos, 9 ácidos aspárticos e 4 histinas por monômero. A Gal-1 liga-se a diferentes moléculas biológicas contidas nas superfícies celulares, núcleo e componentes da matriz extracelular. O zinco é um importante metal em sistemas biológicos. Aproximadamente 10% do proteoma humano é potencialmente capaz de complexar zinco. Este íon exibe propriedades adequadas tanto para funções catalíticas, quanto estruturais em proteínas. Os sítios de ligação a zinco, nas proteínas, podem ser divididos em catalíticos, estruturais, co-catalíticos e sítios na interface protéica. Geralmente, os resíduos de cisteína, histidina, ácido glutâmico e ácido aspártico são alvos preferênciais de interação com Zn. Há na literatura dados que mostram a interação da Gal-1 humana com íons orgânicos, porém não há relatos sobre a interação Gal-1/Zn . Objetivos: O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a existência e as implicações da interação entre o íon Zn2+ e a proteína Gal-1. Materiais e Métodos: Foi efetuada a produção, purificação e padronização do uso das formas dimérica e monomérica da Gal-1 recombinante humana. A interação Gal-1/Zn foi avaliada através de ensaios biofísicos e biológicos. A análise in vitro e in silico dos paramêtros biofísicos, foi feita através de espectrofluorimetria, de dicroísmo circular, de ensaio de precipitação, do método GRID e por dinâmica molecular. A análise in vitro dos parâmetros biológicos, foi realizada por meio de ensaio de hemaglutinação e interação com laminina por ELISA. Resultados e Discussão: A adição de ZnCl2 numa solução de Gal-1 causa aumento da emissão por fluorescência do triptofano e uma alteração para o vermelho, altera o espectro de dicroísmo circular e causa precipitação protéica da Gal-1. Estes eventos ocorreram de forma seletiva e dependente da concentração desse íon. As análises in silico indicam que o provável sítio de complexação Zn/Gal-1 é distinto do CRD e é formado pelos aminoácidos Glu-15, Asp-92 e Asp-134, assumindo a conformação trigonal bipiramidal e tendo número de coordenação igual a 5. Conclusão: As análises biofísicas in vitro e in silico, nos indicam que a Galectina-1 tem a capacidade de se complexar com o íon Zn2+. / Introduction: Galectin-1 (Gal-1) is a multifunctional protein that specifically recognizes glycans with -galactosides through carbohydrate recognition domains (CRD). Gal-1 is a homodimeric protein of 14.900daltons, pI=5.6, shows a jelly-roll molecular topology composed of two anti-parallels - sheet, has no signal peptide and contains 6 cysteines, 7 glutamic acids, 9 aspartic acids and 4 histidines per monomer. This lectin binds to different biological molecules contained in the cell surface, nucleus and extracellular matrix components. Zinc is an important metal in biological systems because can participate in the maintenance of protein structure and biological activity. Usually, cysteine , histidine, glutamic acid and aspartic acid residues are preferential targets for interaction with Zn. Approximately 10% of the human proteome is potentially capable to forming complexes with Zn. The Zn2+ ion exhibits properties suitable for both catalytic and structural protein functions. Proteins zinc binding sites can be divided into catalytic, structural, co-catalytic and protein interface sites.There are reports in the literature that shows the interaction between galectin-1 and organic ions. However, were not found reports about Zn-Gal-1 complexes. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the existence and implications of the interaction between galectin-1 and Zn2+ ion. Materials and Methods: Human recombinant Gal-1 (monomer and dimmer) was obtained and purified. Also, the conditions for the use of Gal-1 were standardized. The interaction Zn/Gal-1 was assessed by biophysical an biological procedures. The analysis in vitro and in silico was made by spectrofluorimetry, circular dichroism, precipitation test, method of GRID, and molecular dynamics. The in vitro analysis of biological parameters were performed by hemmaglutination and laminin binding (ELISA) tests. Results and Discussion: The addition of ZnCl2 in Gal-1 solution causes increased fluorescence emission of tryptophan-70 and a red shift, alters the circular dichroism spectrum and causes precipitation of Gal-1 protein. These events occurred in a selective manner dependent of Zinc concentration. The in silico analysis indicates that the probable site of Zn/Gal-1 complexation is distinct from the CRD and is formed by the amino acids Glu-15, Asp-92 and Asp-134, assuming trigonal bipyramidal conformation and with coordination number equal to 5 . Conclusion: The biophysical in vitro and in silico findings suggests that Galectin-1 has the ability to complex with the Zn2+ ion.

La compréhension du transfert des polluants et leurs mobilités dans les sols permet une meilleure approche des risques environnementaux. Elle nécessite une bonne caractérisation du substrat recevant le polluant, la connaissance de l’état de spéciation du polluant et des mécanismes de rétention mis en place : sorption, précipitation, complexation. Les mécanismes de transfert de l’arsenic (As) et du chrome (Cr) sur un substrat naturel sont étudiés dans le cadre de cette thèse. Le substrat, issu de la formation géologique de Gault, est composé majoritairement de quartz, mica et d’argile (Illite, Smectite, Kaolinite) avec la présence d’oxyde de fer sous forme de goethite. La méthodologie expérimentale repose sur une gamme de tests variée de type batch de sorption/désorption, DGT (Diffusif Gradient in Thin film), extractions séquentielles, colonnes. Un modèle géochimique de complexation de surface (MCS) est également mis en place pour approfondir la compréhension de la sorption d’As et du Cr. Les résultats montrent une rétention importante d’As (V) via des mécanismes de sorptions spécifiques sur les argiles et les oxydes de fer du substrat ainsi qu’une forte sensibilité de la sorption à la présence de phosphates dans le milieu. La sorption de Cr (VI) sur le substrat est faible. La rétention de Cr est donc soumise au processus de réduction de Cr (VI) en Cr (III), Cr (III) étant thermodynamiquement stable sous forme précipité dans une large gamme de pH-Eh. L’utilisation du MCS comme outil prédictif nécessite la levée de certains freins, liés aux systèmes complexes, mais permet de confirmer les hypothèses émissent à partir des résultats expérimentaux. / The understanding of the transfer of pollutants from solution to soil and their mobility improve environmental risks assessment. A detailed substrate characterization, good knowledge of speciation state and mechanisms of retention (sorption, precipitation, complexation) is necessary. Transfer mechanisms of arsenic (As) and chromium (Cr) on a natural substrate are studied in this thesis. The substrate,extracted from the Gault geological formation, is mainly composed of quartz, mica and clay (illite, smectite, kaolinite) and we noted a little part of iron oxide as goethite. The experimental methodology is based on a wide range of test: sorption and desorption batch, DGT (diffusive gradient in Thin Film), sequential extractions, columns. A geochemical model surface complexation (MSC) is constructed to access of the speciation of As and Cr on aqueous and solid phase. The results show a significant retention of As (V) on clay and goethite with specific sorption and a high sensitivity of As sorption in presence of phosphate. Sorption of Cr (VI) on the substrate is low. Retention of Cr depends on the reduction process of Cr (VI) to Cr (III), whose precipitates are thermodynamically stables on a wide range of pH-Eh. Use of MSC as a predictive tool requires further investigation but MCS can confirms the assumptions from experimental results.

Les métalloprotéases de la matrice extracellulaire (MMPs) sont une famille d’enzymes responsables de la dégradation de la matrice extracellulaire. Elles jouent un rôle important à tous les stades du développement tumoral, de la prolifération des cellules cancéreuses à l’émission de métastases. Elles sont donc une cible biologique de choix pour contrôler ou imager les processus tumoraux. Dans le travail présenté, nous avons développé de nouveaux substrats fluorescents sélectifs et spécifiques des MMPs, qui ont permis de suivre l’activité protéolytique de ces enzymes. Ces substrats sont stables en présence de plasma. Nous avons entrepris des études de complexation afin d’intégrer ces substrats d’un nouveau genre dans des systèmes supramoléculaire de libération contrôlée de principe actif. / Abstract

Novel cage-functionalized azacrown ethers, i.e. 51, 52, 53, 55, 57, 61 and 62, which have various crown cavity and different number of nitrogen atoms incorporated, have been prepared. X-ray structures of 53, 55 and 57 have been obtained for the study of the crown topological structure. The complexation properties of crown 51, 52, 57, 61 and 62 have been evaluated via alkali metal picrate extraction, silver picrate extraction and ESI-MS study. The novel cage-fuctionalized azacrown ethers generally exhibit high avidity and selectivity towards Ag+ versus alkali metal ions and some transition metals i.e. Cu2+, Mn2+, Zn2+, Ni2+ and Pb2+. Crown 61 displays significant avidity and selectivity toward K+ in alkali metal picrate extraction experiments vis-à-vis the remaining alkali metal picrates. Three types of ditopic ion-exchange receptors for sodium hydroxide extraction study have been designed. All of the crown ether molecules have proper cavity for selective sodium complexation and have weakly acidic ionizable alcohols for sodium-proton exchange under strongly basic conditions. Crown 80 and 81 were synthesized; key intermediates for the synthesis of crown 82, 83 and 84 have been prepared. The preparation of 99 afforded an unexpected crown 103. The preparation of 109 had been attempted, but could not be successfully isolated. Four novel cage-functionalized calix[4]arene crown-5, i.e. 113-116, have been synthesized. The structures of 113 and 116 have been established by X-ray crystal structural analysis and NMR spectral analysis. The complexation properties of the four ionic receptors have been studied via alkali metal picrate extraction experiments. Crown 115 and 116 display more than modest avidity toward alkali metal ions and are most selective toward K+ vis-à-vis 113 and 114.

Humic acids have high ability to form stable complexes with copper ions, which influences their toxicity in environment. Fluorescent properties of sodium salt of humic acid, humate, isolated from South Moravian lignite, and its complexation behaviour with copper ions were investigated using emission, excitation and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy. Both fluorescence emission and synchronous fluorescence spectra showed that humate form complex with copper since fluorescence intensity was quenched upon addition of copper ions to the humate samples. The aim of the diploma thesis was to found applicable ion concentration to observation fluorescence quenching and to determine the main fluorophore, which is affected by complexation through the use of synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy.

RES³T - the Rossendorf Expert System for Surface and Sorption Thermodynamics - is a digitized thermodynamic sorption database, implemented as a relational database. It is mineral-specific and can therefore also be used for additive models of more complex solid phases such as rocks or soils. An integrated user interface helps users to access selected mineral and sorption data, to extract internally consistent data sets for sorption modeling, and to export them into formats suitable for other modeling software. Data records comprise of mineral properties, specific surface area values, characteristics of surface binding sites and their protolysis, sorption ligand information, and surface complexation reactions. An extensive bibliography is also included, providing links not only to the above listed data items, but also to background information concerning surface complexation model theories, surface species evidence, and sorption experiment techniques. The RES³T database is intended for an international use. This requires high standards in availability, consistency and actuality. Therefore the authors of the database decided to couple the database onto an authorization tool.

Objectives Glyburide, an important drug for type 2 diabetes, has extremely poor aqueous solubility and resulting low bioavailability. This study describes the ability of hydroxybutenyl-β-cyclodextrin (HBenBCD) to form complexes with glyburide, with enhanced solubility and dissolution rate in vitro. Method Glyburide and glyburide-HBenBCD were evaluated in various test media known to simulate human gastrointestinal conditions in the fasted and fed states, respectively. Key findings At ~14 wt% drug load, in the presence of HBenBCD, an almost 400-fold increase in glyburide aqueous solubility was observed. In the presence of HBenBCD, glyburide solubility was also significantly improved in all physiologically relevant test media. Subsequent dissolution experiments confirmed the solubility study results; the dissolution rate and total amount of drug released were significantly increased. Conclusions Complexation with HBenBCD may be an effective way to increase the bioavailability of glyburide.