A.E. Aliaga

SERS and theoretical studies of arginine.

Arginine amino acid (Arg) has been vibrationally studied through its infrared, Raman and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra, and theoretical calculations. Net charge is used to predict the possibility to obtain the SERS spectrum of Arg in colloidal solution. The interpretation of the SERS spectral data suggests that the Arg-Ag nanoparticles interaction in a colloidal solution and in the case of the Arg coated by Ag is mainly verified through the guanidinium moiety. Theoretical calculations performed by using extended Hückel theory method for a model of Arg interacting with an Ag cluster support the observed SERS experimental result.

Functionalization of Ag nanoparticles with the bis-acridinium lucigenin as a chemical assembler in the detection of persistent organic pollutants by surface-enhanced Raman scattering.

Organochlorine pesticide endosulfan has been detected for the first time by using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) at trace concentrations. The bis-acridinium dication lucigenine was successfully used as a molecular assembler in the functionalization of metal nanoparticles to facilitate the approach of the pesticide to the metal surface. From the SERS spectra valuable information about the interaction mechanism between the pesticide and lucigenin can be deduced. In fact, endosulfan undergoes an isomerization upon adsorption onto the metal, while the viologen undergoes a rotation of the acridinium planes to better accommodate the pesticide molecule. An interaction between the N atom of the central acridinium ring and the pesticide Cl-CC-Cl fragment is verified through a charge-transfer complex. The present study affords important information which can be applied to the design of chemical sensor systems of persistent organic pollutants based on the optical detection on functionalized metal nanoparticle.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering and theoretical studies of the C-terminal peptide of the β-subunit human chorionic gonadotropin without linked carbohydrates.

Raman and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of the synthetic carboxy terminal peptide of human chorionic gonadatropin β-subunit free of carbohydrate moieties(P37) are reported. The spectral analysis is performed on the basis of our reported Raman spectrum and SERS data of oligopeptides displaying selected amino acids sequences MRKDV, ADEDRDA, and LGRGISL. SERS samples of P37 were prepared by coating the solid peptide with metal colloids on a quartz slide. This treatment makes possible to obtain high spectral batch to batch reproducibility. Amino acids components of P37 display net charges and hydrophobic characteristics, which are related to particular structural aspects of the adsorbate-substrate interaction. The spectroscopic results are supported by quantum chemical calculations performed by using extended Hückel theory method for a model of P37 interacting with an Ag surface. The P37-metal interaction is drove by positively charged fragments of selected amino acids,mainly threonine 109, lysine 122, and arginine in positions 114 and 133. Data here reported intend to contribute to the knowledge about the antigen-antibody interaction and to the drugs delivery research area

Immunodominant role of CCHA subunit of Concholepas hemocyanin is associated with unique biochemical properties.

Hemocyanin, the oxygen transporter metallo-glycoprotein from mollusks, shows strong relationship between its notable structural features and intrinsic immunomodulatory effects. Here we investigated the individual contribution of CCHA and CCHB subunits from Concholepas hemocyanin (CCH) to in vivo humoral immune response and their pre-clinical evaluation as immunotherapeutic agent in a mice bladder cancer model, in relation to their biochemical properties. To this end, subunits were purified and well characterized. Homogeneous subunits were obtained by anionic exchange chromatography, and its purity assessed by electrophoretic and immunochemical methods. While each CCH subunit contains eight functional units showing partial cross reaction, the vibrational spectral analysis showed several spectral differences, suggesting structural differences between them. In addition, we demonstrated differences in the carbohydrate content: CCHA had a 3.6% w/w sugar with both N- and O-linked moieties. In turn, CCHB had a 2.5% w/w sugar with N-linked, while O-linked moieties were nearly absent. Considering these differences, it was not possible to predict a priori whether the immunogenic and immunotherapeutic properties of subunits might be similar. Surprisingly, both subunits by itself induced a humoral response, and showed an antitumor effect in the bladder carcinoma cell line MBT-2. However, when immunologic parameters were analyzed, CCHA showed better efficiency than CCHB. No allergic reactions or any toxic effects were observed in mice treated with CCHA, sustaining its potential therapeutic use. Our study supports that CCHA subunit accounts for the most important features involved in the immunogenicity of CCH, such as better hydrophilicity and higher content of carbohydrates.

Raman study of the shockwave effect on collagens.

The Raman spectra (1800-200 cm(-1)) of isolated dried collagen types I and III were recorded at different times after shockwave (SW) application in aqueous media. SWs were applied in a single session. One week after the SW application the vibrational data analysis indicates changes in the conformation of the collagens; orientational changes are also inferred. During the next three weeks collagens tended to recover the conformation and orientation existing before SW application.

Interaction of the CLPFFD peptide with gold nanospheres. A Raman, surface enhanced Raman scattering and theoretical study

In a previous work we demonstrated that toxic aggregates of the protein β-amyloid (ATAβ) involved in the Alzheimers disease (AD) can be destabilized upon electromagnetic irradiation of the peptide Cys-Leu-Pro-Phe-Phe-Asp (CLPFFD) adsorbed on gold nanospheres (AuNSs). For a selective recognition of the therapeutic target (i.e. ATAβ) of AD by the conjugates peptide-nanoparticle it is relevant to understand how the interaction between attached ligands and nanoparticles occurs. In this work a surface enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy (SERS) study of the interactions of CLPFFD with AuNSs of 10nm average diameter was carried out. The SERS data suggest that phenylalanine displays its aromatic ring coplanar to the surface which is supported by theoretical data obtained from molecular mechanics (MM) and Extended Hückel Theory (EHT) calculations.

Surface enhanced Raman scattering study of the antioxidant alkaloid boldine using prismatic silver nanoparticles.

Prismatic silver nanoparticles (PNps) were used in the surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) study of the antioxidant alkaloid boldine (5,6,6a,7-tetrahydro-1,10-dimethoxy-6-methyl-4H-dibenzo[de,g]quinoline-2,9-diol). Prismatic and quasi-spherical (QsNps) silver nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized by UV-Vis spectra, topographic profile (AFM) and zeta potential measurements. Raman and infrared (IR) spectra of the boldine were registered. Theoretical model calculations of the boldine onto the Ag surface predict a nearly coplanar orientation of the benzo[de]quinoline moiety and non-bonded interactions (electrostatic).

MICRO-RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY OF DECORATED POTTERY OF THE DIAGUITA CULTURE FROM IV REGION, CHILE (9TH-15TH CENTURY AD)

ABSTRACT Raman spectroscopy pigments on decorated antique Chilean pottery belonging to the Diaguita`s culture deposited in Museum of Limari, have been studied by using Raman spectroscopy. Four ceramic fragments from the unknown contexts were examined. Four colors were found with certainty: red, black, brown and white. Quartz and manganese (kempite) salts, as well as different types of oxide pigments: hematite, tenorite and possibly goethite, were identified. Keywords: Raman spectroscopy; pigment analysis; archaeometry; Diaguita ceramics e-mail: guillermodiaz@upla.cl INTRODUCTION The knowledge of the materials involved in artistic and cultural heritage, allows a better understanding of our civilization, and an improvement of the restoration and conservation methods. But, until recently, the study of works of art remained mainly the concern of research by art historians because the scientific techniques required a quantity of materials unacceptable for the integrity of the works. In fact, spectroscopic analyses are the most frequently used methods in the field of cultural heritage

Vibrational and scaled quantum chemical study of O,O-dimethyl S-methylcarbamoylmethyl phosphorodithioate, dimethoate

Infrared and Raman spectra of O,O-dimethyl S-methylcarbamoylmethylphosphorodithioate, dimethoate, have been recorded. Density functional theory, DFT, with the B3LYP functional was used for the optimization of the ground state geometry and simulation of the infrared and Raman spectra of this molecule. Calculated geometrical parameters fit very well with the experimental ones. Based on the recorded data, the DFT results and a normal coordinate analysis based on a scaled quantum mechanical (SQM) force field approach, a complete vibrational assignment was made for the first time.

Structure correlation of silylated dicarboxylic acid monomer and its respective oligomeric polyamide-imide using experimental and theoretical vibrational spectra

ABSTRACT Correlation between theoretical and experimental (infrared and Raman spectroscopies) vibrational spectra of two compounds, both with a silyl group present in their main chain and with an optically active structure (L-valine) as side group, was performed. These compounds are based in a chiral dicarboxylic acid monomer and its respective polyamide-imide, oligomer that was previously synthesized by a direct polycondensation. Spectra were recorded in the region comprised between 500 and 4000 cm−1 for infrared and Raman analysis. The Raman spectra were obtained through a 1064 nm laser as excitation source. Theoretical models were carried out in order to find the optimal molecular geometry of the analyzed systems, with a complete assignment of their vibrational spectra. The Raman experimental data obtained with a Nd:YAG laser for this kind of silylated organic compounds, and the comparison between these results with the theoretical data is a useful advance in the polymer synthesis field, which can be used as reference for subsequent studies.