Ernestas Gaidamauskas

Is vanadate reduced by thiols under biological conditions? Changing the redox potential of V(V)/V(IV) by complexation in aqueous solution.

Although dogma states that vanadate is readily reduced by glutathione, cysteine, and other thiols, there are several examples documenting that vanadium(V)-sulfur complexes can form and be observed. This conundrum has impacted life scientists for more than two decades. Investigation of this problem requires an understanding of both the complexes that form from vanadium(IV) and (V) and a representative thiol in aqueous solution. The reactions of vanadate and hydrated vanadyl cation with 2-mercaptoethanol have been investigated using multinuclear NMR, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and UV-vis spectroscopy. Vanadate forms a stable complex of 2:2 stoichiometry with 2-mercaptoethanol at neutral and alkaline pH. In contrast, vanadate can oxidize 2-mercaptoethanol; this process is favored at low pH and high solute concentrations. The complex that forms between aqueous vanadium(IV) and 2-mercaptoethanol has a 1:2 stoichiometry and can be observed at high pH and high 2-mercaptoethanol concentration. The solution structures have been deduced based on coordination induced chemical shifts and speciation diagrams prepared. This work demonstrates that both vanadium(IV) and (V)-thiol complexes form and that redox chemistry also takes place. Whether reduction of vanadate takes place is governed by a combination of parameters: pH, solute- and vanadate-concentrations and the presence of other complexing ligands. On the basis of these results it is now possible to understand the distribution of vanadium in oxidation states (IV) and (V) in the presence of glutathione, cysteine, and other thiols and begin to evaluate the forms of the vanadium compounds that exert a particular biological effect including the insulin-enhancing agents, antiamoebic agents, and interactions with vanadium binding proteins.

Effect of micellar and reverse micellar interface on solute location: 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylate in CTAB micelles and CTAB and AOT reverse micelles.

The interface-solute interactions, including solute location, surfactant charge, and geometry of solute interactions were studied in CTAB micelles and reverse micelles and were found to be similar as measured using (1)H NMR spectroscopy and a pH-sensitive probe. (1)H NMR spectra were recorded in the presence and absence of 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylate probe at CTAB concentrations above and below the critical micelle concentration showing interaction between dipic-probe and the micellar self-assembled structure. Downfield chemical shifts are observed for the CTAB surfactant signals upon aggregation and micelle formation. The effect of micelle formation on CTAB chemical shifts was quantitated, and simple ion pairing was ruled out. No significant change in CTAB surfactant signals are observed in the presence of monoanionic probe, whereas significant shifts are observed in the presence of the dianionic probe. The (1)H NMR spectra of the dipic-probe are diagnostic of the protonation state and isomeric form of the dipic-probe. The (1)H NMR chemical shifts in micelles are sensitive to the location of the dipic-probe, and the downfield chemical shift suggests location of part of the molecule in the Stern layer near the charged interface. Other parts of the probe show an upfield chemical shifts consistent with a deeper penetration of the dipic-probe into the surfactant layer. Probe location was confirmed using the 2D ROESY. Spectra recorded of the dipic-probe at various pH values demonstrate that both CTAB micellar and CTAB/pentanol/cyclohexane reverse micellar interfaces are different than those reported in aqueous solution and in AOT/isooctane reverse micelles (Crans et al. J. Org. Chem. 2008, 73, 9633-9640) and suggest interface penetration by dipic(2-). Together these observations and comparisons provide guidelines for future interpretation of chemical shift changes in both micelles and reverse micelles and point to headgroup charge as being a key factor determining the direction of chemical shift change and the depth of solute penetration.

Layered structure of room-temperature ionic liquids in microemulsions by multinuclear NMR spectroscopic studies.

Microemulsions form in mixtures of polar, nonpolar, and amphiphilic molecules. Typical microemulsions employ water as the polar phase. However, microemulsions can form with a polar phase other than water, which hold promise to diversify the range of properties, and hence utility, of microemulsions. Here microemulsions formed by using a room-temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) as the polar phase were created and characterized by using multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. (1)H, (11)B, and (19)F NMR spectroscopy was applied to explore differences between microemulsions formed by using 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([bmim][BF(4)]) as the polar phase with a cationic surfactant, benzylhexadecyldimethylammonium chloride (BHDC), and a nonionic surfactant, Triton X-100 (TX-100). NMR spectroscopy showed distinct differences in the behavior of the RTIL as the charge of the surfactant head group varies in the different microemulsion environments. Minor changes in the chemical shifts were observed for [bmim](+) and [BF(4)](-) in the presence of TX-100 suggesting that the surfactant and the ionic liquid are separated in the microemulsion. The large changes in spectroscopic parameters observed are consistent with microstructure formation with layering of [bmim](+) and [BF(4)](-) and migration of Cl(-) within the BHDC microemulsions. Comparisons with NMR results for related ionic compounds in organic and aqueous environments as well as literature studies assisted the development of a simple organizational model for these microstructures.

Antidiabetic vanadium compound and membrane interfaces: interface-facilitated metal complex hydrolysis

The interactions of metabolites of the antidiabetic vanadium-containing drug bis(maltolato)oxovanadium(IV) (BMOV) with lipid interface model systems were investigated and the results were used to describe a potentially novel mechanism by which these compounds initiate membrane-receptor-mediated signal transduction. Specifically, spectroscopic studies probed the BMOV oxidation and hydrolysis product interaction with interfaces created from cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) which mimics the positively charged head group on phosphatidylcholine. 1H and 51V NMR spectroscopies were used to determine the location of the dioxobis(maltolato)oxovanadate(V) and the maltol ligand in micelles and reverse micelles by measuring changes in the chemical shift, signal linewidth, and species distribution. Both micelles and reverse micelles interacted similarly with the complex and the ligand, suggesting that interaction is strong as anticipated by Coulombic attraction between the positively charged lipid head group and the negatively charged complex and deprotonated ligand. The nature of the model system was confirmed using dynamic light scattering studies and conductivity measurements. Interactions of the complex/ligand above and below the critical micelle concentration of micelle formation were different, with much stronger interactions when CTAB was in the form of a micelle. Both the complex and the ligand penetrated the lipid interface and were located near the charged head group. These studies demonstrate that a lipid-like interface affects the stability of the complex and raise the possibility that ligand exchange at the interface may be important for the mode of action for these systems. Combined, these studies support recently reported in vivo observations of BMOV penetration into 3T3-L1 adipocyte membranes and increased translocation of a glucose transporter to the plasma membrane.

Deprotonation of β-cyclodextrin in alkaline solutions

Variable pH (13)C NMR and (1)H NMR spectroscopic studies of the beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) in alkaline aqueous solutions revealed that beta-CD does not deprotonate at pH<12.0. Further increase in solution pH results in the deprotonation of OH-groups adjacent to C-2 and C-3 carbon atoms of beta-CD glucopyranose units, whereas the deprotonation of OH-groups adjacent to C-6 carbon atoms is expressed less markedly. The pK(a) values for beta-CD OH-groups adjacent to C-2 and C-3 carbon atoms are rather close, pK(a1,2) being 13.5+/-0.2 (22.5 degrees C).

Impairment of ascorbic acid's anti-oxidant properties in confined media: inter and intramolecular reactions with air and vanadate at acidic pH.

The anti-oxidant properties of L-ascorbic acid were investigated in the confined medium produced by a sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate (aerosol-OT, AOT) self-assembled reverse micelle. Using 1H-1H NOESY (proton-proton 2D nuclear overhauser enhancement correlation spectroscopy) NMR spectroscopy, the location of ascorbic acid was investigated and found to be at the AOT-interface in contrast to earlier studies where the ascorbate was assumed to be in the water pool in these microemulsions. The reaction of ascorbic acid with oxygen was investigated using EPR spectroscopy. A delocalized monoanionic ascorbate radical was observed in microemulsions prepared from pH 5.6 stock solutions. This is in contrast to studies carried out in aqueous media where no radical formation was observed. The oxidation of ascorbic acid by aqueous V(V) was investigated in reverse micelles. Modest changes in the kinetic parameters were observed for this system compared to that in water. Details of these reactions were examined and can be summarized as the microemulsion solvating and stabilizing reactive intermediates via rate inhibition or enhancement. The inhibition of the oxidation is due to solvation stabilization of ascorbic acid in microemulsion media. Since ascorbate is a valuable marker of oxidative stress, our results suggest that compartmentization can modify the stabilization of the ascorbate radical and the changes in properties could be important in biological systems.

Complexation of bisphosphonates with Ytterbium(III): Application of phosphate and ATP detection assay based on Yb3+-pyrocatechol violet

The coordination chemistry of bisphosphonates with Yb(3+) was investigated to evaluate the potential of the UV-vis based detection method using the Yb(3+)-pyrocatechol complexation reaction as a sensor for bisphosphonates. The complexation chemistry of Yb(3+) with phosphate and ATP analogs was previously described (E. Gaidamauskas, K. Saejueng, A.A. Holder, S. Bharuah, B.A. Kashemirov, D.C. Crans, C.E. McKenna, J. Biol. Inorg. Chem. 13 (2008) 1291-1299), and we here studied the complexation chemistry of bisphosphonates in this system. The spectrophotometric assay yields direct evidence for formation of a 4:3 metal to ligand complex at neutral pH. Direct evidence for Yb(3+):methylenebis(phosphonate) complexes with 1:1 and 1:2 stoichiometry was also obtained by potentiometry at acidic and basic pH. Direct evidence for complex formation was obtained using (1)H NMR spectroscopy although the stoichiometry was not accessed at neutral pH. Our results suggest that the spectroscopic observation of the YbPV complex can be used to conveniently measure concentrations of bisphosphonates down to 2-3 microM.

Effect of anions on the underpotential deposition of thallium(I) on polycrystalline silver

Underpotential deposition (upd) of thallium(I) on a polycrystalline silver surface in solutions containing specifically adsorbing anions (sulphate and chloride) has been studied by voltammetry and the electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM). The specific adsorption of thallium cations on the silver surface at potentials positive with respect to the pzc appears to be enhanced by the specific adsorption of anions. This leads to ion pair formation between the specifically adsorbed thallium cation and anion even at potentials positive with respect to the upd region. The decrease in the upd shift is explained by the fact that additional energy is required to break the bond between the formed pair. The electrode mass change measured by EQCM is smaller due to the discharge of thallium cations from the adsorbed ion pairs. The agreement between voltammetric and EQCM data is observed in the potential region close to the bulk thallium deposition where the adsorption of anions is weak and, consequently, there is little formation of ion pairs. The effect of sulphate and chloride anions on the thallium upd process is in accordance with their adsorbing strength. It seems very likely that this scheme can be applied when other upd processes in strongly adsorbing anions containing solutions are considered.

Quantification of foscarnet with chromogenic and fluorogenic chemosensors: indicator displacement assays based on metal ion coordination with a catechol ligand moiety

The catechol moiety in a chromophore was used in an indicator displacement assay for the chemosensing of the antiviral drug foscarnet (trisodium phosphonoformate, abbreviated as PFA). Applications of two methods were investigated, namely UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy measuring coordination of a metal to a catechol-based indicator. Yb3+ complexation with chromogenic pyrocatechol violet in 10 mM HEPES buffer at pH 7.0 yields a blue chemosensor that responds to the presence of PFA with the release of yellow pyrocatechol violet (PV). The YbPV coordination complex responds linearly to the PFA concentration with a 2 μM detection limit. Metal ion complexation of a range of metal ions (trivalent Al, Ga, In, Sc, La, Gd, Er, Yb, and Fe, and divalent Cu) to the fluorescent sensor 6,7-dihydroxy-4-methylcoumarin (also referred to as 4-methylesculetin and abbreviated ME) resulted in fluorescence quenching in 10 mM HEPES buffer at pH 7.0. Addition of foscarnet to the quenched coordination complex liberated the ligand fluorophore which could be observed by its fluorescence. The coordinating complex was optimized for determining foscarnet by varying the metal ion, resulting in increased sensitivity to the analyte and selectivity against phosphate. Cu2+ was selected as the most effective ion and its performance in this assay was further investigated. The effect of the co-ligand in the ternary coordination complex, Cu2+–6,7-dihydroxy-4-methylcoumarin–co-ligand, was examined, and 2-picolylamine was found to be the optimal co-ligand. This ternary complex improves the detection limit of PFA to 0.5 μM and is stable for at least 72 hours, rendering it a potential sensor for PFA in chromatographic analysis.

Gel Formulation Containing Mixed Surfactant and Lipids Associating with Carboplatin

The interaction of amphiphilic molecules such as lipids and surfactants with the hydrophilic drug carboplatin was investigated to identify suitable self‐assembling components for a potential gel‐based delivery formulation. 1H‐NMR Studies in sodium bis(2‐ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (aerosol‐OT, AOT)‐based reverse micelles show that carboplatin associates and at least partially penetrates the surfactant interface. Langmuir monolayers formed by dipalmitoyl(phosphatidyl)choline are penetrated by carboplatin. Carboplatin was found to also penetrate the more rigid monolayers containing cholesterol. A combined mixed surfactant gel formulation containing carboplatin and cholesterol for lymphatic tissue targeting was investigated for the intracavitary treatment of cancer. This formulation consists of a blend of the surfactants lecithin and AOT (1 : 3 ratio), an oil phase of isopropyl myristate, and an aqueous component. The phases of the system were defined within a pseudo‐ternary phase diagram. At low oil content, this formulation produces a gel‐like system over a wide range of H2O content. The carboplatin release from the formulation displays a prolonged discharge with a rate three to five times slower than that of the control. Rheological properties of the formulation exhibit pseudoplastic behavior. Microemulsion and Langmuir monolayer studies support the interactions between carboplatin and amphiphilic components used in this formulation. To target delivery of carboplatin, two formulations containing cholesterol were characterized. These two formulations with cholesterol showed that, although cholesterol does little to alter the phases in the pseudo‐ternary system or to increase the initial release of the drug, it contributes significantly to the structure of the formulation under physiological temperature, as well as increases the rate of steady‐state discharge of carboplatin.