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Geoffrey Lee

Publications and source records attributed to Geoffrey Lee.

11 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Kinetic, thermodynamic, and mechanistic patterns for free (unbound) cytochrome c at Au/SAM junctions: impact of electronic coupling, hydrostatic pressure, and stabilizing/denaturing additives.

Combined kinetic (electrochemical) and thermodynamic (calorimetric) investigations were performed for an unbound (intact native-like) cytochrome c (CytC) freely diffusing to and from gold electrodes modified by hydroxyl-terminated self-assembled monolayer films (SAMs), under a unique broad range of experimental conditions. Our approach included: 1) fine-tuning of the charge-transfer (CT) distance by using the extended set of Au-deposited hydroxyl-terminated alkanethiol SAMs [-S-(CH(2))(n)-OH] of variable thickness (n=2, 3, 4, 6, 11); 2) application of a high-pressure (up to 150 MPa) kinetic strategy toward the representative Au/SAM/CytC assemblies (n=3, 4, 6); 3) complementary electrochemical and microcalorimetric studies on the impact of some stabilizing and denaturing additives. We report for the first time a mechanistic changeover detected for "free" CytC by three independent kinetic methods, manifested through 1) the abrupt change in the dependence of the shape of the electron exchange standard rate constant (k(o)) versus the SAM thickness (resulting in a variation of estimated actual CT range within ca. 15 to 25 A including ca. 11 A of an "effective" heme-to-omega-hydroxyl distance). The corresponding values of the electronic coupling matrix element vary within the range from ca. 3 to 0.02 cm(-1); 2) the change in activation volume from +6.7 (n=3), to approximately 0 (n=4), and -5.5 (n=6) cm(3) mol(-1) (disclosing at n=3 a direct pressure effect on the protein's internal viscosity); 3) a "full" Kramers-type viscosity dependence for k(o) at n=2 and 3 (demonstrating control of an intraglobular friction through the external dynamic properties), and its gradual transformation to the viscosity independent (nonadiabatic) regime at n=6 and 11. Multilateral cross-testing of "free" CytC in a native-like, glucose-stabilized and urea-destabilized (molten-globule-like) states revealed novel intrinsic links between local/global structural and functional characteristics. Importantly, our results on the high-pressure and solution-viscosity effects, together with matching literature data, strongly support the concept of "dynamic slaving", which implies that fluctuations involving "small" solution components control the proteins' intrinsic dynamics and function in a highly cooperative manner as far as CT processes under adiabatic conditions are concerned.

Alkanes↗
PubMed2006

Penetration of crystalline powder particles into excised human skin membranes and model gels from a supersonic powder injector.

The penetration of crystalline ibuprofen particles into excised human skin membranes and model target gels on actuation with the PowderJect ND1 ballistic needle-free injector has been examined. The deliverable dose of powder exiting the device is approximately 50% of the total cassette loading; the rest is lost via a gap forced open between the injector base and the surface of the target gel. It could be shown that substantial comminution of two different ibuprofen particle size fraction (38-53 microm, 53-75 microm) occurs within the injector on actuation. This resulted in an equiparation of the two initially different size fractions. Reduced comminution occurs with an ibuprofen/PVP (95:5) particulate formed by spray-drying/compaction/milling. On actuation into excised human skin membranes approximately 37% of cassette dose is recovered from the stratum corneum by stripping, and only 3% from the epidermis. It is concluded that powder delivery is mainly intra-epidermal with few particles fully breaching the stratum corneum. This is a consequence of the relative magnitude of the particle diameter (approximately 48 microm) and the stratum corneum thickness (approximately 10 microm). A 'soft' polyethylene glycol monolayer target gel gives the closest total percentage recovery of powder to that seen with the excised human skin membranes. Bilayer gels differentiated between surface impact/retention and penetration, but were difficult to handle. Powder penetration studies should therefore preferentially to be performed with human skin-membranes.

Administration, Cutaneous↗
PubMed2006

A grave case of bradycardia.

Tachycardia is a prominent feature of thyrotoxicosis. We present an unusual case of Graves' thyrotoxicosis presenting as profound symptomatic bradycardia.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Changes in the amide I FT-IR bands of poly-L-lysine on spray-drying from alpha-helix, beta-sheet or random coil conformations.

Poly-L-lysine (PLS) was spray-dried in a laboratory-scale, mini spray-dryer at Tin/Tout =150/90-95 degrees C from three different liquid feeds composed mainly of alpha-helix, beta-sheet or random coil conformations of the homopolypeptide. FT-IR analysis of the liquid feeds, the spray-dried solids, and the re-dissolved solids was performed by considering the deconvoluted and second-derivative amide I spectra, as well as a Gaussian curve fitting procedure. All three initial conformations were transformed by spray-drying to anti-parallel beta-sheet with bands at 1623 and 1690 cm(-1). The beta-sheet liquid feed showed a band at 1616 cm(-1) indicating a denatured, extended chain structure that was also converted to anti-parallel beta-sheet on spray-drying. The shift to beta-sheet cannot therefore be a simple result of forming the conformation with the strongest H-bonds in the dried state. We suggest that steric effects arising from the close approach of the globular polypeptide molecules during drying make the anti-parallel beta-sheet structure energetically favorable in the solid state. This suggestion is supported by the effects of trehalose on the FT-IR amide I bands of the spray-dried PLS. No stabilizing effects were observed on either the initial alpha-helix or beta-sheet (extended chain) conformations. Random coil could be partially stabilized. Again, no direct relation to H-bond strength is evident. The efficacy of the trehalose could be related to the ability of newly-formed trehalose/PLS intermolecular H-bonds to stabilize the intramolecular H-bonds of the secondary structural elements.

Amides↗
PubMed2005

Spray-drying of proteins: effects of sorbitol and trehalose on aggregation and FT-IR amide I spectrum of an immunoglobulin G.

An immunoglobulin G (IgG) was spray-dried on a Buchi 190 laboratory spray-dryer at inlet and outlet air temperatures of 130 and 190 degrees C, respectively. The IgG solution contains initially 115 mg/ml IgG plus 50 mg/ml sorbitol. After dialysis, at least 80% of low molecular weight component was removed. After spray-drying the dialyzed IgG and immediate redissolution of the powder, an increase in aggregates from 1 to 17% occurred. A major shift towards increase beta-sheet structure was detected in the spray-dried solid, which, however, reverted to native structure on redissolution of the powder. A correlation between aggregation determined by size exclusion chromatography and alterations in secondary structure determined by Fourier transformation infra-red spectroscopy could not therefore be established. On spray-drying a non-dialyzed, sorbitol-containing IgG only some 0.7% aggregates were formed. The sorbitol is therefore evidently able to stabilize partially the IgG during the process of spray-drying. Addition of trehalose to the liquid feed produced quantitatively the same stabilizing action on the IgG during spray-drying as did the sorbitol. This finding again points towards a water replacement stabilization mechanism. The IgG spray-dried powder prepared from the dialyzed liquid feed showed continued substantial aggregation on dry storage at 25 degrees C. This was substantially less in the non-dialyzed, sorbitol-containing spray-dried powder. Addition of trehalose to both dialyzed and non-dialyzed system produced substantial improvement in storage stability and reduction in aggregate formation in storage. The quantitative stabilizing effect of the trehalose was only slightly higher than that of the sorbitol. Taken together, these results indicate that both the sorbitol and trehalose stabilize the IgG primarily by a water replacement mechanism rather than by glassy immobilization. The relevance of this work is its questioning of the importance of the usually considered dominance of glassy stabilization of protein in dried systems of high glass transition temperature, such as trehalose. The low glass transition temperature sorbitol produces almost equal process and storage stability in this case.

Humans↗
PubMed2005

Effects of process variables on the powder yield of spray-dried trehalose on a laboratory spray-dryer.

A systematic examination is presented of the effects of process variables on the powder yield of amorphous trehalose obtained from the Buchi Model 191 laboratory-scale mini spray dryer. By using a specially made, narrow cyclone the powder yield could be greatly improved at all process temperatures examined. Calculations of the separation efficiencies of the improved cyclone and the manufacturer's standard cyclone are given, which show that the former's higher tangential particle velocity at the radius of the exit duct is responsible for the improved performance. The powder yield increases with higher process temperatures, owing to improved droplet drying and reduced droplet/particle deposition on the walls of the drying chamber. A maximum in the powder yield is reached, however, after which it decreases sharply. This is caused by heating of the cyclone wall to >10 degrees C above the so-called 'sticky point' of the trehalose, causing increased particle deposits on the walls of the tower and cyclone. Increasing liquid feed flow rate or decreasing atomizing air flow rate too extensively were both detrimental to powder yield. The drying air flow rate should be as high as possible to ensure sufficient enthalpy throughput to dry the trehalose adequately to give a high powder yield. The enthalpy balance calculation for drying trehalose with the new cyclone was used successfully to interpret the results obtained. Some recommendations for optimizing powder yield of an amorphous material are given.

Powders↗
PubMed2003

Structural studies of EDTA-induced fibrillation of salmon calcitonin.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this work was to determine the structure of an insoluble precipitate formed when mixing approximately equimolar amounts of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and salmon calcitonin (sCT). METHODS: The interaction between EDTA and sCT was examined by measuring solution turbidity kinetics as a function of pH, ionic strength, and addition of ferric ions. Fourier-transformation infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) identified changes in peptide secondary structure in presence of EDTA. Scanning and transmission electron spectroscopy revealed the macromolecular structure of the sCT/EDTA precipitate. RESULTS: Aggregation of sCT in a time frame up to 1200 min cannot be induced by either pH (range 3.0-7.0) or ionic strength (up to 200 mM) alone, but is a noncovalent interaction between sCT and EDTA. In the pH range 5.0-7.0, a molar binding stoichiometry of sCT/EDTA in the precipitate of 1-3 was determined. We suggest coulombic binding of the free acidic groups of the EDTA to the side chains of the basic amino acids present in the sCT primary sequence. This results in bridging aggregation of the sCT molecules and their precipitation in aqueous solution. The aggregation reaction was blocked by the addition of ferric ions, which bind preferentially to the acidic groups of the EDTA. The sCT/EDTA precipitate redissolves in water in a pH-dependent manner. FT-IR measurements showed a progressive loss of the random coil structure of sCT in water in the presence of EDTA and a simultaneous strong increase in beta-structure. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a fine, sponge-like morphology of the isolated, solid sCT/EDTA precipitate. Transmission electron microscopy delivered final proof of the existence of extensive fibrillation in the sCT/EDTA mixture. CONCLUSIONS: EDTA induces rapid fibrillation of sCT in water and the partially reversible formation of a noncovalent, insoluble sCT/EDTA precipitate.

Binding Sites↗
PubMed2002

Freeze-drying using vacuum-induced surface freezing.

A method of freezing during freeze-drying, which avoids undercooling of a solution and allows growth of large, dendritic ice crystals, was investigated. Aqueous solutions of mannitol, sucrose, or glycine were placed under a chamber vacuum of approximately 1 mbar at a shelf temperature of +10 degrees C. Under these conditions, the solutions exhibit surface freezing to form an ice layer of approximately 1-3 mm thickness. On releasing the vacuum and lowering the shelf temperature to below the freezing point of the ice in the solution, crystal growth occurs to yield large, chimney-like ice crystals. The duration of primary drying of a frozen cake--as measured by using inverse comparative pressure measurement--was up to 20% shorter than when using a "moderate" freezing procedure (2 K shelf temperature per min). With mannitol, however, the residual moisture content of the final dried product was higher than with moderate freezing, and with sucrose and glycine there was no difference. These findings are related to the structures of the dried cakes formed during freezing, as examined by light microscopy and wide-angle X-ray diffraction. The introduction of an annealing step (4 h at a shelf temperature slightly above the onset melting point of the ice in the frozen cake) combined with the vacuum-induced surface freezing procedure maintains the rapid primary drying and produces a low residual moisture (0.2%) for the freeze-dried mannitol solution.

Crystallization↗
PubMed2002

Spray-freeze-drying for protein powder preparation: particle characterization and a case study with trypsinogen stability.

This work investigates the use of spray freeze-drying (SFD) to produce protein loaded particles suitable for epidermal delivery. In the first part of the study, the effects of formulation and process conditions on particle properties are examined. Aqueous solutions of trehalose produce SFD particles in the size range 20-80 microm, with a smooth, textured surface, but having high internal porosity. The latter was visualized using SEM and a novel particle embedding and sectioning technique. Use of an annealing step during the freeze-drying cycle caused the particles to shrink, reducing hereby porosity and also the measured rate of moisture uptake into these amorphous particles. SFD pure mannitol was approximately 40% amorphous, but not hygroscopic. Incorporation of dextran 37,500 into a combined amorphous trehalose/mannitol formulation led to increased particle shrinkage and lower particle porosity on annealing. The model protein trypsinogen lost approximately 15% activity during SFD of solutions containing 50 mg/mL protein, but was only marginally aggregated (1.4%). It is suggested that trypsinogen forms an irreversible partially unfolded state or molten globule on SFD/rehydration. The pure protein was also partially inactivated without aggregation during atomization into air. Surprisingly, neither activity loss nor aggregation were detected on atomization of the protein solution into liquid nitrogen. Quench-freezing of small droplets may reverse the partial unfolding of trypsinogen occurring on atomization into air. The origin of the trypsinogen inactivation during SFD must therefore be the subsequent freeze-drying step of this multistep process. Isolated freeze drying of trypsinogen produces strong aggregation and equivalent inactivation. This result suggests that trypsinogen behaves differently during freeze drying from frozen droplets and from bulk solution in a vial. In the former case the protein forms an irreversible partially unfolded state, whereas in the latter case aggregates are formed. Trypsinogen inactivation during SFD could be completely prevented by the presence of trehalose in the formulation. Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA) showed a high surface excess of the protein in the SFD particles, which was reduced on inclusion of Polysorbate 80, but not trehalose. Taken together, these results help to elucidate the complex destabilization behavior of trypsinogen during SFD.

Chromatography, Gel↗
PubMed2002

Self-adhesive thin films for topical delivery of 5-aminolevulinic acid.

Self-adhesive thin-films have been developed as a topical delivery system for 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA). The thin films are suitable for use during the photodynamic therapy of epithelial skin tumors. They are composed of a combination of the lipophilic polymer Eudragit NE and the lipophilic plasticiser acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC). Because of its hydrophilicity, ALA forms suspension systems within these thin films, as evidenced by light microscopy. ALA release measured using Franz cells is very rapid from a Eudragit NE thin film loaded with 10% w/w ALA (200 microg ALA after 2.5 h), and even higher when ATBC is included. A Eudragit NE/ATBC (1: 2) thin film loaded with 20% w/w ALA releases 2000 microg ALA after 3.5 h. Combined release/permeation of ALA through excised membranes of human stratum corneum plus epidermis yielded fluxes of 50-100 microg ALA within 5 h for the Eudragit NE/ATBC (1: 2) thin film. The ATBC acts as a permeation enhancer for ALA. Scanning electron microscopy of the thin film surface shows protruding ALA particles which rapidly dissolve on contact with an aqueous medium. This surface dissolution mechanism is the cause of the rapid ALA release and hence also the high skin permeation in vitro. The mechanical properties of the thin films were also briefly examined. Adhesive strength increases with higher ATBC loading and decreases with higher ALA loading. Internal cohesion decreases with greater ATBC loading and increases with higher ALA loading. As part of this project, an improved derivatisation assay for gradient HPLC of ALA with 9Fluorenylmethyloxycarbonylchloride is also presented.

Adhesives↗