A short overview of function and experimental set-ups of acoustic wave devices is given which, in contrast to other bioanalysis techniques, are based on a mechanical transduction mechanism. The most frequently used device is the thickness shear mode resonator (TSMR), which in the last few years was intensively employed in biosensor applications. TSMR biosensor studies in the field of nucleic acid interaction, adsorption of proteins to surfaces and immunosensing are reviewed. A main point concerns the interpretation of the sensor response not only in terms of mass loading, which underestimates the capabilities of these devices.

Acoustics↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Piperidine renin inhibitors: from leads to drug candidates.

Non-peptidomimetic renin inhibitors of the piperidine type represent a novel structural class of compounds potentially free of the drawbacks seen with peptidomimetic compounds so far. Synthetic optimization in two structural series focusing on improvement of potency, as well as on physicochemical properties and metabolic stability, has led to the identification of two candidate compounds 14 and 23. Both display potent and long-lasting blood pressure lowering effects in conscious sodium-depleted marmoset monkeys and double transgenic rats harboring both the human angiotensinogen and the human renin genes. In addition, 14 normalizes albuminuria and kidney tissue damage in these rats when given over a period of 4 weeks. These data suggest that treatment of chronic renal failure patients with a renin inhibitor might result in a significant improvement of the disease status.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Ionic channels and proteins in synaptic vesicles: facts and speculations.

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Animals↗