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Biomedical subjects

R Rella

Publications and source records attributed to R Rella.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Heterogeneous optochemical VOC sensing layers selected by ESI-mass spectrometry.

Spin-coated films of 29H,31H-tetra-4-(2,4-di-tert-amylphenoxy)phthalocyanine (H(2)Pc) and [kappaP,mu-kappaS-(dppeS)Pt(CH(3))](2)[BF(4)](2) have been used as sensing layers deposited in thin film form for the detection of VOCs. The sensing behaviour of the blend was predicted on the basis of mass spectrometric determinations performed on H(2)Pc/Pt-complex solutions, by monitoring the formation of gas-phase ions at the electrospray interface. The addition of small amounts of acetonitrile produced a [M+41](+) peak whereas the addition of similar amounts of methanol, ethanol and isopropyl alcohol did not give the corresponding [M+ROH](+) species. These results were confirmed by sensing tests. A pure phthalocyanine optosensing element did not show relevant selectivity. Conversely, the heterogeneous sensing layer obtained by spin-coating deposition of a Pt-complex/H(2)Pc blend allowed the sensing of acetonitrile vapours with respect to the above mentioned alcohols.

Biocompatible Materials↗
PubMed2005

Surface plamon resonance imaging of DNA based biosensors for potential applications in food analysis.

The adsorption processes of oligonucleotides immobilised onto suitable photolithographic patterned gold substrates have been investigated in aqueous buffer solution by using a home made surface plasmon resonance (SPR) imaging equipment. A rapid self-assembled method for the construction of DNA chips to be used in SPR imaging experiments have been followed. The immobilised DNA molecules (probes) adopted in our SPR experiments anchored to a gold surface via thiol group were 5'thiol-modified containing a (CH(2))(15) tail. The hybridisation processes taking place with its complementary sequence have been observed and characterized by monitoring phenomena by a SPR imaging system. The two analysed oligonucleotides (probes and target) are of interest in plant gene biotechnological application and differing for the presence at the 5'-end of a poly T16 spacer. Dynamic investigation of smallest changes in SPR imaging pictures performed in liquid phase in the presence of DNA complementary probes have been performed. Quantitative information in terms of threshold of sensitivity has been extracted by using a specific images treatment.

Biosensing Techniques↗
PubMed2005

Au nanoparticles prepared by physical method on Si and sapphire substrates for biosensor applications.

Gold nanoparticles heavily functionalized with oligonucleotides have been used in a variety of DNA detection methods. The optical properties of three-dimensional aggregates of Au nanoparticles in solution or deposited onto suitable surfaces have been analyzed to detect hybridization processes of specific DNA sequences as possible alternatives to fluorescent labeling methods. This paper reports on the preparation of gold nanoparticles directly deposited onto the surface of silicon (Si) and sapphire (Al2O3) substrates by a physical methodology, consisting in the thermal evaporation of a thin Au film and its successive annealing. The method guarantees the preparation of monodispersed single-crystal Au nanoparticles with a strong surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak centered at about 540 nm. We show that the changes of SPR excitation before and after DNA functionalization and subsequent hybridization of Au nanoparticles immobilized onto Si and Al2O3 substrates can be exploited to fabricate specific biosensors devices in solid phase.

Aluminum Oxide↗
PubMed2004

Liquid phase SPR imaging experiments for biosensors applications.

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) has recently gained attention as a label-free method for the detection of biological molecules binding onto functionalised surfaces. It is one of the most sensitive detection method for monitor variations in the thickness and refractive index in ultra-thin films. Here, the adsorption processes of oligonucleotides onto gold substrates have been investigated in aqueous buffer solution using SPR imaging measurements. The hybridization of a thiol-modified, single stranded oligonucleotide anchored to a gold surface via thiol group, with its complementary sequence has been observed and characterised monitoring the hybridization process by SPR equipment. In situ investigation of smallest changes in SPR imaging measurements dynamically performed in liquid phase in the presence of DNA complementary probes was performed. Infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy characterisation of the functionalised gold surfaces of the biosensor were compared with the images obtained by SPR experimental apparatus.

Biosensing Techniques↗
PubMed2004

Sorption of amines by the Langmuir-Blodgett films of soluble cobalt phthalocyanines: evidence for the supramolecular mechanisms.

By means of microgravimetry, UV-Vis spectroscopy and optic microscopy, sorption of pyridine, primary aliphatic amines and benzylamine by the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films of tetra-4-tert-butyl- and tetra-(3-nitro-5-tert-butyl)-substituted cobalt phthalocyanines (CoPc' and CoPc*, respectively) was studied over a broad concentration range. In general, sorption occurs as stepwise intercalation of the sorbate molecules into the supramolecular 3D structure of the phthalocyanine assembly followed by formation of the donor-acceptor complexes. Both intercalation depth and stoichiometry of the complexes are determined by the molecular structure of amines. The supramolecular factor allows discrimination between amines in air but not in aqueous solutions because of concurrent intercalation of water.

Adsorption↗
PubMed2003

An unusual and persistent contamination of drinking water by cutting oil.

Drinking water contamination by materials, such as cutting oil, used to set up pipelines is an uncommon but possible event. This paper describes the analytical procedures used to identify the components of that contaminant in drinking water. Volatile and semi-volatile chemical species, responsible for an unpleasant taste and odour, were recognised by solid phase microextraction and GC/MS techniques. Among the volatile compounds, the presence of xylenes, bornyl acetate and diphenyl ether was confirmed by certificate standards and quantified in the most contaminated samples.

Environmental Monitoring↗
PubMed2003

Chemical evidence and risks associated with soybean and rapeseed meal fermentation.

The storage and transport of cereals and foodstuffs present recurrent problems. They may be attacked by insects or, under certain conditions, they may undergo spontaneous fermentation. Insect attack is normally avoided by fumigants, while fermentation, which depends on parameters such as temperature and humidity, is more difficult to stop and can produce chemical compounds which irremediably modify the nutritional and compositional properties of foodstuff. This paper describes the main chemical compounds produced by fermentation and self-ignition of soybean and rapeseed meal. Reported cases occurred in a storage site and during transport by ship, respectively.

Brassica rapa↗
PubMed2002

Biological activity of soil organic matter mobilized by root exudates.

In order to study the biological activity of soil organic matter mobilized by agrarian (Zea mays: cultivars Mytos and Samantha) and forest (Picea abies Karst. and Pinus sylvestris L.) root exudates, two different soils, an Eutric Cambisol (EC) and a Rendzic Leptosol (RL), were considered. Soil organic matter extracts were obtained by treating the soils with water (control) or plant root exudates. The extracts were characterized by hormone-like activities and gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric (GC/MS) measurements. Their effects on the nitrogen metabolism in maize seedlings were evaluated. The nitrogen organification in the maize seedlings has been greatly stimulated by all the organic acid extracts from the agrarian soil, while the extracts from the forest soil had no influence upon the metabolism; this indicated a probable link between the plant and the environment. The different biological activities of the extracts are discussed.

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry↗
PubMed2000

Soil organic matter mobilization by root exudates.

In order to study the different soil organic matter mobilisation by agrarian (Zea mais: cultivars Paolo and Sandek) and forest (Picea abies Karst. and Pinus sylvestris L.) root exudates, three different soils (Dystric Spodic Cambisol--S1, Haplic Luvisol--S2 and Calcaric Cambisol--S3) have been considered. Treating the soils with water (control) or plant root exudates, soil organic matter extracts were obtained. The extracts were characterised by hormone-like activities and gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric (GC/MS) measurements. Water extract and plant root exudates exhibited no hormone-like activity, while the other soil-extracts were endowed with a different hormone-like behaviour. GC/MS data indicated that in the acid soils (S1) Sandek and Picea abies exudates showed a greater ability in extracting organic acid isomers (Cl4COOH, Cl5COOH and Cl7COOH), while in neutral soils (S3) all the exudates were active in separating organic acids. In intermediate conditions (S2), Picea abies and Pinus sylvestris exudates liberated C15COOH isomers, Paolo C11COOH isomers, while Sandek was not effective. The different role of plant root exudates in mobilising bio-molecules from the bulk of the soil is proposed.

Acids↗
PubMed1990

Thermostable beta-galactosidase from the archaebacterium Sulfolobus solfataricus. Purification and properties.

A thermophilic and thermostable beta-galactosidase activity was purified to homogeneity from crude extracts of the archaebacterium Sulfolobus solfataricus, by a procedure including ion-exchange and affinity chromatography. The homogeneous enzyme had a specific activity of 116.4 units/mg at 75 degrees C with o-nitrophenyl beta-galactopyranoside as substrate. Molecular mass studies demonstrated that the S. solfataricus beta-galactosidase was a tetramer of 240 +/- 8 kDa composed of similar or identical subunits. Comparison of the amino acid composition of beta-galactosidase from S. solfataricus with that from Escherichia coli revealed a lower cysteine content and a lower Arg/Lys ratio in the thermophilic enzyme. A rabbit serum, raised against the homogeneous enzyme did not cross-react with beta-galactosidase from E. coli. The enzyme, characterized for its reaction requirements and kinetic properties, showed a thermostability and thermophilicity notably greater than those reported for beta-galactosidases from other mesophilic and thermophilic sources.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed1987

A novel archaebacterial NAD+-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase. Purification and properties.

An NAD+-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase (alcohol: NAD+ oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.1) was detected in cellular extracts of the extreme thermophilic archaebacterium Sulfolobus solfataricus. The enzyme was purified to homogeneity and shown to be a dimer with a native molecular mass of 71 kDa by sucrose gradient centrifugation and SDS electrophoresis. The enzyme has a broad substrate specificity that includes linear and branched primary alcohols, linear and cyclic secondary alcohols, linear and cyclic ketones and anisaldehyde. The enzyme has an extraordinary thermophilicity and a remarkable thermostability, and appears to have some properties and a structure different from those previously described for thermophilic alcohol dehydrogenases.

Alcohol Dehydrogenase↗
PubMed1987

Malic enzyme from archaebacterium Sulfolobus solfataricus. Purification, structure, and kinetic properties.

An NADP-preferring malic enzyme ((S)-malate:NADP oxidoreductase (oxalacetate-decarboxylating) EC 1.1.1.40) with a specific activity of 36.6 units per mg of protein at 60 degrees C and an isoelectric point of 5.1 was purified to homogeneity from the thermoacidophilic archaebacterium Sulfolobus solfataricus, strain MT-4. The purification procedure employed ion exchange chromatography, ammonium sulfate fractionation, affinity chromatography, and gel filtration. Molecular weight determinations demonstrated that the enzyme was a dimer of Mr 105,000 +/- 2,000 with apparently identical Mr 49,000 +/- 1,500 subunits. Amino acid composition of S. solfataricus enzyme was determined and found to be significantly higher in tryptophan content than the malic enzyme from Escherichia coli. In addition to the NAD(P)-dependent oxidative decarboxylation of L-malate, S. solfataricus malic enzyme was able to catalyze the decarboxylation of oxalacetate. The enzyme absolutely required divalent metal cations and it displayed maximal activity at 85 degrees C and pH 8.0 with a turnover number of 376 s-1. The enzyme showed classical saturation kinetics and no sigmoidicity was detected at different pH values and temperatures. At 60 degrees C and in the presence of 0.1 mM MnCl2, the Michaelis constants for malate, NADP, and NAD were 18, 3, and 250 microM, respectively. The S. solfataricus malic enzyme was shown to be very thermostable.

Amino Acids↗