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Effects of enzymatic deamidation by protein-glutaminase on structure and functional properties of alpha-zein.

The performance of novel protein-glutaminase (PG) purified from Chryseobacterium proteolyticumon alpha-zein was investigated. Highly insoluble alpha-zein was able to be deamidated to the extent of deamidation degree 62% by using 50 mM potassium phosphate (pH 8) containing 11.7% ethanol, at 40 degrees C for 137 h. Analysis by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis showed that deamidated and non-deamidated zeins have different mobilities. Results of circular dichroism spectra revealed the decline in alpha-helix contents of alpha-zein by deamidation. Besides, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis demonstrated alterations in the secondary structure of alpha-zein by deamidation. The assignment of the amide I region showed a remarkable decrease in antiparallel intermolecular beta-sheets (around 1690 cm(-1)) as an indication of the weakening aggregation ability of the deamidated molecules. Solubility and emulsification properties of alpha-zein, particularly at pH 7, were remarkably improved after the deamidation by PG. Gas chromatography and peroxide value studies pointed out that deamidated alpha-zein in powder form exhibited an inferior antioxidative property as compared with the non-deamidated one.

Circular Dichroism↗

Managing high-density commercial scale wine fermentations.

AIMS: To investigate the effects of grape juice dilution and different temperature/nitrogen addition regimes on commercial-scale, high-density Shiraz and Chardonnay fermentations. METHODS AND RESULTS: Duplicated fermentations (30 hl) were conducted at two temperatures for Shiraz and for Chardonnay. Two additional tanks of Chardonnay and Shiraz were diluted. Nitrogen was added once at inoculation or in aliquots over several days. Yeast concentration and viability was determined by flow cytometry. Fermentation chemistry was monitored by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Fermentations arrested in both of the undiluted, higher temperature duplicate tanks of Shiraz. Different fermentation temperature resulted in sensorially different Shiraz, but not Chardonnay, wines made from undiluted musts. The converse was observed for wines made from diluted musts. CONCLUSIONS: High-density musts can be fermented completely using reduced fermentation temperature coupled with incremental nitrogen addition. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is the first study in duplicated, commercial-scale, high-density grape juice fermentations to address temperature, nitrogen addition, and juice dilution effects on stuck fermentation potential and wine sensory properties.

Commerce↗

Dissolution/reprecipitation of calcium phosphate thin films produced by ion beam sputter deposition technique.

The dissolution, reprecipitation and protein adsorption properties of amorphous CaP bioceramic thin films produced with an ion beam sputter deposition technique using hydroxyapatite (HA) and fluorapatite (FA) as starting materials were studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) with attenuated total internal reflectance (ATR). Our studies showed that these amorphous CaP coatings dissolved to a greater extent when exposed to bovine serum albumin (BSA) in saline solution when compared to a protein free saline solution. Analysis of changes in infrared spectra revealed that coatings exposed to BSA solution exhibited a higher degree of crystalline structure after dissolution/reprecipitation than those exposed to saline alone. There was the indication that the association of inorganic and organic contents was achieved on the coating surface in BSA solution. We could detect no significant difference between the coatings produced from HA and FA targets.

Adsorption↗

Structural analysis of amyloid beta peptide fragment (25-35) in different microenvironments.

Amyloid beta (Abeta) peptides are one of the classes of amphiphilic molecules that on dissolution in aqueous solvents undergo interesting conformational transitions. These conformational changes are known to be associated with their neuronal toxicity. The mechanism of structural transition involved in the monomeric Abeta to toxic assemblage is yet to be understood at the molecular level. Early results indicate that oriented molecular crowding has a profound effect on their assemblage formation. In this work, we have studied how different microenvironments affect the conformational transitions of one of the active amyloid beta-peptide fragments (Abeta(25-35)). Spectroscopic techniques such as CD and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used. It was observed that a stored peptide concentrates on dissolution in methanol adopts a minor alpha-helical conformation along with unordered structures. On changing the methanol concentration in the solvated film form, the conformation switches to the antiparallel beta-sheet structure on the hydrophilic surface, whereas the peptide shows transition from a mixture of helix and unordered structure into predominantly a beta-sheet with minor contribution of helix structure on the hydrophobic surface. Our present investigations indicate that the conformations induced by the different surfaces dictate the gross conformational preference of the peptide concentrate.

Amyloid beta-Peptides↗

The active site of the bacterial nitric oxide reductase is a dinuclear iron center.

A novel, improved method for purification of nitric oxide reductase (NOR) from membranes of Paracoccus denitrificans has been developed. The purified enzyme is a cytochrome bc complex which, according to protein chemical and hydrodynamic data, contains two subunits in a 1:1 stoichiometry. The purified NorBC complex binds 0.87 g of dodecyl maltoside/g of protein and forms a dimer in solution. Similarly, it is dimeric in two-dimensional crystals. Images of these crystals have been processed at 8 A resolution in projection to the membrane. The NorB subunit is homologous to the main catalytic subunit of cytochrome oxidase and is predicted to contain the active bimetallic center in which two NO molecules are turned over to N2O. Metal analysis and heme composition implies that it binds two B-type hemes and a nonheme iron but no copper. NorC is a membrane-anchored cytochrome c. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy shows that carbon monoxide dissociates from the reduced heme in light and associates with another metal center which is distinct from the copper site of heme/copper oxidases. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy reveals that NO binds to the reduced enzyme under turnover conditions giving rise to signals near g = 2 and g = 4. The former represents a typical nitrosyl-ferroheme signal whereas the latter is a fingerprint of a nonheme iron/NO adduct. We conclude that the active site of NOR is a dinuclear iron center.

Binding Sites↗

Continuous decomposition of sporopollenin from pollen of Typha angustifolia L. by acidic methanolysis.

Sporopollenin from the pollen of Typha angustifolia L. was exposed to a series of 36 subsequent acidic methanolysis procedures. The remaining decomposition products were investigated using several spectroscopic methods including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), solid state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (13C-CPMAS-NMR) and X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS). Substantial weight losses of the sporopollenin material occur after each acidic methanolysis step, while FT-IR and 13C-CPMAS-NMR spectra display no noticeable differences after 12, 24 and 36 steps. These findings are interpreted as a hint that the sporopollenin polymer has a uniform composition, i.e. relatively small monomer moieties of similar primary structure are present. Moreover, the weight losses account for the presence of substantial amounts of ether linkages in the sporopollenin polymer.

Biopolymers↗

Salts induce structural changes in elongation factor 1alpha from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus: a Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic study.

Elongation factor 1alpha from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus (SsEF-1alpha) carries the aminoacyl tRNA to the ribosome; it binds GDP or GTP, and it is also endowed with an intrinsic GTPase activity that is triggered in vitro by NaCl at molar concentrations [Masullo, M., De Vendittis, E., and Bocchini, V. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 20376-20379]. The structural properties of SsEF-1alpha were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The estimation of the secondary structure of the SsEF-1alpha*GDP complex, made by curve fitting of the amide I' band or by factor analysis of the amide I band, indicated a content of 34-36% alpha-helix, 35-40% beta-sheet, 14-19% turn, and 7% unordered structure. The substitution of the GDP bound with the slowly hydrolyzable GTP analogue Gpp(NH)p induced a slight increase in the alpha-helix and beta-sheet content. On the other hand, the alpha-helix content of the SsEF-1alpha*GDP complex increased upon addition of salts, and the highest effect was produced by 5 M NaCl. The thermal stability of the SsEF-1alpha*GDP complex was significantly reduced when the GDP was replaced with Gpp(NH)p or in the presence of NaBr or NH4Cl, whereas a lower destabilizing effect was provoked by NaCl and KCl. Therefore, the extent of the destabilizing effect of salts depended on the nature of both the cation and the anion. The data suggested that the sodium ion was responsible for the induction of the GTPase activity, whereas the anion modulated the enzymatic activity through destabilization of particular regions of SsEF-1alpha. Finally, the infrared data suggested that, in particular region(s) of the polypeptide chain, the SsEF-1alpha*Gpp(NH)p complex possesses structural conformations which are different from those present in the SsEF-1alpha*GDP complex.

Anions↗

In vivo dissolution behavior of various RF magnetron sputtered Ca-P coatings.

Radiofrequency magnetron sputter deposition was used to deposit Ca-P sputter coatings on titanium discs, and these coatings were implanted subcutaneously into the backs of rabbits. Half of the as-sputtered coatings were subjected to additional heat treatment for 2 h at 500 degrees C. X-ray diffraction (XRD) demonstrated that annealing at 500 degrees C changed the amorphous sputtered coating into an amorphous-crystalline apatite structure. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) examination of the sputtered coatings showed excellent coverage of the substrate surface. Annealing of the 4-microm-thick coatings resulted in the appearance of small cracks. SEM demonstrated that until 4 weeks of implantation, all heat-treated coatings were present and all amorphous coatings were completely or mostly dissolved. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed the formation of carbonate apatite (CO3-AP) on these specimens. Furthermore, XRD analysis showed that these CO3-AP precipitated coatings disappeared after 8 weeks of implantation. On the other hand, SEM inspection of these specimens revealed that the 4-microm heat-treated coating was still partially maintained and that small Ca-P crystals were present on the titanium substrate. On the basis of these results, we conclude that apparently 0.1 microm heat-treated Ca-P sputter coating is of sufficient thicknesses to stimulate carbonate apatite deposition under in vivo conditions.

Animals↗

Characterization of soluble, salt-loaded, degradable PLGA films and their release of tetracycline.

A local drug delivery system has been designed to release tetracycline over a period of 30 days from poly (lactide-co-glycolide) films. Incorporation of either soluble salt excipients or low molecular weight polymeric species has been found to modulate the release kinetics of the system. The following research describes the fabrication of the delivery system, monitors tetracycline release from the system, and fully characterizes the degradation of the polymer films via scanning electron microscopy, gel permeation chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction techniques. Results show that the modulation via use of salts occurs without changing the inherent degradation rate of the system. We suggest that this phenomenon may be due to the increased amount of swelling and uptake of buffer by the films loaded with soluble salt. Uptake, therefore, may be creating microscopic pores that permit further diffusion of tetracycline from the polymer matrix as well as allow the free monomers to leave the system, thereby preventing autocatalysis within the system.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗

A study of biologically active peptide sequences (P-15) on the surface of an ABM scaffold (PepGen P-15) using AFM and FTIR.

Cellular response to any biomaterial surface is governed by a number of factors including topography, surface chemistry, surface charge, structural heterogeneity, and physiological conditions. Understanding these factors at the nanoscale level is crucial to develop improved biomaterials. Any changes in these properties due to surface modifications need to be addressed properly, as they could have significant impact on the cellular interaction with biomaterials. In this study, the topography and surface chemistry of commercially available tissue engineered xenograft, PepGen P-15 [comprised of a synthetic peptide P-15 irreversibly attached to anorganic bovine bone mineral (OsteoGraf/-N)] was studied using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). FTIR confirmed the presence of the peptide on the surface of PepGen P-15. Changes in the peptide conformation, which includes a decrease in the beta-strand accompanied by an increase in unordered structures/random coil structures after attachment on OsteoGraf/-N is observed. Specific functional groups, which are involved in the binding mechanism, are identified. The results suggest that the attachment of the peptide on OsteoGraf/-N occurs via a specific surface docking ionic interaction involving the C-terminal carboxylic group on the peptide with positive domains generated by hydroxyl vacancies on the apatite surface.

Animals↗

FT-IR study of the Ca2+-binding to bovine alpha-lactalbumin. Relationships between the type of coordination and characteristics of the bands due to the Asp COO- groups in the Ca2+-binding site.

Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was applied to examine relationships between the type of coordination and the COO- antisymmetric and symmetric stretches of the COO- groups in the Ca2+-binding site of bovine alpha-lactalbumin. The peaks at 1593, 1578, 1425, and 1403 cm(-1) were assigned to the COO- groups of Asp-82, 87, and 88 coordinating to Ca2+ in the pseudo bridging mode, according to the results of X-ray crystallography. The bands due to the COO- groups were quite similar to each other between alpha-lactalbumin and EDTA which is the model compound for the pseudo bridging state.

Animals↗

Thermal behavior of fowl feather keratin.

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was applied to elucidate the thermal behavior of fowl feather keratins (barbs, rachis, and calamus) with different morphological features. The DSC curves exhibited a clear and relatively large endothermic peak at about 110-160 degrees C in the wet condition. A considerable decrease in transition temperature with urea and its helical structure content estimated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and the disappearance of one of the diffraction peaks with heating at 160 degrees C for 30 min, indicated that DSC could be used to evaluate the thermal behavior of keratin. Barbs showed a lower denaturation temperature than rachis and calamus. The pulverized samples showed a slightly higher denaturation temperature than the native samples. In the dry condition, thermal transition occurred in a markedly higher temperature region close to 170-200 degrees C. It is hence concluded that fowl feather keratins have very high thermal stability, and that the elimination of water brings about even greater thermal stability.

Animals↗

Structure and integrity of a plasma sprayed hydroxylapatite coating on titanium.

Plasma sprayed hydroxylapatite (HA) coatings on titanium substrates were analyzed for process-induced compositional and structural changes. The HA starting powder and the resulting HA coatings were characterized using x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy. The integrity of the ceramic-to-substrate bond strength was also determined, by subjecting plasma sprayed HA coatings to shear/cantilever bond testing. The ceramic coatings retained the basic apatitic crystal structure of the starting powder; however, a considerable amount of amorphous material was created during the plasma spray process. FTIR and Raman spectroscopy revealed that the resulting coatings were partially dehydroxylated. Both XRD and FTIR spectroscopy results also suggested that amorphous material, as well as additional calcium phosphate phases such as alpha-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) not in the starting powder, were present in the HA coating. Average bond strengths of the HA coatings to Ti were determined to be 14.8 MPa +/- 3.5, with fracture occurring at the interface and within the coating itself.

Argon↗

Spectroscopic and thermal investigations on compost improved by iron salt addition.

A quality compost obtained from sewage sludge (one part in weight) and yard trimmings and sawdust (two parts) has been investigated as a potential carrier of iron to plants. At the end of the thermophilic phase, the composting materials were added with crystalline FeSO4.7H2O (97%). Chemical properties, respiratory indices, and seed germination tests proved the compost to be suitable as an iron carrier in agriculture. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and fluorescence spectroscopy provided evidence of the effective linking of the iron ion to the organic molecule functional groups, thus preventing the loss of iron ion by leaching and precipitation phenomena and allowing the metal ion to be available to plants as both mineral and organic species. The thermogram obtained on compost without iron was similar to that previously obtained for composted materials of different origins, whereas samples with added iron ion exhibited in addition an exotherm in the medium-temperature region. FT-IR spectra carried out on samples heated at different temperatures indicated a loss of iron ion linked to carboxyl groups.

Ammonia↗

Characterization of hemoglobin immobilized on gamma-zirconium phosphate.

The fact that different gamma-zirconium phosphate (gamma-ZrP) preintercalation method induced varied degree and type of conformational change of the adsorption protein was confirmed by characterization techniques including circular dichroism (CD), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis. The results indicated that the association of hemoglobin with gamma-ZrP preintercalated using butylamine was correlated with conformational change in the secondary structure of the protein. gamma-ZrP which was preintercalated with tetra (n-butylammonium) hydroxide caused the conformational change of Hemoglobin in both the secondary structure and the tertiary structure. X-ray powder diffraction analysis was used to analyze the crystalline structure of the nanocomposites prepared by relamination. The adsorption isotherms of Hemoglobin on different matrices were set up and fitted with Langmuir and Freundlich equations.

Absorption↗

NACP, a protein implicated in Alzheimer's disease and learning, is natively unfolded.

The "non-A beta component of Alzheimer's disease amyloid plaque" (NAC) is a minor peptide component of the insoluble fibrillar core of the Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuritic plaque. NAC amyloid fibrils seed the polymerization of A beta 1-40, the major AD amyloid protein. NAC is derived from a 14 kDa precursor protein, designated NACP, a member of a highly conserved family of heat-stable brain-specific acidic proteins which have been suggested to be involved in synapse formation and/or stabilization. NACP has also been suggested to play a role in AD. We present herein a conformational analysis of human NACP. NACP has a much larger Stokes radius (34 A) but sedimented more slowly (s20,w = 1.7S) than globular proteins of similar molecular weight, indicating that the native protein is elongated. Circular dichroism (CD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicate the absence of significant amounts of secondary structure in NACP, while CD and ultraviolet spectroscopy suggest the lack of a hydrophobic core. The conformational properties of NACP were unchanged by boiling and were independent of concentration, pH, salt, and chemical denaturants. These features indicate that NACP exists as a mixture of rapidly equilibrating extended conformers and is representative of a class of "natively unfolded" proteins, many of which potentiate protein-protein interactions.

Alzheimer Disease↗

In vitro bone formation by rat marrow cell culture.

Fresh marrow cells were obtained from the femora Fischer rats and cultured in a medium containing 15% fetal calf serum (FCS) to leach confluent. After trypsinization, cells were subcultured at a cell density of 100 x 10(3)/35 mm well in the presence of FCS, 10 mM beta-glycerophosphate, 82 micrograms/mL ascorbic acid phosphate, and 10(-8)M dexamethasone (Dex). Osteoblastic cells and microscopic mineralized nodules began to appear at about 1 week after the subculture, and at 2 weeks many macroscopic nodules that showed high alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) and appearance of bone Gla protein (BGP) mRNA were evident. As demonstrated by in situ hybridization, the mRNA was manifested by cuboid-shaped cells (osteoblastic cells). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed the mineralization of fine crystals of hydroxyapatite comparable to natural rat bone mineral. In contrast to these findings, subculture done under the same conditions except for the lack of Dex did not show mineralized nodules, nor did they show the osteoblastic phenotype expression. These analyses indicate that Dex-induced mineralization using rat bone marrow cell culture is an in vitro counterpart of bone formed in vivo. Such a culture is useful for investigating materials/ osteogenic cells interactions.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Hydrophobic ion pairing as a method for enhancing structure and activity of lyophilized subtilisin BPN' suspended in isooctane.

The use of enzymes in low water environments permits reactions to occur that are difficult or impossible in aqueous solution. In this manner, proteases can be used to form, rather than hydrolyze, ester and amide linkages. Presumably, the native-like structure of the enzyme must remain intact for catalysis to transpire. However, little is known regarding the integrity of the overall structure of lyophilized proteins suspended in organic media. In this study, the structural changes that occur during the freeze-drying process and those effected by suspension in the organic solvent were examined. Using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, the secondary structure of lyophilized subtilisin BPN' was monitored and correlated to the level of enzymatic activity when suspended in isooctane. In addition, the ability of ionic detergents to stabilize subtilisin BPN' via ion pairing was evaluated. It was found that subtilisin unfolds to some degree during lyophilization, whether it is ion paired or not. Furthermore, there are structural changes observed when the enzyme is placed in isooctane, although the effects are less with ion-paired subtilisin. This higher level of retention of secondary structure results in increased enzymatic activity.

Detergents↗