Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Slavita Rotunjanu, Roxana Racoviceanu, Alexandra Mioc, Andreea Milan, Roxana Negrea-Ghiulai, Marius Mioc, Narcisa Laura Marangoci, Codruta Soica
Summary: This study focuses on the synthesis and analysis of dysprosium-doped cobalt ferrites using combustion method. The nanoparticles containing different Dy substitutions were prepared and coated with HPGCD for better dispersion and biocompatibility. The physicochemical analysis confirmed the inclusion of Dy3+ ions and showed that the size of nanoparticles was inversely proportional to the Dy content. Magnetic studies indicated that the remanent and saturation mass magnetization decreased with higher Dy content, which was further amplified by cyclodextrin complexation. Biological tests revealed significant cytotoxic activity of the nanoparticles against melanoma and breast cancer cells, while having minimal effects on healthy cells. The study also revealed that the cytotoxic activity was related to the Dy content and involved apoptotic processes. The anticancer activity was not affected by red light irradiation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Syane A. Satyawirawan, Robert W. Cattrall, Spas D. Kolev, Ines G. S. Almeida
Summary: This study investigated the solvent extraction of Co(II) from aqueous solutions using the ionic liquids [P66614][C272] and [P66614][SCN]. The results showed that the cation of the ionic liquids participated in the formation of ion-pairs in the organic phase, maintaining electroneutrality. The Co(II) coordination sphere geometry was tetrahedral, and the stoichiometric mole ratios between the ionic liquids and Co(II) were determined. The extraction of Co(II) was enhanced when the aqueous phase contained an anion with high lipophilicity.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Aphiwat Kaewthong, Graham C. Saunders, William Henderson
Summary: This study investigates the reactions between the thiosulfate ligand and phosphine complexes of group 10 metals Ni(II), Pd(II), and Pt(II). The results reveal that the thiosulfate ligand can coordinate with the metals through both sulfur and oxygen donor atoms. Additionally, the ligand is capable of cleaving bridging chloride ligands in dinuclear complexes to form mononuclear anionic complexes.
INORGANICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Md. Motiur R. Mazumder, Niharika Dalpati, P. Raj Pokkuluri, Byron H. Farnum
Summary: Energy storage plays a crucial role in the implementation of renewable energy resources globally. This study investigated the redox cycle of nickel(II) bis(diethyldithiocarbamate) for its potential use in nonaqueous redox flow batteries. The addition of ZnII to the electrolyte improved the reversibility of the multielectron transfer, leading to higher efficiency in energy storage.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Andrei-Mihai Dumitrascu, Iuliana Caras, Catalin Tucureanu, Andreea-Laura Ermeneanu, Vlad-Constantin Tofan
Summary: This study presents a method of immobilizing proteins using alginate hydrogels, which can effectively prevent protein denaturation and have low cytotoxicity. The hydrogels can bind with polyhistidine-tagged proteins through interaction with crosslinking cations.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
M. Amin Mir, Muhammad Waqar Ashraf
Summary: The study synthesized complexes of Co (II), Ni (II), Cu (II), and 5, 8-dihydroxy-1, 4-naphthoquinone in an efficient manner using simple inexpensive catalyst and base, and analyzed their crystal structures. The X-ray data revealed the cubic P lattices of all the polymetal chelates, with variations in interplaner spacing, unit cell dimensions, and density among the different metal chelates.
ARABIAN JOURNAL FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lukas Kletsch, Rose Jordan, Alicia S. Koecher, Stefan Buss, Cristian A. Strassert, Axel Klein
Summary: The three complexes containing the tridentate ligand were synthesised using a base-assisted C-H activation method. Cyclic voltammetry showed increasing oxidation potentials along the series, while DFT calculations confirmed the character of molecular orbitals and contributions from various orbitals in the complexes. UV-vis absorption band energies also increased along the series, with different metal-to-ligand charge transfer properties observed.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Changda Zhang, Bin Hu, Shijie Zhao, Zhiqin Liao, Mingyu Wang
Summary: A novel hydrometallurgical process has been developed to separate cobalt and nickel from hydrochloric acid leach liquor. The process utilizes selective extraction and stripping methods, achieving high separation efficiency.
JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE METALLURGY
(2022)
Review
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
Nebeal Faris, Mark Pownceby, Warren J. Bruckard, Miao Chen
Summary: This second part of the series focuses on the direct hydrometallurgical processing of nickel sulfide flotation concentrates. The laboratory investigations into pressure leaching of nickeliferous sulfide concentrates were critically analyzed, revealing that sulfuric acid pressure leaching processes have received the most attention due to their technical advantages compared to other lixiviant systems. The third part will explore laboratory investigations into atmospheric concentrate leaching processes.
MINERAL PROCESSING AND EXTRACTIVE METALLURGY REVIEW
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Obinna C. Okpareke, William Henderson, Senem Akkoc, Burak Coban
Summary: A series of alkyl-bridged bisthiourea ligands and their group 10 metal complexes have been synthesized, showing different coordination states and isomeric structures. The ESI mass spectral analysis and NMR characterization revealed complex multiplets and the formation of various isomers in the products. X-ray crystallographic studies confirmed the coordination of NPh group and the formation of M-S-C-N rings involving chelating thiourea monoanions in some derivatives.
INORGANICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elzbieta Radzyminska-Lenarcik, Kamila Maslowska, Wlodzimierz Urbaniak
Summary: This study focuses on the use of 2-alkylimidazoles as ion carriers in polymer inclusion membranes for the separation of copper, zinc, cobalt, and nickel from aqueous solutions. By analyzing transport parameters and characterizing the membrane, the research provides valuable insights for metal ion separation technology.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Danielle N. Penk, Emma J. Endres, Ahmed Y. Nuriye, Janet E. Macdonald
Summary: This study demonstrates the importance of rational matching the reactivity of metal salts to the telluride precursor for the successful production of metal tellurides. The trends in reactivity suggest that radical stability is a better predictor of metal salt reactivity. The colloidal syntheses of iron and ruthenium tellurides (FeTe2 and RuTe2) are reported.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Benjamin N. Ma, Daniel Baecker, Hubert Descher, Philipp Brandstaetter, Martin Hermann, Brigitte Kircher, Ronald Gust
Summary: In vitro investigations have shown that N,N'-bis(salicylidene)-1,2-phenylenediamine (SAP) iron(III) complexes substituted with alkyl carboxylates at position 4 exhibit strong cytotoxic activity in tumor and leukemia cells. Similar nickel(II) and cobalt(III) complexes were synthesized and tested in leukemia and ovarian cancer cells. The cytotoxicity of these complexes is dependent on cellular uptake and the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS).
ARCHIV DER PHARMAZIE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Lamia Boulafrouh, Stephanie Boudesocque, Aminou Mohamadou, Laurent Dupont
Summary: Synthesis of a series of salts based on ethyl ester glycine-betaine derivatives and their characterization using spectroscopic methods. These salts can be used for the selective separation of Ni(II) and Co(II) in saline media. Different conditions were evaluated for the separation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alain Manceau, Stephan N. Steinmann
Summary: Birnessite, a type of manganese oxide, is the most abundant and strongest inorganic oxidant in the environment. Using density functional theory calculations, researchers have found that cobalt sorption on the layer edge of birnessite nanoparticles is an unlikely oxidation pathway, while sorption on a Mn(IV) vacancy site on the layer surface is a possible pathway for cobalt oxidation.
ACS EARTH AND SPACE CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Theodora-Venera Apostol, Laura-Ileana Socea, Constantin Draghici, Octavian Tudorel Olaru, Gabriel Saramet, Cristian Enache-Preoteasa, Stefania-Felicia Barbuceanu
Summary: This study presents the design, synthesis, characterization, and cytotoxicity evaluation of eight organic compounds containing the 4-(4-chlorophenylsulfonyl)phenyl moiety. The structures of synthesized compounds were confirmed by elemental analysis and spectral methods, and their purity was determined by RP-HPLC. The cytotoxic effect of the synthesized compounds was evaluated on Daphnia magna crustacean.
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Georgiana Nitulescu, Denisa Margina, Anca Zanfirescu, Octavian Tudorel Olaru, George Mihai Nitulescu
Summary: This review provides a comprehensive collection of sortase inhibitors categorized by relevant chemical features, highlighting their structure-activity relationships and potential for designing novel effective and safe anti-infective compounds.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Camelia Elena Stecoza, George Mihai Nitulescu, Constantin Draghici, Miron Teodor Caproiu, Octavian Tudorel Olaru, Marinela Bostan, Mirela Mihaila
Summary: Novel 2,5-diaryl/heteroaryl-1,3,4-oxadiazoles were synthesized and evaluated for their anticancer potential, with one compound showing promising effects on a breast cancer cell line. Predictive studies indicated STAT3 and miR-21 as potential pharmacological targets for the compounds, while toxicity tests showed low risks for the most effective compound.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Theodora-Venera Apostol, Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc, George Mihai Nitulescu, Octavian Tudorel Olaru, Stefania-Felicia Barbuceanu, Laura-Ileana Socea, Elena Mihaela Pahontu, Crina Maria Karmezan, Luminita Gabriela Marutescu
Summary: In this study, the antimicrobial activity of 49 compounds derived from alanine or phenylalanine was evaluated. These compounds showed promising antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity depending on their chemical scaffold and lipophilic character, as determined through in silico and in vitro assays.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Beatrice-Cristina Ivan, Stefania-Felicia Barbuceanu, Camelia Mia Hotnog, Adriana Iuliana Anghel, Robert Viorel Ancuceanu, Mirela Antonela Mihaila, Lorelei Irina Brasoveanu, Sergiu Shova, Constantin Draghici, Octavian Tudorel Olaru, George Mihai Nitulescu, Mihaela Dinu, Florea Dumitrascu
Summary: The current study synthesized a new series of pyrrole derivatives and characterized their physicochemical properties and cytotoxicity. The results indicated that some pyrrole derivatives exhibited cytotoxic activity against tumor cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Liliana Costea, Carmen Lidia Chitescu, Rica Boscencu, Manuela Ghica, Dumitru Lupuliasa, Dragos Paul Mihai, Teodora Deculescu-Ionita, Ligia Elena Dutu, Maria Lidia Popescu, Emanuela-Alice Luta, George Mihai Nitulescu, Octavian Tudorel Olaru, Cerasela Elena Gird
Summary: Oxidative stress is a major factor in human functional disorders, and this study aimed to obtain standardized plant extracts containing active compounds that protect liver cells against free radicals. The extracts were analyzed to identify and quantify therapeutic compounds using UHPLC-HRMS/MS. The extracts contained various flavonoids, phenolic acids, and polyphenols. In vitro experiments confirmed the extracts' antioxidant activity, and a correlation was found between the content of polyphenolic compounds and the antioxidant effect. The extracts also showed hepatoprotective potential in silico. This study validates the use of these extracts in phytotherapy due to their ability to reduce oxidative stress and protect liver cells.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Theodora-Venera Apostol, Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc, Laura-Ileana Socea, Constantin Draghici, Octavian Tudorel Olaru, George Mihai Nitulescu, Diana-Carolina Visan, Luminita Gabriela Marutescu, Elena Mihaela Pahontu, Gabriel Saramet, Stefania-Felicia Barbuceanu
Summary: In this article, the design and synthesis of novel compounds containing an L-valine residue and a 4-[(4-bromophenyl)sulfonyl]phenyl moiety were presented. These compounds belong to various chemotypes and were characterized through different techniques. The compounds were then tested for antimicrobial activity, antioxidant effect, and toxicity. In silico studies were also performed. The results showed promising potential for developing novel antimicrobial agents.
Article
Plant Sciences
Emanuela Alice Luta, Andrei Bita, Alina Morosan, Dan Eduard Mihaiescu, Manuela Ghica, Dragos Paul Mihai, Octavian Tudorel Olaru, Teodora Deculescu-Ionitaa, Ligia Elena Dutu, Maria Lidia Popescu, Liliana Costea, George Mihai Nitulescu, Dumitru Lupuliasa, Rica Boscencu, Cerasela Elena Gird
Summary: This study investigated the impact of phytosociological cultivation and fertilization on the polyphenolic content of peppermint and lemon balm leaves. The results showed that phytosociological cultivation and the use of organic fertilizers increased the concentration of polyphenols and enhanced the antioxidant activity of the extracts.
Review
Plant Sciences
Corina Andrei, Anca Zanfirescu, George Mihai Nitulescu, Octavian Tudorel Olaru, Simona Negres
Summary: This narrative review aims to summarize the diverse natural scaffolds of TRPV1 modulators and analyze the structure-activity relationships between the ligands and molecular targets. The authors provide an exhaustive collection of TRPV1 modulators grouped by relevant chemical features, hoping that this information will contribute to the design of novel effective and safe TRPV1 modulators.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Beatrice-Cristina Ivan, Stefania-Felicia Barbuceanu, Camelia Mia Hotnog, Octavian Tudorel Olaru, Adriana Iuliana Anghel, Robert Viorel Ancuceanu, Mirela Antonela Mihaila, Lorelei Irina Brasoveanu, Sergiu Shova, Constantin Draghici, George Mihai Nitulescu, Florea Dumitrascu
Summary: New pyrrolo[1,2-b]pyridazines were synthesized by cycloaddition reaction and evaluated for their cytotoxicity on plant cells, crustacean animal cells, and human adenocarcinoma-derived adherent cell lines. The compounds exhibited low toxicity on plant cells and showed toxic effects on crustacean animal cells to varying degrees. In vitro compound-mediated cytotoxicity assays demonstrated dose- and time-dependent cytotoxic activity for several compounds, with the highest anti-tumor activity observed against colon cancer cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
George Mihai Nitulescu, Gheorghe Stancov, Oana Cristina Seremet, Georgiana Nitulescu, Dragos Paul Mihai, Cosmina Gabriela Duta-Bratu, Stefania Felicia Barbuceanu, Octavian Tudorel Olaru
Summary: The altered activation or overexpression of protein kinases is a major focus in cancer research, and using small molecule protein kinase inhibitors is the best option for cancer treatment. The pyrazole ring is widely used in medicinal chemistry and drug development strategies, playing a crucial role as a fundamental framework in the structure of protein kinase inhibitors.
Article
Plant Sciences
Adelina Ghica, Veronica Drumea, Alina Morosan, Dan Eduard Mihaiescu, Liliana Costea, Emanuela Alice Luta, Dragos Paul Mihai, Dalila Teodora Balaci, Ancuta Catalina Fita, Octavian Tudorel Olaru, Rica Boscencu, Cerasela Elena Gird
Summary: The aim of this study was to obtain, characterize, and evaluate the antioxidant potential of extracts from three different plant sources. The results showed that the extract from Betula alba var. pendula Roth. had the strongest antioxidant action, followed by extracts from Glycyrrhiza glabra L. and Avena sativa. The total polyphenols content and total flavonoid content correlated with the antioxidant activity of the extracts. Molecular docking experiments revealed the potential of the analyzed phytochemicals to activate the Nrf2 signaling pathway, which could be beneficial in treating various skin disorders.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Corina Andrei, Dragos Paul Mihai, Georgiana Nitulescu, Anca Ungurianu, Denisa Marilena Margina, George Mihai Nitulescu, Octavian Tudorel Olaru, Radu Mihai Busca, Anca Zanfirescu
Summary: This study found that cetirizine exhibits anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in osteoarthritis, making it a promising starting point for the development of new drugs for the treatment of this condition.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emanuela-Alice Luta, Andrei Bita, Alina Morosan, Dan Eduard Mihaiescu, Dragos Paul Mihai, Liliana Popescu, Ludovic Everard Bejenaru, Cornelia Bejenaru, Violeta Popovici, Octavian Tudorel Olaru, Cerasela Elena Gird
Summary: Oxidative stress is a critical factor in the development of functional disorders, and natural antioxidants can provide protection. This study investigates the polyphenol content and antioxidant activity of extracts from two medicinal plants, rosemary and thyme. The extracts from plants cultivated together in plant communities showed higher polyphenol concentrations and increased antioxidant effects compared to extracts from individually cultivated crops. The IC50 values of the plant extracts were strongly correlated with the concentration of active phytoconstituents. Molecular docking studies revealed the potential mechanism behind the increased antioxidant enzyme expression. Further research is needed to validate the in silico findings and investigate the effects of phytosociological cultivation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
