Effect of Chlorotriphenyl Derivatives of Sn and Pb upon Biophysical Properties of Membranes
Biophysical activity of two twin organometallic compounds Triphenyltin chloride (TPhT) and Triphenyllead chloride (TPhL) in their interreaction with model membranes, as well as with yeast cellsSaccharomyces cerevisiae, was investigated. Four measurement methods were used in the experiments: two physical methods (spin probes method and the electric method); two biological methods (minimal inhibitory concentration /MIC/ and yeast survival test). It has been found that the activity of TPhT in interaction with model membranes and yeast cells is distinctly greater than that of TPhL. The activity manifests itself by considerable increase in the fluidity of the middle part of liposome bilayer, cha…
Impact of humic acids on EYL liposome membranes: ESR method
Abstract In this paper, the effects of model (commercial) and natural (extracted from peat) humic substances on the membrane of liposomes formed with egg yolk lecithin (EYL) are presented. In our research, mass concentrations of fulvic and humic acids were used, which in relation to lecithin varied from 0% to 13%. To study membrane fluidity, electron spin resonance (EPR) was used with two spin probes, penetrating various regions of the lipid bilayer. The effects of model and natural humic substances (humic acids – HAs and fulvic acids – FAs) on the lipid membrane in different regions were researched: the lipid-water interphase, and in the middle of the lipid bilayer. It was shown that FA an…
The impact of humic and fulvic acids on the dynamic properties of liposome membranes: the ESR method
This paper presents the results of research on the influence of two fractions of humic substances (HS): fulvic acids (FA) and humic acids (HA), as a function of concentration, on the liposome membranes formed from egg yolk lecithin (EYL). The concentration of HS in relation to EYL changed from 0% to 10% by weight. The influence of HS on various areas of membranes: interphase water-lipid, in the lipid layer just below the polar part of the membrane and in the middle of the lipid bilayer, was investigated by different spin labels (TEMPO, DOXYL 5, DOXYL 16). The study showed that HA slightly decreased the fluidity of the analyzed membranes on the surface layer, while FA significantly liquidate…
The Possibilities of Using BCI Technology in Biomedical Engineering
The paper presents capabilities of building devices dedicated for persons with heavy mobility dysfunction and indicates the role of interfaces connecting brain with computer (Brain Computer Interface, BCI). Impulses coming from closing eyes, clenching teeth, and tongue movement were proposed as optimal in controlling the applications that manage executable systems. A group of electrodes giving a strong electric signal characteristic for the activity were designated and on the basis of conducted research a proposition of a scientific project concerning building of supporting devices for persons with heavy mobility dysfunction was presented.
Effect of tin and lead chlorotriphenyl analogues on selected living cells.
Three kinds of living cells, human embryonic kidney cells, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Escherichia coli, were tested for their sensitivity to chlorotriphenyltin and chlorotriphenyllead. The tin compound proved definitely more toxic than the lead derivative, particularly in the case of the human embryonic kidney cells devoid of any protective cell wall. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) comparative studies carried out by using a natural model liposome system (egg yolk lecithin) confirmed considerable changes within the lipid bilayer upon doping by the aforementioned additives, which may be crucial to the mechanism of the observed cell cleavage. The individual dopants revealed diverse i…
Tin compounds interaction with membranes of egg lecithin liposomes.
This work is a continuation of earlier research concerning the influence of tin compounds on the dynamic properties of liposome membranes produced with lecithin hen egg yolks (EYL). The experiments were carried out at room temperature (about 25 ∞C). Four tin compounds were chosen, including three organic ones, (CH3)4Sn, (C2H5)4Sn and (C3H7)3SnCl, and one inorganic, SnCl2. The investigated compounds were admixed to water dispersions of liposomes. The content of the admixture changed within the range 0 mol-% to 11mol-% in proportion to EYL. Two spin probes were used in the experiment: 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine- 1-oxyl (TEMPO) and 2-ethyl-2-(15-methoxy-15-oxopentadecyl)-4,4-dimethyl-3-oxaz…
The effect of organic solvents on selected microorganisms and model liposome membrane
The effect of methanol, ethanol, acetone, N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethyl sulfoxide and Nujol on the growth of Escherichia coli DH5α, Bacillus subtilis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae D273 was investigated. All of the tested cultures appeared susceptible to the organic media they were treated with, which evinced in apparent hindering of cell development. The observed diverse solvent tolerance, except from their different biochemical activity, may also be related to the changes in cell membrane fluidity induced by the solvent species. Parallel electron paramagnetic resonance investigations using egg yolk lecithin model liposomes revealed that the fluidity of the phospholipid system in cel…
Tri-alkenyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes as comonomers and active center modifiers in ethylene copolymerization catalyzed by bis(phenoxy-imine) Ti, Zr, V and V salen-type complexes
Abstract In copolymerization of ethylene (E) with tri-alkenyl-silsesquioxanes (POSS-6-3 and POSS-10-3) were used bis(phenoxy-imine) titanium, zirconium and vanadium catalysts, as well as salen-type vanadium catalysts. There were obtained copolymers with POSS-R-3 units as side branches of polymer chains. The type of employed bis(phenoxy-imine) titanium, zirconium and vanadium catalysts and salen-type catalyst of vanadium determined the copolymer chain termination reactions, as well as the mechanism of modification of the active species by the POSS-R-3 comonomer. POSS-R-3 comonomers caused selective poisoning of bis(phenoxy-imine) zirconium catalyst and they provided protection against tight …
Fluidity of liposome membranes doped with metalloporphyrins: An ESR study
Changes in membrane fluidity of porphyrin-doped liposomes have been investigated to assess the kinetics of the fluidization process. Metal complexes of tert-butylphenyl mesosubstituted porphyrin, containing ions of Mg, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni and Cu, were used as dopants. Liposomes were obtained by sonication of hen egg yolk lecithin (EYL). Electron paramagnetic resonance (ESR) was applied using two spin probes, TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine- 1-oxyl) and 16-DOXYL-stearic acid [2-ethyl-2-(15-methoxy-15-oxopentadecyl)-4,4- dimethyl-3-oxazolidinyloxyl], localized at different sites within the membrane to determine the spectroscopic parameters: partition (F) and rotation correlation time (τ), rel…
Brain Biophysics: Perception, Consciousness, Creativity. Brain Computer Interface (BCI)
The paper presents connections between perception, awareness, and creativity from the biophysical point of view. Attention was drawn to human senses’ limitations and their influence on cognition. The role of interfaces connecting brain with computer and particular role of Brain Computer Interface (BCI) are indicated which the authors believe will be the next stage of human brain supporting technology evolution. It will enable the growth of perception, awareness, and creativity, and consequently lead to social development.
The impact of model peptides on structural and dynamic properties of egg yolk lecithin liposomes - experimental and DFT studies.
Electron spin resonance (ESR), 1H-NMR, voltage and resistance experiments were performed to explore structural and dynamic changes of Egg Yolk Lecithin (EYL) bilayer upon addition of model peptides. Two of them are phenylalanine (Phe) derivatives, Ac-Phe-NHMe (1) and Ac-Phe-NMe2 (2), and the third one, Ac-(Z)-ΔPhe-NMe2 (3), is a derivative of (Z)-α,β-dehydrophenylalanine. The ESR results revealed that all compounds reduced the fluidity of liposome's membrane, and the highest activity was observed for compound 2 with N-methylated C-terminal amide bond (Ac-Phe-NMe2). This compound, being the most hydrophobic, penetrates easily through biological membranes. This was also observed in voltage an…
Two-step impact of Amphotericin B (AmB) on lipid membranes: ESR experiment and computer simulations.
In this study, the electron spin resonance (ESR) method was used to examine the effect of Amphotericin B (AmB) molecules on the fluidity of model membranes made of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC). The changes occurring under increased AmB concentrations in the spectroscopic parameters of spin probes placed in liposomes were determined. Three probes were used, penetrating the membrane at different depths which allowed the changes in its fluidity to be found in the transverse section. A computer model of the surface layer of membrane, with AmB admixture, was developed and subjected to computer simulation. The effect of changing concentration of the admixture on the binding energy in the…
Liposomes modified by mono- and bis-phthalocyanines: A comprehensive EPR study.
The impact of selected metallophthalocyanines, featuring diverse molecular structure, upon the fluidity of liposome membranes was studied using the spin label EPR technique. The “mono”-type MPc’s (M = Zn, Sn; Pc = C32H16N8 is the phthalocyanine ligand) and sandwich LnPc2 complexes (Ln = Nd, Sm, Gd) were explored. Liposomes were obtained in a sonication process, from egg yolk lecithin (EYL) in water. TEMPO and 16-DOXYL spin labels were used to monitor the peripheral and central part of the lipid double layer, respectively, which allowed to localize the phthalocyanine additive within the bilayer, as well as to perform independent measurements of changes in fluidity upon addition thereof. All …
Impact of Vanadium(IV)-Oxy Acetylacetonate and Vanadium(III) Acetylacetonatel on the DPPC Liposome Membranes: EPR Studies
The effect of vanadium (IV)-oxy acetylacetonate (V4) and vanadium(III) acetylacetonate (V3) on the liposome membranes formed of synthetic lecithin (DPPC) was presented in this paper. Liposomes were formed during the sonication of DPPC lecithin in an aqueous medium. The concentration of the vanadium compounds changed in the range of 0% to 2.4% in molar ratio to the lecithin. The EPR technique made use of three spin probes penetrating the different areas of the membrane (as follows: TEMPO, 16-DOXYL stearic acid methyl ester, stearic acid 5-DOXYL methyl ester). TEMPO probe penetrates the interphase water-lipid (partition parameter F), the probe 16-DOXYL locates in the middle of the lipid bilay…
Effect of Organic Tin Compounds on Electric Properties of Model Membranes
The objective of the present work was to investigate the effect of selected organic tin compounds and potassium chloride (used as a reference substance) on the trans-membrane electric voltage and electric resistance of model membranes, the latter being nitrocellulose filters impregnated with butylene ester of lauric acid. The increasing KCl concentration (in the measurement chambers) caused a rapid rise of the negative trans-membrane voltage, whose value stabilized afterwards. In the case of (C3H7)3SnCl an abrupt maximum of the negative voltage was observed followed by a monotonic drop to zero. In the case of highest concentrations of this compound the voltages, after having reached zero, c…
Bimodal Effect of Amphiphilic Biocide Concentrations on Fluidity of Lipid Membranes
Abstract Using the spin label method (ESR) it has been shown that biologically active, amphiphilic compounds (quaternary ammonium salts -AS) containing polar heads with single and double positive charge caused, at low concentrations, decrease fluidity of liposome membranes formed with egg yolk lecithin (EYL). At higher concentrations an increase in fluidity was observed. With compounds having a single positive charge minimum fluidity of membrane structure occurs in the range of 1 to 3%, with compounds containing double positive charge -in the range of 4 -6 % . That effect does not depend on polar head size and length of alkyl chains of the AS used. Analysis of the electrostatic interaction …
The influence of tin compounds on the dynamic properties of liposome membranes: A study using the ESR method
AbstractThe influence of organic and inorganic compounds of tin on the dynamic properties of liposome membranes obtained in the process of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) sonication in distilled water was investigated. This was carried out by means of the spin ESR probe method. The probes were selected in such a way as to penetrate different areas of the membrane (a TEMPO probe, 5-DOXYL stearic acid, 16-DOXYL stearic acid). Four compounds of tin were chosen: three organic ones, (CH3)4Sn, (C2H5)4Sn and (C3H7)3SnCl, and one inorganic one, SnCl2. The investigated compounds were added to a liposome dispersion, which was prepared prior to that. The concentration of the admixture was change…
Membrane fluidity and the surface properties of the lipid bilayer: ESR experiment and computer simulation
Penetration of the liposome membranes formed in the gel phase from DPPC (DPPC liposomes) and in the liquid-crystalline phase from egg yolk lecithin (EYL liposomes) by the TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl) and 16 DOXYL (2-ethyl-2-(15-methoxy-oxopentadecyl)-4,4-dimethyl-3-oxazolidinyloxy) spin probes has been investigated. The penetration process was followed by 120 hours at 24(0)C, using the electron spin resonance (ESR) method. The investigation of the kinetics of the TEMPO probe building into the membranes of both types of liposomes revealed differences appearing 30 minutes after the start of the experiment. The number of TEMPO particles built into the EYL liposome membranes beg…
The Impact of Propanol, N-Butanol and Pentanol on Aqueous Dispersions of Sonicated Liposomes. EPR Study
Abstract This paper presents the effect of selected alcohols on the fluidity of liposome membranes obtained in sonication of DPPC lecithin. Using the EPR technique, the duality of propanol, n-butanol and pentanol on the behaviour of the aqueous dispersion of liposomes was demonstrated. It was shown that after exceeding a certain concentration, these alcohols initiate dispersion foaming, leading to phase separation: liposome dispersion - lipid foam. The influence of the shape of the molecule and the length of hydrocarbon chains on the effectiveness of destabilisation of the structure of lipid membranes was indicated.
The Brain, Mind and Electromagnetic Waves
The functions of electromagnetic waves both as an information carrier and energy field in the impact on the human body have been discussed. Possible consequences of the effect of electromagnetic fields of different frequencies on the human brain and body have been addressed and commented on. The complex nature of electromagnetic phenomena revealed in interactions between humans and the environment, featuring the most relevant hazards, was demonstrated.
Effect of tin and lead chlorotriphenyl analogues on fruit fly Drosophila hydei and liposomes membrane
This article presents the results of a study investigating the biological activity of triphenyltin chloride (TPhT) and two metalloorganic compounds, triphenyllead chloride (TPhL) and triphenylmethane chloride (TPhC), in their interaction with model membranes and the living organisms of fruit flies Drosophila hydei. The study of model membranes (sonicated liposomes) was conducted using the electron spin resonance (ESR) spin probe technique, whereas the experiment on fruit flies involved investigating their viability on media containing the studied compounds. The test results clearly demonstrate that TPhT affects fruit flies more actively than TPhL (complete lethality after 7 days of culture …
The dynamics of the surface layer of lipid membranes doped by vanadium complex: computer modeling and EPR studies
Abstract Penetration of the liposome membranes doped with vanadium complex formed in the liquid-crystalline phase from egg yolk lecithin (EYL) by the TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl) spin probes has been investigated. The penetration process was followed by 360 hours at 24°C, using the electron spin resonance (EPR) method. The spectroscopic parameter of the partition (F) of this probe indicated that a maximum rigidity of the membrane was at 3% concentration of the vanadium complex. Computer simulations showed that the increase in the rigidity of the membrane corresponds to the closure of gaps in the surface layer of the membrane, and indicates the essential role of the membrane …
Virtual Reality Based Simulators for Neurosurgeons - What We Have and What We Hope to Have in the Nearest Future
High levels of manual skills, good visual-motor coordination, excel‐lent imagination and spatial awareness are the main factors determining the success of neurosurgeons. Proficiency in neurosurgical skills used to be acquired through hands-on training in cadaver labs and in real operating theatres under master neurosurgeon supervision. Most recently, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) computer simulations have also been considered as tools for education in the neurosurgical training. The authors review existing solutions and present their own concept of a simulator which could become the useful tool for planning, simulation and training of a specific neurosurgical procedure usi…
Computer Simulations of the Electric Interactions between the Phospholipid Head-Groups and Ionic Admixtures in the Membrane Surface
Some phospholipids (e.g. lecithin) form a system of electric dipoles on the membrane surface layer. In the case of lecithin the positive dipole charge is located on the choline and the negative one on the phosphoric molecule group. These dipoles are arranged almost parallel to the membrane surface. Taking the dipole membrane structure as a base for further investigations, a computer model of the electrostatic interaction between the dipole system and the ionic admixture was investigated. The model presumes hexagonal centered or a rectangular flat geometry of the 121 dipoles distribution. The dipoles may rotate freely around round the motionless symmetry axis perpendicular to the system surf…
Dynamics of surface of lipid membranes: theoretical considerations and the ESR experiment.
The effect of the surface layer of model membranes on their physical properties was discussed in this paper. The research involved a physical ESR experiment with the use of spin probes and computer simulation based on the Monte Carlo technique. Liposomes formed during the process of sonication of lecithin were scanned in an ESR spectrometer. The membrane surface layer model, represented by the system of electric dipoles arranged in rectangular or hexagonal matrices, was studied. The final states of computer simulations were presented as textures. It was found that in the gel phase some ordered domain structures are formed, while in the liquid–crystal phase we got complex textures comprising…
Fluidity of liposome membranes doped with organic tin compounds: ESR study.
The kinetics of change in the fluidity of liposome membranes, obtained in the process of sonication of Egg Yolk Lecithin (EYL), with the admixture of organic tin compounds, was investigated. Five compounds were selected for the research: three differed in the length of hydrocarbon chains, (CH(3))(4)Sn, (C(2)H(5))(4)Sn, and (C(3)H(7))(3)SnCl, whereas two differed in the number of aromatic rings, (C(6)H(5))(2)SnCl(2) and (C(6)H(5))(3)SnCl. The concentration of the compounds in proportion to EYL was 2 mol-%. Electron Spin (paramagnetic) Resonance (ESR) was applied using two spin probes TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl) and 16-DOXYL-stearic acid methyl ester (2-ethyl-2-(15-methoxy-15…
The Influence of Natural and Model Forms of Humic Acids on the Dynamic Parameters of Model Membranes
Abstract In this paper the influence of humic acid concentrations extracted from Histosols (HA-A) and their model forms (HA-B) separated from humic substances commercially produced by Carl Roth GmbH + Co.KG on the dynamic properties of liposome membranes was determined. Differences in the quality of the humic acids (HA-A and HA-B) were determined by the 1HNMR and FTIR methods. Liposomes from the sonication of egg yolk lecithin (EYL) in an aqueous solution and synthetic Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) were used. Fluidity of liposome membranes was determined by the EPR technique with spin probes (TEMPO, 16DOIXYL). The electrical parameters of membranes were found using a Keithley 6517 e…
Metalloporphyrin intercalation in liposome membranes: ESR study
Liposomes characterized by membranes featuring diverse fluidity (liquid-crystalline and/or gel phase), prepared from egg yolk lecithin (EYL) and dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), were doped with selected metalloporphyrins and the time-related structural and dynamic changes within the lipid double layer were investigated. Porphyrin complexes of Mg(II), Mn(III), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), and the metal-free base were embedded into the particular liposome systems and tested for 350 h at 24°C using the electron spin resonance (ESR) spin probe technique. 5-DOXYL, 12-DOXYL, and 16-DOXYL stearic acid methyl ester spin labels were applied to explore the interior of the lipid bila…
Development of the BCI Device Controlling C++ Software, Based on Existing Open Source Projects
The possibility of using the BCI open source code for building BCI controlled device, based on small AVR or ARM microcontrollers was considered. Some techniques to extract code snippets from other BCI projects were presented in the case of OpenViBE as the code donor. Problem with obtaining driver source codes for factory BCI devices has been pointed out.