Using two-phase (water–toluene) reduction of AuCl4– by sodium borohydride in the presence of an alkanethiol, solutions of 1–3 nm gold particles bearing a surface coating of thiol have been prepared and characterised; this novel material can be handled as a simple chemical compound.

Synthesis of thiol-derivatised gold nanoparticles in a two-phase liquid-liquid system

▪ Abstract The prostaglandin endoperoxide H synthases-1 and 2 (PGHS-1 and PGHS-2; also cyclooxygenases-1 and 2, COX-1 and COX-2) catalyze the committed step in prostaglandin synthesis. PGHS-1 and 2 are of particular interest because they are the major targets of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including aspirin, ibuprofen, and the new COX-2 inhibitors. Inhibition of the PGHSs with NSAIDs acutely reduces inflammation, pain, and fever, and long-term use of these drugs reduces fatal thrombotic events, as well as the development of colon cancer and Alzheimer's disease. In this review, we examine how the structures of these enzymes relate mechanistically to cyclooxygenase and peroxidase catalysis, and how differences in the structure of PGHS-2 confer on this isozyme differential sensitivity to COX-2 inhibitors. We further examine the evidence for independent signaling by PGHS-1 and PGHS-2, and the complex mechanisms for regulation of PGHS-2 gene expression.

Cyclooxygenases: Structural, cellular, and molecular biology

Proton NMR chemical shift and J-coupling values are presented for 35 metabolites that can be detected by in vivo or in vitro NMR studies of mammalian brain. Measurements were obtained using high-field NMR spectra of metabolites in solution, under conditions typical for normal physiological temperature and pH. This information is presented with an accuracy that is suitable for computer simulation of metabolite spectra to be used as basis functions of a parametric spectral analysis procedure. This procedure is verified by the analysis of a rat brain extract spectrum, using the measured spectral parameters. In addition, the metabolite structures and example spectra are presented, and clinical applications and MR spectroscopic measurements of these metabolites are reviewed.

http://pfeifer.phas.ubc.ca/refbase/files/Govindaraju-NMRBiomed-2000-13-129.pdf

Proton NMR chemical shifts and coupling constants for brain metabolites.

We report on the synthesis and characterization of 25−70 A diameter amine-capped gold nanocrystals. In particular, we show how these particles can be prepared by a simple procedure and confirm the particle composition (including the identity of the amine surface passivant) through several materials characterization techniques that include infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, ultraviolet−visible spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and elemental analysis. All physical characterizations are consistent with a charge−neutral amine/gold surface interaction described by a weak covalent bond. The stability of the particles appears to be largely kinetic, rather than thermodynamic, in nature. Comparison of these nanocrystals to amines adsorbed onto bulk Au surfaces indicates that the stability of the nanocrystal/amine system is a finite-size effect.

Synthesis and Characterization of Hydrophobic, Organically-Soluble Gold Nanocrystals Functionalized with Primary Amines

Raman spectroscopy is a potentially important clinical tool for real-time diagnosis of disease and in situ evaluation of living tissue. The purpose of this article is to review the biological and physical basis of Raman spectroscopy of tissue, to assess the current status of the field and to explore future directions. The principles of Raman spectroscopy and the molecular level information it provides are explained. An overview of the evolution of Raman spectroscopic techniques in biology and medicine, from early investigations using visible laser excitation to present-day technology based on near-infrared laser excitation and charge-coupled device array detection, is presented. State-of-the-art Raman spectrometer systems for research laboratory and clinical settings are described. Modern methods of multivariate spectral analysis for extracting diagnostic, chemical and morphological information are reviewed. Several in-depth applications are presented to illustrate the methods of collecting, processing and analysing data, as well as the range of medical applications under study. Finally, the issues to be addressed in implementing Raman spectroscopy in various clinical applications, as well as some long-term directions for future study, are discussed.

/pdf/prospects-for-in-vivo-raman-spectroscopy-1fkovf1b8p.pdf

Prospects for in vivo Raman spectroscopy.

The X-ray photoelectron spectra of a range of gold complexes with halide, phosphine, and thiol ligands is reported. Gold(I) and gold(III) complexes can readily be distinguished for each type of ligand. The use of this result is illustrated by following the decomposition of [NEt4][AuBr4] on exposure to the X-ray beam. Systematic variations in the binding energies of the Cl 2p, Br 3p, P 2p, and S 2p levels have been observed between ligand, gold(I), and gold(III) complexes.

D.H. Brown

Papers

X-ray photoelectron spectra of some gold compounds

The reactions of gold(0) with amino acids and the significance of these reactions in the biochemistry of gold

The far infrared spectra (650 to 200 cm−1) of some monosubstituted benzene derivatives

Copper schiff base complexes with polyfunctional amino acids

A relationship between thiols and the superoxide ion