Dianne L. DeCamp

Bio: Dianne L. DeCamp is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance & Derivative (chemistry). The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 3 publications receiving 1289 citations.

Inhibition of the HIV-1 protease by fullerene derivatives: model building studies and experimental verification

Abstract: The ability of C[sub 60] fullerene ([open quotes]Bucky Ball[close quotes]) derivatives to interact with the active site of HIV-1 protease (HIVP) has been examined through model building and simple physical chemical analysis. The model complexes generated via the program DOCK3 suggest that C[sub 60] derivatives will fit snugly in the active site, thereby removing 298 A[sup 2] of primarily nonpolar surface from solvent exposure and driving ligand/protein association. The prediction that these compounds should bind to the active site and thereby act as inhibitors has been borne out by the experimental evidence. Kinetic analysis of HIVP in the presence of a water-soluble C[sub 60] derivative, bis(phenethylamino-succinate) C[sub 60], suggests a competitive mode of inhibition. This is consistent with and supports the predicted binding mode. Diamino C[sub 60] has been proposed as a [open quotes]second-generation[close quotes] C[sub 60] derivative that will be able to form salt bridges with the catalytic aspartic acids in addition to Van der Waals contacts with the nonpolar HIVP surface, thereby improving the binding relative to the tested compound. 15 refs., 6 figs., 1 tab.

Synthesis of a fullerene derivative for the inhibition of HIV enzymes

Abstract: A diamido diacid diphenyl fulleroid derivative was designed specifically to inhibit an HIV enzyme. The detailed synthesis and mass spectrometric analysis of the water-soluble, biologically active methanofullerene are described. The compound was prepared in three steps from C[sub 60] via a suitably diphenyldiazomethane. High-resolution mass spectrometric analysis was possible only under mild matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization Fourier transform mass spectrometry conditions. Direct infrared or ultraviolet laser desorption resulted exclusively in observation of C[sub 60] ions, in either positive or negative mode. 13 refs., 3 figs.

Synthesis of a Fullerene Derivative for the Inhibition of HIV Enzymes.

Abstract: A diamido diacid diphenyl fulleroid derivative was designed specifically to inhibit an HIV enzyme. The detailed synthesis and mass spectrometric analysis of the water-soluble, biologically active methanofullerene are described. The compound was prepared in three steps from C[sub 60] via a suitably diphenyldiazomethane. High-resolution mass spectrometric analysis was possible only under mild matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization Fourier transform mass spectrometry conditions. Direct infrared or ultraviolet laser desorption resulted exclusively in observation of C[sub 60] ions, in either positive or negative mode. 13 refs., 3 figs.

Chemical modifications and bioconjugate reactions of nanomaterials for sensing, imaging, drug delivery and therapy.

Abstract: As prepared nanomaterials of metals, semiconductors, polymers and carbon often need surface modifications such as ligand exchange, and chemical and bioconjugate reactions for various biosensor, bioanalytical, bioimaging, drug delivery and therapeutic applications. Such surface modifications help us to control the physico-chemical, toxicological and pharmacological properties of nanomaterials. Furthermore, introduction of various reactive functional groups on the surface of nanomaterials allows us to conjugate a spectrum of contrast agents, antibodies, peptides, ligands, drugs and genes, and construct multifunctional and hybrid nanomaterials for the targeted imaging and treatment of cancers. This tutorial review is intended to provide an introduction to newcomers about how chemical and bioconjugate reactions transform the surface of nanomaterials such as silica nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, gold quantum clusters, semiconductor quantum dots, carbon nanotubes, fullerene and graphene, and accordingly formulate them for applications such as biosensing, bioimaging, drug and gene delivery, chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy and photothermal therapy. Nonetheless, controversial reports and our growing concerns about toxicity and pharmacokinetics of nanomaterials suggest the need for not only rigorous in vivo experiments in animal models but also novel nanomaterials for practical applications in the clinical settings. Further reading of original and review articles cited herein is necessary to buildup in-depth knowledge about the chemistry, bioconjugate chemistry and biological applications of individual nanomaterials.

The era of carbon allotropes

Abstract: Twenty-five years on from the discovery of C60, the outstanding properties and potential applications of the synthetic carbon allotropes — fullerenes, nanotubes and graphene — overwhelmingly illustrate their unique scientific and technological importance.

Mitochondria-Targeted Triphenylphosphonium-Based Compounds: Syntheses, Mechanisms of Action, and Therapeutic and Diagnostic Applications

Abstract: Mitochondria are recognized as one of the most important targets for new drug design in cancer, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases. Currently, the most effective way to deliver drugs specifically to mitochondria is by covalent linking a lipophilic cation such as an alkyltriphenylphosphonium moiety to a pharmacophore of interest. Other delocalized lipophilic cations, such as rhodamine, natural and synthetic mitochondria-targeting peptides, and nanoparticle vehicles, have also been used for mitochondrial delivery of small molecules. Depending on the approach used, and the cell and mitochondrial membrane potentials, more than 1000-fold higher mitochondrial concentration can be achieved. Mitochondrial targeting has been developed to study mitochondrial physiology and dysfunction and the interaction between mitochondria and other subcellular organelles and for treatment of a variety of diseases such as neurodegeneration and cancer. In this Review, we discuss efforts to target small-molecule compounds to mitochondria for probing mitochondria function, as diagnostic tools and potential therapeutics. We describe the physicochemical basis for mitochondrial accumulation of lipophilic cations, synthetic chemistry strategies to target compounds to mitochondria, mitochondrial probes, and sensors, and examples of mitochondrial targeting of bioactive compounds. Finally, we review published attempts to apply mitochondria-targeted agents for the treatment of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

Functionalized fullerenes in water. The first 10 years of their chemistry, biology, and nanoscience

Abstract: Fullerenes are entirely insoluble in water, but suitable functionalization makes the molecules soluble. Studies on water-soluble fullerene derivatives led to the discovery of the interaction of organofullerenes with DNA, proteins, and living cells, which was first reported in the summer of 1993. Subsequent studies have revealed interesting biological activity aspects of organofullerenes owing to their photochemistry, radical quenching, and hydrophobicity to form one- to three-dimensional supramolecular complexes. In these areas of research, synthetic organic chemistry has played an important role in the creation of tailor-made molecules.