ARCHAEOMETRY, Issue 5 2009
M. S. WALTON
Samples of red pigment from a group of seven Roman-period Egyptian mummies, known as red-shroud mummies, are investigated. Elemental analysis by inductively coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ICP,TOFMS) shows that the samples contain mostly Pb (83,92% by weight), along with 0.2,2.0% Sn. All of the samples are found to have similar trace element distributions when normalized to the continental crust, suggesting that they share a common geological origin. Lead isotope ratios are found to match the mixed lead sources typically associated with Rio Tinto, Spain , a site extensively mined for silver during the first century ad. Raman microspectroscopy identifies the major phase of each sample to be red lead (Pb3O4) with a minor phase of lead tin oxide (Pb2SnO4). Lead tin oxide does not occur naturally, and its incidental occurrence within the sample indicates that the material was heated under oxidative conditions at temperatures in excess of 650°C. In archaeological contexts, the high-temperature oxidative treatment of lead is typically associated with metallurgical refinement processes such as cupellation. Based on this evidence, it is argued that the pigment was produced out of litharge associated with silver cupellation at the Rio Tinto site. [source]

OCCURRENCES OF GREEN EARTH PIGMENT ON NORTHWEST COAST FIRST NATIONS PAINTED OBJECTS*

ARCHAEOMETRY, Issue 3 2009
I. N. M. WAINWRIGHT
An analytical study of First Nations painted objects from the Northwest Coast showed that green earth (celadonite) was used as a green pigment by Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian artists. Green earth appears to have been used less frequently by Heiltsuk and Kwakwaka'wakw artists and was not found on Coast Salish or Nuu-chah-nulth objects. Microscopical samples of green paint from 82 Northwest Coast objects, as well as several pigment sources and mineral specimens, were analysed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy or X-ray diffraction. Green earth was the most frequently identified green pigment, found in approximately 40% of the samples. [source]

A SPECTROSCOPIC INVESTIGATION OF PIGMENT AND CERAMIC SAMPLES FROM COPÁN, HONDURAS,

ARCHAEOMETRY, Issue 1 2009
R. A. GOODALL
A combination of micro-Raman spectroscopy, micro-infrared spectroscopy and SEM,EDX was employed to characterize decorative pigments on Classic Maya ceramics from Copán, Honduras. Variation in red paint mixtures was correlated with changing ceramic types and improvements in process and firing techniques. We have confirmed the use of specular hematite on Coner ceramics by the difference in intensities of Raman bands. Different compositions of brown paint were correlated with imported and local wares. The carbon-iron composition of the ceramic type, Surlo Brown, was confirmed. By combining micro-Raman analysis with micro-ATR infrared and SEM,EDX, we have achieved a more comprehensive characterization of the paint mixtures. These spectroscopic techniques can be used non-destructively on raw samples as a rapid confirmation of ceramic type. [source]

DETERMINATION OF PIGMENTS AND BINDERS IN POMPEIAN WALL PAINTINGS USING SYNCHROTRON RADIATION , HIGH-RESOLUTION X-RAY POWDER DIFFRACTION AND CONVENTIONAL SPECTROSCOPY , CHROMATOGRAPHY

ARCHAEOMETRY, Issue 2 2010
A. DURAN
The employment of synchrotron techniques complemented by conventional laboratory systems has allowed us to deepen and improve our knowledge of Roman wall painting procedures. The palette identified in wall paintings from Pompeii and Herculaneum from the second century bc includes goethite, hematite, cinnabar, glauconite, Egyptian blue, and other components such as calcite and aragonite. Proof of the use of organic binders is provided by FTIR and PY,GC/MS. Therefore, the possibility of the use of ,a secco' techniques cannot be ruled out. Pigments in wall paintings are usually found in small percentages and conventional X-ray diffractometers do not detect them. Synchrotron radiation , high-resolution X-ray powder diffraction has allowed identification with only a few micrograms of sample. [source]

Protective role of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) in early phase of experimental diabetic retinopathy

DIABETES/METABOLISM: RESEARCH AND REVIEWS, Issue 7 2009
Yumiko Yoshida
Abstract Background Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is the most potent inhibitor of angiogenesis in the mammalian eye, thus suggesting that PEDF may protect against proliferative diabetic retinopathy. However, a role for PEDF in early diabetic retinopathy remains to be elucidated. We investigated here whether and how PEDF could prevent the development of diabetic retinopathy. Methods Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were treated with or without intravenous injection of PEDF for 4 weeks. Early neuronal derangements were evaluated by electroretinogram (ERG) and immunofluorescent staining of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Expression of PEDF and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a marker of oxidative stress, was localized by immunofluorescence. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and p22phox expression were evaluated with western blots. Breakdown of blood retinal barrier (BRB) was quantified with fluorescein isothiocynate (FITC)-conjugated dextran. NADPH oxidase activity was measured with lucigenin luminescence. Results Retinal PEDF levels were reduced, and amplitudes of a- and b-wave in the ERG were decreased in diabetic rats, which were in parallel with GFAP overexpression in the Müller cells. Further, retinal 8-OHdG, p22phox and VEGF levels and NADPH oxidase activity were increased, and BRB was broken in diabetic rats. Administration of PEDF ameliorated all of the characteristic changes in early diabetic retinopathy. Conclusions Results suggest that PEDF could prevent neuronal derangements and vascular hyperpermeability in early diabetic retinopathy via inhibition of NADPH oxidase-driven oxidative stress generation. Substitution of PEDF may offer a promising strategy for halting the development of diabetic retinopathy. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Pigment epithelium-derived factor binds to cell-surface F1 -ATP synthase

FEBS JOURNAL, Issue 9 2010
Luigi Notari
Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), a potent blocker of angiogenesis in vivo, and of endothelial cell migration and tubule formation, binds with high affinity to an as yet unknown protein on the surfaces of endothelial cells. Given that protein fingerprinting suggested a match of a , 60 kDa PEDF-binding protein in bovine retina with Bos taurus F1 -ATP synthase ,-subunit, and that F1Fo -ATP synthase components have been identified recently as cell-surface receptors, we examined the direct binding of PEDF to F1. Size-exclusion ultrafiltration assays showed that recombinant human PEDF formed a complex with recombinant yeast F1. Real-time binding as determined by surface plasmon resonance demonstrated that yeast F1 interacted specifically and reversibly with human PEDF. Kinetic evaluations revealed high binding affinity for PEDF, in agreement with PEDF affinities for endothelial cell surfaces. PEDF blocked interactions between F1 and angiostatin, another antiangiogenic factor, suggesting overlapping PEDF-binding and angiostatin-binding sites on F1. Surfaces of endothelial cells exhibited affinity for PEDF-binding proteins of , 60 kDa. Antibodies to F1,-subunit specifically captured PEDF-binding components in endothelial plasma membranes. The extracellular ATP synthesis activity of endothelial cells was examined in the presence of PEDF. PEDF significantly reduced the amount of extracellular ATP produced by endothelial cells, in agreement with direct interactions between cell-surface ATP synthase and PEDF. In addition to demonstrating that PEDF binds to cell-surface F1, these results show that PEDF is a ligand for endothelial cell-surface F1Fo -ATP synthase. They suggest that PEDF-mediated inhibition of ATP synthase may form part of the biochemical mechanisms by which PEDF exerts its antiangiogenic activity. Structured digital abstract ,,MINT-7711286: angiostatin (uniprotkb:P00747) physically interacts (MI:0915) with F-ATPase alpha subunit (uniprotkb:P07251), F-ATPase beta subunit (uniprotkb:P00830), F-ATPase gamma subunit (uniprotkb:P38077), F-ATPase delta subunit (uniprotkb:Q12165) and F-ATPase epsilon subunit (uniprotkb:P21306) by competition binding (MI:0405) ,,MINT-7711113: angiostatin (uniprotkb:P00747) physically interacts (MI:0915) with F-ATPase epsilon subunit (uniprotkb:P21306), F-ATPase delta subunit (uniprotkb:Q12165), F-ATPase gamma subunit (uniprotkb:P38077), F-ATPase beta subunit(uniprotkb:P00830) and F-ATPase alpha subunit (uniprotkb:P07251) by surface plasmon resonance (MI:0107) ,,MINT-7711060: F-ATPase gamma subunit (uniprotkb:P38077), F-ATPase beta subunit (uniprotkb:P00830), F-ATPase alpha subunit (uniprotkb:P07251) and PEDF (uniprotkb:P36955) physically interact (MI:0915) by molecular sieving (MI:0071) ,,MINT-7711313: F-ATPase epsilon subunit (uniprotkb:P21306), F-ATPase delta subunit (uniprotkb:Q12165), PEDF (uniprotkb:P36955), F-ATPase alpha subunit (uniprotkb:P07251), F-ATPase beta subunit (uniprotkb:P00830) and F-ATPase gamma subunit(uniprotkb:P38077) physically interact (MI:0915) by molecular sieving (MI:0071) ,,MINT-7711083: PEDF (uniprotkb:P36955) physically interacts (MI:0915) with F-ATPase epsilon subunit (uniprotkb:P21306), F-ATPase delta subunit (uniprotkb:Q12165), F-ATPase gamma subunit (uniprotkb:P38077), F-ATPase beta subunit (uniprotkb:P00830) and F-ATPase alpha subunit (uniprotkb:P07251) by surface plasmon resonance (MI:0107) [source]

Pigment epithelium-derived factor induces the production of chemokines by rat microglia

GLIA, Issue 4 2005
Asako Takanohashi
Abstract Many studies have shown that pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) has neurotrophic effects on retinal cells and hippocampal, spinal cord, and cerebellar granule cell neurons, but much less work has examined the effects of PEDF on glia. In this study, we show that PEDF changes microglial morphology within 1 h of exposure, to a more deactivated form, while having no effect on the expression of such activation markers as OX-42 and ED-1. In contrast, urea activates acid phosphatase, and PEDF blocks that activation. PEDF also activates NF,B, accompanied by the induction of mRNAs and proteins for the chemokines macrophage inflammatory protein-1, (MIP-1,, MIP-2, and MIP-3,. All the chemokines stimulate acid phosphatase activity, and high doses of MIP-2 and MIP-3,), alter the morphology of the microglia at 1 h after treatment. These results suggest that the use of PEDF for clinical treatments, such as for retinal neovascularization, brain injury, or ischemia, should be undertaken with caution because of the possibility of induction of inflammation caused by microglial or other immune cell migration in response to the chemokines induced by PEDF. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Pigment epithelium-derived factor supports normal Müller cell development and glutamine synthetase expression after removal of the retinal pigment epithelium

GLIA, Issue 1 2001
Monica M. Jablonski
Abstract In conditions in which the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is dystrophic, carries a genetic mutation, or is removed physically, Müller cells undergo degenerative changes that contribute to the retinal pathology. We previously demonstrated that pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), a glycoprotein secreted by the RPE cells with neuroprotective and differentiation properties, protects against photoreceptor degeneration induced by RPE removal. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the putative gliosupportive activity of PEDF on Müller cells of RPE-deprived retinas and assess whether protection of Müller cells was correlated with improved photoreceptor outer segment assembly. Eyes were dissected from Xenopus laevis tadpoles, and the RPE was removed before culturing in medium containing purified PEDF, PEDF plus anti-PEDF, or medium alone. Control eyes matured with an adherent RPE or in medium containing PEDF plus nonimmune serum. Müller cell ultrastructure was examined. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and glutamine synthetase were localized immunocytochemically, and the corresponding protein levels were quantified. In control retinas, Müller cells were structurally intact and formed adherens junctions with neighboring photoreceptors. In addition, they did not express GFAP, whereas glutamine synthetase expression was high. RPE removal dramatically altered the ultrastructure and biosynthetic activity of Müller cells; Müller cells failed to form adherens junctions with photoreceptors and glutamine synthetase expression was suppressed. PEDF prevented the degenerative glial response; Müller cells were ultrastructurally normal and formed junctional complexes with photoreceptors. PEDF also preserved the expression of glutamine synthetase at near-normal levels. The morphogenetic effects of PEDF were blocked by the anti-PEDF antibody. Our study documents the glioprotective effects of PEDF and suggests that maintenance of the proper Müller cell ultrastructure and expression of glutamine synthetase may be necessary to support the proper assembly of photoreceptor outer segments. GLIA 35:14,25, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

A Japanese case of Kindler syndrome

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2000
Yasushi Suga MD
A 25-year-old Japanese woman presented with contracture of the fingers and toes, and difficulty in opening her mouth. Her grandparents are first cousins, but none of the other members of the family are affected. Bulla formation started at birth on areas of the skin that received pressure, and in infancy and early childhood the lesions were limited only to the acral areas. She also had bilateral, incomplete syndactylies involving all web spaces ( Fig. 1a). The formation of blisters ceased after the age of 15 years, but a generalized progressive poikiloderma then appeared with accompanying cutaneous atrophy of the skin of the neck, trunk, and extremities ( Fig. 1b). The patient experienced mild photosensitivity of the face and neck. At age 18 years, surgical removal of the webbing of all her fingers was performed. Oral examination showed atrophy of the buccal mucosa, and an inability to fully open the mouth. The patient also suffered from poor dentition and easily bleeding gums, but had no symptoms of esophageal dysfunction. Figure 1. Clinical manifestations of the patient with Kindler syndrome. (a) Dorsal surface of the patient's hands. Note the marked cutaneous atrophy with a severely wrinkled appearance on the dorsal surface of the hands, as well as the proximal fusion of the fingers. (b) Lower left leg of the patient. Atrophic thinning of the skin and poikiloderma with reticular pigmentation are evident Histology of separate biopsy specimens, taken from the poikilodermatous pretibial and trunk skin, showed classical features of poikiloderma, namely epidermal atrophy with flattening of the rete ridges, vacuolization of basal keratinocytes, pigmentary incontinence, and mild dermal perivascularization ( Fig. 2a). Interestingly, dyskeratotic cells ( Fig. 2b) and eosinophilic rounded bodies (colloid bodies) ( Fig. 2c) were frequently found at the basal keratinocyte layer and in the upper dermis, respectively. Pigment was also present in the upper epidermis. Figure 2. Hematoxylin and eosin staining of a biopsy specimen taken from pretibial skin. (a) Epidermal atrophy with flattening of the rete ridges. Note the dyskeratotic cells (arrowheads) and vacuolar degeneration of the basal layer in the epidermis. Bar = 50 ,m. (b) Higher magnification of dyskeratotic cells (arrowheads). Bar = 10 ,m. (c) Higher magnification of colloid bodies (arrowheads) in the superficial dermis. Bar = 10 ,m To rule out the possibility of a congenital epidermolysis bullosa, ultrastructural and immunofluorescence studies were performed. Ultrastructural studies demonstrated the reduplication of the basal lamina with branching structures within the upper dermis and cleavage between the lamina densa and the cell membrane of the keratinocytes ( Fig. 3a). The numbers of associated anchoring fibrils did not seem to be reduced, and colloid bodies and dyskeratotic cells were detected. Immunofluorescence studies with the antibody against type VII collagen (LH 7 : 2) were subsequently carried out. The results showed extensive broad bands with intermittently discontinuous and reticular staining at the dermo-epidermal junction (DEJ) ( Fig. 3b), whereas a linear distribution is typically seen in healthy tissue (data not shown). Interestingly, direct immunofluorescence studies revealed intracellular accumulation of immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgM, IgA, and C3 in colloid bodies under the basement membrane ( Fig. 3c). Figure 3. Ultrastructural and immunohistochemical findings of the patient with Kindler syndrome. (a) Ultrastructural study of the dermo-epidermal junction. The branching structures of the lamina densa (arrowheads) were frequently seen. The asterisks show the cleavage in the lamina lucida. Bar = 1 ,m. (b) Immunohistochemical studies with the antibody to type VII collagen (LH 7 : 2). An extensive broad band with reticular patterns is evident. Bar = 50 ,m. E, epidermis; D, dermis. (c) Direct immunofluorescence study. Intracytoplasmic deposition of IgM in the basal keratinocytes is evident (arrowheads). Bar = 50 ,m. E, epidermis; D, dermis [source]

Pigment and amylase production in Penicillium sp NIOM-02 and its radical scavenging activity

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 12 2009
Mohan Appasaheb Dhale
Abstract Penicillium sp NIOM-02 was isolated from the marine sediment, produced red pigment. The pigment extracted from this fungus scavenged 2, 2-diphenyl-1-pycrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. Penicillium sp NIOM-02 grown in media containing corn steep liquor scavenged 72,88% of DPPH radical. During solid-state fermentation on wheat (S1), the fungus produced more pigment (9.232 OD Units). Penicillium sp NIOM-02 grown on sugarcane bagasse scavenged 91% of DPPH radicals. It secreted more amylase (246 U mg,1) in culture medium No. 5 and the zymogram analysis revealed its molecular mass (53 kDa). The taka-amylase like character of amylase was determined by acarbose incorporated studies in the culture media. Production of pigment and radical scavenging activity of Penicillium sp NIOM-02, suggested its applications in food, pharmaceuticals and nutraceutical industries. [source]

Pigment epithelium-derived factor inhibits retinal and choroidal neovascularization

JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 2 2001
Keisuke Mori
In this study, we investigated whether overexpression of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) by gene transfer can inhibit neovascularization by testing its effect in three different models of ocular neovascularization. Intravitreous injection of an adenoviral vector encoding PEDF resulted in expression of PEDF mRNA in the eye measured by RT-PCR and increased immunohistochemical staining for PEDF protein throughout the retina. In mice with laser-induced rupture of Bruch's membrane, choroidal neovascularization was significantly reduced after intravitreous injection of PEDF vector compared to injection of null vector or no injection. Subretinal injection of the PEDF vector resulted in prominent staining for PEDF in retinal pigmented epithelial cells and strong inhibition of choroidal neovascularization. In two models of retinal neovascularization (transgenic mice with increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in photoreceptors and mice with oxygen-induced ischemic retinopathy), intravitreous injection of null vector resulted in decreased neovascularization compared to no injection, but intravitreous injection of PEDF vector resulted in further inhibition of neovascularization that was statistically significant. These data suggest that sustained increased intraocular expression of PEDF by gene therapy might provide a promising approach for treatment of ocular neovascularization. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Pigment epithelium-derived factor as a new marker of metabolic syndrome in Caucasian population

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL LABORATORY ANALYSIS, Issue 1 2010
D. Stejskal
Abstract Authors present that serum pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) is an independent marker of metabolic syndrome in Caucasianpopulation. PEDF was measured with new ELISA sandwich test. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 24:17,19, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Effects of Varying Levels of Vegetable Juice Powder and Incubation Time on Color, Residual Nitrate and Nitrite, Pigment, pH, and Trained Sensory Attributes of Ready-to-Eat Uncured Ham

JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 6 2007
J.J. Sindelar
ABSTRACT:, Vegetable juice powder (VJP) and a starter culture containing Staphylococcus carnosus have been identified as necessary ingredients for the manufacture of uncured, no-nitrate/nitrite-added meat products with quality and sensory attributes similar to traditional cured products. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of varying concentrations of VJP and incubation time (MIN-HOLD) on quality characteristics, including lipid oxidation, color, and cured meat pigment concentrations, of ham over a 90-d storage period, compare residual nitrate and nitrite content, and determine if differences exist in sensory properties of finished products. Four ham treatments (TRT) (TRT 1: 0.20% VJP, 0 MIN-HOLD; TRT 2: 0.20% VJP, 120 MIN-HOLD; TRT 3: 0.35% VJP, 0 MIN-HOLD; TRT 4: 0.35% VJP, 120 MIN-HOLD) and a sodium nitrite-added control (C) were used for this study. No differences (P > 0.05) were observed between TRTs and C for CIE L*, a*, b*, and cured color measured by reflectance ratio. Lipid oxidation (TBARS) for combined TRTs and C revealed little change over time while the C had less (P < 0.05) lipid oxidation than TRTs 2 and 4 for combined days. No differences (P > 0.05) were reported for cured pigment concentration between TRTs and C. Trained sensory panel intensity ratings for ham and vegetable aroma, and flavor, color, and firmness showed that a high concentration (0.35%) of VJP resulted in the highest scores for undesirable vegetable aroma and flavor. Treatment combinations with a low concentration (0.20%) of VJP were comparable to the C for all sensory attributes. [source]

Synthesis Mechanism of an Iron,Chromium Ceramic Pigment

JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 1 2000
Agustín Escardino
The synthesis of a black Fe2O3,Cr2O3 pigment has been studied to better understand the synthesis mechanism. A mechanism is proposed according to which, under the tested operating conditions, one of the starting constituents (Cr2O3) is transferred, largely in a gas phase (after subliming), to the particle surface of the other constituent (Fe2O3), at which it is deposited or chemisorbed, forming a layer from which it diffuses inward into the Fe2O3 particles. The process stops when the composition of the resulting solid solution has become uniform. [source]

Gq-coupled Rhodopsin Subfamily Composed of Invertebrate Visual Pigment and Melanopsin,

PHOTOCHEMISTRY & PHOTOBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2008
Mitsumasa Koyanagi
Rhodopsins (rhodopsins and their related photopigments) are phylogenetically classified into at least seven subfamilies, which are also roughly discriminated by molecular function. The Gq-coupled rhodopsin subfamily, members of which activate the Gq type G protein upon light absorption, contains pigments which underlie both visual and nonvisual physiologic functions. Gq-coupled visual pigments have been found in the rhabdomeric photoreceptor cells of varied protostomes, and those of molluskans and arthropods have been extensively investigated. Recently, a novel photopigment, melanopsin, and its homologs have been identified in varied vertebrates. In mammals, melanopsin is localized in retinal ganglion cells and is involved in nonvisual systems, including circadian entrainment and pupillary light responses. More recently, we discovered a melanopsin homolog in amphioxus, the closest living invertebrate to vertebrates. Amphioxus melanopsin is localized in putative nonvisual photoreceptor cells with rhabdomeric morphology and exhibits molecular properties almost identical to those of invertebrate Gq-coupled visual pigments. The localization and properties of amphioxus melanopsin bridged the functional and evolutionary gap between invertebrate Gq-coupled visual pigments and vertebrate circadian photopigment melanopsins. Research into the Gq-coupled rhodopsin subfamily, especially invertebrate melanopsins, will provide an opportunity to investigate the evolution of various physiologic functions, based on orthologous genes, during animal evolution. [source]

Photosensitization of Hypomycin B,A Novel Perylenequinonoid Pigment with Only One Intramolecular Hydrogen Bond,

PHOTOCHEMISTRY & PHOTOBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2001
Hong-Yu Zhang
ABSTRACT Electron spin resonance technique and spin-trapping methods were used to determine the photoproduction of 1O2 and O2·, by hypomycin B (HMB), a novel perylenequinonoid pigment (PQP) possessing only one hydroxyl group. It was found that the yields of 1O2 and O2·, for HMB were comparable to those for hypocrellin A, a typical natural PQP with good photosensitivity. In addition, the absorption and fluorescence spectra for HMB were investigated. The pKa values in the ground and excited states of HMB were determined to be 8.94 and 5.54, respectively. Thus, the photodynamic mechanisms of HMB may involve not only the photogeneration of 1O2 and O2·, but also the light-induced acidification. Consequently, HMB is proposed to be a good photodynamic therapeutic agent. [source]

The Effect of Preparation Procedures on the Morphology of Melanin from the Ink Sac of Sepia officinalis

PIGMENT CELL & MELANOMA RESEARCH, Issue 1 2003
Yan Liu
The structure of melanin extracted from the ink sac of the cuttlefish Sepia officinalis was examined for different methods of isolation and purification of the pigment. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of Sepia eumelanin prepared by different procedures establish that multi-,m-sized aggregates reported by previous workers are generated by their sample preparation, and that the dominant constituents of Sepia melanin are ,150 nm spherical granules. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) measurements reveal that Sepia eumelanin from Sigma (prepared by spray drying the pigment) has a surface area of 14.3 m2/g. Pigment extracted directly from the fresh ink sac and then freeze-dried has a surface area of 21.5 m2/g, while CO2 -supercritically dried has a surface area of 37.5 m2/g. This is consistent with SEM images showing that the process of freeze-drying produces aggregates, but to a lesser extent than spray drying. Supercritical drying of the sample produces suspensions of the individual ,150 nm granule, which is more reflective of the natural pigment. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area analysis and Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) pore volume analysis indicate that the surface of the granules is not smooth and the interior of the granules is not porous, but rather the aggregates of granules are porous. Ultra-high resolution SEM and atomic force microscopy (AFM) images show the granules are easily deformed and are comprised of smaller constituents. De-aggregation of the granules by sonication and ultra-filtration reveal a range of structures depending on the pore size of the membrane used. The implications of these results on quantifying photochemical properties and kinetic reaction rate constants of melanin are discussed. [source]

A New Meroterpenoid Pigment from the Basidiomycete Albatrellus confluens

CHEMISTRY & BIODIVERSITY, Issue 3 2008
Xiao-Long Yang
Abstract A new farnesyl phenol named (+)-(R)-grifolinone C (1) has been isolated from the fruiting bodies of the basidiomycete Albatrellus confluens. (+)-(R)-Grifolinone C (1), a dimeric meroterpenoid, is accompanied by albatrellin (2), grifolinone B (3), grifolin (4), and grifolinone A (5). Albatrellin (2) exhibited cytotoxic activity against HepG2 human lung carcinoma cells with IC50 value of 1.55,,g ml,1. The structures were established on the basis of spectral evidence (IR, 1D- and 2D-NMR, and MS analyses). [source]

Anti-Tumor-Initiating Effects of Monascin, an Azaphilonoid Pigment from the Extract of Monascus pilosus Fermented Rice (Red-Mold Rice)

CHEMISTRY & BIODIVERSITY, Issue 10 2005
Toshihiro Akihisa
Monascin (1) constitutes one of the azaphilonoid pigments in the extracts of Monascus pilosus -fermented rice (red-mold rice). Compound 1 was evaluated for its anti-tumor-initiating activity via oral administration on the two-stage carcinogenesis of mouse skin tumor induced by peroxynitrite (ONOO,; PN) or by ultraviolet light B (UVB) as an initiator and 12- O -tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) as a promoter. Compound 1 exhibited marked inhibitory activity on both PN- and UVB-induced mouse skin carcinogenesis tests. These findings suggest that compound 1 may be valuable as potential cancer chemopreventive agent in chemical and environmental carcinogenesis. [source]

,-(Hydroxyalkyl)naphthalene-tetracarboxdiimides: Organic White Pigments,

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 23 2008
Heinz Langhals
Abstract Naphthalene-1,8:4,5-tetracarboxdiimides were prepared from cyanoacetic acid and its alkylation, reduction and condensation with naphthalenetetracarboxylic dianhydride and exhibit strong light-scattering and opacifying properties. Applications are discussed. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008) [source]

Meroterpenoid Pigments from Albatrellus flettii (Basidiomycetes),

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 10 2007
Barbara Koch
Abstract The pigments responsible for the blue colour of the North American polypore Albatrellus flettii have been isolated and their structures elucidated by spectroscopic methods. Albatrellin, a dimeric meroterpenoid with a furylbenzoquinone chromophore, is accompanied by its 16-hydroxy and 16-oxo derivatives. The latter has recently been described as grifolone B from a Japanese collection of A. caeruleoporus. Based on the idea that albatrellin is formed in nature by oxidative coupling of a grifolinquinone with the furan derivative cristatin, the blue pigment was synthesized in vitro. The reaction could be applied to the synthesis of several analogues.(© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007) [source]

Pigments and proteins in green bacterial chlorosomes studied by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry

FEBS JOURNAL, Issue 2 2000
Søren Persson
We have used matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) for mass determination of pigments and proteins in chlorosomes, the light-harvesting organelles from the photosynthetic green sulfur bacterium Chlorobium tepidum. By applying a small volume (1 µL) of a concentrated suspension of isolated chlorosomes directly to the target of the mass spectrometer we have been able to detect bacteriochlorophyll a and all the major homologs of bacteriochlorophyll c. The peak heights of the different bacteriochlorophyll c homologs in the MALDI spectra were proportional to peak areas obtained from HPLC analysis of the same sample. The same result was also obtained when whole cells of Chl. tepidum were applied to the target, indicating that MALDI-MS can provide a rapid method for obtaining a semiquantitative determination or finger-print of the bacteriochlorophyll homologs in a small amount of green bacterial cells. In addition to information on pigments, the MALDI spectra also contained peaks from chlorosome proteins. Thus we have been able with high precision to confirm the molecular masses of the chlorosome proteins CsmA and CsmE which have been previously determined by conventional biochemical and genetic methods, and demonstrate the presence of truncated versions of CsmA and CsmB. [source]

Identification of Candidate Amino Acids Involved in the Formation of Blue Pigments in Crushed Garlic Cloves (Allium sativum L.)

JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 1 2009
Jungeun Cho
ABSTRACT:, The color-forming ability of amino acids with thiosulfinate in crushed garlic was investigated. We developed reaction systems for generating pure blue pigments using extracted thiosulfinate from crushed garlic and onion and all 22 amino acids. Each amino acid was reacted with thiosulfinate solution and was then incubated at 60 °C for 3 h to generate pigments. Unknown blue pigments, responsible for discoloration in crushed garlic cloves (Allium sativum L.), were separated and tentatively characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and a diode array detector ranging between 200 and 700 nm. Blue pigment solutions exhibited 2 maximal absorbance peaks at 440 nm and 580 nm, corresponding to yellow and blue, respectively, with different retention times. Our findings indicated that green discoloration is created by the combination of yellow and blue pigments. Eight naturally occurring blue pigments were separated from discolored garlic extracts using HPLC at 580 nm. This suggests that garlic discoloration is not caused by only 1 blue pigment, as reported earlier, but by as many as 8 pigments. Overall, free amino acids that formed blue pigment when reacted with thiosulfinate were glycine, arginine, lysine, serine, alanine, aspartic acid, asparagine, glutamic acid, and tyrosine. Arginine, asparagine, and glutamine had spectra that were more similar to naturally greened garlic extract. [source]

Effects of Heat Pretreatment on Lipid and Pigments of Freeze-Dried Spinach

JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 8 2001
E. Cho
ABSTRACT: Heat pretreatment resulted in decreases in drying yield and glycolipids (GL) and an increase in neutral lipids (NL). Triacylglycerol and free sterols in NL and sterylglycosides and monogalactosyldiglycerides in GL were more stable during heat pretreatment. Phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidic acid among phospholipid subclasses were more susceptible. There was no large difference in fatty-acid composition of spinach lipids by heat pretreatment. However, a significant decrease in linolenic acid and increases in oleic and hexadecenoic acids were observed in NL. Contents of chlorophyll, lutein, and ,-carotene in spinach decreased by heat pretreatment, with the least decrease in lutein. [source]

Production and Properties of Spray-dried Amaranthus Betacyanin Pigments

JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 7 2000
Y.Z. Cai
ABSTRACT: Amaranthus betacyanin extracts were spray-dried using a range of maltodextrins [10-25 dextrose equivalent (DE)] and starches (native/modified) as carrier and coating agents at 5 inlet/outlet air temperatures and 4 feed solid contents. Higher inlet/outlet air temperatures caused greater betacyanin loss during spray drying, and affected slightly the pigment stability during storage. Adding maltodextrins and starches significantly reduced the hygroscopicity of the betacyanin extracts and enhanced storage stability. The 25 DE/10 DE mixed powders provided a longer predicted half-life (63.6 wk) compared to the 25 DE and the 10 DE powders separately. The best dried pigment-containing powder made was superior to commercial red beet powder in physical properties. [source]

Trace Elemental Analysis of Titanium Dioxide Pigments and Automotive White Paint Fragments for Forensic Examination Using High-Energy Synchrotron Radiation X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry,

JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES, Issue 3 2009
Yoshinori Nishiwaki M.S.
Abstract:, High-energy synchrotron radiation x-ray fluorescence spectrometry (SR-XRF) utilizing 116 keV x-rays was used to characterize titanium dioxide pigments (rutile) and automotive white paint fragments for forensic examination. The technique allowed analysis of K lines of 9 trace elements in 18 titanium dioxide pigments (rutile), and 10 trace elements in finish coat layers of seven automotive white paint fragments. High-field strength elements (HFSE) were found to strongly reflect the origin of the titanium dioxide (TiO2) pigments, and could be used as effective parameters for discrimination and classification of the pigments and paint fragments. A pairwise comparison of the finish coat layers of seven automotive white paint fragments was performed. The trace elements in the finish coat layers detected by the high-energy SR-XRF were especially effective for identification. By introducing the trace element information of primer and electrocoat layers, all the automotive white paint fragments could be discriminated by this technique. [source]

Identification of Organic Pigments in Automotive Coatings Using Laser Desorption Mass Spectrometry,

JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES, Issue 3 2007
Sylwia Stachura
ABSTRACT: When one looks at an automotive coating, one sees color due to pigments. Modern organic pigments, with high molar absorptivities, may be only minor components of the mixture. Laser desorption mass spectrometry (LDMS) has been shown to be a useful tool for the analysis of colorants such as pen ink dyes. Here, LDMS is used to determine its utility for the identification of pigments, in simple media and in more complex paints. Small paint chips can be introduced into the LDMS instrument, and when an ultraviolet laser is focused on a portion of a chip, ions representative of the pigment(s) are selectively formed. Some pigments such as quinacridones and copper phthalocyanine are very stable and are desorbed and ionized intact. In contrast, benzimidazolones, which contain some single-skeletal bonds, form fragment ions. This method proves to be sensitive and convenient, as no sample preparation is required. The presence of inorganic pigments in addition to modern organic pigments can be determined, and pigments can be directly identified in actual automotive paint chip samples. [source]

Pigments and binders in the wall paintings of Santa Maria della Steccata in Parma (Italy): the ultimate technique of Parmigianino

JOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY, Issue 8-9 2004
Danilo Bersani
Abstract Micro-Raman spectroscopy and gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry (GC,MS) were employed to investigate the materials used in the wall paintings by the older Parmigianino (Francesco Mazzola, 1503,1540) on the arch over the main altar in the church of Santa Maria della Steccata in Parma, Italy. The pigments used by the artist and those added by later restorations are characterized by micro-Raman spectroscopy. GC,MS identified the organic binding media in the paint samples and revealed the presence of polysaccharides in the plaster. These investigations may be useful for a comparison with the technique of the young Parmigianino, author of wall paintings in the church of S. Giovanni Evangelista in Parma in the 1520s. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Effect of Dietary Carotenoids on Skin Color and Pigments of False Clownfish, Amphiprion ocellaris, Cuvier

JOURNAL OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY, Issue 3 2010
Inayah Yasir
This study evaluated the role of supplemented dietary carotenoids in regulating the skin color and pigments of the false clownfish, Amphiprion ocellaris. Three carotenoid types, such as astaxanthin, ,-carotene, and canthaxanthin, were added to the basal diet at four pigment doses (0, 20, 50, and 100 ppm). Carotenoid diets were feed for 5 wk and then withdrawn from the diet for three additional wk during an 8-wk trial. The dose of each diet did not change the overall color hue, brightness, or saturation, but astaxanthin was the only carotenoid that enhanced red hue by the end of Week 5. The withdrawal of astaxanthin from the diet did not reduce the red hue, but reduced saturation. In contrast, the withdrawal of dietary ,-carotene or canthaxanthin reduced color saturation and brightness, but did not affect color hue. Dietary astaxanthin increased skin astaxanthin in Week 1 and skin zeaxanthin in Week 5. The withdrawal of astaxanthin escalated skin canthaxanthin and zeaxanthin by Week 8. Dietary ,-carotene suppressed skin ,-carotene, but enhanced skin zeaxanthin by Week 8. Although skin canthaxanthin was enhanced by dietary ,-carotene from Week 5 onward, dietary ,-carotene at 100 ppm maximized skin canthaxanthin by Week 8. Interestingly, dietary canthaxanthin suppressed skin canthaxanthin and zeaxanthin, but increased ,-carotene. This study suggests that astaxanthin has the potential to enhance the red hue on clownfish skin and its withdrawal from the diet did not fade the red hue of the skin. [source]

Hybrid Aluminum Colored Pigments Based on Gradient Copolymers Design

MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS, Issue 18 2009
Mathieu Joubert
Abstract A colored polymer/aluminium hybrid pigment was synthesized by nitroxide mediated polymerization initiated from an inorganic surface. This approach requires the preparation of a vinyl dye monomer able to copolymerize with n -butyl acrylate (n-BuA) and styrene (S) from the surface of aluminium flakes. The linearity of the ln([M]0/[M]t) and of the as a function of time and conversion constitute the criteria of control/"living" polymerization, i.e. linearity of respectively ln([M]0/[M]t),=,f(t) and the ,=,f(conversion) plots. Kinetic measurements reveal an upward deviation from the linearity for n -BuA polymerization for very high conversion. The introduction of S monomer restores the control of the polymerization. Both the length of the grafted chains and the dye/styrene molar ratio influence the color of the hybrid material. [source]