Translational Chemistry – An Interface Journal

Evaluation of positively charged benzothioxanthene imide derivatives as potential photosensitizers for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy

2025-03-30T06:12:46+00:00

Given the growing concern over antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the search for new alternative therapeutic strategies has increased, with antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) emerging as a promising solution. This study aims at exploring the potential of two positively charged BTI derivatives, namely BTI-Pyr⁺-CH₃(C1) and DBI-Pyr⁺-CH₃ (C2) as photosensitizers for aPDT. In this context, C1 and C2 were successfully synthesized, fully characterized, and their antibacterial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria evaluated. The results demonstrate that both compounds exhibit phototoxic effects under light exposure, with enhanced inhibitory and bactericidal activity at lower concentrations than those reported in the existing literature. Notably, Compound C1 displayed the most promising antibacterial effects, showing inhibitory activity at concentrations approximately 20 times lower than those previously reported. The study highlights the significant light-dependent antibacterial properties of these affordable and accessible compounds, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria, suggesting a potential use for future antimicrobial applications.

Practical application of blood microsampling: an effective VAMS-based workflow for anabolic androgenic steroid analysis

2025-03-13T16:28:34+00:00

Volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS) has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional biological sampling methods, providing a practical solution for high-precision steroid analysis while supporting its translation from analytical development to real-world applications in anti-doping workflows, forensic science and clinical testing. This study presents the development and optimization of a VAMS-based workflow for the detection and quantitation of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) in whole blood using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The research primarily focuses on refining microsampling and pretreatment strategies, addressing critical parameters such as volumetric accuracy, extraction efficiency, haematocrit effect mitigation and matrix interference.

The proposed workflow enables reliable assessment of both endogenous and exogenous steroids, overcoming limitations associated with traditional urine and venous blood sampling. Experimental evaluations included assessments of sample homogeneity, recovery rates (88-95%), stability over time (up to 30 days) and the impact of haematocrit variability (-7–9%) on analyte quantification. Strategies for internal standard addition to VAMS were also optimized to further enhance analytical accuracy

By integrating advances in microsampling technology with high-throughput mass spectrometry analysis, this study bridges the gap between laboratory research and practical applications in anti-doping testing, forensic science and clinical bioanalysis. The findings support the implementation of VAMS as a minimally invasive, cost-effective and field-deployable tool for steroid detection in whole blood, highlighting its potential for broader applications in translational chemistry and personalized medicine.

Increasing the potential of enzymatic environmental reactions by applying Tesla valve

2025-03-31T18:38:17+00:00

The Tesla valve has been investigated as a potential bioreactor for enzymatic reactions. The reactor obtained through 3D printing, was optimized in a colorimetric neutralization reaction of sodium hydroxide with hydrochloric acid and was tested for its ability to facilitate the enzymatic degradation of 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) using laccase. The study demonstrated the influence of reagent flow rates on product properties, apparent and averaged Reynolds numbers, process duration, and estrogen degradation efficiency. The results indicated that degradation efficiency depended mainly on the enzyme stream flow rate, with the highest efficiency (84%) achieved when the enzyme flow rate was three times higher than that of EE2. An additional advantage of using the Tesla valve is its simple design, the absence of mechanical stirrers, and its ability to prevent backflow, contributing to lower operational costs and increased durability. All these findings suggest a high potential for the application of the Tesla valve as a bioreactor in enzymatic processes.

Enhancing Luminescent Solar Concentrators with Aggregation-Induced Emission Fluorophores: Overcoming ACQ for Efficient Light Harvesting in PMMA Films

2025-05-14T22:04:02+00:00

The development of efficient and stable luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) requires fluorophores with high photoluminescence quantum yield (QY), minimal self-absorption, and robust solid-state performance. In this work, we investigate the optical properties and device performance of a red-emitting, aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-active fluorophore, [N,N’-dicyclohexyl-1,7-bis(4’-(1’,2’,2’-triphenyl)vinyl)phenylperylene-3,4:9,10-tetracarboxylic bisimide] (1,7-DTPEPBI), embedded in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) thin films. The dye was characterized in solution and polymer matrices, revealing excellent absorption characteristics and AIE behavior in solvent/non-solvent mixtures. In PMMA films, 1,7-DTPEPBI displayed concentration-dependent fluorescence, with a maximum QY of 37% at 0.4 wt.% and a red-shifted emission ideal for LSC applications. LSC devices were fabricated using solution-cast PMMA films doped with the dye at varying concentrations. Optical characterization showed an internal photon efficiency (h_int) up to 29% and minimal self-absorption losses, confirmed by P₀ values close to 0.9. Despite lower external photon efficiency (h_ext) and device efficiency (h_dev) compared to benchmark fluorophores, the AIE-active 1,7-DTPEPBI demonstrated potential as a solid-state emitter for thin-film LSCs, especially in configurations requiring reduced dye reabsorption and good long-term photostability.

Translational Advances: Biomaterials and antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy, a Synergistic Approach

2025-04-16T08:39:36+00:00

The increasing prevalence of drug-resistant pathogens represents a serious public health challenge, driven by factors such as inadequate water sanitation, the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials, and insufficient infection prevention and control measures. Appropriately functionalized porphyrin derivatives present a promising strategy as broad-spectrum photo-antimicrobial agents, activated by visible light in the presence of molecular oxygen throughout photodynamic approach. These compounds effectively target resistant microorganisms, namely bacteria. To mitigate production costs, the immobilization of these compounds on solid supports has been proved essential, as it enables their recovery, reuse, and recycling. This approach enhances both the economic viability and environmental sustainability of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy. Furthermore, various biopolymers, including cyclodextrin, lignin and chitosan, have been employed to immobilize porphyrin-based photosensitizers, allowing for the tailoring of the substrates physicochemical and biological properties.

Editorial Board Translational Chemistry 2025

2025-06-02T10:40:20+00:00

The Expanding Horizon of Translational Chemistry: From Fundamental Knowledge to Global Impact

2025-06-02T10:45:50+00:00

Vol. 1 Issue 1 (2025)

2025-06-03T16:19:42+00:00

Volume 1 Issue 1 (2025)