Abstract  Biodegradability was conducted according to OECD guideline n°301B. Sample biodegradability was equal to 55.9% after 28 days and 66.3% after 36 days.

Abstract  The factors influencing the separation of monosubstituted phenols on silicone oil, poly(ethylene glycol) (1500), Apiezon L + Bentone 34, squalane, Versamide and diethylhexyl sebacate are discussed. Specific retention volumes, height equivalent to a theoretical plate and thermodynamic quantities are reported. Diethylhexyl sebacate and Versamide are selective for quantitative separation of all the isomers studied.

Abstract  The exchange of copolymer chains between 1 vol % PS-PEP (poly(styrene-b-ethylene-alt-propylene)) di-block copolymer micelles in squalane (selective for PEP) is investigated using time-resolved small-angle neutron scattering (TR-SANS) as a function of added PEP homopolymer. The solvent squalane, C30H62, is substituted in part or completely with PEP homopolymers that are the same molecular weight as the corona blocks. Polymer solutions/mixtures (1 vol % PS-PEP, plus 2, 7, or 15 vol % PEP in squalane, and 1 vol % PS-PEP in PEP) were separately prepared using normal (h-PS) or deuterated equivalent (d-PS) PS-PEP diblock copolymers. The solvent was contrast matched to a 50/50 mixed h-/d-PS micelle core, so that the scattering intensity decays with the mixing of h- and d-PS-PEP chains undergoing exchange between micelles. The chain exchange rate can therefore be assessed quantitatively. As the concentration of added homopolymer in solution increases above the overlap concentration of PEP chains, the chain exchange rate drops significantly. The results are compared to an earlier study of chain exchange between PS-PEP micelles in a 15% solution in squalane, which was also found to be significantly slower than when the solution is dilute. The primary factor in this slowing down of chain exchange is an increased screening of excluded volume interactions among the corona blocks. The role of increasing micelle aggregation number with PEP concentration is found not to be the dominant effect up to 15% added PEP but may play an increasingly important role in the PEP melt matrix, where no chain exchange could be detected in these experiments.

Abstract  A photophysical analysis of 10(-4) M solutions of 7-azaindole in hydrocarbon solvents including 2-methylbutane, 3-methylpentane, ethylcyclohexane, decalin, and squalane revealed that the viability of the two-proton phototautomerism in its dimer is clearly medium-dependent. However, in all media studied, a small tunneling contribution in the photoinduced double proton transfer continues to exist at low temperatures.

Abstract  All-trans-octatetraene 3,10-di(tert-butyl)-2,2,11,11-tetramethyl-3,5,7,9-dodecatetraene emits fluorescence in three different regions of the visible spectrum. Thus, it produces an extremely weak emission in the gas phase that can hardly be detected in the condensed phase; such an emission exhibits a negligible Stokes shift with respect to the 1A(g)-->1B(u) absorption transition and can, in principle, be assigned to the 1B(u)-->1A(g) emission for the compound. A second, structureless fluorescence emission, centered in the region of 525 nm, is observed in the gas phase and at somewhat higher wavelengths in the condensed phase [viz., 570 nm in 2-methylbutane (2MB) and 550 nm in squalane (SQ)]. While detectable, this emission increases significantly, with no change in spectral position, as the solution temperature is lowered; also, it is abruptly replaced by a new, strongly blueshifted emission at approximately 490 nm in 2MB and 455 mm in SQ when the viscosity of the medium exceeds a given level. The fact that the two fluorescence emissions considerably depart from the expected behavior for a 1B(u)-->1A(g) emission in an all-trans-polyene, and that one disappears while the other simultaneously appears as the medium becomes more rigid, suggests that the two emissions are produced by two different molecular structures and that the rigidity of the medium switches their production from the originally excited all-trans 1B(u) form. The observed spectral behavior is consistent with a recently proposed model [J. Catalan, Chem. Phys. 335, 69 (2007)] in which the 1B(u) excited state of octatetraene can give two distinct molecular conformers as a result of twisting about different C-C single bonds.

Abstract  Colloidal GaP nanowires (NWs) were synthesized on a large scale by a surfactant-free, self-seeded solution-liquid-solid (SLS) method using triethylgallium and tris(trimethylsilyl)phosphine as precursors and a noncoordinating squalane solvent. Ga nanoscale droplets were generated in situ by thermal decomposition of the Ga precursor and subsequently promoted the NW growth. The GaP NWs were not intentionally doped and showed a positive open-circuit photovoltage based on photoelectrochemical measurements. Purified GaP NWs were used for visible-light-driven water splitting. Upon photodeposition of Pt nanoparticles on the wire surfaces, significantly enhanced hydrogen production was observed. The results indicate that colloidal surfactant-free GaP NWs combined with potent surface electrocatalysts could serve as promising photocathodes for artificial photosynthesis.

Abstract  In gas liquid chromatography (GLC), the relative retention values log gamma was mainly expressed by van der Waals energy (the sum of the dispersion E(dis) and repulsive E(rep) energies) to the interactions between monosubstituted benzene derivatives and the nonpolar stationary liquid as squalane. The single exception was that of anilines, and it was corrected by the electrostatic energy (E(ES)) due to C-H/pi hydrogen bond. When the stationary liquid changed from the nonpolar to polar, log gamma was estimated by the inductive interaction energy (included in E(ES)) in addition to the sum of E(dis) and E(rep). In the benzene solution, the relative equilibrium values log K/K(o) introduced from the interactions between phenol and substituted benzene derivatives were estimated by E(ES). The E(ES) of COCH(3), CO(2)C(2)H(5) groups is especially originated in the excited dipole moments micro(e). The relative frequency values log nu/nu(o) derived from O-H or O-D stretching vibration of phenol or methanol-D gave the correlation to E(ES) as well as log K/K(o). That of anilines-methanol-D however had been out of a linear relation to E(ES). The cause is concluded that the aniline-methanol-D is making the proton transfer structure from the discussion about the proton affinity (PA) of the base.

Abstract  Mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs) are secreted by yeasts and are promising glycolipid biosurfactants. In our study on the non-aqueous phase behaviors of MEL homologues, we found that MEL-D (4-O-[2',3'-di-O-alka(e)noyl-β-D-mannopyranosyl]-(2R,3S)-erythritol) forms aggregates in decane. The microscopic observation and the X-ray scattering measurement of these aggregates revealed that they are reverse vesicles that consist of bilayers whose hydrophilic domains are located in the interior of the bilayers. In addition, MEL-D formed reverse vesicles without co-surfactants and co-solvents in various oily solutions, such as n-alkanes, cyclohexane, squalane, squalene, and silicone oils at a concentration below 10 mM. This is the first report on the reverse vesicle formation from biosurfactants.

Abstract  The calculation of retention times, retention indices, and partition constants is a long sought-after goal for theoretical studies in gas chromatography. Although advances in computational chemistry have improved our understanding of molecular interactions, little attention has been focused on chromatography, let alone calculations of retention properties. Configurational-bias Monte Carlo simulations in the Gibbs ensemble have been used to calculate single and multi-component phase diagrams for a variety of hydrocarbon systems. Transferable force fields for linear and branched alkanes have been derived from these simulations. Using calculations for helium/n-heptane/n-pentane systems, it is demonstrated that this approach yields very precise partition constants and free energies of transfer. Thereafter, the partitioning of linear and branched alkane solutes (with five to eight carbon atoms) between a squalane liquid phase and a helium vapor phase is investigated. The Kovats retention indices of the solutes are calculated directly from the partition constants.

Abstract  This study presents first results on angle-resolved, inelastic collision dynamics of thermal and hyperthermal molecular beams of NO at gas-liquid interfaces. Specifically, a collimated incident beam of supersonically cooled NO (2Π1/2, J = 0.5) is directed toward a series of low vapor pressure liquid surfaces ([bmim][Tf2N], squalane, and PFPE) at θinc = 45(1)°, with the scattered molecules detected with quantum state resolution over a series of final angles (θs = -60°, -30°, 0°, 30°, 45°, and 60°) via spatially filtered laser induced fluorescence. At low collision energies [Einc = 2.7(9) kcal/mol], the angle-resolved quantum state distributions reveal (i) cos(θs) probabilities for the scattered NO and (ii) electronic/rotational temperatures independent of final angle (θs), in support of a simple physical picture of angle independent sticking coefficients and all incident NO thermally accommodating on the surface. However, the observed electronic/rotational temperatures for NO scattering reveal cooling below the surface temperature (Telec < Trot < TS) for all three liquids, indicating a significant dependence of the sticking coefficient on NO internal quantum state. Angle-resolved scattering at high collision energies [Einc = 20(2) kcal/mol] has also been explored, for which the NO scattering populations reveal angle-dependent dynamical branching between thermal desorption and impulsive scattering (IS) pathways that depend strongly on θs. Characterization of the data in terms of the final angle, rotational state, spin-orbit electronic state, collision energy, and liquid permit new correlations to be revealed and investigated in detail. For example, the IS rotational distributions reveal an enhanced propensity for higher J/spin-orbit excited states scattered into near specular angles and thus hotter rotational/electronic distributions measured in the forward scattering direction. Even more surprisingly, the average NO scattering angle (⟨θs⟩) exhibits a remarkably strong correlation with final angular momentum, N, which implies a linear scaling between net forward scattering propensity and torque delivered to the NO projectile by the gas-liquid interface.

Abstract  Compatibility between oligomers and polymers was systematically assessed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and was correlated with similarity in saturation and solubility parameter. These measurements enabled validation of detailed volume of mixing calculations using Statistical Association Fluid Theory (SAFT-γ Mie) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, which can be used to predict behaviour beyond the experimentally accessible conditions. These simulations confirmed that squalane is somewhat more compatible with poly(isoprene), "PI" than poly(butadiene), "PB", and further enabled prediction of the temperature dependence of compatibility. Surface and interfacial segregation of a series of deuterated oligomers was quantified in rubbery polymer films: PI, PB and hydrogenated poly(isoprene) "hPI". A striking correlation was established between surface wetting transition and mixtures of low compatibility, such as oligo-dIB in PB or PI. Segregation was quantified normal to the surface by ion beam analysis and neutron reflectometry and in some cases lateral segregation was observable by AFM. While surface segregation is driven by disparity in molecular weight in highly compatible systems this trend reverses as critical point is approached, and surface segregation increases with increasing oligomer molecular weight.

Abstract  Gelatin capsules containing squalane partially purified bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) complex were placed on the perimuscular membrane of rats. Two kinds of control, gelatin capsules containing only BMP and those bearing squalane only, were used. The embedded areas were histopathologically examined at 3 and 6 wk after the operation. The observations revealed that the squalane/BMP complex elicited wide heterotopic bone formation with bone marrow tissue, suggesting that squalane is a possible carrier of BMP for clinical applications.

Abstract  Over the past several years, we have conducted a variety of elastic neutron diffraction and quasielastic neutron scattering experiments to study the structure and the dynamics of films of two intermediate-length alkane molecules (C sub( n)H sub(2n+2)), adsorbed on a graphite basal-plane surface. The two molecules are the normal alkane n-tetracosane [n-CH sub( 3)(CH sub(2)) sub(22)CH sub(3)] and the branched alkane squalane (C sub(30)H sub(62) or 2, 6, 10, 15, 19, 23-hexamethyltetracosane) whose carbon backbone is the same length as teteracosane. The temperature dependence of the monolayer structure of tetracosane and squalane was investigated using elastic neutron diffraction and evidence of two phase transitions was observed. Both the low-coverage tetracosane (C sub( 24)H sub(50)) and squalane (C sub(30)H sub(62)) monolayers have crystalline-to-"smectic" and "smectic"-to-isotropic fluid phase transitions upon heating. The diffusive motion in the tetracosane and squalane monolayers has been investigated by quasielastic neutron scattering. Two different quasielastic neutron scattering spectrometers at the Center for Neutron Research, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have been used. The spectrometers differ in both their dynamic range and energy resolution allowing molecular motions to be investigated on time scales in the range 10 super(-13)--10 super( -9) s. On these time scales, we observe evidence of translational, rotational, and intermolecular diffusive motions in the tetracosane and squalane monolayers. We conclude that the molecular diffusive motion in the two monolayers is qualitatively similar. Thus, despite the three methyl sidegroups at each end of the squalane molecule, its monolayer structure, phase transitions, and dynamics are qualitatively similar to that of a monolayer of the unbranched tetracosane molecules. With the higher resolution spectrometer at NIST, we have also investigated the molecular diffusive motion in multilayer tetracosane films. The analysis of our measurements indicates slower diffusive motion in the bottom layer of a bilayer tetracosane film compared to that in a monolayer, while the rate of diffusive motion in the bottom two layers of the trilayer film is comparable to that in a monolayer.

Abstract  Squalane is obtained by hydrogenation from squalene, an unsaturated terpene hydrocarbon found mainly in shark liver oil. It is a very stable liquid, and has a remarkably low capacity to irritate the skin. Squalane is used as an important component in various kinds of cosmetics and has a considerably beneficial effect on faecal excretion of the highly toxic 2, 3, 4, 7, 8-pentachlorodibenzofuran (PenCDF). The distribution, excretion and subacute toxicity of squalane after oral administration has already been examined. We considered that squalane, applied subcutaneously, might be an effective carrier of drugs. Furthermore, we found an application of squalane as a carrier of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP). As there were no data on the tissue reaction to squalane administered subcutaneously, we decided to make a histopathological evaluation of squalane fluid in vivo (DBO).

Abstract  In the previous papers, we demonstrated, by using rats, that squalane (2,6,10,15,19,23-hexamethyltetracosane) could stimulate the fecal excretion of 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran, which was regarded as the most important etiologic agent of yusho among PCB and PCDF congeners found in the causal rice oil. We also reported that, in rats, squalane was not essentially absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, and did not show any appreciable side effects during the 3-month treatment. In the present paper, we have investigated the distribution, excretion and subacute toxicity of squalane in beagle dogs. The fecal excretion of squalane accounted for about 83% of dose during the initial 2 days after administration at a single oral dose of 1,200 mg/kg to male dogs. On day 3, absorbed squalane was mostly distributed to the hair and the skin, and the concentrations in these tissues were decreased on day 6. These results suggested that most of squalane administered orally was not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, but a part was absorbed and excreted through the hair. In addition, squalane distributed into the liver was found to be eliminated rather slowly. A long-term (13-week) treatments with squalane orally at doses of 400 mg/kg/day or 1,200 mg/kg/day in male and female dogs, resulted also in accumulation of squalane in the liver at a level of about 3% (400 mg/kg) or about 6% (1,200 mg/kg) of the daily dose. This accumulation of squalane in the liver was highest among all the tissues. Nevertheless, no appreciable toxic signs were observed in the serum biochemical tests and the hepatic functional test for squalane groups. Therefore, squalane accumulating in the liver, did not seem to disturb the hepatic physiological functions. It was suggested also in a long-term treatment that the skin and the hair played the most important role in the elimination of squalane. In conclusion, the present studies on subacute toxicity tests suggested that squalane did not give any significant toxic effects on dogs as well as rats.

Abstract  Female mice were given 100 mg HCB/kg body weight i.p. and fed diets containing 0, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5% of squalane. After 3 weeks samples of liver, blood and abdominal fat were analysed for HCB as well as for squalane. HCB concentrations were significantly lowered as compared to controls in all tissues and at all dietary concentrations of squalane to a maximum of about 36% in fat, 44% in liver and 47% in blood. The effect of squalane upon HCB concentrations was strongly dose dependent in abdominal fat. In contrast, no significant differences were seen with liver and blood between animals fed 5.0 or 7.5% of squalane. Squalane was detected in considerable amounts in the livers (50-100 ppm) but not in abdominal fat (less than 1 ppm) of mice fed squalane.

Abstract  Microfluidized squalene or squalane emulsions are efficient adjuvants, eliciting both humoral and cellular immune responses. Microfluidization stabilizes the emulsions and allows sterilization by terminal filtration. The emulsions are stable for years at ambient temperature and can be frozen. Antigens are added after emulsification so that conformational epitopes are not lost by denaturation and to facilitate manufacture. A Pluronic block copolymer can be added to the squalane or squalene emulsion. Soluble antigens administered in such emulsions generate cytotoxic T lymphocytes able to lyse target cells expressing the antigen in a genetically restricted fashion. Optionally a relatively nontoxic analog of muramyl dipeptide (MDP) or another immunomodulator can be added; however, the dose of MDP must be restricted to avoid systemic side effects in humans. Squalene or squalane emulsions without copolymers or MDP have very little toxicity and elicit potent antibody responses to several antigens in nonhuman primates. They could be used to improve a wide range of vaccines. Squalene or squalane emulsions have been administered in human cancer vaccines, with mild side effects and evidence of efficacy, in terms of both immune responses and antitumor activity.

Abstract  This study focused on an investigation into the experimental quantities inherent in the determination of partition coefficients from gas-liquid chromatographic measurements through the use of capillary columns. We prepared several squalane a (2,6,10,15,19,23-hexamethyltetracosane) a containing columns with very precisely known phase ratios and determined solute retention and hold-up times at 30, 40, 50 and 60 degree C. We calculated infinite dilution partition coefficients from the slopes of the linear regression of retention factors as a function of the reciprocal of the phase ratio by means of fundamental chromatographic equations. In order to minimize gasasolid and liquid-solid interface contributions to retention, the surface of the capillary inner wall was pretreated to guarantee a uniform coat of stationary phase. The validity of the proposed approach was first tested by estimating the partition coefficients of n-alkanes between n-pentane and n-nonane, for which compounds data from the literature were available. Then partition coefficients of sixteen aliphatic alcohols in squalane were determined at those four temperatures. We deliberately chose these highly challenging systems: alcohols in the reference paraffinic stationary phase. These solutes exhibited adsorption in the gas-liquid interface that contributed to retention. The corresponding adsorption constant values were estimated. We fully discuss here the uncertainties associated with each experimental measurement and how these fundamental determinations can be performed precisely by circumventing the main drawbacks.

Abstract  Among several bacterial species belonging to the general Gordonia, Mycobacterium, Micromonospora, Pseudomonas, and Rhodococcus, only two mycobacterial isolates, Mycobacterium fortuitum strain NF4 and the new isolate Mycobacterium ratisbonense strain SD4, which was isolated from a sewage treatment plant, were capable of utilizing the multiply branched hydrocarbon squalane (2,6,10,15,19, 23-hexamethyltetracosane) and its analogous unsaturated hydrocarbon squalene as the sole carbon source for growth. Detailed degradation studies and high-pressure liquid chromatography analysis showed a clear decrease of the concentrations of squalane and squalene during biomass increase. These results were supported by resting-cell experiments using strain SD4 and squalane or squalene as the substrate. The degradation of acyclic isoprenoids and alkanes as well as of acids derived from these compounds was also investigated. Inhibition of squalane and squalene degradation by acrylic acid indicated the possible involvement of beta-oxidation in the degradation route. To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating the biodegradation of squalane by using defined axenic cultures.

Abstract  1. The intestinal excretion of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) was studied in rats using the method of pendular perfusion. One and four weeks after i.p. application of 100 micrograms HCB/kg body weight segments of jejunum, ileum and colon were perfused with light liquid paraffin or squalane for 5 h. 2. The highest amount of HCB was excreted into jejunum, followed by ileum and colon. After 5 h HCB concentration in jejunal perfusion medium equals that in plasma. 3. Serosal tissue of intestinal segments contained higher HCB concentrations as compared to mucosa. 4. Paraffin treatment decreased the HCB content in both serosal and mucosal tissue of jejunum and ileum but not of colon.

Abstract  Trehalose dimycolate extracted from mycobacteria is a potent immunomodulator. Incorporation of trehalose dimycolate in a squalane-in-water emulsion leads predominantly to the formation of vesicular structures, which are observable by electron microscopy. The interaction between vesicles of trehalose dimycolate and the immunocompetent cells results in an enhancement of the host defence mechanisms and induction of non-specific resistance against viral, parasitic, and bacterial pathogens and certain tumors. A brief review of the pertinent observations is presented.

Abstract  The efficacy of a new vaccine preparation against Epstein-Barr (EB) virus was investigated in cotton-top tamarins. The vaccine consists of fast protein liquid chromatography-purified EB virus membrane antigen glycoprotein of 340 Kd (MA gp340) mixed with a synthetic muramyl dipeptide adjuvant emulsified in squalane containing a pluronic polymer; it is suitable for both scaled-up batch production and eventual administration to man. Vaccinated tamarins rapidly developed ELISA detectable high titre antibodies to MA gp340, and their sera became strongly EB virus-neutralising. After challenge with a massive 100% carcinogenic dose of EB virus, the vaccinated tamarins had a strikingly low level of circulating EB virus-carrying mononuclear cells, in contrast to a control animal, and remained entirely free of tumours. This first-generation vaccine has thus been validated in experimental animals and the way opened for a phase I human trial.

Abstract  The effect of alamethicin and its derivatives on the voltage-dependent capacitance of phosphatidylethanolamine (squalane) membranes was measured using two different methods: lock-in detection and voltage pulse. Alamethicin and its derivatives modulate the voltage-dependent capacitance at voltages lower than the voltage at which alamethicin-induced conductance is detected. The magnitude and sign of this alamethicin-induced capacitance change depends on the aqueous alamethicin concentration and the kind of alamethicin used. Our experimental data can be interpreted as a potential-dependent pseudocapacitance associated with adsorbed alamethicin. Pseudocapacitance is expressed as a function of alamethicin charge, its concentration in the bathing solution and the applied electric field. The theory describes the dependence of the capacitance on applied voltage and alamethicin concentration. When alamethicin is neutral the theory predicts no change of the voltage-dependent capacitance with either sign of applied voltage. Experimental data are consistent with the model in which alamethicin molecules interact with each other while being adsorbed to the membrane surface. The energy of this interaction depends on the alamethicin concentration.