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Accurate Constant via Transient Incomplete Separation (ACTIS) is a new method for finding the equilibrium dissociation constant K d of a protein− small molecule complex based on transient incomplete separation of the complex from the unbound small molecule in a capillary. This separation is caused by differential transverse diffusion of the complex and the small molecule in a pressure-driven flow. The advection-diffusion processes underlying ACTIS can be described by a system of partial differential equations allowing for a virtual ACTIS instrument to be built and ACTIS to be studied in silico. The previous in silico studies show that large variations in the fluidic system geometry do not affect the accuracy of K d determination, thus, proving that ACTIS is conceptually accurate. The conceptual accuracy does not preclude, however, instrumental inaccuracy caused by run-to-run signal drifts. Here we report on assembling a physical ACTIS instrument with a fluidic system that mimics the virtual one and proving the absence of signal drifts. Furthermore, we confirmed method ruggedness by assembling a second ACTIS instrument and comparing the results of experiments performed with both instruments in parallel. Despite some unintentional differences between the instruments (caused by tolerances in sizes, positions, etc.) and noticeable differences in their respective separagrams, we found that the K d values determined for identical samples with these instruments were equal. Conclusively, the fluidic system presented here can serve as a template for reliable ACTIS instrumentation.

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Large molecules can be generically separated from small ones, though partially and temporarily, in a pressure-driven flow inside a capillary. This transient incomplete separation has been only applied to species with diffusion coefficients different by at least an order of magnitude. Here, we demonstrate, for the first time, the analytical utility of transient incomplete separation for species with close diffusion coefficients. First, we prove in silico that even a small difference in diffusivity can lead to detectable transient incomplete separation of species. Second, we use computer simulation to prove that such a separation can be used for the reliable determination of equilibrium dissociation constant (K d ) of complexes composed of similar-sized molecules. Finally, we demonstrate experimentally the use of this separation for the accurate determination of K d value for a protein−aptamer complex. We conclude that "accurate constant via transient incomplete separation" (ACTIS) can serve as a reference method for affinity characterization of protein−aptamer binding in solution.

A continuous flow process for the reductive deoxygenation of 3-(4-chlorobutanoyl)-1H-indole-5carbonitrile to 3-(4-chlorobutyl)-1H-indole-5-carbonitrile was developed using a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) setup. The opportunity for process optimization as well as scale-up feasibility was investigated at a laboratory scale. Advantages of a continuous process such as increased product yield, minimized impurity formation, enhanced safety, and increased overall purity of the isolated material thereby avoiding a purification step were demonstrated. Both sodium borohydride and a borane•THF complex were explored as reducing agents in conjunction with iron trichloride which produced high purity 3-(4-chlorobutyl)-1H-indole-5-carbonitrile not requiring further purification in higher yield than the standard batch process.

Introduction: Pharmacokinetic characteristics as well as cognitive-enhancing nootropic activity of latrepirdine (Dimebon®) in relationship with its polymorphic forms have been studied in SD and Wistar rats.Methods: The pharmacokinetics of six polymorphs (A, B, C, D, E, F) of latrepirdine were studied in male SD rats after 7 days of oral administration in corn oil at a dose of 10 mg/kg once a day. Blood and brain samples were taken on the 7th day of administration at 15 min, 30 min, 60 min and 120 min after administration and analyzed for latrepirdine content by LC-MS. The cognitive-enhancing nootropic effect was studied in male and female Wistar rats after 9 days of oral administration in corn oil at a dose of 10 mg/kg, after prior administration of scopolamine, an agent that causes memory impairment similar to that in Alzheimer’s disease. The animals’ cognitive function was studied in the passive avoidance test.Results: When studying the pharmacokinetics, the highest bioavailability both in the blood and in the brain was demonstrated by polymorph E, whose AUC was the highest relative to other polymorphs. In the study of the cognitive-enhancing nootropic effect, polymorph E also showed the highest activity, whose values of the latent period of entering the dark chamber did not differ from control animals, and differed from other polymorphs.Conclusion: Thus, the crystal structure has been shown to play a key role in the bioavailability and efficacy of latrepirdine, and polymorph E has also been shown to be a promising drug for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases associated with memory impairment, such as Alzheimer’s disease.