Modulating affinities of di-2-picolylamine (DPA)-substituted quinoline sensors for zinc ions by varying pendant ligands

A Pyridinium fluorophore for the detection of zinc ions under autophagy conditions

Molecular probes for sensing and imaging of various analytes and biological specimens are of great importance in clinical diagnostics, therapy, and disease management. Since the cellular concentration of free Zn2+ varies from nanomolar to micromolar range during cellular processes and the high affinity Zn2+ imaging probes tend to saturate at lower concentrations of free Zn2+, fluorescence based probes with moderate binding affinity are desirable in distinguishing the occurrence of higher zinc concentrations in the cells. Herein, we report a new, pentacyclic pyridinium based probe, PYD-PA, having a pendant N,N-di(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amine (DPA) for Zn2+ detection in the cellular environment. The designed probe is soluble in water and serves as a mitochondria targeting unit, whereas the pendent DPA acts as the coordination site for Zn2+. PYD-PA displayed a threefold enhancement in fluorescence intensity upon Zn2+ binding with a 1:1 binding stoichiometry. Further, the probe showed a selective response to Zn2+ over other biologically relevant metal ions with a moderate binding affinity (Ka = 6.29 × 104 M-1), good photostability, pH insensitivity, and low cytotoxicity. The demonstration of bioimaging in SK-BR-3 breast cancer cell lines confirmed the intracellular Zn ion sensing ability of the probe. The probe was successfully applied for real time monitoring of the fluctuation of intracellular free zinc ions during autophagy conditions, demonstrating its potential for cellular imaging of Zn2+ at higher intracellular concentrations.

Advancements in the development of fluorescent chemosensors based on CN bond isomerization/modulation mechanistic approaches

The CN bond isomerization/modulation as a fluorescence signalling mechanism was explored by studying the photophysical properties of conformationally restricted molecules. From the beginning, the CN bond isomerization method has attracted the attention of researchers owing to its simplicity, high selectivity, and sensitivity in fluorescence evaluation. Continuous developments in the field of sensing using CN bond-containing compounds have been achieved via the customization of the isomerization process around the CN bond in numerous ways, and the results were obtained in the form of specific discrete photophysical changes. CN isomerization causes significant fluorescence enhancement in response to detected metal cations and other reactive species (Cys, Hys, ClO-, etc.) straightforwardly and effectively. This review sheds light on the process of CN bond isomerization/modulation as a signalling mechanism depending on fluorescence changes via conformational restriction. In addition, CN bond isomerization-based fluorescent sensors have yet to be well reviewed, although several fluorescent sensors based on this signalling mechanism have been reported. Therefore, CN-based fluorescent sensors are summarized in this review.

Crystal structure of (7-{[bis-(pyridin-2-ylmeth-yl)amino-κ3 N,N',N'']meth-yl}-5-chloro-quinolin-8-ol)di-bromidozinc(II)

In the title compound, [ZnBr2(C22H19ClN4O)], the ZnII atom adopts a distorted square-pyramidal coordination geometry, formed by two bromido ligands and three N atoms of the bis-(pyridin-2-ylmeth-yl)amine moiety in the penta-dentate ligand containing quinolinol. The ZnII atom is located well above the mean basal plane of the square-based pyramid. The apical position is occupied by a Br atom. The O and N atoms of the quinolinol moiety in the ligand are not coordinated to the ZnII atom. An intra-molecular O-H⋯N hydrogen bond, generating an S(5) ring motif, stabilizes the mol-ecular structure. In the crystal, the mol-ecules are linked by inter-molecular C-H⋯Br hydrogen bonds, generating ribbon structures containing alternating R 2 2(22) and R 2 2(14) rings. These ribbons are linked through an inter-molecular C-H⋯Br hydrogen bond, forming a two-dimensional network sheet.

Optimization of signal amplification by reversible exchange for polarization of tridentate chelating bis[(2-pyridyl)alkyl]amine

Signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE) is an effective NMR hyperpolarization technique for signal enhancement using para-hydrogen on iridium catalysts. To date, monodentate chelating nitrogen analogs have been predominantly used as substrates for SABRE because of the limited chelating sites of the Ir-catalyst with different molecular orientations. Herein, for the first time, the use of a tridentate chelating ligand (BPEA) containing pyridine moieties and a secondary amine as a SABRE substrate is demonstrated. For the optimization of the tridentate chelating ligand, alkyl chain lengths were varied with the optimization of the external magnetic field and concentrations of three different ligands. Because many chemically multidentate complexes present in nature have scarcely been studied as SABRE substrates, this optimized tridentate chelating ligand structure with the SABRE catalyst and its polarization transfer from para-hydrogen will broaden the scope of hyperpolarizable substrates and help in the investigation of chelating structures for future applications.

Tuned Cd2+ Selectivity: Showcase of Electronic and Regio-Effect of π-Extended Di-2-Picolylamine-Substituted Quinoline-Based Tolans

π-Extended di-2-picolylamine (DPA)-substituted 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) tolans (2) were synthesized for testing electronic and regio-effects. The electron-poor CN-tolan (2b) showed clear selectivity for Cd2+ (>>Zn2+) over other metal ions via turn-on fluorescence, while the electron-rich MeO-tolan (2a) displayed no clear metal selectivity. Furthermore, considering that there was no significant energy difference between the Cd2+ complexes of 1 and 2b, the intended regio-effect (7- vs. 5-substituted effect) did not induce steric hindrance. Thus, the regio-effect is mainly electronic. Considering the above, 2a and 2b constitute a complete showcase in which electronic and regio-effects modulate the metal selectivity. The fluorescence titration of 2b (10 mM) with Cd2+ showed that the limit of detection (LOD) of the Cd2+-selective 2b was 158 nM in PBS (phosphate-buffered saline) (10 mM, pH 7.2) containing 50% MeOH.

C3-symmetric triaminoguanidine based colorimetric and fluorometric chemosensor: Sequential detection of Zn2+/PPi, its RGB performance for detection of Zn2+ ion and construction of IMPLICATION logic gate

In this work, new ethyl(E)-2-cyano-3-(1H-pyrrol-2-yl)acrylate appended C₃-symmetric star-shape triaminoguanidine based Schiff base (LH₃) was designed and synthesized from simple synthons. New probe, LH₃ was completely analyzed by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and mass spectrum. In the present probe LH₃, effective π-conjugated ethyl(E)-2-cyano-acrylate unit was introduced on the periphery of the pyrrole-triaminoquanidine conjugates by using carefully chosen building units. The probe LH₃ shows high selectivity and sensitivity towards Zn²⁺ ion via colorimetric and fluorometric changes. The yellowish orange color of LH₃ solution turned to wine red color upon addition of Zn²⁺ solution, along with red shifted absorption maxima from 450 nm to 550 nm, this indicates the formation of LH₃-Zn²⁺ species. Job's plot and mass spectrum analysis confirms the formation of 1:3 stoichiometric complex between the LH₃ and Zn²⁺ ions. Further this ensemble shows selective detection towards PPi anion over the other anions based on displacement metal ion approach. Hence, reversible colorimetric/emission response of LH₃ towards Zn²⁺ and PPi ions via "on-off-on" manner could allow the construction of IMPLICATION logic gate functions. The practical efficacy of the probe LH₃ was established by utilization of the probe for the detection of Zn²⁺ ions in real water sample analysis. Further, the significant noticeable colorimetric changes of the probe LH₃ upon addition of Zn²⁺ ion have been successfully integrated with a smartphone app RGB color value to construct a real-time analysis of Zn²⁺ ions.

Metal-Free C-C Coupling of an Allenyl Sulfone with Picolyl Amides to Access Vinyl Sulfones via Pyridine-Initiated In Situ Generation of Sulfinate Anion

Vinyl sulfones are privileged motifs known for their biological activity and synthetic utility. Synthetic transformations to efficiently access high-value compounds with these motifs are desired and sought after. Herein, a new procedure is described to form vinyl sulfone-containing compounds by selective functionalization of the C(sp³)-H bond adjacent to the pyridine ring of pharmacologically prevalent picolyl amides with an allenyl sulfone, 1-methyl-4-(propa-1,2-dien-1-ylsulfonyl)benzene. The reaction conditions are mild with no metal catalyst or additives required and display good functional group tolerance. Mechanistic studies for this unusual transformation suggest that the reaction operates via a rare pyridine-initiated and p-toluenesulfinate anion-mediated activation of the allenyl sulfone analogous to phosphine-triggered reactions.

Remote conformational responses to enantiomeric excess in carboxylate-binding dynamic foldamers

A crystallographically characterised zinc(ii)-capped foldamer can sense the enantiomeric excess of scalemic carboxylate solutions, including those produced by enantioselective organocatalysis, and can relay this input signal along the foldamer body to a remote glycinamide group, which then provides an NMR spectroscopic output.

A hexa-quinoline basedC3-symmetric chemosensor for dual sensing of zinc(ii) and PPi in an aqueous mediumviachelation induced “OFF–ON–OFF” emission

“OFF–ON–OFF” luminescence switching behavior of a hexa-quinoline based sensor towards Zn²⁺and PPi in an aqueous buffer medium is demonstrated.

Synthetically simple, click-generated quinoline-based Fe3+ sensors

Simple quinoline-based fluorescent probes for Fe³⁺ have been efficiently synthesized through 'click' reaction. Both probes gave intense fluorescence compared to 8-hydroquinoline in various organic solvents due to the inhibition of the excited state intramolecular photon transfer process, while showing dramatically quenched and red-shifted fluorescence in an aqueous solution, which can be attributed to the hydrogen bond-induced intermolecular excited state proton transfer process. In the presence of Fe³⁺ or in an acidic condition (pH less than 4.0), both probes showed similar quenching of the emission and over 100 nm red-shifts of their emission maxima. The binding mode between the probes and Fe³⁺ has been found to be 1:1 based on Job's plot. A highly sensitive and selective response in their absorption and emission towards Fe³⁺ over many other metal ions, including Cr³⁺ and Cu²⁺, was observed and may be the result of the ground state metal to ligand charge transfer effect from Fe³⁺ to quinoline ligands.

Cobalt, nickel, and iron complexes of 8-hydroxyquinoline-di(2-picolyl)amine for light-driven hydrogen evolution

Novel first-row transition metal complexes based on the 8-hydroxyquinoline-di(2-picolyl)amine ligand were prepared and tested as potential HECs in light-driven experiments.

Charge transfer based "turn-on" chemosensor for Zn²⁺ ion recognition using new triaryl pyrazoline derivative

The fluoroionophore PY serves as a selective and fluorimetric chemosensor for Zn(2+) based on charge transfer (CT). A mechanism for the binding mode was proposed based on fluorescence changes, NMR experiments and theoretical calculations. The 1:1 stoichiometry between Zn(2+) and the sensor was deduced from Job's plot. The addition of EDTA quenches the fluorescence of PY.Zn(2+) complex offers PY as a reversible chemosensor.

Label-Free Pyrophosphate Recognition with Functionalized Asymmetric Nanopores

The label-free detection of pyrophosphate (PPi) anions with a nanofluidic sensing device based on asymmetric nanopores is demonstrated. The pore surface is functionalized with zinc complexes based on two di(2-picolyl)amine [bis(DPA)] moieties using carbodiimide coupling chemistry. The complexation of zinc (Zn(2+) ) ion is achieved by exposing the modified pore to a solution of zinc chloride to form bis(Zn(2+) -DPA) complexes. The chemical functionalization is demonstrated by recording the changes in the observed current-voltage (I-V) curves before and after pore modification. The bis(Zn(2+) -DPA) complexes on the pore walls serve as recognition sites for pyrophosphate anion. The experimental results show that the proposed nanofluidic sensor has the ability to sense picomolar concentrations of PPi anion in the surrounding environment. On the contrary, it does not respond to other phosphate anions, including monohydrogen phosphate, dihydrogen phosphate, adenosine monophosphate, adenosine diphosphate, and adenosine triphosphate. The experimental results are described theoretically by using a model based on the Poisson-Nernst-Planck equations.

Oxaazamacrocycles incorporating the quinoline moiety: synthesis and the study of their binding properties towards metal cations

Nitrogen- and oxygen-containing macrocycles with an endocyclic quinoline moiety synthesized via Pd(0)-catalyzed amination were found to be prospective fluorescent chemosensors for Cu(ii).

Fluorescent probes for the selective detection of chemical species inside mitochondria

This feature article systematically summarizes the development of fluorescent probes for the selective detection of chemical species inside mitochondria.

Carbon dots–quinoline derivative nanocomposite: facile synthesis and application as a “turn-off” fluorescent chemosensor for detection of Cu2+ ions in tap water

In this paper, a novel quinoline derivative: 8-(pyridin-2-ylmethoxy)quinoline-2-carboxylic acid (Q) has been successfully synthesized, then it was coupled with carbon dots (CDs) to synthesize a CDs–Q nanocomposite by a simple and green method.

Crystal structure of 7-{[bis-(pyridin-2-ylmeth-yl)amino]-meth-yl}-5-chloro-quinolin-8-ol

In the title compound, C22H19ClN4O, the quinolinol moiety is almost planar [r.m.s. deviation = 0.012 Å]. There is an intra-molecular O-H⋯N hydrogen bond involving the hy-droxy group and a pyridine N atom forming an S(9) ring motif. The dihedral angles between the planes of the quinolinol moiety and the pyridine rings are 44.15 (9) and 36.85 (9)°. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked via C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds forming inversion dimers with an R 4 (4)(10) ring motif. The dimers are linked by C-H⋯N hydrogen bonds, forming ribbons along [01-1]. The ribbons are linked by C-H⋯π and π-π inter-actions [inter-centroid distance = 3.7109 (11) Å], forming layers parallel to (01-1).

Synthesis and biological evaluation of 2-picolylamide-based diselenides with non-bonded interactions

In this paper, we report the synthesis and biological evaluation of picolylamide-based diselenides with the aim of developing a new series of diselenides with O···Se non-bonded interactions. The synthesis of diselenides was performed by a simple and efficient synthetic route. All the products were obtained in good yields and their structures were determined by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and HRMS. All these new compounds showed promising activities when tested in different antioxidant assays. These amides exhibited strong thiol peroxidase-like (TPx) activity. In fact one of the compounds showed 4.66 times higher potential than the classical standard i.e., diphenyl diselenide. The same compound significantly inhibited iron (Fe)-induced thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) production in rat's brain homogenate. In addition, the X-ray structure of the most active compound showed non-bonded interaction between the selenium and the oxygen atom that are in close proximity and may be responsible for the increased antioxidant activity. The present study provides evidence about the possible biochemical influence of nonbonding interactions on organochalcogens potency.

Tris(8-methoxy-2-quinolylmethyl)amine (8-MeOTQA) as a highly fluorescent Zn2+probe prepared by convenient C3-symmetric tripodal amine synthesis

The convenient synthesis ofC₃-symmetric tribenzylamines utilizing acetaldehyde ammonia trimer (1) revealed tris(8-methoxy-2-quinolylmethyl)amine (8-MeOTQA) as a fluorescent zinc sensor with high sensitivity.

Making pyrophosphate visible: the first precipitable and real-time fluorescent sensor for pyrophosphate in aqueous solution

An in situ generated Zn²⁺ complex of di-2-(picoly) amine BINOL–DPA was presented as a precipitable and real-time fluorescent sensor for PPi with a detection limit of 95 nm, and it could be successfully applied in imaging PPi in living cells.

TQPHEN (N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-quinolylmethyl)-1,2-phenylenediamine) derivatives as highly selective fluorescent probes for Cd2+

The tetrakisquinoline derivatives with a 1,2-phenylenediamine (PHEN) scaffold exhibit a Cd²⁺-specific fluorescence enhancement, in contrast to the Zn²⁺-specific trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane (DACH) counterpart.

Quinoline-attached triazacyclononane (TACN) derivatives as fluorescent zinc sensors

TACN (1,4,7-triazacyclononane) derivatives with three 6-methoxy-2-quinolylmethyl or 1-isoquinolylmethyl moieties were examined as fluorescent zinc sensors. Upon the addition of zinc, 6-MeOTQTACN (5) exhibited a 9-fold fluorescence increase at 420 nm (λex = 341 nm, ϕZn = 0.070). Fluorescence enhancement is specific for zinc and cadmium, although cadmium induces smaller increases (ICd/I0 = 3.6 and ICd/IZn = 40%). The isoquinoline analog 1-isoTQTACN (6) exhibits minimal fluorescence enhancement upon zinc binding. TPEN (N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylene-diamine) does not extract zinc from the 6-MeOTQTACN-Zn complex (5-Zn). The quantum yield, metal ion selectivity and metal binding affinity differences between TACN and ethylenediamine (EN) skeletons in quinoline-based ligands are discussed based on the X-ray crystallographic analysis of zinc and cadmium complexes, demonstrating the superiority of quinoline-TACN conjugates.

Multifunctional 8-hydroxyquinoline-appended cyclodextrins as new inhibitors of metal-induced protein aggregation

Mounting evidence suggests a pivotal role of metal imbalances in protein misfolding and amyloid diseases. As such, metal ions represent a promising therapeutic target. In this context, the synthesis of chelators that also contain complementary functionalities to combat the multifactorial nature of neurodegenerative diseases is a highly topical issue. We report two new 8-hydroxyquinoline-appended cyclodextrins and highlight their multifunctional properties, including their Cu(II) and Zn(II) binding abilities, and capacity to act as antioxidants and metal-induced antiaggregants. In particular, the latter property has been applied in the development of an effective assay that exploits the formation of amyloid fibrils when β-lactoglobulin A is heated in the presence of metal ions.

Zn(II)-coordination modulated ligand photophysical processes - the development of fluorescent indicators for imaging biological Zn(II) ions

Molecular photophysics and metal coordination chemistry are the two fundamental pillars that support the development of fluorescent cation indicators. In this article, we describe how Zn(II)-coordination alters various ligand-centered photophysical processes that are pertinent to developing Zn(II) indicators. The main aim is to show how small organic Zn(II) indicators work under the constraints of specific requirements, including Zn(II) detection range, photophysical requirements such as excitation energy and emission color, temporal and spatial resolutions in a heterogeneous intracellular environment, and fluorescence response selectivity between similar cations such as Zn(II) and Cd(II). In the last section, the biological questions that fluorescent Zn(II) indicators help to answer are described, which have been motivating and challenging this field of research.

α-Monoacylated and α,α'- and α,β'-diacylated dipyrrins as highly sensitive fluorescence "turn-on" Zn2+ probes

With the purpose of developing readily synthesized CHEF (chelation-enhanced fluorescence) type Zn(2+) probes with relatively simple molecular structures and excellent sensing behavior, p-anisoyl chloride was used for the acylation of 5-(pentafluorophenyl)dipyrromethane. Interestingly, the α,β'-diacylated product PS2 with a unique substitution mode was obtained in high yield in addition to the normal α-substituted mono- and diacylated products PS1 and PS3. Further oxidation of PS1-PS3 afforded dipyrrins S1-S3. Crystal structure and (1)H NMR measurements of S2 demonstrate the existence of a pure tautomer, which is consistent with DFT calculations. S1-S3 show highly Zn(2+) selective "turn-on" fluorescence based on a CHEF mechanism by the formation of 2:1 (probe:metal) Zn(2+) complexes. The emission colors can be easily tuned from green to red by changing the dipyrrin substitution modes. Furthermore, these probes demonstrate fast responses and wide applicable pH ranges. Among them, S2 shows the highest Zn(2+) sensitivity, with a detection limit of 4.4 × 10(-8) M.

Quinoline-based fluorescent zinc sensors with enhanced fluorescence intensity, Zn/Cd selectivity and metal binding affinity by conformational restriction

Two cyclohexanediamine-based tetrakisquinoline derivatives, N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-quinolylmethyl)-trans-1,2-cyclohexanediamine (TQDACH) and N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(1-isoquinolylmethyl)-trans-1,2-cyclohexanediamine (1-isoTQDACH), have been prepared and their zinc-induced fluorescent response was investigated. In DMF-H2O (1 : 1) solution, TQDACH exhibits increase of fluorescence at 455 nm in the presence of 1 eq. of zinc ion (λ(ex) = 317 nm, φ = 0.010). Similarly, 1-isoTQDACH exhibited fluorescence enhancement upon binding with zinc (λ(ex) = 325 nm, λ(em) = 352 and 475 nm, φ = 0.032). The fluorescence intensity ratio induced by cadmium relative to zinc (I(Cd)/I(Zn)) for these 1,2-cyclohexanediamine probes is lower than those for the corresponding ethylenediamine derivatives, TQEN and 1-isoTQEN. Crystal structures of the zinc and cadmium complexes of TQDACH and 1-isoTQDACH reveal the superior metal binding ability of the 1,2-cyclohexanediamine and isoquinoline moieties in comparison to ethylenediamine and quinoline. The conformational restriction afforded by the 1,2-cyclohexanediamine skeleton upon zinc binding leads to enhanced fluorescence intensity and strong metal binding affinity.