Fluorescent dyes and their supramolecular host/guest complexes with macrocycles in aqueous solution

Synthesis and photophysical characteristics of polyfluorene polyrotaxanes

Two alternating polyfluorene polyrotaxanes (3·TM-βCD and 3·TM-γCD) have been synthesized by the coupling of 2,7-dibromofluorene encapsulated into 2,3,6-tri-O-methyl-β- or γ-cyclodextrin (TM-βCD, TM-γCD) cavities with 9,9-dioctylfluorene-2,7-diboronic acid bis(1,3-propanediol) ester. Their optical, electrochemical and morphological properties have been evaluated and compared to those of the non-rotaxane counterpart 3. The influence of TM-βCD or TM-γCD encapsulation on the thermal stability, solubility in common organic solvents, film forming ability was also investigated. Polyrotaxane 3·TM-βCD exhibits a hypsochromic shift, while 3·TM-γCD displays a bathochromic with respect to the non-rotaxane 3 counterpart. For the diluted CHCl₃ solutions the fluorescence lifetimes of all compounds follow a mono-exponential decay with a time constant of ≈0.6 ns. At higher concentration the fluorescence decay remains mono-exponential for 3·TM-βCD and polymers 3, with a lifetime τ = 0.7 ns and 0.8 ns, whereas the 3·TM-γCD polyrotaxane shows a bi-exponential decay consisting of a main component (with a weight of 98% of the total luminescence) with a relatively short decay constant of τ₁ = 0.7 ns and a minor component with a longer lifetime of τ₂ = 5.4 ns (2%). The electrochemical band gap (ΔE_g) of 3·TM-βCD polyrotaxane is smaller than that of 3·TM-γCD and 3, respectively. The lower ΔE_g value for 3·TM-βCD suggests that the encapsulation has a greater effect on the reduction process, which affects the LUMO energy level value. Based on AFM analysis, 3·TM-βCD and 3·TM-γCD polyrotaxane compounds exhibit a granular morphology with lower dispersity and smaller roughness exponent of the film surfaces in comparison with those of the neat copolymer 3.

Fluorescent Detection of Tadalafil Based on Competitive Host-Guest Interaction Using p-Sulfonated Calix[6]arene Functionalized Graphene

A competitive fluorescence method toward tadalafil detection has been developed based on host-guest recognition by selecting rhodamine B (RhB) and p-sulfonated calix[6]arene functionalized graphene (CX6-Gra) as the "reporter pair". Upon the presence of tadalafil to the performed CX6-Gra-RhB complex, the RhB molecules are displaced by tadalafil, leading to a "switch-on" fluorescence signal. The observed fluorescence signal can be used for quantitative detection of tadalafil ranging from 1.00 to 50.00 μM with a detection limit of 0.32 μM (S/N = 3). The inclusion complex of tadalafil and CX6 was studied by molecular docking and the results indicated that a 1:1 host-guest stoichiometry had the lowest ΔG value of -7.18 kcal/mol. The docking studies demonstrated that the main forces including π-π interactions, electrostatic interactions, and hydrophobic interactions should be responsible for the formation of this inclusion compound. The mechanism of the competitive host-guest interaction was clarified. The binding constant (K) of the tadalafil/CX6 complex was more than 5 times greater than that of RhB/CX6.

Host-Guest Interaction-Mediated Construction of Hydrogels and Nanovesicles for Drug Delivery

Hand-in-hand or head-to-head: A novel naphthalimide derivative is successfully designed and synthesized, which can self-assemble to produce hydrogels. When injecting this compound into CB[8] solution, the nanovesicles are obtained with a narrow size distribution. The cytotoxicity assay confirms that doxorubicin-loaded nanocarriers show therapeutic effects to cancer cells.

A Cucurbit[7]uril Based Molecular Shuttle Encoded by Visible Room-Temperature Phosphorescence

A visible room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) signal, generated by complexation of cururbit[7]uril (CB[7]) and bromo-substituted isoquinoline in aqueous solution, is employed to address the shuttling of a pH-controlling molecular shuttle fabricated by CB[7] and a phosphor 6-bromoisoquinoline derivative IQC[5]. The CB[7] host shuttles along the axial guest under acidic conditions, accompanied by a weak RTP emission signal, while deprotonation of the guest IQC[5] makes the CB[7] wheel locate on the phosphor group, leading to intense RTP emission. The switching RTP emission of the molecular shuttle, via pH adjusting, can be visibly identified by the naked eye. This is the first CB-based molecular shuttle with an RTP signal as the output address of its shuttling and conformation.

Size-selective recognition by a tubular assembly of phenylene-pyrimidinylene alternated macrocycle through hydrogen-bonding interactions

Study of artificial tubular assemblies as a useful host scaffold for size-selective recognition and release of guest molecules is an important subject in host-guest chemistry. We describe well-defined self-assembled nanotubes (NT6mer) formed from π-conjugated m-phenylene-pyrimidinylene alternated macrocycle 16mer that exhibit size-selective recognition toward a specific aromatic acid. In a series of guest molecules, a size-matched trimesic acid (G3) gives inclusion complexes (NT6mer⊃G3) in dichloromethane resulting in an enhanced and red-shifted fluorescence. (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) titration experiments indicated that the complex was formed in a 1:1 molar ratio. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and the binding constant value (K = 1.499 × 10(5) M(-1)) of NT6mer with G3 suggested that the complex involved triple hydrogen-bonding interactions. The encapsulated guest G3 molecules can be readily released from the tubular channel through the dissociation of hydrogen bonding by the addition of a polar solvent such as dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). In contrast, 16mer could not form self-assembled nanotubes in CHCl3 or tetrahydrofuran (THF) solution, leading to weak or no size-selective recognizability, respectively.

Synchronous spectrofluorimetric study of the supramolecular host-guest interaction of β-cyclodextrin with propranolol: A comparative study

The objective of this work is to assess the use of constant-wavelength synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy (SFS) in comparison to conventional fluorescence spectroscopy (CFS) for the investigation of the supramolecular host-guest interaction of β-CD with propranolol (PPL) in aqueous solutions. Scanning for the optimal Δλ at which the SFS can be performed in the presence of β-CD was examined. The results obtained revealed three distinguishable shapes for PPL using SFS that can be represented by three different Δλ values, namely 10, 40, and 100 nm. However, the effect of the β-CD concentration on the fluorescence intensity of PPL was examined using CFS and SFS of PPL at a Δλ of 10 and 100 nm. The change in the fluorescence intensity was used to calculate the equilibrium constant (Keq) for the formation of the β-CD:PPL inclusion complex by applying the Benesi-Hildebrand method. Keq values of 108, 112, and 117 M(-1) were obtained using SFS with a Δλ of 10 and 100 nm, and CFS, respectively. Further, the SFS method was successfully employed to examine the iodide quenching effect on the fluorescence intensity of PPL, where the results obtained revealed a Stern-Volmer quenching constant of 42.8 M(-1), which is in good agreement with results obtained using CFS. All results obtained using the SFS method were compared with the results obtained using the CFS method.

Manipulating Excited-State Dynamics of Individual Light-Harvesting Chromophores through Restricted Motions in a Hydrated Nanoscale Protein Cavity

Manipulating the photophysical properties of light-absorbing units is a crucial element in the design of biomimetic light-harvesting systems. Using a highly tunable synthetic platform combined with transient absorption and time-resolved fluorescence measurements and molecular dynamics simulations, we interrogate isolated chromophores covalently linked to different positions in the interior of the hydrated nanoscale cavity of a supramolecular protein assembly. We find that, following photoexcitation, the time scales over which these chromophores are solvated, undergo conformational rearrangements, and return to the ground state are highly sensitive to their position within this cavity and are significantly slower than in a bulk aqueous solution. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal the hindered translations and rotations of water molecules within the protein cavity with spatial specificity. The results presented herein show that fully hydrated nanoscale protein cavities are a promising way to mimic the tight protein pockets found in natural light-harvesting complexes. We also show that the interplay between protein, solvent, and chromophores can be used to substantially tune the relaxation processes within artificial light-harvesting assemblies in order to significantly improve the yield of interchromophore energy transfer and extend the range of excitation transport. Our observations have implications for other important, similarly sized bioinspired materials, such as nanoreactors and biocompatible targeted delivery agents.

A supramolecular keypad lock

The reversible photoswitching between an anthracene derivative and its [4+4] dimer, using the template effect of the CB8 macrocycle, was demonstrated. This example of supramolecular chemistry in water was harnessed to demonstrate the operation of a keypad lock device that is driven by means of light and chemicals as inputs.

Recent advances in the construction of fluorescent metallocycles and metallocages via coordination-driven self-assembly

During the last few years, the construction of fluorescent metallocycles and metallocages has attracted considerable attention because of their wide applications in fluorescence detection of metal ions, anions, or small molecules, mimicking complicated natural photo-processes, and preparing photoelectric devices, etc. This perspective focuses on the recent advances in the construction of a variety of fluorescent metallocycles and metallocages via coordination-driven self-assembly. In addition, the fluorescence properties and the applications of these organometallic architectures have also been discussed.

Picking Out Logic Operations in a Naphthalene β-Diketone Derivative by Using Molecular Encapsulation, Controlled Protonation, and DNA Binding

On–off switching and molecular logic in fluorescent molecules are associated with what chemical inputs can do to the structure and dynamics of these molecules. Herein, we report the structure of a naphthalene derivative, the fashion of its binding to β-cyclodextrin and DNA, and the operation of logic possible using protons, cyclodextrin, and DNA as chemical inputs. The compound crystallizes out in a keto-amine form, with intramolecular N−H⋅⋅⋅O bonding. It shows stepwise formation of 1:1 and 1:2 inclusion complexes with β-cyclodextrin. The aminopentenone substituents are encapsulated by β-cyclodextrin, leaving out the naphthalene rings free. The binding constant of the β-cyclodextrin complex is 512 m⁻¹. The pK_a value of the guest molecule is not greatly affected by the complexation. Dual input logic operations, based on various chemical inputs, lead to the possibility of several molecular logic gates, namely NOR, XOR, NAND, and Buffer. Such chemical inputs on the naphthalene derivative are examples of how variable signal outputs based on binding can be derived, which, in turn, are dependent on the size and shape of the molecule.

Metal-ion-mediated assemblies of thiazole orange with cucurbit[7]uril: a photophysical study

The formation of molecular superstructures by metal-ion-mediated noncovalent self-assembly has been demonstrated using the macrocycle, cucurbit[7]uril (CB7), and the dye, thiazole orange (TO), as building blocks. Interestingly, the association of these molecular building blocks can be tuned by the chemical environment, leading to self-assembled structures of different stoichiometries, which is supported by absorption, fluorescence, (1)H NMR, and AFM measurements. Most importantly, the self-assembly process of the CB7/TO/metal ion system is observed to be remarkably different for alkali (Na(+)) and alkaline earth (Ca(2+)) metal ions. Fluorescence enhancement is observed in the presence of Ca(2+) ions, which is attributed to the formation of short dimeric structures composed of two 1:1 CB7-TO complexes. Solution turbidity is detected in the presence of Na(+) ions, which is proposed to be due to the formation of extended structures by the assembly of many 1:1 CB7-TO complexes.

Tuning the surface activity of gemini amphiphile by the host-guest interaction of cucurbit[7]uril

This research is aimed to develop an effective supramolecular route for tuning the surface activity of the surfactant. To this end, cationic gemini amphiphiles and cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) were complexed in water, and each hydrophobic chain of the gemini amphiphiles was bound with a CB[7]. The steric hindrance of CB[7] prevented the two hydrophobic chains from getting closed to each other, leading a significant change of surface activity. Before supramolecular complexation, the surface activity of the gemini amphiphile is relatively high, which can generate the foams easily. However, the foam generated by gemini amphiphile can be destructed by adding CB[7], suggesting that the suface activity is lowed after the supramolecular complexation. The surface activity can recover after adding 1-adamantanamine hydrochloride, which has a stronger ability to bind CB[7]. Therefore, a controllable foaming and defoaming process can be realized. It is highly anticipated that supramolecular chemistry for tuning amphiphilicity of surfactants may find application in the fields that fast foaming and defoaming are needed.

An investigation on single crystal growth, structural, thermal and optical properties of a series of organic D–π–A push–pull materials

We present the large single crystal growth of a series of donor–π–acceptor (D–π–A) push–pull chromophores (1–4). The thermal, structural and optical properties of the synthesized chromophores were explored. These studies indicate the potential opto-electronic application of these push–pull chromophores.

Complexation induced fluorescence and acid–base properties of dapoxyl dye with γ-cyclodextrin: a drug-binding application using displacement assays

The drug binding ability of γ-cyclodextrin in physiological conditions is evaluated experimentally and computationally via the dye displacement principle using dapoxyl dye.

An ultrafast molecular rotor based ternary complex in a nanocavity: a potential “turn on” fluorescence sensor for the hydrocarbon chain

Formation of a ternary complex by an ultrafast molecular rotor (UMR) with a macrocyclic cavitand has been investigated for the sensitive detection of the alkyl chain of a surfactant.

Cucurbiturils: from synthesis to high-affinity binding and catalysis

Major developments in the synthesis of cucurbiturils and applications related to their high-affinity binding and catalysis have recently taken place.

Supramolecular assembly of a methyl-substituted cucurbit[6]uril and its potential applications in selective sorption

Assembly of a methyl-substituted cucurbit[6]uril derived from 3α-methyl-glycoluril (HMeQ[6]) has been studied. We have demonstrated potential applications of this system based on the selective sorption of volatile alcohols in the polar channels, especially methanol.

pH responsive translocation of an anticancer drug between cyclodextrin and DNA

Herein, the pH triggered translocation of EPT in between γ-cyclodextrin and DNA is monitored using fluorescence switch of the drug.

Cucurbit[8]uril-templated H and J dimers of bichromophoric coumarin dyes: origin of contrasting emission

Supramolecular control of the novel dimer emission from bichromophoric coumarin dyes caught in the cucurbit[8]uril cavity; a facile approach to developing photo-responsive molecular assemblies.