Visible-Near-Infrared and Fluorescent Copper Sensors Based on Julolidine Conjugates: Selective Detection and Fluorescence Imaging in Living Cells

Simple Bisthiocarbonohydrazone as a Sensitive, Selective, Colorimetric, and Ratiometric Fluorescent Chemosensor for Picric Acids

A bisthiocarbonohydrazone-based chemosensor molecule (R1) containing a tetrahydro-8-hydroxyquinolizine-9-carboxaldehyde moiety has been synthesized and characterized as a new ratiometric fluorescent probe for picric acid (PA). The ratiometric probe R1 is a highly selective and sensitive colorimetric chemosensor for PA. The association between the chemosensor and PA and the ratiometric performance enabled by the key role of excited state intramolecular proton transfer in the detection process are demonstrated. Selectivity experiments proved that R1 has excellent selectivity to PA over other nitroaromatic chemicals. Importantly, the ratiometric probe exhibited a noteworthy change in both colorimetric and emission color, and this key feature enables R1 to be employed for detection of PA by simple visual inspection in silica-gel-coated thin-layer chromatography plates. Probe R1 has been shown to detect PA up to 3.2 nM at pH 7.4. Microstructural features of R1 and its PA complex have been measured by a field emission scanning electron microscope, and it clearly proves that their morphological features differ dramatically both in shape and size. Density function theory and time-dependent density function theory calculations were performed to establish the sensing mechanism and the electronic properties of probe R1. Furthermore, we have demonstrated the utility of probe R1 for the detection of PA in live Vero cells for ratiometric fluorescence imaging.

Label-free, Water-soluble Fluorescent Peptide Probe for a Sensitive and Selective Determination of Copper Ions

This study aimed to develop a label-free, sensitive, selective, and environment-friendly fluorescent peptide probe His-His-Trp-His (HHWH) for determining the concentration of copper ion (Cu²⁺) in aqueous solutions. The results demonstrated that the designed HHWH has a high selectivity and sensitivity for monitoring the concentration of free Cu²⁺ via quenching of the probe fluorescence upon a binding of Cu²⁺. The fluorescence intensity of the HHWH had a linear relationship with the concentration of Cu²⁺ between 10 nM and 10 μM, and the detection limit was 8 nM. Furthermore, HHWH could be regenerated with sulfide ions at least five times. The concentrations of Cu²⁺ in three different real water samples were detected using this probe, and the results were consistent with the one detected using an atomic absorption spectrometer. Thus, HHWH can be used as an accurate and feasible fluorescent peptide probe for detecting Cu²⁺ in aqueous solutions.

Sequential detection of Fe3+/2+ and pyrophosphate by a colorimetric chemosensor in a near-perfect aqueous solution

A colorimetric chemosensor was developed for Fe^3+/2+ and pyrophosphate with low detection limit and practical application for Fe³⁺ in water samples.

Crystal structure of (E)-9-({[4-(di-ethyl-amino)-phen-yl]imino}-meth-yl)-2,3,6,7-tetra-hydro-1H,5H-pyrido[3,2,1-ij]quinolin-8-ol

The title compound, C23H29N3O, was synthesized from the condensation reaction of 8-hy-droxy-julolidine-9-carbaldehyde and N,N-diethyl-p-phenyl-enedi-amine. The hy-droxy group forms a intra-molecular hydrogen bond to the imine N atom and generates an S(6) ring motif. The conformation about the C=N bond is E, and the aromatic ring of the julolidine moiety is inclined to the benzene ring by 3.74 (14)°. One of the fused non-aromatic rings of the julolidine moiety adopts an envelope conformation and the other has a screw-boat conformation. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by C-H⋯π inter-actions involving the aromatic julolidine ring, forming slabs parallel to the bc plane. The tricyclic fragment of the julolidine ring and the azomethine C=N bond are disordered over two sets of sites with a refined occupancy ratio of 0.773 (3):0.227 (3).

A single fluorescent chemosensor for multiple targets of Cu2+, Fe2+/3+ and Al3+ in living cells and a near-perfect aqueous solution

A naphthol-based chemosensor 1 was developed for detection of Cu²⁺ and Fe^2+/3+ by fluorescence quenching and Al³⁺ by fluorescence emission change.

A new Schiff-based chemosensor for chromogenic sensing of Cu2+, Co2+and S2−in aqueous solution: experimental and theoretical studies

A new Schiff-based multifunctional colorimetric chemosensor1was developed for the detection of various analytes (Cu²⁺, Co²⁺and S²⁻).

Schiff base derived Fe3+-selective fluorescence turn-off chemsensors based on triphenylamine and indole: synthesis, properties and application in living cells

A Schiff base with an AIE effect could act as a turn-off fluorescent chemosensor for Fe³⁺in living cells.

Crystal structure of 9,9'-{(1E,1'E)-[1,4-phenyl-enebis(aza-nylyl-idene)]bis-(methanylyl-idene)}bis-(2,3,6,7-tetra-hydro-1H,5H-pyrido[3,2,1-ij]quinolin-8-ol)

The whole mol­ecule of the title compound is generated by inversion symmetry; the central benzene ring being situated about a crystallographic inversion center. The aromatic ring of the julolidine moiety is inclined to the central benzene ring by 33.70 (12)°, and the conformation about the C=N bonds is E. There are two intra­molecular O—H⋯N hydrogen bonds in the mol­ecule, generating S(6) ring motifs.

The whole mol­ecule of the title compound, C₃₂H₃₄N₂O₂, is generated by inversion symmetry; the central benzene ring being situated about the crystallographic inversion center. The aromatic ring of the julolidine moiety is inclined to the central benzene ring by 33.70 (12)°. There are two intra­molecular O—H⋯N hydrogen bonds in the mol­ecule, generating S(6) ring motifs. The conformation about the C=N bonds is E. The fused non-aromatic rings of the julolidine moiety adopt half-chair conformations. In the crystal, adjacent mol­ecules are linked by pairs of C—H⋯π inter­actions, forming a ladder-like structure propagating along the a-axis direction.

A benzo-15-crown-5-modifying ratiometric-absorption and fluorescent OFF-ON chemosensor for Cu(2.)

One new benzo-15-crown-5-modifying fluorene Schiff base (FBC), together with the CN-linked fluorene-3,4-dimethoxybenzene (FBDMO) and fluorene-benzene (FB) references, has been designed and facilely synthesized. The binding of Cu(2+) with nitrogen atom of CN moiety in these three compounds can inhibit the photo-induced electronic transition process and induce the ratiometric-absorption and fluorescent OFF-ON response to Cu(2+). Whereas the employment of benzo-15-crown-5 moiety in FBC as additional binding platform for Cu(2+) not only amplifies the fluorescent enhancement of FBCvia preventing the isomerization of CN moiety, but also endows this compound high selectivity and rapid response towards Cu(2+) over the references FB and FBDMO. These results render FBC highly sensitive ratiometric-absorption and fluorescent OFF-ON detecting potential for Cu(2+) with the detection limit of 3.91 × 10(-6) M.

A rationally designed metal-binding helical peptoid for selective recognition processes

A helical peptoid bearing two distinct metal binding ligands at positions i and i+3 (Helix HQT i+3) enables the selective recognition of one or two metal ions depending on its environment, thus mimicking the unique recognition abilities of natural biopolymers.

Metal-binding biopolymers play a significant role in processes, such as regulation, recognition and catalysis, due to their high affinity towards specific metal ions, which they bind selectively from the cellular pool. Many enzymes can bind two or more metal ions, each at a specific binding site, to enable efficient cooperative function. Imitating these recognition abilities might lead to the production of biomimetic materials such as unique chelators and catalysts. Herein, we report a rationally designed helical peptoid bearing two distinct metal binding ligands at positions i and i + 3 (Helix HQT i + 3), which enables the selective recognition of one or two metal ions depending on its environment. Using various spectroscopic techniques, we describe (1) the selective intramolecular binding of Cu²⁺ and its extraction from a mixture of neighboring metal ions in high concentrations, and (2) the selective intermolecular binding of two different metal ions, including the pair Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺, one at each binding site, for the generation of hetero-bimetallic peptoid duplexes. Thorough analysis and comparison between the spectroscopic data and association constants of the metal complexes formed by Helix HQT i + 3 and those formed by non-helical peptoids, or helical peptoids in which the two metal binding ligands are not pre-organized, revealed that the unique recognition processes performed by Helix HQT i + 3 are controlled by both the sequence and the structure of the peptoid.

Pyrene Scaffold as Real-Time Fluorescent Turn-on Chemosensor for Selective Detection of Trace-Level Al(III) and Its Aggregation-Induced Emission Enhancement

A pyrene based fluorescent probe, 3-methoxy-2-((pyren-2yl-imino)methyl)phenol (HL), was synthesized via simple one-pot reaction from inexpensive reagents. It exhibited high sensitivity and selectivity toward Al(3+) over other relevant metal ions and also displayed novel aggregation-induced emission enhancement (AIEE) characteristics in its aggregate/solid state. When bound with Al(3+) in 1:1 mode, a significant fluorescence enhancement with a turn-on ratio of over ∼200-fold was triggered via chelation-enhanced fluorescence through sensor complex (Al-L) formation, and amusingly excess addition of Al(3+), dramatic enhancement of fluorescence intensity over manifold through aggregate formation was observed. The 1:1 stoichiometry of the sensor complex (Al-L) was calculated from Job's plot based on UV-vis absorption titration. In addition, the binding site of sensor complex (Al-L) was well-established from the (1)H NMR titrations and also supported by the fluorescence reversibility by adding Al(3+) and EDTA sequentially. Intriguingly, the AIEE properties of HL may improve its impact and studied in CH3CN-H2O mixtures at high water content. To gain insight into the AIEE mechanism of the HL, the size and growth process of particles in different volume percentage of water and acetonitrile mixture were studied using time-resolved photoluminescence, dynamic light scattering, optical microscope, and scanning electron microscope. The molecules of HL are aggregated into ordered one-dimensional rod-shaped microcrystals that show obvious optical waveguide effect.

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.

Facile rhodamine-based colorimetric sensors for sequential detections of Cu(ii) ions and pyrophosphate (P2O74−) anions

Two rhodamine hydrazine derivatives Rh1 and Rh2 with catechol and ether functionalities have been synthesized and utilized towards sequential colorimetric detections of Cu(ii) and pyrophosphate (PPi) ions in a semi-aqueous medium.

A propeller-shaped μ4-carbonate hexanuclear dysprosium complex with a high energetic barrier to magnetisation relaxation

A Dy₆ complex composed of two Dy₃ triangular units was isolated and found to exhibit slow relaxation of the magnetisation under zero applied dc field, resulting in a high energetic barrier to relaxation.

Dioxo-vanadium(v), oxo-rhenium(v) and dioxo-uranium(vi) complexes with a tridentate Schiff base ligand

The complexation of a tridentate Schiff base ligand with three oxo-metal ions lead to the formations of four new complexes.

3d transition metal complexes with a julolidine–quinoline based ligand: structures, spectroscopy and optical properties

Five new complexes of a julolidine–quinoline based ligand with 3d transition metals have been synthesised and structurally characterised.

β-Cyclodextrin included coumarin derivatives as selective fluorescent sensors for Cu2+ ions in HeLa cells

A highly sensitive and selective fluorescent sensor for Cu²⁺ ions in water medium is reported using 4-((benzo[d]thiazol-2-ylthio)methyl)-5,7-dihydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one (1) included β-cyclodextrin, as a probe.

Immobilization of gold nanoclusters inside porous electrospun fibers for selective detection of Cu(II): A strategic approach to shielding pristine performance

Here, a distinct demonstration of highly sensitive and selective detection of copper (Cu²⁺) in a vastly porous cellulose acetate fibers (pCAF) has been carried out using dithiothreitol capped gold nanocluster (DTT.AuNC) as fluorescent probe. A careful optimization of all potential factors affecting the performance of the probe for effective detection of Cu²⁺ were studied and the resultant sensor strip exhibiting unique features including high stability, retained parent fluorescence nature and reproducibility. The visual colorimetric detection of Cu²⁺ in water, presenting the selective sensing performance towards Cu²⁺ ions over Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Hg²⁺ under UV light in naked eye, contrast to other metal ions that didn’t significantly produce such a change. The comparative sensing performance of DTT.AuNC@pCAF, keeping the nonporous CA fiber (DTT.AuNC@nCAF) as a support matrix has been demonstrated. The resulting weak response of DTT.AuNC@nCAF denotes the lack of ligand protection leading to the poor coordination ability with Cu²⁺. The determined detection limit (50 ppb) is far lower than the maximum level of Cu²⁺ in drinking water (1.3 ppm) set by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). An interesting find from this study has been the specific oxidation nature between Cu²⁺ and DTT.AuNC, offering solid evidence for selective sensors.

A reversible fluorescence chemosensor for sequentially quantitative monitoring copper and sulfide in living cells

We report a novel, selective and sensitive strategy for the sequentially "ON-OFF-ON" fluorescent detection of Cu(2+) and S(2-) based on a fluorescein derivative, FL. The specific binding of FL towards Cu(2+) in aqueous and biological media led to the intensive green fluorescence quenching and a notable increase of the absorbance maximum at 480 nm. In the presence of S(2-), the intensity and overall pattern of the fluorescence emission and UV-vis spectra of FL-Cu(2+) ensemble were recovered since the abolishment of paramagnetic Cu(2+). This displacement approach exhibited highly specificity, and sensitivity with detection limits of 3 nM for Cu(2+) and 150 nM for S(2-). The fluorescence "ON-OFF-ON" circle can be repeated to a minimum of 5 times by the alternative addition of Cu(2+) and S(2-), implying that FL is a renewable dual-functional chemosensor. The biocompatibility of FL toward breast carcinoma cells, MDA-MB-231 was confirmed by MTT assay. The reversible "ON-OFF-ON" fluorescent response of FL to Cu(2+) and S(2-) in living system was further confirmed by confocal fluorescence imaging of living cells. The quantification of Cu(2+) and S(2-) in single intact cell was realized by the flow cytometry analysis.

Multiple target chemosensor: a fluorescent sensor for Zn(ii) and Al(iii) and a chromogenic sensor for Fe(ii) and Fe(iii)

A multifunctional fluorescent and colorimetric chemosensor for Zn²⁺, Al³⁺, Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ was designed and synthesized.

A pyrene based Schiff base probe for selective fluorescence turn-on detection of Hg2+ ions with live cell application

A novel pyrene based free thiol containing a Schiff base derivative PT1 was synthesized and reported as a fluorescence turn-on sensor for Hg²⁺ ions, via CHEF and excimer (PT1-PT1*) formation with live cell imaging.

Two and three input molecular logic operations mediated by a novel azo-azomethine based chromogenic probe through intramolecular charge transfer processes

A novel azo-azomethine based chromogenic receptor has been successfully designed and synthesized for the construction of multifunctional molecular logic circuits.

Chromogenic naked-eye detection of copper ion and fluoride

Colorimetric chemosensor was reported for detection of Cu²⁺ and F⁻via the color change from colorless to yellow and to orange.

A diaminomaleonitrile based selective colorimetric chemosensor for copper(ii) and fluoride ions

A chemosensor showed colorimetric sensing for copper(ii) and fluoride by changing color from yellow to colorless and to orange.

A colorimetric chemosensor for the sequential detection of copper ion and amino acids (cysteine and histidine) in aqueous solution

A simple and selective colorimetric chemosensor was reported for the sequential detection of Cu²⁺, cysteine and histidine.

Assembly modulation of PDI derivative as a supramolecular fluorescence switching probe for detection of cationic surfactant and metal ions in aqueous media

We report an amphiphilic perylene diimide (1), a bimolecular analog of l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA), as a reversible fluorescence switching probe for the detection and sensing of cationic surfactants and Fe(3+)/Cu(2+) in an aqueous media respectively by means of host-guest interactions driven assembly and disassembly of 1. Photophysical studies of 1, going from dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) (State-I) to pure aqueous medium (State-II), suggested the formation of self-assembled aggregates by displaying very weak fluorescence emission along with red shifted broad absorption bands. Interestingly, the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) could disassemble 1 in miceller conditions by restoring bright yellow fluorescence and vibronically well-defined (Franck-Condon progressions A0-0/A0-1 ≈ 1.6) absorption bands of 1 over other neutral and anionic surfactants (State-III). Owing to the metal chelating nature of L-DOPA, 1 was able to sense Fe(3+) and Cu(2+) among a pool of other metal ions by means of fluorescence switching off state, attributed to metal interaction driven assembly of 1 (State-IV). Such metallosupramolecular assemblies were found to reverse back to the fluorescence switching on state using a metal ion chelator, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA, State-III), further signifying the role of metal ions toward assembly of 1. Formation of assembly and disassembly could be visualized by the diminished and increased yellow emission under green laser light. Further, the assembly-disassembly modulation of 1 has been extensively characterized using infrared (IR), mass spectrometry, microscopy and dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques. Therefore, modulation of the molecular self-assembly of PDI derivative 1 in aqueous media (assembled state, State-II) by means of host-guest interactions provided by micellar structures of CTAB (disassembled state, State-III), metal ion (Fe(3+) and Cu(2+)) interactions (assembled state, State-IV) and metal ion sequestration using DTPA (disassembled state, State-III) is viewed as a supramolecular reversible fluorescence switching off-on probe for cationic surfactant CTAB and Fe(3+)/Cu(2+).

Synthetic Flavonoids, Aminoisoflavones: Interaction and Reactivity with Metal-Free and Metal-Associated Amyloid-β Species

Metal ion homeostasis in conjunction with amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregation in the brain has been implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. To uncover the interplay between metal ions and Aβ peptides, synthetic, multifunctional small molecules have been employed to modulate Aβ aggregation in vitro. Naturally occurring flavonoids have emerged as a valuable class of compounds for this purpose due to their ability to modulate both metal-free and metal-induced Aβ aggregation. Although, flavonoids have shown anti-amyloidogenic effects, the structural moieties of flavonoids responsible for such reactivity have not been fully identified. In order to understand the structure-interaction-reactivity relationship within the flavonoid family for metal-free and metal-associated Aβ, we designed, synthesized, and characterized a set of isoflavone derivatives, aminoisoflavones (1-4), that displayed reactivity (i.e., modulation of Aβ aggregation) in vitro. NMR studies revealed a potential binding site for aminoisoflavones between the N-terminal loop and central helix on prefibrillar Aβ different from the non-specific binding observed for other flavonoids. The absence or presence of the catechol group differentiated the binding affinities and enthalpy/entropy balance between aminoisoflavones and Aβ. Furthermore, having a catechol group influenced the binding mode with fibrillar Aβ. Inclusion of additional substituents moderately tuned the impact of aminoisoflavones on Aβ aggregation. Overall, through these studies, we obtained valuable insights on the requirements for parity among metal chelation, intermolecular interactions, and substituent variation for Aβ interaction.

Main group bismuth(III), gallium(III) and diorganotin(IV) complexes derived from bis(2-acetylpyrazine)thiocarbonohydrazone: synthesis, crystal structures and biological evaluation

Up to now, the metal complexes with thiocarbonohydrazones have been comparatively rare. Herein, three main group monometallic complexes formulated as [Bi(HL)(NO3)2(H2O)] (1), [Ga(HL)2]OAc·EtOH (2) and [(Ph)2Sn(HL)(OAc)]·DMF (3), where H2L = bis(2-acetylpyrazine)thiocarbonohydrazone, have been synthesized and characterized. The crystal structures of complexes 2 and 3 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Growth inhibition assays have indicated that both the free ligand and the title complexes are capable of inhibiting cell proliferation growth and could slightly distinguish the human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells from normal hepatocyte QSG7701 cells. Of particular note is the fact that the bismuth(III) complex 1 is the most active compound of this study and is 14-fold more cytotoxic than H2L with an IC50 value of 2.96 ± 0.25 μM. Its possible apoptotic mechanism has been evaluated in HepG2 cells. Complex 1 promotes a dose-dependent apoptosis in HepG2 cells and the apoptosis is associated with an increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP).

2-Hexylaminoethylamidonaphthalimide as Cu2+ sensor

New fluorescent hexylaminoalkylamidonaphthalimides were synthesized and their fluorescence was investigated in different solvents. The fluorescence intensity of hexylaminoalkylamidonaphthalimides is directly related to the number of carbons in the intervening chain between the naphthalimide and n-hexylamine. Among the hexylaminoalkylamidonaphthalimides, 2-hexylaminoethylamidonaphthalimide was developed into a new fluorogenic probe. The bidentate 2-hexylaminoethylamidonaphthalimide acted as fluorescent chemosensor with a high selectivity and suitable affinity towards Cu(2+) in aqueous medium (pH 7.4). This technique of detection of Cu(2+) is highly sensitive and can detect 0.1 μM range.

Silicon nanowire-based fluorescent nanosensor for complexed Cu2+ and its bioapplications

A silicon nanowires (SiNWs)-based fluorescent sensor for complexed Cu(2+) was realized. High sensitivity and selectivity of the present sensor facilitate its bioapplications. The sensor was successfully used to detect the Cu(2+) in liver extract. Meanwhile, real-time and in situ monitoring of Cu(2+) released from apoptotic HeLa cell was performed using the as-prepared SiNW arrays-based sensor. These results indicate that the present SiNWs-based sensor would be of potential applications in revealing the physiological and pathological roles of Cu(2+).

Efficient synthesis of 1,5-disubstituted carbohydrazones using K₂CO₃ as a carbonyl donor

A novel reaction that generates 1,5-disubstituted carbohydrazones via the carbonylation of tosylhydrazones has been developed. For the first time, the inexpensive, readily available, environmentally friendly, and nongaseous potassium carbonate is used as the carbonyl donor for the transformation. The reaction system exhibited tolerance with various functional groups and affords the desired products in good to excellent yields. This reaction is expected to be a powerful tool for the synthesis of carbohydrazone compounds.