Visualizing ascorbate-triggered release of labile copper within living cells using a ratiometric fluorescent sensor

A straightforward synthesis of phenyl boronic acid (PBA) containing BODIPY dyes: new functional and modular fluorescent tools for the tethering of the glycan domain of antibodies

We report here on the efficient and straightforward synthesis of a series of modular and functional PBA-BODIPY dyes 1–4. They are an outstanding example of the efficient merge of the versatility of the 3,5-dichloro-BODIPY derivatives and the receptor-like ability of the PBA moiety. The potential bioanalytical applicability of these tools was assessed by measuring the binding to glycan chains of antibodies by a Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM).

PBA-BODIPY dyes as functional and modular fluorescent probes for the tethering of the glycan domain of mAbs.

Dansyl-appended CuII-complex-based nitroxyl (HNO) sensing with living cell imaging application and DFT studies

We introduce herein, a novel copper complex-based fluorescent probe[Cu^II(DQ₄₆₈)Cl]⁺that exhibits a significant fluorescence turn-on response towards nitroxyl with high selectivity over other biological reactive oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur species, including nitric oxide.

3-[Bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino]-5-(4-carboxyphenyl)-BODIPY as Ratiometric Fluorescent Sensor for Cu2

We developed an asymmetric fluorescent sensor 1 for Cu²⁺, based on 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (BODIPY), by introducing 4-carboxyphenyl and bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amine groups at the 5- and 3-positions, respectively, of the BODIPY core. We then investigated the photophysical and cation-sensing properties of the sensor. BODIPY 1 showed large absorption and fluorescence spectral shifts on binding to Cu²⁺. The fluorescence peak at 580 nm red-shifted to 620 nm. The binding stoichiometry of BODIPY 1 and Cu²⁺ was 1:3. The ratio of the fluorescence intensity at 620 nm to that at 580 nm (F₆₂₀/F₅₈₀) increased with increasing concentration of Cu²⁺ (3–10 equiv); this enabled ratiometric determination of Cu²⁺. Although BODIPY 1 showed good selectivity for Cu²⁺, there was an interfering effect of Fe³⁺. BODIPY 1 could be used for the naked-eye detection of Cu²⁺ in a water-containing sample.

Highly selective and ratiometric fluorescent nanoprobe for the detection of cysteine and its application in test strips

Cysteine (Cys) is a bithiol that plays a vital role in many physiological processes. However, it is difficult to discriminate Cys from homocysteine (Hcy) and glutathione (GSH), due to their similar chemical structures and reactivity. Herein, we have developed a polymeric nanoprobe, nanoHFA, for ratiometric, highly selective, and sensitive detection of Cys based on 7-hydroxycoumarin-3-carboxylic acid (HC) and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-acrylate (FITC-A) group-functionalized lipopolymer DSPE-PEG. The probe nanoHFA showed a strong fluorescence emission peak centered at 450 nm attributed to HC and a weak fluorescence emission peak centered at 520 nm due to the photoinduced electron transfer (PET) process of FITC induced by acrylate group. In the presence of Cys, the fluorescence signal at 520 nm could be lit up and the ratio of F_520nm/F_450nm showed a good linear relationship in the range of 5-60 μM with a low detection limit of 0.37 μM. The probe also displayed excellent water solubility and high selectivity to Cys over other biothiols such as Hcy and GSH. Moreover, we further used probe nanoHFA to detect Cu²⁺ ions in the range of 100-550 nM with a detection limit of 77 nM. The nanoprobe was successfully applied for the quantitative detection of Cys in fetal bovine serum, and fluorescent strips were developed for facile and visual detection of Cys and Cu²⁺ ions. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Cytidine-stabilized copper nanoclusters as a fluorescent probe for sensing of copper ions and hemin

We reported a sensitive and selective fluorescence “turn on–off” strategy for detection of Cu²⁺ and hemin, respectively. The fluorescence “turn on” sensor for Cu²⁺ detection had a wide linear range of 0.05–2.0 μM with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.032 μM, and the fluorescence “turn off” sensor for hemin detection possessed a wide linear range of 0.05–4.0 μM with an LOD of 0.045 μM. The sensor for Cu²⁺ or hemin exhibited high selectivity over other possible substances. In addition, it was demonstrated by using various analytical characterization techniques that the fluorescence “turn on” sensor for Cu²⁺ was constructed on the basis of the formation of water-soluble fluorescent copper nanoclusters (CuNCs), and the fabrication of the fluorescence “turn off” sensor for hemin was predominately based on the inner filter effect of hemin on the fluorescence of the CuNCs. Finally, the proposed fluorescence “turn on–off” sensor system was successfully applied for detection of Cu²⁺ in lake water samples and hemin in duck blood samples.

A sensitive and selective fluorescence “turn on–off” strategy for simultaneous detection of Cu²⁺ and hemin was proposed on the basis of the formation of fluorescent CuNCs and the inner filter effect of hemin on the fluorescence of the CuNCs.

Silver-mediated direct C–H amination of BODIPYs for screening endoplasmic reticulum-targeting reagents

A highly efficient Ag(i)-mediated direct C–H amination of BODIPYs is accomplished. BODIPYs 3q and 4b exhibit specific ER-targeting capacities.

Supramolecular recognition of a CWA simulant by metal–salen complexes: the first multi-topic approach

A new methodology to detect efficiently and selectively a CWA simulant using multi-topic receptors is reported here.

A water-soluble near-infrared fluorescent probe for specific Pd2+ detection

Palladium (Pd) is widely used in chemistry, biology, environmental science etc., and Pd²⁺ is the most plenitudinous oxidation state of the Pd that can exist under physiological conditions or in living cells, which could have adverse effects on both our health and environment. Thus, it is of great significance to monitor the changes of Pd²⁺. Hence, a novel near-infrared fluorescent probe M-PD has been developed for selective detection of Pd²⁺ based on naphthofluorescein in this work. The result demonstrated that M-PD exhibited favorable properties for sensing Pd²⁺ such as excellent water solubility, high selectivity and sensitivity. And the limit of detection was estimated as 10.8 nM, much lower than the threshold in drugs (5-10 ppm) specified by European Directorate for the Quality Control of Medicines. More importantly, detection and recovery experiments of Pd²⁺ in aspirin aqoeous solution and soil are satisfactory. In addition, M-PD has also been successfully used for near-infrared fluorescence imaging of Pd²⁺ in living cells, indicating that the probe has better feasibility and application potential in the determination of Pd²⁺.

A Dual-Signaling Ferrocene-Pyrene Dyad: Triple-Mode Recognition of the Cu(II) Ions in Aqueous Medium

We report a structure of ferrocene-pyrene conjugate (1) comprising electro and photo-active dual-signaling units. In particular, 1 upon interaction with Cu(II), displays selectively one-photon fluorescence quenching, but it shows two-photon absorption (TPA) cross-section 1230 GM (at 780 nm). Further, 1 displayed two irreversible oxidative waves at 0.39 V and 0.80 V (vs Ag/AgCl), in the electrochemical analysis which upon addition of Cu²⁺, led to the negative potential shift in both the oxidative waves to appear at 0.25 V and 0.68 V. The triple mode changes in presence of Cu(II) suggesting the possible application of 1 for the detection of Cu(II) in aqueous media. Graphical Abstract.

Triethylenetetramine Synergizes with Pharmacologic Ascorbic Acid in Hydrogen Peroxide Mediated Selective Toxicity to Breast Cancer Cell

Breast cancer is characterized by overexpression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and downregulation of catalase and more resistance to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) than normal cells. Thus, relatively high H₂O₂ promotes breast cancer cell growth and proliferation. However, excessive intracellular H₂O₂ leads to death of breast cancer cells. In cancer cells, high level ascorbic acid (Asc) is able to be autoxidized and thus provides an electron to oxygen to generate H₂O₂. In the present study, we demonstrated that triethylenetetramine (TETA) enhances Asc autoxidation and thus elevates H₂O₂ production in MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, Asc/TETA combination significantly impaired cancer cell viability, while having much milder effects on normal cells, indicating Asc/TETA could be a promising therapy for breast cancer. Moreover, SOD1 and N-acetyl-L-cysteine failed to improve MCF-7 cells viability in the presence of Asc/TETA, while catalase significantly inhibited the cytotoxicity of Asc/TETA to breast cancer cells, strongly suggesting that the selective cytotoxicity of Asc/TETA to cancer cells is H₂O₂-dependent. In addition, Asc/TETA induces RAS/ERK downregulation in breast cancer cells. Animal studies confirmed that Asc/TETA effectively suppressed tumor growth in vivo. In conclusion, TETA synergizes pharmacologic Asc autoxidation and H₂O₂ overproduction in breast cancer cells, which suppresses RAS/ERK pathway and results in apoptosis.

Spirolactam capped cyanine dyes for designing NIR probes to target multiple metal ions

This work reports cyanine based spirocyclic metal ion probes, showing a fluorescence turn-on response to various metal ions in the near-infrared spectral region.

A two-photon ratiometric ESIPT probe for fast detection and bioimaging of palladium species

A two-photon ratiometric ESIPT probe for fast detection of palladium species, which can be used for bioimaging has been designed.

Synthesis of 2-aminoBODIPYs by palladium catalysed amination

Palladium catalysed amination of a 2-iodoBODIPY with a range of anilines and a primary alkylamine has been used as the basis for a ‘switch-on’ fluorescence sensor for phosgene.

A ratiometric fluorescent sensor for the mitochondrial copper pool

Copper plays a key role in the modulation of cellular function, defence, and growth. Here we present InCCu1, a ratiometric fluorescent sensor for mitochondrial copper, which changes from red to blue emission in the presence of Cu(i). Employing this probe in microscopy and flow cytometry, we show that cisplatin-treated cells have an impaired ability to accumulate copper in the mitochondria.

Cisplatin inhibits MEK1/2

Cisplatin (cDDP) is known to bind to the CXXC motif of proteins containing a ferrodoxin-like fold but little is known about its ability to interact with other Cu-binding proteins. MEK1/2 has recently been identified as a Cu-dependent enzyme that does not contain a CXXC motif. We found that cDDP bound to and inhibited the activity of recombinant MEK1 with an IC₅₀ of 0.28 μM and MEK1/2 in whole cells with an IC₅₀ of 37.4 μM. The inhibition of MEK1/2 was relieved by both Cu⁺¹ and Cu⁺² in a concentration-dependent manner. cDDP did not inhibit the upstream pathways responsible for activating MEK1/2, and did not cause an acute depletion of cellular Cu that could account for the reduction in MEK1/2 activity. cDDP was found to bind MEK1/2 in whole cells and the extent of binding was augmented by supplementary Cu and reduced by Cu chelation. Molecular modeling predicts 3 Cu and cDDP binding sites and quantum chemistry calculations indicate that cDDP would be expected to displace Cu from each of these sites. We conclude that, at clinically relevant concentrations, cDDP binds to and inhibits MEK1/2 and that both the binding and inhibitory activity are related to its interaction with Cu bound to MEK1/2. This may provide the basis for useful interactions of cDDP with other drugs that inhibit MAPK pathway signaling.

A Simple and Effective Ratiometric Fluorescent Probe for the Selective Detection of Cysteine and Homocysteine in Aqueous Media

Biothiols such as cysteine (Cys) and homocysteine (Hcy) are essential biomolecules participating in molecular and physiological processes in an organism. However, their selective detection remains challenging. In this study, ethyl 2-(3-formyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-methylthiazole-5-carboxylate (NL) was synthesized as a ratiometric fluorescent probe for the rapid and selective detection of Cys and Hcy over glutathione (GSH) and other amino acids. The fluorescence intensity of the probe in the presence of Cys/Hcy increased about 3-fold at a concentration of 20 equiv. of the probe, compared with that in the absence of these chemicals in aqueous media. The limits of detection of the fluorescent assay were 0.911 μM and 0.828 μM of Cys and Hcy, respectively. ¹H-NMR and MS analyses indicated that an excited-state intramolecular proton transfer is the mechanism of fluorescence sensing. This ratiometric probe is structurally simple and highly selective. The results suggest that it has useful applications in analytical chemistry and diagnostics.

A single dual-emissive nanofluorophore test paper for highly sensitive colorimetry-based quantification of blood glucose

Fluorescent test papers are promising for the wide applications in the assays of diagnosis, environments and foods, but unlike classical dye-absorption-based pH test paper, they are usually limited in the qualitative yes/no type of detection by fluorescent brightness, and the colorimetry-based quantification remains a challenging task. Here, we report a single dual-emissive nanofluorophore probe to achieve the consecutive color variations from blue to red for the quantification of blood glucose on its as-prepared test papers. Red quantum dots were embedded into silica nanoparticles as a stable internal standard emission, and blue carbon dots (CDs) were further covalently linked onto the surface of silica, in which the ratiometric fluorescence intensity of blue to red is controlled at 5:1. While the oxidation of glucose induced the formation of Fe(3+) ions, the blue emission of CDs was thus quenched by the electron transfer from CDs to Fe(3+), displaying a serial of consecutive color variations from blue to red with the dosage of glucose. The high-quality test papers printed by the probe ink exhibited a dosage-sensitive allochromatic capability with the clear differentiations of ~5, 7, 9, 11mM glucose in human serum (normal: 3-8mM). The blood glucose determined by the test paper was almost in accordance with that measured by a standard glucometer. The method reported here opens a window to the wide applications of fluorescent test paper in biological assays.

Copper Capture in a Thioether-Functionalized Porous Polymer Applied to the Detection of Wilson's Disease

Copper is an essential nutrient for life, but at the same time, hyperaccumulation of this redox-active metal in biological fluids and tissues is a hallmark of pathologies such as Wilson’s and Menkes diseases, various neurodegenerative diseases, and toxic environmental exposure. Diseases characterized by copper hyperaccumulation are currently challenging to identify due to costly diagnostic tools that involve extensive technical workup. Motivated to create simple yet highly selective and sensitive diagnostic tools, we have initiated a program to develop new materials that can enable monitoring of copper levels in biological fluid samples without complex and expensive instrumentation. Herein, we report the design, synthesis, and properties of PAF-1-SMe, a robust three-dimensional porous aromatic framework (PAF) densely functionalized with thioether groups for selective capture and concentration of copper from biofluids as well as aqueous samples. PAF-1-SMe exhibits a high selectivity for copper over other biologically relevant metals, with a saturation capacity reaching over 600 mg/g. Moreover, the combination of PAF-1-SMe as a material for capture and concentration of copper from biological samples with 8-hydroxyquinoline as a colorimetric indicator affords a method for identifying aberrant elevations of copper in urine samples from mice with Wilson’s disease and also tracing exogenously added copper in serum. This divide-and-conquer sensing strategy, where functional and robust porous materials serve as molecular recognition elements that can be used to capture and concentrate analytes in conjunction with molecular indicators for signal readouts, establishes a valuable starting point for the use of porous polymeric materials in noninvasive diagnostic applications.

Reaction-based phosphorescent nanosensor for ratiometric and time-resolved luminescence imaging of fluoride in live cells

A two-channel phosphorescent nanosensor for fluoride with excellent selectivity and sensitivity has been designed and synthesized. By using the specific chemical affinity between silicon and fluoride, the nanosensor has been used for ratiometric and time-resolved luminescence detection of F(-) in aqueous media and live cells.

Development of new peptide-based receptor of fluorescent probe with femtomolar affinity for Cu(+) and detection of Cu(+) in Golgi apparatus

Developing fluorescent probes for monitoring intracellular Cu(+) is important for human health and disease, whereas a few types of their receptors showing a limited range of binding affinities for Cu(+) have been reported. In the present study, we first report a novel peptide receptor of a fluorescent probe for the detection of Cu(+). Dansyl-labeled tripeptide probe (Dns-LLC) formed a 1:1 complex with Cu(+) and showed a turn-on fluorescent response to Cu(+) in aqueous buffered solutions. The dissociation constant of Dns-LLC for Cu(+) was determined to be 12 fM, showing that Dns-LLC had more potent binding affinity for Cu(+) than those of previously reported chemical probes for Cu(+). The binding mode study showed that the thiol group of the peptide receptor plays a critical role in potent binding with Cu(+) and the sulfonamide and amide groups of the probe might cooperate to form a complex with Cu(+). Dns-LLC detected Cu(+) selectively by a turn-on response among various biologically relevant metal ions, including Cu(2+) and Zn(2+). The selectivity of the peptide-based probe for Cu(+) was strongly dependent on the position of the cysteine residue in the peptide receptor part. The fluorescent peptide-based probe penetrated the living RKO cells and successfully detected Cu(+) in the Golgi apparatus in live cells by a turn-on response. Given the growing interest in imaging Cu(+) in live cells, a novel peptide receptor of Cu(+) will offer the potential for developing a variety of fluorescent probes for Cu(+) in the field of copper biochemistry.

Sensing and discrimination of cyanide and hydrogen sulfide using an 8-alkenyl-4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene derivative

8-(2-Phenylethenyl)BODIPY has been shown to be an appropriate chromo-fluorogenic probe for cyanide in H₂O.

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.

Highly selective detection of Hg2+ and MeHgI by di-pyridin-2-yl-[4-(2-pyridin-4-yl-vinyl)-phenyl]-amine and its zinc coordination polymer

Di-pyridin-2-yl-[4-(2-pyridin-4-yl-vinyl)-phenyl]-amine and its zinc coordination polymer are used to detect Hg²⁺ and MeHgI with high selectivity.

A single chemosensor for bimetal Cu(ii) and Zn(ii) in aqueous medium

A new quinazoline-based bimetal chemosensor for Cu(ii) and Zn(ii) in aqueous medium was synthesized. It can act as a “turn-off” sensor for Cu(ii) with the excitation wavelength of 356 nm, and a “turn-on” sensor for Zn(ii) when excited at 416 nm.

Firefly Luciferase-Based Sequential Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer (BRET)-Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) Protease Assays

We describe here the preparation of ratiometric luminescent probes that contain two well-separated emission peaks produced by a sequential bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET)-fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) process. The probes are single soluble fusion proteins consisting of a thermostable firefly luciferase variant that catalyzes yellow-green (560 nm maximum) bioluminescence and a red fluorescent protein covalently labeled with a near-Infrared fluorescent dye. The two proteins are connected by a decapeptide containing a protease recognition site specific for factor Xa, thrombin, or caspase 3. The rates of protease cleavage of the fusion protein substrates were monitored by recording emission spectra and plotting the change in peak ratios over time. Detection limits of 0.41 nM for caspase 3, 1.0 nM for thrombin, and 58 nM for factor Xa were realized with a scanning fluorometer. This method successfully employs an efficient sequential BRET-FRET energy transfer process based on firefly luciferase bioluminescence to assay physiologically important protease activities and should be generally applicable to the measurement of any endoprotease lacking accessible cysteine residues.