Abiotic guanidinium containing receptors for anionic species

Molecular recognition of oxoanions based on guanidinium receptors

Guanidinium is a versatile functional group with unique properties. In biological systems, hydrogen-bonding and electrostatic interactions involving the arginine side chains of proteins are critical to stabilise complexes between proteins and nucleic acids, carbohydrates or other proteins. Leading examples of artificial receptors for carboxylates, phosphates and other oxoanions, such as sulfate or nitrate are highlighted in this tutorial review, addressed to readers interested in biology, chemistry and supramolecular chemistry.

ATP recognition and sensing with a phenanthroline-containing polyammonium receptor

A new polyammonium receptor is able to selectively recognise and sense ATP among triphosphate nucleotides, thanks to ATP-induced quantitative quenching of its fluorescence emission.

Cu2{[18]ane-N6} Complexes: Structures, Magnetism, and Phosphate Monoester Binding

A novel Cu(II)2 complex of the [18]ane-N6 macrocycle ([18]ane-N6 = 1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaazacyclooctadecane) was prepared from the reaction between [18]ane-N6 and Cu(II) salts such as Cu(NO3)2 and Cu(OAc)2. A structural study of the complex derived from Cu(OAc)2 (1) revealed a Cu(II)2 core encircled by a [18]ane-N6 ligand and two mu-O-OAc ligands. The facile replacement of mu-O-OAc by a phosphate monoester [PO3(OR)2-] yielded a number of bis(phosphate monoester)dicopper complexes with ROPO3(2-) as hydrogen phosphate (HPO4(2-), 3a), phenyl phosphate [PO3(OPh)2-, 3b], glycerol 2-phosphate [PO3(OCH(CH2OH)2)2-, 3c], alpha-d-gluocose phosphate [PO3(C6H11O6)2-, 3d], and dl-alpha-glycerol phosphate [PO3(OCH2CHOHCH2OH)2-, 3e]. Structural studies of compounds 3a-d confirmed both the retention of the Cu2{[18]ane-N6} core and a mu-O-PO3(OR) coordination mode. Displacement of acetate by a phosphate monoester in an aqueous solution was accompanied by a significant change in the visible absorption, which enables the establishment of relative association constants of PO3(OR)2- on the order of 10(4) in the unbuffered solution and 10(3) in the buffered solution (HEPES). Measurement of the magnetic susceptibility of compound 3a over the temperature range of 5-300 K and subsequent modeling revealed a weak antiferromagnetic coupling (J = -1.1 cm(-1)) between two Cu(II) centers.

Rational Design, Synthesis, and Application of a New Receptor for the Molecular Recognition of Tricarboxylate Salts in Aqueous Media

A rational design of a tripodal receptor for the molecular recognition of tricarboxylate salts in aqueous media, based on squaramide, has been performed using high-level DFT calculations (RI-BP86/SVP level of theory) in solution using the COSMO treatment, including some preliminary ab initio calculations at the higher RI-MP2/TZVP level of theory, comparing the ability of squaramide to bind carboxylate salts with two widely used guanidinium salts. The tripodal receptor has been synthesized using a new methodology that has been recently reported by some of us, and its capability of recognizing several mono-, di-, and tricarboxylate salts has been studied experimentally by means of microcalorimetry experiments in a very high competitive media, H(2)O:EtOH 1:3. These experiments give enthalpic and entropic data, which are unfortunately scarce in the literature of molecular recognition of anions. Finally, a fluorimetric ensemble of the receptor with fluorescein has been found to be useful for the fluorimetric determination of zinc citrate in a commercial toothpaste using competition assays.

A highly selective chromo- and fluorogenic dual responding fluoride sensor: naked-eye detection of F- ion in natural water via a test paper

A highly selective and sensitive chromogenic and fluorogenic dual signal responding fluoride-sensor 1, comprising a Ru-bipy fluorophore (bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine) and a 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone chromophore was prepared and spectroscopically characterized. Uv-vis titrations with F- revealed the appearance of a new intense absorption band centered at about 580 nm which was accompanied by a dramatic change in color from yellow to magenta, with the association constant logK being 6.71 +/- 0.04. Fluorescence spectra showed that upon addition of F-, the emission intensities enhanced significantly without any change in the excited and emission wavelengths, suggesting a potential photoinduced electronic transfer (PET) signaling transduction mechanism. An easy-to-prepare test paper which was obtained by putting a filter paper into an acetonitrile solution of 1, can detect F- in aqueous media, indicating the potential application for detecting F- in natural aqueous environments without any spectroscopic instrumentation. Spectroscopic titrations of the free ligand were also studied for comparison.

Synthesis and Characterization of a Tripodal Amide Ligand and Its Binding with Anions of Different Dimensionality

Synthesis and crystal structure of a tren-based amide, L(1), N,N',N''-tris[(2-amino-ethyl)-3-nitro-benzamide] is reported. The crystallographic results show intramolecular hydrogen bonding and aromatic pi...pi stacking among tripodal arms which prevent opening of the receptor cavity. Intermolecular hydrogen bonding in L1 generates the sheetlike network in the solid state. The structural aspects of binding halides (1 and 2), nitrate (3), perchlorate (4), and hexafluorosilicate (5) with the protonated L1 are examined crystallographically. Protonation at the apical nitrogen of L1 in the presence of anions shows a structural transformation from sheet to bilayer network. Anion binding with multiple receptor units is observed via amide N-H...anion and aryl C-H...anion hydrogen-bonding interactions in all the complexes. The aryl group having nitro functionality that contributes to anion binding in complexes 1-5 through CH...anion interactions (either para or meta to nitro C-H) is noteworthy. These studies also show higher anion coordination of chloride (8) and hexafluorosilicate (14) with L1H+.

Novel Bile Acid-Based Cyclic Bisimidazolium Receptors for Anion Recognition

[structure: see text] Novel deoxycholic acid-based cyclic receptors, 3 and 4, containing two imidazolium groups and m-xylene and p-xylene as spacers have been synthesized. These receptors bind anions through hydrogen bonds utilizing two imidazolium (C-H)(+) and inwardly directed methylene hydrogens of both acetyl groups. Receptor 3 shows a moderate selectivity for fluoride ion whereas receptor 4 shows high affinity and selectivity for chloride ion in CDCl(3).

Characterization of specific noncovalent complexes between guanidinium derivatives and single-stranded DNA by MALDI

Noncovalently bound complexes between highly basic sites of 12 guanidinium compounds and single-stranded DNA were studied using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry. 6-Aza-2-thiothymine (ATT) was used as the matrix in the presence of ammonium citrate, and spectra were recorded in the positive ion mode. Detailed control experiments confirmed unambiguously the high selectivity and specificity of the guanidinium moiety for phosphate groups of DNA. The results verify the binding stoichiometry and show preferential binding of hydrophobic binders (pyrene and anthracene guanidinium derivatives) to all sequences examined. In addition, we demonstrate that electrostatic noncovalent interactions are strengthened with phosphorothioate analogs of DNA. These results clearly highlight the structure-directing role of the self-assembling organic species and strongly emphasize the significance of concentration, hydrophobicity, hydrogen-bonding, and pi-pi interactions of the artificial receptor in the formation of these noncovalent complexes. Because of the ability of DNA-binding compounds to influence gene expression, and therefore cell proliferation and differentiation, the interactions described above could be important in providing a better understanding of the mechanism of action of these noncovalent genetic regulators.

One-Armed Artificial Receptors for the Binding of Polar Tetrapeptides in Water: Probing the Substrate Selectivity of a Combinatorial Receptor Library

We have recently developed a new class of one-armed artificial receptors 1 for the binding of the polar tetrapeptide N-Ac-D-Glu-L-Lys-D-Ala-D-Ala-OH (EKAA) 2 in water using a combined combinatorial and statistical approach. We have now further probed the substrate selectivity of this receptor library 1 by screening a second tetrapeptide substrate (3) with the inverse sequence N-Ac-D-Ala-D-Ala-L-Lys-D-Glu-OH (AAKE). This "inverse" substrate is also efficiently bound by our receptors, with K(ass) approximately 6000 M(-1) for the best receptors, as determined both by a quantitative on-bead binding assay and by UV and fluorescence titration studies in free solution. Hence, the inverse tetrapeptide 3 is in general bound two to three times less efficiently than the "normal" peptide 2 (K(ass) approximately 17,000 M(-1)), even though the complexation mainly involves long-range electrostatic interactions and both the receptor and substrate are rather flexible. Molecular modeling and ab initio calculations have been used to rationalize the observed substrate selectivity and to analyze the various binding interactions within the complex.

Pyridinium CH...anion and pi-stacking interactions in modular tripodal anion binding hosts: ATP binding and solid-state chiral induction

The preparation of two new tripodal "pinwheel" type anion hosts based on a triethylbenzene core and bipyridinium or ethylnicotinium arms is reported. The new materials bind anions via CH...anion interactions. Complexes with Br(-) and PF(6)(-) have been characterised by X-ray crystallography as both solvates in a pure form. In the bipyridinium host CH...F interactions to PF(6)(-) induce a chiral C(3) symmetric conformation that is disrupted in the hydrate. The compound is also selective for ATP(2-) in aqueous acetonitrile.

Host–guest complexation of a fluorescent and electrochemical chemsensor for fluoride anion

Host-guest complexation of a ferrocenenylphalene dyad 1, 1,1'-diaceylferrocenyl-3-hydroxyl-2-naphthoylhydrazone, as a fluorescent and electrochemical chemosensor for fluoride anion, was investigated. Crystal structure analysis revealed that the two naphthyl arms of compound 1 positioned in the same side about the ferrocene moiety and interacted through pi-pi stacking interactions. The intermolecular pi-pi stacking interactions and the C-H...pi interactions between the ferrocene moieties and the naphthalene rings linked the molecules together featuring a two-dimensional layered structure. Fluorescence titrations of compound 1 indicated that in the presence of F- and H2PO4-, the emission intensities enhanced significantly. Electrochemical titrations revealed that compound 1 sensed the F- anion in high selectivity with a cathodic shift of 120 mV, and had no sense in recognizing H2PO4- anion. 1H NMR titrations demonstrated that while compound 1 hydrogen-bonded to H2PO4- forming simple 1 : 1 host-guest complex, further addition of F- induced the deprotonation of compound 1.

Application of neutral amidines and guanidines in coordination chemistry

The aim of this perspective is to highlight the continued development and application of amidines and guanidines as neutral, N-based donor ligands in coordination chemistry. From a sporadic interest dating back to the 1980s, work on these two closely related classes of compounds has steadily grown, with examples of evermore sophisticated substitution about the common ligand framework being developed to address specific problems in a number of fields of chemistry. These compounds have shown varied coordination modes at metals from across the periodic table, and examples of their application in a number of catalytic processes are emerging as the field matures.

Encapsulation of metal cations and anions within the cavity of bis(1,4,7-triazacyclononane) receptors

The synthesis and characterisation of a new bis([9]aneN3) ligand (L4) containing two [9]aneN3 macrocyclic moieties separated by a 2,6-dimethylenepyridine unit is reported. A potentiometric and 1H NMR study in aqueous solution reveals that ligand protonation occurs on the secondary amine groups and does not involve the pyridine nitrogen. The coordination properties toward Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II) were studied by means of potentiometric and UV spectrophotometric measurements. The ligand can form mono- and binuclear complexes in aqueous solution. In the 1 : 1 complexes, the metal is sandwiched between the two [9]aneN3 moieties and the pyridine N-donor is coordinated to the metal, as actually shown by the crystal structure of the compound [ZnL4](NO3)2.CH3NO2. L4 shows a higher binding ability for Cd(II) with respect to Zn(II), probably due to a better fitting of Cd(II) ion inside the cavity generated by the two facing [9]aneN3 units. The formation of binuclear complexes is accompanied by the assembly of OH-bridged M2(OH)x (x = 1-3) clusters inside the cavity defined by the two facing [9]aneN3 units, and pyridine is not involved in metal coordination. A potentiometric and (1)H NMR study on the coordination of halogenide anions by L4 and its structural analogous L3 in which the two [9]aneN3 units are separated by a shorter quinoxaline linkage, shows that bromide is selectively recognised by L4, while chloride is selectively bound by L3. Such a behaviour is discussed in terms of dimensional matching between the spherical anions and the cavities generated by the two [9]aneN3 units of the receptors.

Anion binding by catechols—an NMR, optical and electrochemical study

The X-ray structure of the ClC chloride channel made it clear that O-H...chloride interactions play a key role in important biological membrane-bound systems, however, surprisingly this type of interaction has only been rarely exploited for the development of synthetic anion receptors. This paper therefore reports the anion binding strengths and selectivities of some simple commercially available bis-phenols. In particular, we compare catechol (1,2-dihydroxybenzene) and resorcinol (1,3-dihydroxybenzene) which show interesting and different selectivities between the halide anions in acetonitrile solution. Catechol binds tetrabutylammononium (TBA) chloride almost 30 times more strongly than TBA bromide, whilst for resorcinol, this difference drops to a factor of ca. 3.5. It is suggested that this is a consequence of the bite angle of the chelating hydrogen bonding groups of catechol being particularly appropriate for effective binding of the smaller anion. The oxidation of catechol to ortho-quinone is perturbed by the addition of chloride anions, as probed via cyclic voltammetry, and this compound can therefore be considered to act as an electrochemical sensor for chloride. Nitrocatechol is able to bind chloride anions more strongly than catechol as a consequence of its enhanced acidity and hence greater hydrogen bond donor character. Furthermore, nitrocatechol senses the bound anion via changes in its UV-visible spectrum. Notably, binding still occurs even in the presence of small amounts of competitive solvents (e.g. water). This observation has biomimetic importance as wet acetonitrile has some similarity in terms of overall polarity and hydrogen bond competition to the solvent shielded interiors of biological macromolecules and membranes--such as the environment within the ClC chloride channel itself. Finally, we report that catechol undergoes a unique colorimetric response on the addition of basic anions, such as fluoride. We can assign this response as being due to oxidative degradation of catechol catalysed by the basic anions (which bind to, and deprotonate, the catechol). This process is somewhat analogous to the well-known metal catalysed oxidation of catechol which can take place in aqueous solution. The speed of response and easily monitored and distinctive colour change induced by fluoride anions indicates this may be a useful mechanism for exploitation in the development of selective fluoride sensors.

Anion Recognition Using Preorganized Thiourea Functionalized [3]Polynorbornane Receptors

[structure: see text] A new family of [3]polynorbornane frameworks exhibiting conformationally preorganized aromatic thiourea (cleft-like) receptors have been designed and synthesized for anion recognition. These show excellent affinity for the biologically relevant dihydrogenphosphate (H(2)PO(4)(-)) and dihydrogenpyrophosphate (H(2)P(2)O(7)(2)(-)) anions (among others), which are bound in 1:1 and 2:1 (host:anion) ratio, respectively. Moreover, visually striking color changes accompany guest binding, enabling this family to act as colorimetric anion sensors.

Direct observation of anion-mediated translocation of fluorescent oligoarginine carriers into and across bulk liquid and anionic bilayer membranes

The recent hypothesis that counteranion-mediated dynamic inversion of charge and solubility might contribute to diverse functions of oligoarginines in biomembranes was tested with two fluorescently labelled oligomers, FL-R(8), one of the most active cell-penetrating peptides, and its longer version, FL-R(16). We report evidence for counteranion-mediated phase transfer from water into bulk chloroform and anionic lipid-bilayer membranes as well as reverse-phase transfer from bulk chloroform and across intact lipid-bilayer membranes into water. The differences found between FL-R(8) and FL-R(16) with regard to location in the bilayer and reverse-phase transfer from bulk and lipid-bilayer membranes into water implied that the reported results may be relevant for biological function.

Self-aggregates of oligoarginine-conjugated poly(amino acid) derivatives as a carrier for intracellular drug delivery

N(omega)-2,2,4,6,7-Pentamethyldihydrobenzofuran-5-sulfonyl (N(omega)-Pbf)-protected oligoarginine was directly conjugated to poly(amino acid) derivatives modified with a long alkyl chain. The final concentration of conjugated peptides was easily controlled by the feed ratio of oligoarginine to polymer backbone and a final soluble polymeric system was obtained by the deprotection of N(omega)-Pbf groups. The polymeric conjugates formed stable self-aggregates of size range of 8-40 nm in aqueous solution and effectively internalized into HeLa cells by adsorptive endocytosis.

Probing Binding-Mode Diversity in Guanidinium-Oxoanion Host-Guest Systems

An attempt to experimentally estimate the role of binding-mode diversity (structural fuzziness) on the molecular recognition seen in the prominent guanidinium-oxoanion host-guest pair is described. The global heat response as measured by isothermal titration calorimetry in acetonitrile, which was obtained from the interaction of five different but structurally closely related guanidinium hosts with three rigid phosphinate guests of decreasing accessibility of their binding sites, is correlated to provide a trend analysis. All host-guest associations of 1:1 stoichiometry in this series are strongly enthalpy-driven. The change in complexation entropy can be related to the tightness of the mutual fit of the host-guest partners, which approaches a minimum limit and is interpreted as the unique lock-and-key binding mode. The ordinary host-guest complexation in this ensemble features substantial positive entropy changes that correlate inversely with the binding interface area. This finding excludes desolvation effects as the major cause of entropy production, and provides evidence for the existence of a broad variety of complex configurations rather than a single binding mode to represent the associated host-guest pair. This result bears on the molecular design of systems that vitally depend on structural fidelity, such as nanoassemblies or homogeneous catalysis.

Contributions of Lipid Bilayer Hosts to Structure and Activity of Multifunctional Supramolecular Guests

The question of whether or not the surrounding lipid bilayer host contributes to structure and activity of included functional guests is a general topic of current scientific concern. We report that synthetic multifunctional pores are of use to address this elusive question, because the detection of their catalytic activity is membrane independent. According to their salt-rate profiles, unstable multifunctional supramolecules with permanent internal charges show highest membrane sensitivity, and the dependence of membrane sensitivity on the acidity of internal cations exceeds that on supramolecule stability. These results can, with all appropriate caution, be interpreted as indications for the existence of long-range EMP-ICR interactions (EMP: external membrane pressure, ICR: internal charge repulsion) between membrane hosts and functional guests that can, for instance, prevent the 'explosion' and promote the 'implosion' of over- and undercharged transmembrane barrel-stave supramolecules, respectively.

Arginine magic with new counterions up the sleeve

The elusive questions how arginine-rich sequences allow peptides and proteins to penetrate cells or to form voltage-gated ion channels are controversial topics of current scientific concern. The possible contributions of exchangeable counterions to these puzzling processes remain underexplored. The objective of this report is to clarify scope and limitations of certain counteranions to modulate cellular uptake and anion carrier activity of oligo/polyarginines. The key finding is that the efficiency of counteranion activators depends significantly on many parameters such as activator-membrane and activator-carrier interactions. This finding is important because it suggests that counteranions can be used to modulate not only efficiency but also selectivity. Specifically, activator efficiencies are found to increase with increasing aromatic surface of the activator, decreasing size of the transported anion, increasing carrier concentration as well as increasing membrane fluidity. Efficiency sequences depend on membrane composition with coronene > pyrene >>fullerene > calix[4]arene carboxylates in fluid and crystalline DPPC contrasting to fullerene > calix[4]arene approximately coronene > pyrene carboxylates in EYPC with or without cholesterol or ergosterol. In HeLa cells, the efficiency of planar activators (pyrene) exceeds that of spherical activators (fullerenes, calixarenes). Polyarginine complexes with pyrene and coronene activators exhibit exceptional excimer emission. Decreasing excimer emission with increasing ionic strength reveals dominant hydrophobic interactions with the most efficient carboxylate activators. Dominance of ion pairing with the inefficient high-affinity sulfate activators is corroborated by the reversed dependence on ionic strength. These findings on activator-carrier and activator-membrane interactions are discussed as supportive of arene-templated guanidinium-carboxylate pairing and interface-directed translocation as possible origins of the superb performance of higher arene carboxylates as activators.

Amino Acid Binding by 2-(Guanidiniocarbonyl)pyridines in Aqueous Solvents: A Comparative Binding Study Correlating Complex Stability with Stereoelectronic Factors

A series of guanidiniocarbonylpyridine receptors has been synthesized, and these compounds bind amino acids (carboxylate forms) in aqueous DMSO with association constants ranging from K = 30 to 460 M(-1) as determined by NMR titration experiments. The differences in the complex stabilities can be correlated with steric and electrostatic effects with the aid of calculated complex structures. For example, the electrostatic repulsion between the pyridine nitrogen lone pair and the bound carboxylate makes anion binding less efficient than with the analogous pyrrole receptors previously introduced by us for carboxylate binding in water. Furthermore, steric interactions between the receptor side chain as in 2 b and the bound substrate also disfavor complexation.

Selective Anion Sensing by a Tris-Amide CTV Derivative: 1H NMR Titration, Self-Assembled Monolayers, and Impedance Spectroscopy

A hydrogen-bond forming tris(amide) receptor based on cyclotriveratrylene (CTV) was prepared. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of the receptor were formed on gold surfaces. Desorption experiments show a surface coverage of 2.26 x 10(-10) mol/cm(2). (1)H NMR and UV measurements confirm that the receptor exhibits the highest affinity for acetate ions among the anions studied. Electrochemical impedance was used to investigate anion sensing by the SAMs and proved to be an efficient and convenient technique for detecting anions in aqueous solutions. Upon binding acetate anions, the monolayer-modified gold electrodes show a drastic increase of the R(ct) values when Fe(CN)(6)(3-/4-) is used as the redox probe. When the probe was changed to a positively charged one, Ru(NH3)(6)(3+/2+), the R(ct) values decreased monotonically as the acetate concentration was increased, thus confirming the accumulation of negative surface charge upon anion binding. H(2)PO(4-) shows some interference when sensing AcO-. Other monovalent anions such as Cl-, Br-, NO3(-) and HSO4(-) do not bind to the CTV receptor either in solution or on the surfaces.

Allosteric binding of anionic guests to a bicyclic host which imitates the action of a ‘turnstile’

A bicyclic host 1, which has a diethynyl tetrafluorophenyl axis and is expected to behave as an anion-binding 'turnstile', has been designed.

A coordinatively saturated sulfate encapsulated in a metal–organic framework functionalized with urea hydrogen-bonding groups

A functional coordination polymer decorated with urea hydrogen-bonding donor groups has been designed for optimal binding of sulfate; self-assembly of a tripodal tris-urea linker with Ag2SO4 resulted in the formation of a 1D metal-organic framework that encapsulates SO4(2-) anions via twelve complementary hydrogen bonds, which represents the highest coordination number observed for sulfate in a natural or synthetic host.

A Heterobimetallic Ruthenium(II)−Copper(II) Donor−Acceptor Complex as a Chemodosimetric Ensemble for Selective Cyanide Detection

A trinuclear heterobimetallic Ru(II)-Cu(II) donor-acceptor complex, [Ru(II)((t)Bubpy)(CN)(4)-[Cu(II)(dien)](2)](ClO(4))(2) ((t)Bubpy = 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridine; dien = diethylenetriamine) (1), has been synthesized and successfully used as an chemodosimetric ensemble for the specific detection of cyanide in aqueous DMF. X-ray crystallography, solid and solution IR spectroscopy, and conductivity measurements reveal that complex 1 is a one-dimensional polymer in the crystalline state and dissociates into its [Ru(II)((t)Bubpy)(CN)(2)[(CN)Cu(II)(dien)L](2)](2+) (L = solvent) monomeric units in polar solvents. The MLCT transition and luminescence properties of the solvatochromic [Ru(II)((t)Bubpy)(CN)(4)](2)(-) donor are perturbed by the coordination of two Cu(II) acceptors but restored in the presence of CN(-). Spectroscopic and mass spectrometric studies confirm the cleavage of the cyano bridge between Ru(II) and Cu(II) of the chemodosimetric ensemble after the binding of cyanide to the Cu(II) centers. The overall binding constant, K(B), between 1 and CN(-) is measured to be (7.39 +/- 0.23) x 10(6) M(-2). A detection limit of 1.2 microM (0.03 ppm) of CN(-) in aqueous DMF (pH 7.4) is achievable. Thermodynamic evaluation shows that the analyte specificity of chemodosimeter 1 is attributable to the relative stability of the donor-acceptor complex to that of adducts formed between the acceptor metal center and the analytes.

The first supramolecular orthovanadate receptor – Structural mimics of vanadium haloperoxidase

Tris(2-guanidinium-ethyl)amine (1) was prepared as a supramolecular receptor of hydrogen orthovanadate (HVO(4)(2-)) to mimic the active site of vanadium haloperoxidase (V-HPO). Both (1)H and (51)V NMR titration indicated 1:1 complex (5) formation between (1) with HVO(4)(2-) with a binding constant of 1.1 x 10(3) M(-1). Similar as V-HPO, a UV band at 307 nm was observed upon binding of HVO(4)(2-) to (1). According to DFT calculations UV transitions >300 nm observed for both the enzyme and its mimic are due to V-N interactions.

Amphipathic peptides and drug delivery

The discovery of cell-penetrating peptides as gene delivery systems and the interest in the mechanism by which these vectors cross the cell membrane have generated a large number of studies. Among the parameters involved in the translocation process, controversy has arisen about the role of the amphipathicity of the carriers in the interaction and reorganization of the cell membrane. In this review we have summarized the vectors with primary or secondary amphipathicity related to secondary structure. Some of the insights into the relationship between the aggregation state of the peptide at the concentrations used for internalization studies and its interaction with the cell membrane result from our contribution to the field with a new family of amphipathic proline-rich peptides.