Zn(2+) binding-enabled excited state intramolecular proton transfer: a step toward new near-infrared fluorescent probes for imaging applications

An environmentally sensitive zinc-selective two-photon NIR fluorescent turn-on probe and zinc sensing in stroke

A two-photon near infrared (NIR) fluorescence turn-on sensor with high selectivity and sensitivity for Zn2+ detection has been developed. This sensor exhibits a large Stokes' shift (∼300 nm) and can be excited from 900 to 1000 nm, with an emission wavelength of ∼785 nm, making it ideal for imaging in biological tissues. The sensor's high selectivity for Zn2+ over other structurally similar cations, such as Cd2+, makes it a promising tool for monitoring zinc ion levels in biological systems. Given the high concentration of zinc in thrombi, this sensor could provide a useful tool for in vivo thrombus imaging.

Investigation of Excited-State Intramolecular Proton Transfer and Structural Dynamics in Bis-Benzimidazole Derivative (BBM)

The bis-benzimidazole derivative (BBM) molecule, consisting of two 2-(2'-hydroxyphenyl) benzimidazole (HBI) halves, has been synthesized and successfully utilized as a ratiometric fluorescence sensor for the sensitive detection of Cu²⁺ based on enol-keto excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT). In this study, we strategically implement femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy and several time-resolved electronic spectroscopies, aided by quantum chemical calculations to investigate the detailed primary photodynamics of the BBM molecule. The results demonstrate that the ESIPT from BBM-enol* to BBM-keto* was observed in only one of the HBI halves with a time constant of 300 fs; after that, the rotation of the dihedral angle between the two HBI halves generated a planarized BBM-keto* isomer in 3 ps, leading to a dynamic redshift of BBM-keto* emission.

Host-guest interaction aided Zinc carry and delivery by ESIPT active 2-(2'-hydroxyphenyl)benzoxazole

The effect of solvents and supramolecular hosts on the binding of metal ion with an excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) active fluorophore 2-(2'-hydroxyphenyl)benzoxazole (HPBO) are investigated to scrutinize a possible metal ion carry and delivery system. The fluorophore forms strong fluorescent complex with Zn²⁺ ion. In aqueous medium, β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) breaks the HPBO-Zn²⁺ complex and encapsulate the freed fluorophore. Hence, the initially blocked ESIPT process is restored by forming an inclusion complex with the host molecules. However, in dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO), β-CD does not break the complex. But cucurbit[7]uril (CB-7) breaks the complex in both DMSO and water. The tuned emission characteristics are considered for constructing different molecular logic gates. BUFFER, NOT, PASS, IMPLICATION and INHIBIT logic operations are substantiated based on Zn²⁺, CB-7 and β-CD response.

Correlation between Excited-State Intramolecular Proton Transfer and Electron Population on Proton Donor/Acceptor in 2-(2'-Hydroxyphenyl)oxazole Derivatives

Modulating the excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) reaction to achieve anticipant performance is always fascinating for chemists. However, feasible methods and a definite mechanism for tuning the ESIPT reaction remain insufficient. In this work, we reported the feasibility of continuously modulating the ESIPT dynamics in 2-(2'-hydroxyphenyl)oxazole (HPO) derivatives with different substitutions on the positions 5 and 5' of the core HPO through steady-state/transient spectroscopy and theoretical calculations. We found that the main factor affecting the tendency of the ESIPT reaction is the variation of electron population on proton donor and acceptor. An index Δp_dif was proposed to evaluate the overall promotion effect on proton transfer caused by the variation of electron population on proton donor and acceptor, which shows high reliability in interpreting the ESIPT tendency. This method, for its capacity to quickly estimate the tendency of ESIPT, shows great potential in ESIPT molecular design with chemical substitution of electron-donating/withdrawing moieties.

3D-Printed PCL/Zn scaffolds for bone regeneration with a dose-dependent effect on osteogenesis and osteoclastogenesis

Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a polymer material suitable for being prepared into porous scaffolds used in bone tissue engineering, however, insufficient osteogenic ability and mechanical strength limit its application. Zinc (Zn) alloy with proper mechanical strength and osteogenesis is a promising biodegradable metal that have attracted much attention. Herein, we combined the advantages of PCL and Zn by fabricating PCL/Zn composite scaffolds with different Zn powder contents (1 ​wt%, 2 ​wt%, 3 ​wt%) through fused deposition modelling. The ​mechanical property, cytocompatibility and Zn ​ions release ​behavior of PCL/Zn scaffolds were analyzed ​in vitro. The osteogenesis and osteoclastogenesis properties of the scaffolds were evaluated by being implanted into Sprague-Dawley rats calvaria defect. Results showed that the PCL/Zn scaffolds exhibited improved mechanical properties and cytocompatibility compared with the pure PCL scaffolds. At 8 weeks after in vivo implantaion, the addition of Zn powder promoted new bone formation, in a dose-dependent manner. The scaffolds with 2 ​wt% Zn displayed the best osteogenic effect, while the osteogenic effect was slightly reduced in the scaffolds with 3 ​wt% Zn. In the studied Zn contents, the PCL/Zn scaffolds gradually promoted osteoclastogenesis with increasd Zn content. In the 3 ​wt% Zn group, TRAP-positive cells were observed on the newly formed bone edges around the scaffolds. These dose-dependent effects were verified in vitro using MC3T3-E1 and RAW264.7 ​cells. Finally, we revealed that Zn2+ regulated osteogenesis and osteoclastogenesis by activation of the Wnt/β-catenin and NF-κB signalling pathways, respectively.

Synthesis of a bis[2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)benzoxazole]pyridinium derivative: the fluoride-induced large spectral shift for ratiometric response

A highly sensitive probe for the detection of fluoride by triggered NIR emission.

Efficient synthesis of NIR emitting bis[2-(2'-hydroxylphenyl)benzoxazole] derivative and its potential for imaging applications

Unassymetric bis[2-(2'-hydroxyphenylbenzoxole)] bis(HBO) derivatives with a DPA functionality for zinc binding have been developed with an efficient synthetic route, using the retrosynthetic analysis. Comparison of bis(HBO) derivatives with different substitution patterns allows us to verify and optimize their unique fluorescence properties. Upon binding zinc cation, bis(HBO) derivatives give a large fluorescence turn-on in both visible (λ_em ≈ 536 nm) and near-infrared (NIR) window (λ_em ≈ 746 nm). The probes are readily excitable by a 488 nm laser, making this series of compounds a suitable imaging tool for in vitro and in vivo study on a confocal microscope. The application of zinc binding-induced fluorescence turn-on is successfully demonstrated in cellular environments and thrombus imaging.

An NIR emitting styryl dye with large Stokes shift to enable co-staining study on zebrafish neuromast hair cells

Hearing loss is a significant public health problem, and the "loss of sensory hair cells" is one of two leading causes in humans. Advanced imaging reagents are desirable for understanding the role of the surrounding support cells in the loss or regeneration of the hair cells. A styryl dye was found to exhibit NIR emission (λ_em ≈ 684 nm) with a very large Stokes shift (Δν ≈ 9190 cm^-1), due to the incorporation of excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) mechanism. When used to stain live zebrafish embryos, the probe was found to exhibit good selectivity in targeting neuromasts, which are sensory organs on the surface of the fish's body. The finding was verified by direct comparison with the known neuromast-labeling reagent, 4-Di-2-ASP. In contrast to the existing styryl dyes that label neuromast hair cells, the new probe labeled both neuromast hair cells and the surrounding support cells, while giving discernable signals. The study thus illustrated a useful tool to aid the developmental study of two closely related cell types on the mechanosensory sensory organ of zebrafish, which is a powerful animal model for hearing loss research.

A unique benzimidazole-naphthalene hybrid molecule for independent detection of Zn2+ and N3- ions: Experimental and theoretical investigations

Single crystal X-ray structurally characterized benzimidazole-naphthalene hybrid (NABI) functions as a unique dual analyte sensor that can detect Zn²⁺ cation and N₃^- anion independently. The NABI forms chelate with Zn²⁺ to inhibit internal charge transfer (ICT) and CHN isomerisation resulting chelation enhanced fluorescence (CHEF). On the other hand, the sensing of N₃^- is based on formation of supramolecular H-bonded rigid assembly. The association constant of NABI for Zn²⁺ and N₃^- ions are 19 × 10⁴ M^-1 and 11 × 10² M^-1, respectively. Corresponding limit of detections (LOD) are 6.85 × 10^-8 and 1.82 × 10^-7 M, respectively. NABI efficiently detects intracellular Zn²⁺ and N₃^- ions with no cytotoxicity on J774A.1cells under fluorescence microscope. DFT studies unlock underlying spectroscopic properties of free NABI and Zn²⁺/N₃^- bound forms.

A high performance 2-hydroxynaphthalene Schiff base fluorescent chemosensor for Al3+ and its applications in imaging of living cells and zebrafish in vivo

Developing high performance fluorescent chemo-sensors for in vitro and in vivo Al³⁺ detection is highly desirable, because Al³⁺ accumulation has been involved to various diseases. Herein, we report a highly selective and sensitive Schiff base fluorescent probe, H₃L, based on 2-hydroxynaphthalene, which can recognize aluminum ions and exhibit an "off-on" mode with high selectivity in methanol solutions. The detection limit of the probe for Al³⁺ is as low as 10^-7 M which was determined by fluorescent titration. The high selectivity and high sensitivity of H₃L for Al³⁺ are attributed to the inhibition of ESIPT. Additionally, the distribution of intracellular Al³⁺ ions could be observed under confocal fluorescence microscopy. Moreover, we also applied H₃L for in vivo detection of Al³⁺ ions in living zebrafish larvae.

Facile Synthesis of an Organic Solid State Near-Infrared-Emitter with Large Stokes Shift via Excited-State Intramolecular Proton Transfer

An organic solid-state near-infrared (NIR)-emitter (λ_em = 738 nm) exhibiting large Stokes shift (Δλ = 293 nm) through the excited-state intramolecular proton transfer phenomenon has been synthesized and characterized. The present discovery points to the possibility of achieving a new family of solid-state NIR emitters starting from simple aldehyde and amine precursors.

An NIR-emitting lysosome-targeting probe with large Stokes shift via coupling cyanine and excited-state intramolecular proton transfer

An NIR-emitting probe (λ_em ∼ 700 nm) with a large Stokes shift (Δλ ≈ 234 nm) is synthesized by using excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT). The phenolic proton, which controls ESIPT, acts as a switch to give strong fluorescence at pH ≈ 5. The probe can selectively show lysosome organelles, therefore leading to a lysosome probe without exhibiting "an alkalinizing effect".

Elaborating a new excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESPT) mechanism for a new π-conjugated dye 2, 2′-((5-(2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethenyl)-benzene-1,1-diyl)-bis-(nitrilomethylylidene)-diphenol)

In this work, the excited state dynamical behavior of a novel π-conjugated dye 2,2′-((5-(2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethenyl)-benzene-1,1-diyl)-bis-(nitrilomethylylidene)-diphenol) (C1) has been investigated. Two intramolecular hydrogen bonds of C1 are tested to pre-existing in the ground state via AIM and reduced density gradient. Using a time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) method, it has been substantiated that the intramolecular hydrogen bonds of C1 should be strengthened in the S1 state via analyzing fundamental bond length, bond angles, and corresponding infrared vibrational modes. The most obvious variation of these two hydrogen bonds is the O4–H5···N6 bond, which might play important roles in excited state behavior for the C1 system. Furthermore, based on electronic excitation, charge transfer could occur. Just due to this kind of charge re-distribution, two hydrogen bonds should be tighter in the first excited state, which is consistent with the variation of hydrogen bond lengths. Thus, the phenomenon of charge transfer is reasonable evidence for confirming the occurrence of the excited state proton transfer (ESPT) process in the S1 state. Our theoretically constructed potential energy surfaces of C1 show that excited state single proton transfer should occur along with the O4–H5···N6 hydrogen bond rather than the O1–H2···N3 bond. We not only clarify the ESIPT mechanism for C1 but put forward new affiliation and explain a previous experiment successfully.

Li+-Induced fluorescent metallogel: a case of ESIPT-CHEF and ICT phenomenon

A fluorescent metallogel has been synthesized from non-fluorescent ingredients viz. the smallest possible LMW aromatic symmetrical gelator 1 and LiOH, whereas KOH produces a non-fluorescent solution, and regioisomer 2 with LiOH shows an ICT assisted fluorescent precipitate rather than a metallogel.

A theoretical investigation on excited-state single or double proton transfer process for aloesaponarin I

The excited-state proton transfer (ESPT) dynamical behavior of aloesaponarin I (ASI) was studied using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TDDFT) methods. Our calculated vertical excitation energies based on TDDFT reproduced the experimental absorption and fluorescence spectra well [Nagaoka et al. J. Phys. Chem. B, 117, 4347 (2013)]. Two intramolecular hydrogen bonds were confirmed to be strengthened in the S1 state, which makes ESPT possible. Herein, the ESPT process is more likely to happen, along with one hydrogen bond (O1–H2⋯O3). Qualitative analyses about charge distribution further demonstrate that the ESPT process could occur because of the intramolecular charge transfer. Our constructed potential energy surfaces of both S0 and S1 states show that a single proton transfer reactive is more reasonable along with the intramolecular hydrogen bond (O1–H2⋯O3) rather than O4–H5⋯O6 in the S1 stated potential energy surface. Then, ASI-SPT* decays to the ground state with a 640 nm fluorescence; subsequently, the ASI-SPT form shows that reverse ground state single-proton transfer back to the ASI structure occurs. Particularly, dependent on relatively accurate potential energy barriers among these excited-state stable structures, we confirmed the excited-state single proton transfer process rather than using the controversial nodal plane model.

Photoinduced electron transfer across an organic molecular wall: octa acid encapsulated ESIPT dyes as electron donors

Efficient photoinduced electron transfer from proton transfer dyes encapsulated within water soluble supramolecular host octa acid to electron acceptors present outside the capsule was observed in aqueous solution.

Deciphering the CHEF-PET-ESIPT liaison mechanism in a Zn2+ chemosensor and its applications in cell imaging study

Proper fusion of fluorescence mechanisms in a single fluorophore unit is highly desirable to obtain better sensitivity, as well as selectivity towards a particular metal ion.

Photoluminescence imaging of Zn2+in living systems

Advances in PL imaging techniques, such as confocal microscopy, two photon microscopy, lifetime and optical imaging techniques, have made remarkable contributions in Zn²⁺tracking.

A single molecular probe for multi-analyte (Cr³⁺, Al³⁺ and Fe³⁺) detection in aqueous medium and its biological application

An ESIPT based fluorescent sensor 1 was developed, which could selectively detect and differentiate trivalent metal ions Cr(3+), Al(3+) and Fe(3+) in aqueous medium. The cell imaging experiments confirmed that 1 can be used for monitoring intracellular Cr(3+) and Al(3+) levels in living cells.

In vivo ratiometric Zn2+ imaging in zebrafish larvae using a new visible light excitable fluorescent sensor

A visible light excitable ratiometric Zn(2+) sensor was developed by integrating a Zn(2+) chelator as the ICT donor of the fluorophore sulfamoylbenzoxadiazole, which displays the Zn(2+)-induced hypsochromic emission shift (40 nm) and favors the in vivo ratiometric Zn(2+) imaging in zebrafish larvae.

A fluorescent light-up probe with “AIE + ESIPT” characteristics for specific detection of lysosomal esterase

Fluorescent light-up probe with “AIE + ESIPT” characteristics for specific detection of lysosomal esterase.

A Simple Sensitive ESIPT On-Off Fluorescent Sensor for Selective Detection of Al3+ in Water

A highly selective and sensitive fluorescent sensor for Al³⁺ has been developed. The sensor shows great fluorescence turn-on upon binding Al³⁺ in complete water, giving strong blue emission. In addition, the sensor's turn-on exhibits excellent selectivity to Al³⁺ cation, with only a slight interference from Zn²⁺. These findings suggest that the developed Al³⁺ sensor could be a useful molecular probe for practical applications.

A selective NIR-emitting zinc sensor by using Schiff base binding to turn-on excited-state intramolecular proton transfer

A rational design has led to a highly selective and cell-permeable zinc sensor, which exhibits not only a large fluorescence turn-on at ~545 nm but also the desirable NIR emission (~720 nm) with a large Stokes' shift, providing a practical sensor platform with two emission channels for reliable zinc detection.

Large fluorescence response by alcohol from a bis(benzoxazole)-zinc(II) complex: the role of excited state intramolecular proton transfer

The formation of a bis(HBO) anion is known to turn on the fluorescence to give red emission, via controlling the excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT). The poor stability of the formed anion, however, hampered its application. The anion stability is found to be greatly improved by attaching the anion to Zn(2+) cation (i.e., forming zinc complex), whose emission is at λem ≈ 550 and 760 nm. Interestingly, addition of methanol to the zinc complex induces a remarkable red fluorescence (λem ≈ 630 nm, φfl ≈ 0.8). With the aid of spectroscopic studies ((1)H NMR, UV-vis, fluorescence, and mass spectra), the structures of the zinc complexes are characterized. The emission species is identified as a dimer-like structure. The study thus reveals an effective fluorescence switching mechanism that could further advance the application of ESIPT-based sensors.