Supramolecular Iron Porphyrin/Cyclodextrin Dimer Complex that Mimics the Functions of Hemoglobin and Methemoglobin

Carbon monoxide poisoning: A problem uniquely suited to a medicinal inorganic chemistry solution

Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the most common forms of poisoning in the world. Although the primary mode of treatment, oxygen therapy, is highly effective in many cases, there are instances in which it is inadequate or inappropriate. Whereas oxygen therapy relies on high levels of a low-affinity ligand (O2) to displace a high-affinity ligand (CO) from metalloproteins, an antidote strategy relies on introducing a molecule with a higher affinity for CO than native proteins (Kantidote,CO > Kprotein,CO). Based on the fundamental chemistry of CO, such an antidote is most likely required to be an inorganic compound featuring an electron-rich transition metal. A review is provided of the protein-, supramolecular complex-, and small molecule-based CO poisoning antidote platforms that are currently under investigation.

The importance of and difficulties involved in creating molecular probes for a carbon monoxide gasotransmitter

As one of the triumvirate of recognized gasotransmitter molecules, namely NO, H2S, and CO, the physiological effects of CO and its potential as a biomarker have been widely investigated, garnering particular attention due to its reported hypotensive, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties, making it a promising therapeutic agent. However, the development of CO molecular probes has remained relatively stagnant in comparison with the fluorescent probes for NO and H2S, owing to its inert molecular state under physiological conditions. In this review, starting from elucidating the definition and significance of CO as a gasotransmitter, the imperative for the advancement of CO probes, especially fluorescent probes, is expounded. Subsequently, the current state of development of CO probe methodologies is comprehensively reviewed, with an overview of the challenges and prospects in this burgeoning field of research.

Preparation of 6-Monohalo-β-cyclodextrin Derivatives with Selectively Methylated Rims via Diazonium Salts

A series of 6-monohalo (Cl, Br, and I) β-cyclodextrin derivatives with various types of methylations were synthesized via a diazotization/nucleophilic displacement reaction from the corresponding methylated cyclodextrin amines. All four starting compounds (6A-amino-6A-deoxy derivatives of native β-CD, per-6-O-methyl-, per-2,3-O-methyl-, and per-2,3,6-O-methyl-β-CD) were found to have different reactivities under the same reaction conditions. Unsubstituted and fully per-O-methylated cyclodextrin amines undergo fast transformation, giving lower yields of the monohalogenated product. The selectively methylated cyclodextrin amines react remarkably slower and provide almost complete conversion into the desired monohalogenated compound. A pure product was, in several cases, successfully isolated with simple purification techniques (extraction and precipitation), allowing large-scale preparations. This new method opens the way for preparing poorly investigated monofunctionalized selectively methylated cyclodextrins.

Synthesis of Novel Pentacyclic Triterpenoid Derivatives that Induce Apoptosis in Cancer Cells through a ROS-dependent, Mitochondrial-Mediated Pathway

Betulinic acid (BA) and oleanolic acid (OA) are plant-derived conjugates found in various medicinal plants that have emerged as potential antitumor agents. Herein, a series of novel BA and OA derivatives were synthesized by conjugation with per-O-methylated-β-cyclodextrin (PM-β-CD), and their anticancer properties against a panel of three human cancer cell lines were evaluated. Two OA-PM-β-CD conjugates (48 and 50) were observed to be the most potent conjugates against the three cell lines (MCF-7, BGC-823, and HL-60), with a 15- to 20-fold decrease in the IC₅₀ values (IC₅₀: 6.06-8.47 μM) compared with their parental conjugate (OA). Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide staining and Western blot analysis revealed that both conjugates induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells. Additionally, in the representative conjugate 48-treated HL-60 cells, a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and subsequent release of cytochrome c into the cytosol were observed, indicating the activation of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. Furthermore, 48 dramatically induced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HL-60 cells, and the corresponding effect could be reversed using the ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine. Collectively, these results suggest that the novel pentacyclic triterpenoid derivatives trigger the intrinsic apoptotic pathways via the ROS-mediated activation of caspase-3 signaling, inducing cell death in human cancer cells.

Long-term pharmaceutical stability of liposome-encapsulated methemoglobin as an antidote for cyanide poisoning

Liposome-encapsulated methemoglobin (metHb@Lipo) has been developed as a novel antidote for cyanide poisoning. Antidotes for lethal acute poisoning should be capable of being easily stored as ready-to-use formulations without temperature restrictions. Here, we investigated the pharmaceutical stability of the metHb@Lipo suspension after one-year storage as a ready-to-use formulation at 4 °C, room temperature (23-28 °C) and 37 °C. The liposomal integrity of metHb@Lipo was observed after one year of storage at all storage temperatures with no physicochemical change or methemoglobin leakage outside the liposome. Furthermore, the encapsulated methemoglobin remained intact without aggregation, fragmentation, denaturation, or dissociation of heme. Fresh and stored metHb@Lipo were equivalent in their binding affinity against cyanide. Moreover, all one-year stored metHb@Lipo suspensions improved the mortality rates of lethal cyanide poisoning mice comparable to fresh metHb@Lipo suspension. Additionally, all stored metHb@Lipo suspensions preserved high biocompatibility, including blood compatibility and the lack of organ toxicity. In conclusion, the metHb@Lipo suspension was a pharmaceutically stable antidote for cyanide poisoning for at least one year without any temperature restrictions.

Functional Myoglobin Model Composed of a Strapped Porphyrin/Cyclodextrin Supramolecular Complex with an Overhanging COOH That Increases O2/CO Binding Selectivity in Aqueous Solution

A water-soluble strapped iron(III)tetraarylporphyrin (Fe^IIIPor-1) bearing two propylpyridinium groups at the side chains and a carboxylic acid group at the overhanging position of the strap was synthesized to mimic the function of myoglobin with the distal polar functionality in aqueous solution. Fe^IIIPor-1 forms a stable 1:1 inclusion complex with a per-O-methylated β-cyclodextrin dimer having a pyridine linker (Py3OCD), providing a hydrophobic environment and a proximal fifth ligand to stabilize the O₂-complex. The ferrous complex (Fe^IIPorCD-1) binds both O₂ and CO in aqueous solution. The O₂ and CO binding affinities (P_1/2^O2 and P_1/2^CO) and half-life time (t_1/2) of the O₂ complex of Fe^IIPorCD-1 are 6.3 and 0.021 Torr, and 7 h, respectively, at pH 7 and 25 °C. The control compound without the strap structure (Fe^IIPorCD-2) has similar oxygen binding characteristics (P_1/2^O2 = 8.0 Torr), but much higher CO binding affinity (P_1/2^CO = 3.8 × 10^-4 Torr), and longer t_1/2 (30 h). The O₂ and CO kinetics indicate that the strapped structure in Fe^IIPorCD-1 inhibits the entrance of these gaseous ligands into the iron(II) center, as evidenced by lower k_on^O2 and k_on^CO values. Interestingly, the CO complex of Fe^IIPorCD-1 is significantly destabilized (relatively larger k_off^CO), while the k_off^O2 value is much smaller than that of Fe^IIPorCD-2, resulting in significantly increased O₂/CO selectivity (reduced M value, where M = P_1/2^O2/P_1/2^CO = 320) in Fe^IIPorCD-1 compared to Fe^IIPorCD-2 (M = 21000).

Liposome-encapsulated methemoglobin as an antidote against cyanide poisoning

Cyanide induces acute lethal poisoning resulting from inhibition of cytochrome c oxidase located in the complex IV (Complex IV) of mitochondria. However, current therapies for cyanide poisoning using hydroxocobalamin and nitrous acid compounds remain a clinical issue. Here, we show that liposome-encapsulated methemoglobin (metHb@Lipo), nanosized biomimetic red blood cells, replicate the antidotal mechanism of nitrous acid compounds against cyanide poisoning, achieving superior efficacy and fast action with no adverse effects. The structure of metHb@Lipo, which consists of concentrated methemoglobin in its aqueous core and a lipid membrane resembling the red blood cell membrane, provides favorable characteristics as a cyanide antidote, such as binding properties and membrane permeability. Upon cyanide exposure, metHb@Lipo maintained the mitochondrial function in PC12 cells, resulting in a cell viability comparable to treatment with nitrous acid compounds. In a mouse model of cyanide poisoning, metHb@Lipo treatment dramatically improved mortality with a rapid recovery from the symptoms of cyanide poisoning compared to treatment with nitrous acid compounds. Furthermore, metHb@Lipo also possesses satisfactory pharmacokinetic properties without long-term bioaccumulation and toxicity. Our findings showed a novel concept to develop drugs for cyanide poisoning and provide a promising possibility for biomimetic red blood cell preparations for pharmaceutical applications.

Iron Deficiency in Obesity and after Bariatric Surgery

Iron deficiency (ID) is particularly frequent in obese patients due to increased circulating levels of acute-phase reactant hepcidin and adiposity-associated inflammation. Inflammation in obese subjects is closely related to ID. It induces reduced iron absorption correlated to the inhibition of duodenal ferroportin expression, parallel to the increased concentrations of hepcidin. Obese subjects often get decreased inflammatory response after bariatric surgery, accompanied by decreased serum hepcidin and therefore improved iron absorption. Bariatric surgery can induce the mitigation or resolution of obesity-associated complications, such as hypertension, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia, adjusting many parameters in the metabolism. However, gastric bypass surgery and sleeve gastrectomy can induce malabsorption and may accentuate ID. The present review explores the burden and characteristics of ID and anemia in obese patients after bariatric surgery, accounting for gastric bypass technique (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass-RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG). After bariatric surgery, obese subjects' iron status should be monitored, and they should be motivated to use adequate and recommended iron supplementation.

Sensitive quantification of carbon monoxide in vivo reveals a protective role of circulating hemoglobin in CO intoxication

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gaseous molecule known as the silent killer. It is widely believed that an increase in blood carboxyhemoglobin (CO-Hb) is the best biomarker to define CO intoxication, while the fact that CO accumulation in tissues is the most likely direct cause of mortality is less investigated. There is no reliable method other than gas chromatography to accurately determine CO content in tissues. Here we report the properties and usage of hemoCD1, a synthetic supramolecular compound composed of an iron(II)porphyrin and a cyclodextrin dimer, as an accessible reagent for a simple colorimetric assay to quantify CO in biological samples. The assay was validated in various organ tissues collected from rats under normal conditions and after exposure to CO. The kinetic profile of CO in blood and tissues after CO treatment suggested that CO accumulation in tissues is prevented by circulating Hb, revealing a protective role of Hb in CO intoxication. Furthermore, hemoCD1 was used in vivo as a CO removal agent, showing that it acts as an effective adjuvant to O₂ ventilation to eliminate residual CO accumulated in organs, including the brain. These findings open new therapeutic perspectives to counteract the toxicity associated with CO poisoning.

Mao et al. report highly sensitive quantification of carbon monoxide with a simple colorimetric assay, exploiting a synthetic supramolecular compound, hemoCD1. It can reveal distribution of CO in organs including the brain and can also serve as a CO scavenger for residual CO accumulated in organs. Finally, the authors showed circulating hemoglobin plays a protective role in CO intoxication.

Cucurbit[10]uril-Encapsulated Cationic Porphyrins with Enhanced Fluorescence Emission and Photostability for Cell Imaging

Porphyrins are widely applied for imaging, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases because of their excellent photophysical properties. However, porphyrins easily tend to aggregate driven by hydrophobic interaction and π-π stacking in an aqueous medium, which causes fluorescence quenching of the porphyrins as well as limitation of cell uptake and intracellular accumulation. Herein, cucurbit[10]uril (CB[10]) was used to fully encapsulate cationic porphyrin (CPor) in the large cavity with strong binding affinity in aqueous solutions, and the CPor aggregates were efficient disassembled, companying remarkable enhancing its fluorescence intensity. The CB[10]-based host-guest complex provided excellent protection to CPor, resulting in less susceptibility to oxidation and imparting higher photostability to CPor for cell imaging. In addition, by complexation with CB[10], it was found that the fluorescence signals and photostability of CPor were also effectively improved in cells with different reactive oxygen species levels. It is highly anticipated that the large macrocyclic host cavity-triggered large-guest encapsulation strategy in this work will provide a convenient and efficient method for designing supramolecular porphyrin dyes, thus broadening the diagnosis and imaging application in cells and microorganisms.

Synthetic heme protein models that function in aqueous solution

Supramolecular porphyrin–cyclodextrin complexes act as biomimetic heme protein models in aqueous solution.

Host-guest complexes - Boosting the performance of photosensitizers

In this review, we will show the diversity of supramolecular host-guest complexes of cyclodextrins, cucurbit[n]urils, calix[n]- and pillar[n]arenes with photosensitizers, like porphyrins and phthalocyanines. Host-guest complexes are one of the main building blocks in supramolecular chemistry. For example, they have been widely used to encapsulate hydrophobic drug molecules to enhance the bioavailability in the human body. In these days of multiresistant bacteria and difficulties in cancer therapy, supramolecular host-guest systems with photosensitizers for the photodynamic therapy(PDT) gain more and more interest. In general, photosensitizers with a (large) conjugated aromatic π-system are used, which tend to π-πstacking in aqueous media suppressing the cell toxicity by singletoxygen production quenching. This can be overcome by the formation of host-guest complexes. Besides that, encapsulation of the photosensitizers in host molecules can enhance the solubility, increase cellular uptake, lead to hydrogels, rotaxanes, and switchable systems.

Cyclophane-Sustained Ultrastable Porphyrins

We report the encapsulation of free-base and zinc porphyrins by a tricyclic cyclophane receptor with subnanomolar binding affinities in water. The high affinities are sustained by the hydrophobic effect and multiple [CH···π] interactions covering large [π···π] stacking surfaces between the substrate porphyrins and the receptor. We discovered two co-conformational isomers of the 1:1 complex, where the porphyrin is orientated differently inside the binding cavity of the receptor on account of its tricyclic nature. The photophysical properties and chemical reactivities of the encapsulated porphyrins are modulated to a considerable extent by the receptor. Improved fluorescence quantum yields, red-shifted absorptions and emissions, and nearly quantitative energy transfer processes highlight the emergent photophysical enhancements. The encapsulated porphyrins enjoy unprecedented chemical stabilities, where their D/H exchange, protonation, and solvolysis under extremely acidic conditions are completely blocked. We anticipate that the ultrahigh stabilities and improved optical properties of these encapsulated porphyrins will find applications in single-molecule materials, artificial photodevices, and biomedical appliances.

Molecular structure study of a heptakis(2,3,6-tri-O-methyl)-β-cyclodextrin complex of cholesterol

Heptakis(2,3,6-tri-O-methyl)-β-cyclodextrin (2) and cholesterol form a water-soluble complex 3. We performed several NMR studies, particularly ¹H, ¹³C, 2D NOESY and DOSY, at various temperatures on 500 and 950 MHz instruments. We discovered that the complex 3 is unstable above 57 °C in heavy water, while it is kinetically stable enough to be studied by NMR in detail at 1 °C. We demonstrated the formation of a face-to-face 2:1 complex with a binding constant of approximately 2.2 × 10⁶ M^-2.

Heterocomponent ternary supramolecular complexes of porphyrins: A review

Porphyrins are prominent host molecules which are widely used due to their structural characteristics and directional interaction sites. This review summarizes non-covalently bound ternary complexes of porphyrins, constructed from at least three non-identical species. Progress in supramolecular chemistry allows the creation of complex molecular machinery tools, such as rotors, motors and switches from relatively simple structures in a single self-assembly step. In the current review, we highlight the collection of sophisticated molecular ensembles including sandwich-type complexes, cages, capsules, tweezers, rotaxanes, and supramolecular architectures mediating oxygen-binding and oxidation reactions. These diverse structures have high potential to be applied in sensing, production of new smart materials as well as in medical science.

A theoretical insight into non-covalent supramolecular interactions in the solid state structures of two octahedral iron(iii) complexes

The nature and characteristics of the C–H⋯π interactions that play an important role in crystal packing of two iron(iii) complexes have been discussed. The DFT calculations have been conducted to determine the interaction energies in these complexes.

Modelling haemoproteins: porphyrins and cyclodextrins as sources of inspiration

The association of hydrophobic cavities with porphyrin derivatives has been used to mimic haemoprotein structures. The most employed cavity in this field is β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), and scaffolds combining β-CDs and porphyrins are expected to inspire the combination of porphyrins and cucurbiturils in the near future. Aside from providing water solubility to various porphyrinic structures, the β-CD framework can also modulate and control the reactivity of the metal core of the porphyrin. After a general introduction of the challenges faced in the field of haemoprotein models and the binding behavior of β-CDs, this article will discuss covalent and non-covalent association of porphyrins with β-CDs. In each approach, the role of the CD differs according to the relative position of the concave CD host, either directly controlling the binding and transformation of a substrate on the metalloporphyrin or playing a dual role of controlling the water solubility and selecting the axial ligand of the metal core. The discussion will be of interest to the cucurbituril community as well as to the cavitand community, as the information provided should be useful for the design of haemoprotein mimics using cucurbiturils.

Porphyrinoid-Cyclodextrin Assemblies in Biomedical Research: An Update

Porphyrinoids, well-known cofactors in fundamental processes of life, have stimulated interest as synthetic models of natural systems and integral components of photodynamic therapy, but their utilization is compromised by self-aggregation in aqueous media. The capacity of cyclodextrins to include hydrophobic molecules in their cavity provides porphyrinoids with a protective environment against oxidation and the ability to disperse efficiently in biological fluids. Moreover, engineered cyclodextrin-porphyrinoid assemblies enhance the photodynamic abilities of porphyrinoids, can carry chemotherapeutics for synergistic modalities, and can be enriched with functions including cell recognition, tissue penetration, and imaging. This Perspective includes synthetic porphyrinoid-cyclodextrin models of proteins participating in fundamental processes, such as enzymatic catalysis, respiration, and electron transfer. In addition, since porphyrinoid-cyclodextrin systems comprise third generation photosensitizers, recent developments for their utilization in photomedicine, that is, multimodal therapy for cancer (e.g., PDT, PTT) and antimicrobial treatment, and eventually in biocompatible therapeutic or diagnostic platforms for next-generation nanomedicine and theranostics are discussed.

Enhanced electrochemiluminescent brightness and stability of porphyrins by supramolecular pinning and pinching for sensitive zinc detection

Ultrasensitive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) detection can benefit substantially from the rational configuration of emitter-enhancer stereochemistry. Here, using zinc(II) meso-5,10,15,20-tetra(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (ZnTSPP) as a model, we demonstrate that both the ECL intensity and the photostability of this emitter were significantly improved when it was trapped in pyridyl-bridged β-cyclodextrin dimer (Py(CD)₂); a synthetic enhancer that is ECL inactive. Through NMR characterization, we confirmed that ZnTSPP formed a clam-like inclusion complex involving pinning and pinching forces from the biocompatible container Py(CD)₂. Up to a threefold increase in the ECL brightness of ZnTSPP was witnessed when it was encapsulated in β-CD. Absorption and emission spectroscopic data revealed that both the extended excitation lifetime and the restricted mobility of the guest contributed to the observed improvement in signal transduction within the host molecule. This bioinspired entrapment also led to a marked boost in ECL stability. With the aid of the newly identified coreactant H₂O₂, the hollow TSPP@Py(CD)₂ system was employed to create a Zn²⁺-selective probe that was capable of sensitive and accurate zinc detection. The observed increase in ECL conversion and enhanced photophysical properties of this compact supramolecular assembly render it a novel template for enhancing ECL in analytical applications. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Circadian clock disruption by selective removal of endogenous carbon monoxide

Circadian rhythms are regulated by transcription-translation feedback loops (TTFL) of clock genes. Previous studies have demonstrated that core transcriptional factors, NPAS2 and CLOCK, in the TTFL can reversibly bind carbon monoxide (CO) in vitro. However, little is known about whether endogenous CO, which is continuously produced during a heme metabolic process, is involved in the circadian system. Here we show that selective removal of endogenous CO in mice considerably disrupts rhythmic expression of the clock genes. A highly selective CO scavenger, hemoCD1, which is a supramolecular complex of an iron(II)porphyrin with a per-O-methyl-β-cyclodextrin dimer, was used to remove endogenous CO in mice. Intraperitoneal administration of hemoCD1 to mice immediately reduced the amount of internal CO. The removal of CO promoted the bindings of NPAS2 and CLOCK to DNA (E-box) in the murine liver, resulting in up-regulation of the E-box-controlled clock genes (Per1, Per2, Cry1, Cry2, and Rev-erbα). Within 3 h after the administration, most hemoCD1 in mice was excreted in the urine, and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) was gradually induced in the liver. Increased endogenous CO production due to the overexpression of HO-1 caused dissociation of NPAS2 and CLOCK from E-box, which in turn induced down-regulation of the clock genes. The down-regulation continued over 12 h even after the internal CO level recovered to normal. The late down-regulation was ascribed to an inflammatory response caused by the endogenous CO reduction. The CO pseudo-knockdown experiments provided the clear evidence that endogenous CO contributes to regulation in the mammalian circadian clock.

Biconcave and Convex-Concave Tribenzotriquinacene Dimers

A new chiral tribenzotriquinacene bearing an ortho-bromoaniline nucleus was synthesized and optically resolved. The individual enantiomers, the absolute configuration of which was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray structure analysis, were stereoselectively converted into the same pyrazine-fused syn-bis-TBTQ derivative by chirality-assisted Buchwald-Hartwig amination. The corresponding diastereomeric anti-dimer was obtained alongside the syn-dimer from the racemic sample under similar reaction conditions. X-ray structure analysis of the dimers confirmed the mutual biconcave and convex-concave configuration of their TBTQ moieties and the preservation of the orthogonal orientation of the indane wings within each of them.

A water-soluble supramolecular complex that mimics the heme/copper hetero-binuclear site of cytochrome c oxidase

The O₂ adduct of an aqueous synthetic heme/copper model system built on a porphyrin/cyclodextrin supramolecular complex has been characterized.

In mitochondria, cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) catalyses the reduction of oxygen (O₂) to water by using a heme/copper hetero-binuclear active site. Here we report a highly efficient supramolecular approach for the construction of a water-soluble biomimetic model for the active site of CcO. A tridentate copper(ii) complex was fixed onto 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphinatoiron(iii) (Fe^IIITPPS) through supramolecular complexation between Fe^IIITPPS and a per-O-methylated β-cyclodextrin dimer linked by a (2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridyl)copper(ii) complex (Cu^IITerpyCD₂). The reduced Fe^IITPPS/Cu^ITerpyCD₂ complex reacted with O₂ in an aqueous solution at pH 7 and 25 °C to form a superoxo-type Fe^III–O₂^–/Cu^I complex in a manner similar to CcO. The pH-dependent autoxidation of the O₂ complex suggests that water molecules gathered at the distal Cu site are possibly involved in the Fe^III–O₂^–/Cu^I superoxo complex in an aqueous solution. Electrochemical analysis using a rotating disk electrode demonstrated the role of the FeTPPS/CuTerpyCD₂ hetero-binuclear structure in the catalytic O₂ reduction reaction.

Porphyrinoid biohybrid materials as an emerging toolbox for biomedical light management

The present article reviews the most important developing strategies in light-induced nanomedicine, based on the combination of porphyrinoid photosensitizers with a wide variety of biomolecules and biomolecular assemblies.

Detection and Removal of Endogenous Carbon Monoxide by Selective and Cell-Permeable Hemoprotein Model Complexes

Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced in mammalian cells during heme metabolism and serves as an important signaling messenger. Here we report the bioactive properties of selective CO scavengers, hemoCD1 and its derivative R8-hemoCD1, which have the ability to detect and remove endogenous CO in cells. HemoCD1 is a supramolecular hemoprotein-model complex composed of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphinatoiron(II) and a per-O-methylated β-cyclodextrin dimer having an pyridine linker. We demonstrate that hemoCD1 can be used effectively to quantify endogenous CO in cell lysates by a simple spectrophotometric method. The hemoCD1 assay detected ca. 260 pmol of CO in 10⁶ hepatocytes, which was well-correlated with the amount of intracellular bilirubin, the final breakdown product of heme metabolism. We then covalently attached an octaarginine peptide to a maleimide-appended hemoCD1 to synthesize R8-hemoCD1, a cell-permeable CO scavenger. Indeed, R8-hemoCD1 was taken up by intact cells and captured intracellular CO with high efficiency. Moreover, we revealed that removal of endogenous CO by R8-hemoCD1 in cultured macrophages led to a significant increase (ca. 2.5-fold) in reactive oxygen species production and exacerbation of inflammation after challenge with lipopolysaccharide. Thus, R8-hemoCD1 represents a powerful expedient for exploring specific and still unidentified biological functions of CO in cells.

HemoCD as a Totally Synthetic Artificial Oxygen Carrier: Improvements in the Synthesis and O2 /CO Discrimination

HemoCD, which is composed of an iron(II)porphyrin such as 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphinatoiron(II) (Fe(II)TPPS) and a cyclodextrin (CD) dimer having a pyridine linker, represents a synthetic hemoglobin (Hb) model compound that exhibits reversible oxygen (O₂ ) binding ability in aqueous solution at an ambient temperature. Therefore, hemoCD has the potential to be used as a totally synthetic artificial oxygen carrier. In this article, we describe the improvements of hemoCD related to its synthesis and O₂ /CO selectivity. The synthesis procedure of the CD dimer of hemoCD was re-examined, and the CD dimer was successively synthesized from inexpensive β-CD with a 38% yield (three-steps), which enabled us to obtain the CD dimer in gram-quantities. The O₂ /CO selectivity of hemoCD was also markedly improved using an iron(II)porphyrin having a carboxylate group at the distal site of hemoCD.

A biocompatible cobaltporphyrin-based complex micelle constructed via supramolecular assembly for oxygen transfer

Herein, a complex micelle as an oxygen nano-carrier is constructed through the hierarchical assembly of the diblock copolymer poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(l-lysine) (PEG-b-PLys), tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphinato cobalt(ii) (Co(ii)TPPS), a heptapeptide (Cys-His-His-His-His-His-His) and heptakis(2,3,6-tri-O-methyl)-β-cyclodextrin (TM-β-CD). Co(ii)TPPS was encapsulated into the cavities of TM-β-CDs driven by the host-guest interaction so that the irreversible formation of a μ-oxo-dimer of Co(ii)TPPS can be effectively prevented. The imidazole groups of the heptapeptide were selected as good axial ligands coordinating to the centric cobalt of Co(ii)TPPS, which subtly constituted the five-coordinated precursor serving as an active functional centre for oxygen binding. The sixth position of Co(ii)TPPS can bind oxygen. Furthermore, the host-guest inclusion (TM-β-CD/Co(ii)TPPS) was loaded into the hydrophobic core of the complex micelle and tightly fixed with PLys chains. The hydrophilic PEG blocks stretched in the aqueous solution constitute the shells which stabilize the structure of the complex micelle as well as impart the complex micelle sufficient blood circulation time. Moreover, the complex micelle exhibited excellent biocompatibility and cellular uptake. Therefore, the rationally designed amphiphilic structure can work as promising artificial O2 carriers in vivo. Potentially, the complex micelle can be expected to change the anaerobic microenvironment and find applications in the repair of the cells damaged by cellular hypoxia.

Enantioselective Hydrolysis of Amino Acid Esters Promoted by Bis(β-cyclodextrin) Copper Complexes

It is challenging to create artificial catalysts that approach enzymes with regard to catalytic efficiency and selectivity. The enantioselective catalysis ranks the privileged characteristic of enzymatic transformations. Here, we report two pyridine-linked bis(β-cyclodextrin) (bisCD) copper(II) complexes that enantioselectively hydrolyse chiral esters. Hydrolytic kinetic resolution of three pairs of amino acid ester enantiomers (S₁–S₃) at neutral pH indicated that the “back-to-back” bisCD complex CuL¹ favoured higher catalytic efficiency and more pronounced enantioselectivity than the “face-to-face” complex CuL². The best enantioselectivity was observed for N-Boc-phenylalanine 4-nitrophenyl ester (S₂) enantiomers promoted by CuL¹, which exhibited an enantiomer selectivity of 15.7. We observed preferential hydrolysis of L-S₂ by CuL¹, even in racemic S₂, through chiral high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). We demonstrated that the enantioselective hydrolysis was related to the cooperative roles of the intramolecular flanking chiral CD cavities with the coordinated copper ion, according to the results of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), inhibition experiments, rotating-frame nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (ROESY), and theoretical calculations. Although the catalytic parameters lag behind the level of enzymatic transformation, this study confirms the cooperative effect of the first and second coordination spheres of artificial catalysts in enantioselectivity and provides hints that may guide future explorations of enzyme mimics.

Doubly Cavitand-Capped Porphyrin Capsule by Hydrogen Bonds

The components of a 1:2 mixture of meso-tetrakis(4-dodecyl-3,5-dihydroxyphenyl)porphyrin (1) and a bowl-shaped tetrakis(4-pyridylethynyl)cavitand (2) in CDCl3 or C6 D6 self-assemble quantitatively into the doubly cavitand-capped porphyrin capsule 2⋅1⋅2 through eight ArOH⋅⋅⋅Npy hydrogen bonds. Capsule 2⋅1⋅2 possesses two cavities divided by the porphyrin ring and encapsulates two molecules of 1-acetoxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzene (G) as a guest to form G/G@(2⋅1⋅2). Remarkable solvent effect was observed, in which the apparent association constant of 2⋅1⋅2 with G in C6 D6 was much greater than that in CDCl3.

Cooperative self-assembly of porphyrins with polymers possessing bioactive functions

This review covers recent research on design strategies for the cooperative self-assembly of porphyrins with polymers and its implementation as bioactive assembly.

Construction, Enzyme Response, and Substrate Capacity of a Hyaluronan-Cyclodextrin Supramolecular Assembly

A supramolecular assembly was constructed with a cationic cyclodextrin (EICD) and native hyaluronan (HA). The cationic carboxylic ester pendants on HA support hyaluronidase (HAase)-responsive sites and the EICD supports artificial carboxylic esterase responsive sites. Substrate-binding models were investigated by using environment-sensitive fluorescence probes 2-p-toluidino-6-naphthalenesulfoniate sodium (2,6-TNS) and thioflavin T (ThT). On a HA/EICD assembly, EICD was able to bind an anionic substrate and HA and EICD constructed the cationic substrate binding site together. This assembly could be used as a sequential dual-substrate carrier.

Discrete multiporphyrin pseudorotaxane assemblies from di- and tetravalent porphyrin building blocks

Two pairs of divalent and tetravalent porphyrin building blocks carrying the complementary supramolecular crown ether/secondary ammonium ion binding motif have been synthesized and their derived pseudorotaxanes have been studied by a combination of NMR spectroscopy in solution and ESI mass spectrometry in the gas phase. By simple mixing of the components the formation of discrete dimeric and trimeric (metallo)porphyrin complexes predominates, in accordance to binding stoichiometry, while the amount of alternative structures can be neglected. Our results illustrate the power of multivalency to program the multicomponent self-assembly of specific entities into discrete functional nanostructures.

Regioselectivity in the formation of di- and tri-6-O-mesitylenesulfonates of α-cyclodextrin

The quantitative analysis of the reaction products for α-cyclodextrin (α-CD) with mesitylenesulfonyl chloride (MessCl) showed that di- and tri-mesitylenesulfonylation of the primary hydroxy groups of α-CD is regioselective. The reaction of mono-6-O-mesitylenesulfonyl-α-CD with MessCl in pyridine gave less 6(A),6(C)-di-O-mesitylenesulfonyl-α-CD than 6(A),6(B)-di-O-mesitylenesulfonyl-α-CD. The reaction of 6(A),6(D)-di-O-mesitylenesulfonyl-α-CD with MessCl gave less 6(A),6(B),6(E)-tri-O-mesitylenesulfonyl-α-CD than 6(A),6(B),6(D)-tri-O-mesitylenesulfonyl-α-CD. These results indicate that the mesitylenesulfonyl group attached to glucopyranose-A (Glc-A) retards further mesitylenesulfonylation of the primary hydroxy group of Glc-C. The (1)H NMR spectra of these modified α-CDs showed that the signal for the primary hydroxy and anomeric protons of Glc-C are significantly shifted upfield by the mesitylenesulfonyl group of Glc-A.

Reaction between a haemoglobin model compound and hydrosulphide in aqueous solution

The reaction between hydrosulphide and a haemoglobin model compound, composed of a Fe(iii)-porphyrin and a cyclodextrin dimer possessing a pyridine-linker, was studied.

Hemin-block copolymer micelle as an artificial peroxidase and its applications in chromogenic detection and biocatalysis

Following an inspiration from the fine structure of natural peroxidases, such as horseradish peroxidase (HRP), an artificial peroxidase was constructed through the self-assembly of diblock copolymers and hemin, which formed a functional micelle with peroxidase-like activity. The pyridine moiety in block copolymer poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(4-vinylpyridine) (PEG-b-P4VP) can coordinate with hemin, and thus hemin is present in a five-coordinate complex with an open site for binding substrates, which mimics the microenvironment of heme in natural peroxidases. The amphiphilic core-shell structure of the micelle and the coordination interaction of the polymer to the hemin inhibit the formation of hemin μ-oxo dimers, and thereby enhance the stability of hemin in the water phase. Hemin-micelles exhibited excellent catalytic performance in the oxidation of phenolic and azo compounds by H2O2. In comparison with natural peroxidases, hemin-micelles have higher catalytic activity and better stability over wide temperature and pH ranges. Hemin-micelles can be used as a detection system for H2O2 with chromogenic substrates, and they anticipate the possibility of constructing new biocatalysts tailored to specific functions.