Biosensor development for diabetes diagnosis: Determining relevant miRNA using a newly developed N-annulated perylene fluorescent dye

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as essential biomarkers for disease diagnosis, and several techniques are available to determine type 2 diabetes (T2D) relevant miRNAs. However, detecting circulating miRNAs can be challenging due to their small size, low abundance, and high sequence similarity, often requiring sensitive detection approaches combined with additional amplification processes. Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) is a classic analytical method suitable for sensitively detecting trace amounts of nucleotide acid. Duplex-specific nuclease (DSN)-mediated amplification recently gained attention due to its catalytic activity based on target recycling, demonstrating a promising approach for miRNA amplification. This work developed a novel N-annulated perylene fluorescent dye to create a biosensor to analyze the miRNA (miR-223) relevant to T2D. The amine-reactive fluorescent dye assists the amidation reaction for nucleotide labeling, giving the oligonucleotide probe a high fluorescence quantum yield and sufficient water solubility. By combining the locked nucleic acid (LNA) modified oligonucleotide fluorescent probe to enhance the stability of LNA/RNA hybrids, thereby improving the DSN-mediated target miR-223 recycling for signal amplification, the proposed biosensor can highly selectively determine miR-223 with a limit of detection (LOD, S/N = 3) of 9.5 pM. When applied to real-world samples, the biosensor demonstrated its potential to distinguish between T2D patients and healthy controls.

Electron-Deficient Multicenter Bonding in Phase Change Materials: A Chance for Reconciliation

In the last few years, a controversy has been raised regarding the nature of the chemical bonding present in phase change materials (PCMs), many of which are minerals such as galena (PbS), clausthalite (PbSe), and altaite (PbTe). Two opposite bonding models have claimed to be able to explain the extraordinary properties of PCMs in the last decade: the hypervalent (electron-rich multicenter) bonding model and the metavalent (electron-deficient) bonding model. In this context, a third bonding model, the electron-deficient multicenter bonding model, has been recently added. In this work, we comment on the pros and cons of the hypervalent and metavalent bonding models and briefly review the three approaches. We suggest that both hypervalent and metavalent bonding models can be reconciled with the third way, which considers that PCMs are governed by electron-deficient multicenter bonds. To help supporters of the metavalent and hypervalent bonding model to change their minds, we have commented on the chemical bonding in GeSe and SnSe under pressure and in several polyiodides with different sizes and geometries.

Crystal structure of bis-(3-carb-oxy-1-methyl-pyrid-inium) octa-bromide

The crystal structure of the title salt, bis-(3-carb-oxy-1-methyl-pyridinium) octa-bromide, 2C7H8NO2 +·Br8 2-, consists of 3-carb-oxy-1-methyl-pyridinium (N-methyl-nicotinic acid) cations, which are stacked between relatively rare [Br8]2- anions. The polybromide [Br8]2- anion has point group symmetry and can be described as being composed of two [Br3]- anions connected with a Br2 mol-ecule in a Z-shaped manner. Contacts between neighboring octa-bromide anions ensure the creation of pseudo-polymeric chains propagating along [111]. The organic cations are located between anionic chains and are connected to each other through O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds and to the [Br8]2- anions through π⋯Br inter-actions that induce the creation of a supra-molecular tri-periodic network. In addition, the presence of weak C-H⋯Br contacts leads to the creation of layers, which align parallel to (11).

Biological regulation on iodine using nano-starch for preventing thyroid dysfunction

The growing incidence of thyroid disease triggered by excess iodine uptake poses a severe health threat throughout the world. Extracellular interference therapies impede iodine transport across the sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) membrane protein and thus prevent excessive iodine uptake by thyroid cells, which may lessen the occurrence of disease. Herein, we for the first time utilized nano-starch particles (St NPs) to regulate iodine transport across the NIS protein of thyroid cells by using extracellular interference therapy. By precisely encapsulating iodine within the cavity of a glucan α-helix via hydrogen bonding, extracellular St NPs prevented excess iodine uptake by thyroid cells in vitro and in vivo; this down-regulated the expression of NIS protein (0.06-fold) and autophagy protein LC3B-II (0.35-fold). We also found that St NPs regulated the metabolic pathway of iodine in zebrafish. We believe this proposed strategy offers a novel insight into controlling iodine uptake by the thyroid and indicates a new direction for preventing iodine-induced thyroid disease.

Three Semiconductive 1D Naphthalene Diimide/Iodoplumbate Perovskites with High Moisture Tolerance and Long-Lived Charge Separation States

Low-dimensional inorganic-organic hybrid perovskites with high moisture tolerance and long-lived charge separation states have captured significant attention in the field of optoelectronic devices. To further achieve the relationship between crystal structures and stability, as well as charge separation behaviors, three one-dimensional hybrid perovskites containing electron-deficient naphthalene diimide ammonium (NDIEA) and electron-rich iodoplumbate chains, [(H₂NDIEA)Pb₂I₆]·2DMF (1), [(H₂NDIEA)₂Pb₅I₁₄·(DMF)₂]·4DMF (2), and [(HNDIEA)₂Pb₂I₆]·3H₂O (3), were synthesized. Crystal structure determinations revealed various synthesis conditions leading to different stacking modes, especially the inorganic lead iodide fraction, which resulted in different water resistances and charge-separated behaviors. The comprehensive analysis found that strong intermolecular interactions (anion-π interactions and π-π interactions), and matching energy levels between protonated NDIEA and iodoplumbate chains, can facilitate the generation of long-lived charge separation states and extraordinary moisture stability, even in the water environment. In addition, the conductivity behavior of 3 was also explored in detail.

Exploring the Cobalt-Histidine Complex for Wide-Ranging Colorimetric O2 Detection

Developing a robust, cost-effective, and user-friendly sensor for monitoring molecular oxygen (O₂) ranging from a minute to a medically relevant level (85-100%) in a stream of flowing breathable gas is vital in various industrial domains. Here, we report an innovative application of the cobalt(l-histidine)₂ complex, a bioinspired model of O₂-carrying metalloproteins, for rapid and reliable sensing of O₂ from 0 to 100% saturation levels under realistic conditions. We have established two distinct colorimetric O₂ detection techniques, which can be executed with the use of a common smartphone camera and readily available color-detecting software. A series of spectroscopic experiments were performed to demonstrate the molecular-level alteration in cobalt(l-histidine)₂ following its exposure to oxygen, leading to an exclusive pink-to-brown color change. Therefore, this study establishes a template for designing bioinspired molecular complexes for O₂ sensing, leading to practical and straightforward solutions. This metal-amino acid complex's broad-spectrum sensing of O₂ has widened the scope of bioinspired model complexes for divergent applications in industrial sectors.

Novel cyclen-polyiodide complexes: a reappraisal of I-I covalent and secondary bond limits

Supramolecular stabilization of polyiodides and iodine-dense phases is of high interest: this study explores the possibilities offered in this sense by diprotonated cyclen, affording two novel crystal structures. One of them contains at least one peculiar I⋯I interatomic distance (3.305(1) Å), falling well below the region commonly described by secondary bonding (3.4-3.7 Å) and essentially equal to the accepted limit for covalent bonding (3.30 Å): in other words, according to threshold distance values, we are relatively free to regard this interaction either as a bond or as contact. Lest the flip of a coin decides if we should or should not draw a bond in a polyiodide, statistical insights based on CSD surveys were used to put in perspective literature material and work out a meaningful assignment (as I₈^2-). In doing so, we address how currently accepted threshold distance values came to be in the first place, their significance, soundness, and shortcomings in describing I₈^2- and its formal fragments (I₂, I₃^-, I₅^-). Discussion of the chemical meaning of the line representing bonding in I-I fragments in similar fringe cases, relating CSD data herein presented with the previous literature, is provided. Available information coincides quite well in supporting the necessity of a revision of broadly accepted threshold distance values.

Recent Advances in Heterocyclic Nanographenes and Other Polycyclic Heteroaromatic Compounds

This review surveys recent progress in the chemistry of polycyclic heteroaromatic molecules with a focus on structural diversity and synthetic methodology. The article covers literature published during the period of 2016-2020, providing an update to our first review of this topic (Chem. Rev. 2017, 117 (4), 3479-3716).

Automated Assembly of Starch and Glycogen Polysaccharides

Polysaccharides are Nature’s most abundant biomaterials essential for plant cell wall construction and energy storage. Seemingly minor structural differences result in entirely different functions: cellulose, a β (1–4) linked glucose polymer, forms fibrils that can support large trees, while amylose, an α (1–4) linked glucose polymer forms soft hollow fibers used for energy storage. A detailed understanding of polysaccharide structures requires pure materials that cannot be isolated from natural sources. Automated Glycan Assembly provides quick access to trans-linked glycans analogues of cellulose, but the stereoselective installation of multiple cis-glycosidic linkages present in amylose has not been possible to date. Here, we identify thioglycoside building blocks with different protecting group patterns that, in concert with temperature and solvent control, achieve excellent stereoselectivity during the synthesis of linear and branched α-glucan polymers with up to 20 cis-glycosidic linkages. The molecules prepared with the new method will serve as probes to understand the biosynthesis and the structure of α-glucans.

Objective Quantitation of Focal Sweating Areas Using a Mouse Sweat-assay Model

In vivo sweat quantitation assays are required for the development of drugs for the management of focal hyperhidrosis before clinical trials; however, in vivo assays, particularly mouse models, are rare. Even in sweat assays using mice, sweating is quantitated by manually counting the number of sweating spots, which can contribute to various errors owing to arbitrary judgment. In this study, we developed a mouse sweat-assay model and a method for quantitating the amount of sweating to remove possible errors. The use of the iodine-starch test in the castor oil-covered hind footpad skin of anesthetized mice resulted in the sweating area being stained blue-black. After the anesthesia and treatment with drugs (pilocarpine, glycopyrrolate, botulinum neurotoxin, myricetin, and myricetin-loaded lipid nanoparticles), the remaining area of the footpad skin was eliminated from the acquired footpad images using ImageJ. Blue pixels extracted from the footpad image are automatically adjusted using the Phansalkar method, where the percentage of the blue area was determined based on the whole hind footpad skin area, finally indicating the percentage of the sweating area. Using this mouse model and analysis for sweat assays, a clear difference between the control group and antiperspirant-administered group was observed with respect to the sweating area % with no error. In conclusion, this assay can be used as a preclinical tool to screen potential antiperspirant drugs. Graphic abstract: Overview of the mouse-model sweat assay and objective quantitation of the focal sweating area.

Molecular self-assembly of 1D infinite polyiodide helices in a phenanthrolinium salt

A new linear polymeric polyiodide, catena-poly[tris(1,10-phenanthrolin-1-ium)tris(1,10-phenanthroline)heptaiodide], was prepared by one-step synthesis. Its formation is driven by hydrogen-bond assisted supramolecular assembly in the presence of chromium(iii) acetate. Its structure has been characterized by the means of single-crystal X-ray diffraction. To date, this is only one of the few examples of organized linear infinite polyiodides with a known structure. The interplay between the interactions within the hypervalent iodine chain and its supramolecular environment is elucidated. The electrical, thermal, and spectroscopic properties of the studied compound were investigated and associated with the structural features. The infinite character of the polyiodide chain and its similarity to the blue starch-iodine complex has been additionally confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. Despite the apparent structural and spectroscopic similarities with the previously reported 1D polymeric polyiodide, its physical properties, i.e. electrical conductivity and thermal stability, differ significantly. This can be rationalized by the differences in the orbital overlap within the iodine chain, as well as the distinct interactions with the cation.

Supramolecular gelation controlled by an iodine clock

Programming supramolecular assembly in the time domain is a fundamental aspect of the design of biomimetic materials. We achieved the time-controlled sol-gel transition of a poly(vinyl alcohol)-iodine supramolecular complex by generating iodine in situ with a clock reaction. We demonstrate that both the gelation time and the mechanical properties of the resulting hydrogel can be tuned by properly selecting the clock parameters or through competitive iodine complexation.

Iodine staining as a useful probe for distinguishing insulin amyloid polymorphs

It is recently suggested that amyloid polymorphism, i.e., structural diversity of amyloid fibrils, has a deep relationship with pathology. However, its prompt recognition is almost halted due to insufficiency of analytical methods for detecting polymorphism of amyloid fibrils sensitively and quickly. Here, we propose that iodine staining, a historically known reaction that was firstly found by Virchow, can be used as a method for distinguishing amyloid polymorphs. When insulin fibrils were prepared and iodine-stained, they exhibited different colors depending on polymorphs. Each of the colors was inherited to daughter fibrils by seeding reactions. The colors were fundamentally represented as a sum of three absorption bands in visible region between 400 and 750 nm, and the bands showed different titration curves against iodine, suggesting that there are three specific iodine binding sites. The analysis of resonance Raman spectra and polarization microscope suggested that several polyiodide ions composed of I₃⁻ and/or I₅⁻ were formed on the grooves or the edges of β-sheets. It was concluded that the polyiodide species and conformations formed are sensitive to surface structure of amyloid fibrils, and the resultant differences in color will be useful for detecting polymorphism in a wide range of diagnostic samples.

Chemical effects of diceCT staining protocols on fluid-preserved avian specimens

Diffusible iodine-based contrast-enhanced computed tomography (diceCT) techniques allow visualization of soft tissues of fluid-preserved specimens in three dimensions without dissection or histology. Two popular diceCT stains, iodine-potassium iodide (I2KI) dissolved in water and elemental iodine (I2) dissolved in 100% ethanol (EtOH), yield striking results. Despite the widespread use of these stains in clinical and biological fields, the molecular mechanisms that result in color change and radiopacity attributed to iodine staining are poorly understood. Requests to apply these stains to anatomical specimens preserved in natural history museums are increasing, yet curators have little information about the potential for degradation of treated specimens. To assess the molecular effects of iodine staining on typical museum specimens, we compared the two popular stains and two relatively unexplored stains (I2KI in 70% EtOH, I2 in 70% EtOH). House sparrows (Passer domesticus) were collected and preserved under uniform conditions following standard museum protocols, and each was then subjected to one of the stains. Results show that the three ethanol-based stains worked equally well (producing fully stained, life-like, publication quality scans) but in different timeframes (five, six, or eight weeks). The specimen in I2KI in water became degraded in physical condition, including developing flexible, demineralized bones. The ethanol-based methods also resulted in some demineralization but less than the water-based stain. The pH of the water-based stain was notably acidic compared to the water used as solvent in the stain. Our molecular analyses indicate that whereas none of the stains resulted in unacceptable levels of protein degradation, the bones of a specimen stained with I2KI in water demineralized throughout the staining process. We conclude that staining with I2KI or elemental I2 in 70% EtOH can yield high-quality soft-tissue visualization in a timeframe that is similar to that of better-known iodine-based stains, with lower risk of negative impacts on specimen condition.

Colorable Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks for Colorimetric Detection of Biomolecules

We report a series of colorable zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)-based nanomaterials prepared by encapsulating starches (amylopectin, dextrin, or amylose) or tannic acid in the frameworks of ZIFs and first applied them in colorimetric assay of microRNA/DNA by adding I₂/KI or FeCl₃ solutions as chromogenic reagents. We found that iodine molecules can lead to rapid degradation of the ZIF-8 framework, while ZIF-90 remains stable. Therefore, ZIF-90 was selected for encapsulating the starches or tannic acid, and then assembled with polyethylenimine (PEI) and aptamers of microRNA/DNA. After interacting with the target microRNA/DNA, the aptamers (Ap) move away from the surface of the prepared Ap-starch@ZIF-90 or Ap-tan@ZIF-90, and the I₂/KI or FeCl₃ solution is added into the system to interact the starches (amylopectin, dextrin, or amylose) or tannic acid to generate different colors. According to the absorbance spectra, good linear correlations between the logarithm of absorbance intensity and the concentration of microRNA (1-180 nM) can be observed, and the naked eye can distinguish the change from ∼60 to ∼180 nM with a concentration gradient of 20 nM. A similar colorimetric assay ability for pathogenic bacteria can also be realized by detecting the gene fragments IS200 and eaeA. The detection limits can be potentially optimized by changing the amount of adsorbed PEI and aptamers on the surface of Ap-starch@ZIF-90 (or Ap-tan@ZIF-90) nanoparticles. This method could be a promising alternative for simple and cost-effective assay of microRNA/DNA.

An ultrasensitive non-noble metal colorimetric assay using starch-iodide complexation for Ochratoxin A detection

Colorimetric sandwich-type biosensors that can both provide sensitivity competitive with fluorescence-based approaches, and leverage reagents that are cost-effective, widely available and as safe as possible, are highly sought after. Herein, we demonstrate an alternative highly-sensitive colorimetric method for paper-based sandwich-type biosensing that uses starch-iodide complexation to simplify practical biosensing using ubiquitous reagents. Targeting the mycotoxin ochratoxin A (OTA), a covalently-immobilised OTA antibody on a cellulose surface captures OTA and forms a sandwich with OTA aptamer-conjugated glucose oxidase. Adding the chromogenic reagents at an optimized concentration, a distinct blue color develops within 30 min, offering excellent contrast with the clear/white of the negative sample. With a sampling volume down to just 5 μL, the assay exhibits concentration limits of detection and quantitation of 20 and 320 pg mL^-1, respectively, and a linear range from 10^-1 to 10⁵ ng mL^-1 (R² = 0.997). The method displays excellent selectivity against related mycotoxins, excellent %recovery (95-117%) and robust operation in complex matrices (beer, urine and human serum), with no significant difference versus gold-standard liquid chromatography. Along with its excellent analytical performance, this assay benefits from non-toxic and extremely cheap reagents that can be safely disposed of in the field, and presents an attractive alternative to toxic dyes and nanoparticles.

idPAD: Paper Analytical Device for Presumptive Identification of Illicit Drugs

As drug overdose deaths across the United States continue to rise, there is increasing interest in field testing of illicit substances. This work discusses a paper-based analytical device (idPAD) that can run a library of 12 colorimetric tests at the same time, each detecting different chemical functional groups and materials found in illicit drugs, distractor substances, and cutting agents. The idPAD requires no electricity, costs less than $2 USD, and requires minimal training to operate. The results of the 12 tests form a color barcode which is "read" by comparison to standard images. The accuracy of the idPAD was assessed using samples of heroin, cocaine HCl, crack, and methamphetamine at concentrations of 25%-100% in a lactose matrix, as well as pure lactose. Based on 840 "reads" by three different users, the idPAD showed 95% sensitivity and 100% specificity for detecting these drugs; the most common error was mistaking cocaine HCl for crack or crack for cocaine HCl. In a second step, samples of heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine (n = 30) and distractor substances (pharmaceuticals, cutting agents, and other illicit drugs, n = 64) were tested by two readers, yielding a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 97%. Targeted substances were detected reliably at 55-180 μg/lane, and the idPAD was found to be stable for at least 3 months when stored at room temperature. The library approach used in the idPAD may provide the accuracy and robustness necessary for a presumptive field drug test.

One- and Two-Dimensional Iodine-Rich Iodobismuthate(III) Complexes: Structure, Optical Properties, and Features of Halogen Bonding in the Solid State

Reactions of BiI₃, I₂, and iodide salts of two different pyridinum cations result in the formation of the novel iodine-rich iodobismuthates(III) (1,3-MePy)₄{[Bi₄I₁₆](I₂)} (1) and (1-MePy){[BiI₄](I₂)_0.5) (2), where the halometalate anions are connected by diiodine linkers into one- or two-dimensional supramolecular structures. Both complexes reveal narrow optical band gaps and fairly high thermal stability, favoring their potential use in photovoltaic devices.

Iodine Clathrated: A Solid-State Analogue of the Iodine-Starch Complex

Co-crystallizing iodine with a simple dicationic salt (1,8-diammoniumoctane chloride) results in the clathration of the iodine (I₂ ) molecules inside trigonal and hexagonal helical channels of the crystal lattice with 72 wt % overall I₂ loading. The I₂ inside the bigger trigonal channel forms a I-I⋅⋅⋅I-I⋅⋅⋅I-I halogen-bonded infinite helical chain, while the I₂ in the smaller hexagonal channel is disordered. In both channels the I₂ interaction with the channel wall happens through I-I⋅⋅⋅Cl^- halogen bonds. The helical channels in the crystal lattice are constructed via the strong charge-assisted H₂ N⁺ H⋅⋅⋅Cl^- hydrogen bonds between the dications and the chloride anions. The structure shows a marked similarity with the well-known starch-I₂ system, and thus may provide insight for the yet unresolved structure of the I₂ in the helical starch channel.

The capricious nature of iodine catenation in I2 excess, perovskite-derived hybrid Pt(iv) compounds

Perovskite-derived hybrid platinum iodides with the general formula A₂Pt^IVI₆ (A = formamidinium FA and guanidinium GUA) accommodate excess I₂ to yield hydrogen-bond-stabilized compounds where the I₂ forms catenates with I⁻ anions on the PtI₆ octahedra.

A weaker donor shows higher oxidation state upon aggregation

The charge-transfer between TTFs and I2 shows that the stronger donor TTF1 is in a cation radical state and the weaker donor TTF2 is neutral in solution, whereas TTF1 exists as a cation radical and TTF2 is dicationic in complexes. The dicationic and neutral states of TTF2 are reversible upon aggregation and solvation.

Iodide and triiodide anion complexes involving anion-π interactions with a tetrazine-based receptor

Protonated forms of the tetrazine ligand L2 (3,6-bis(morpholin-4-ylethyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine) interact with iodide in aqueous solution forming relatively stable complexes (ΔG° = -11.6(4) kJ mol^-1 for HL2⁺ + I^- = (HL2)I and ΔG° = -13.4(2) kJ mol^-1 for H₂L2²⁺ + I^- = [(H₂L2)I]⁺). When solutions of [(H₂L2)I]⁺ are left in contact with air, crystals of the oxidation product (H₂L2)₂(I₃)₃I·4H₂O are formed. Unfortunately, the low solubility of I₃^- complexes prevents the determination of their stability constants. The crystal structures of H₂L2I₂·H₂O (1), H₂L2(I₃)₂·2H₂O (2) and (H₂L2)₂(I₃)₃I·4H₂O (3) were determined by means of X-ray diffraction analyses. In all crystal structures, it was found that the interaction between I^- and I₃^- with H₂L2²⁺ is dominated by anion interactions with the π electron density of the receptor. Only in the case of 1, the iodide anions involved in close anion-π interactions with the ligand tetrazine ring form an additional H-bond with the protonated morpholine nitrogen of an adjacent ligand molecule. Conversely, in crystals of 2 and 3 there are alternate segregated planes which contain only protonated ligands hydrogen-bonded to cocrystallized water molecules or I₃^- and I^- forming infinite two-dimensional networks established through short interhalogen contacts, making these crystalline products good candidates to behave as solid conductors. In the solid complexes, the triiodide anion displays both end-on and side-on interaction modes with the tetrazine ring, in agreement with density functional theory calculations indicating a preference for the alignment of the I₃^- molecular axis with the molecular axis of the ligand. Further information about geometries and structures of triiodide anions in 2 and 3 was acquired by the analysis of their Raman spectra.

Colorimetric biosensor for the assay of paraoxon in environmental water samples based on the iodine-starch color reaction

In this work, a new colorimetric biosensor for the assay of paraoxon was developed via the conventional iodine-starch color reaction and multi-enzyme cascade catalytic reactions. In the presence of acetylcholine chloride, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and choline oxidase (ChO) catalyzed the formation of H₂O₂, which then activated horseradish peroxidase (HRP) to catalyze the oxidation of KI to produce an iodine-starch color reaction. Upon exposure to paraoxon, the catalytic activity of AChE was inhibited and less H₂O₂ generated, resulting in a decrease in the production of I₂ and a drop in the intensity of solution color. This colorimetric biosensor showed high sensitivity for the assay of paraoxon with a limit of detection 4.7 ppb and was applied for the assay of paraoxon in spiked real samples. By employing the conventional iodine-starch color reaction, this biosensor has the potential of on-site assay of OPs residues in environmental samples.