Anion-π interactions: From concept to application

Electronic Polarizability Tunes the Function of the Human Bestrophin 1 Cl - Channel

Mechanisms of anion permeation within ion channels and nanopores remain poorly understood. Recent cryo-electron microscopy structures of the human bestrophin 1 chloride channel (hBest1) provide an opportunity to evaluate ion interactions predicted by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations against experimental observations. We implement the fully polarizable forcefield AMOEBA in MD simulations of open and partially-open states of the hBest1. The AMOEBA forcefield models multipole moments up to the quadrupole; therefore, it captures induced dipole and anion- π interactions. By including polarization we demonstrate the key role that aromatic residues play in ion permeation and the functional advantages of pore asymmetry within the highly conserved hydrophobic neck of the pore. We establish that these only arise when electronic polarization is included in the molecular models. We also show that Cl - permeation in this region can be achieved through hydrophobic solvation concomitant with partial ion dehydration, which is compensated for by the formation of contacts with the edge of the phenylalanine ring. Furthermore, we demonstrate how polarizable simulations can help determine the identity of ion-like densities within high-resolution cryo-EM structures. Crucially, neglecting polarization in simulation of these systems results in the localization of Cl - at positions that do not correspond with their experimentally resolved location. Overall, our results demonstrate the importance of including electronic polarization in realistic and physically accurate models of biological systems.

Statement of Significance

Ion channels are nanoscale protein pores that enable the selective passage of charged ions across cell membranes. Understanding the underlying mechanisms for selective anion permeation through such pores remains a challenge. To simulate their behavior efficiently in silico , fixed charge models are typically employed. However, this approach is insufficient for the study of anions. Here, we use simulations with explicit treatment of electrostatics to investigate the interactions of chloride ions in the human bestrophin 1 channel. We find that electronic polarization tunes the state of the channel and affects the interactions of chloride ions thereby revealing a mechanism for permeation. Furthermore, these simulations can be used to resolve experimental ambiguity in ion-like densities from cryo-EM structures.

Unfurling Anion-π Interactions Involving Graphynes

Ever since the inception of anion-π interactions, their nature and functional relevance have intrigued researchers. We address the twin challenge of elucidation of the role of extended conjugation and design of all-carbon neutral anion receptors by computations on the anion-π complexes of the halide ions with graphynes. Leveraging on the extended π-conjugation effects, we unfurl the functional relevance of graphynes as anion receptors using descriptors such as electrostatic potential, quadrupole moments, molecular polarizabilities and binding energies. Further, employing natural energy decomposition analysis, we assert that anion-π interactions are not merely dominated by electrostatic interactions. The polarization components do indeed play a crucial role in governing the binding of the anions to the graphynes.

Construction, expression, purification, characterization, and structural analysis of microbial transglutaminase variants

Microbial transglutaminase (MTG, EC 2.3.2.13) derived from Streptomyces mobaraensis is widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industry because of its ability to synthesize isopeptide bonds between the proteinogenic side chains of glutamine and lysine. The half-life (t_1/2 ) of the activated wild-type enzyme at 60°C is 2 min. To improve the activity and thermostability of MTG for higher temperature application, three variants (Mut1, Mut2, and Mut3) were obtained by combining key amino acid mutations on the basis of previous research results. The best variant Mut2 with a specific combination of five of seven substitutions (S2P-S23V-Y24N-R215A-H289Y) shows a 10-fold increased half-life at 60°C (t_1/2  = 27.6 min), and a 2.4-fold increased specific enzyme activity (39.3 U/mg). As measured by circular dichroism, the curve of Mut2 was basically the same as that of MTG-WT. The structural simulation of Mut2 shows that the overall structure is discoid with a crack, but the crack openings are wider than that of MTG-WT. Furthermore, structural analysis of Mut2 showed that there were seven hydrogen bonds and one π-anion interaction between Mut2 and its adjacent amino acids, and the number of hydrogen bonds was one more than that of MTG-WT (six hydrogen bonds).

Anion-π Catalysis Enabled by the Mechanical Bond

We report a series of rotaxane‐based anion–π catalysts in which the mechanical bond between a bipyridine macrocycle and an axle containing an NDI unit is intrinsic to the activity observed, including a [3]rotaxane that catalyses an otherwise disfavoured Michael addition in >60 fold selectivity over a competing decarboxylation pathway that dominates under Brønsted base conditions. The results are rationalized by detailed experimental investigations, electrochemical and computational analysis.

1,1′-Methylenebis(4-tert-butylpyridinium) dichloride hemihydrate

The structure of the title hydrated salt, C19H28N2 2+·2Cl−·0.5H2O, at 150 K has monoclinic (C2/c) symmetry. The water molecule is located on a twofold rotation axis.

A Highly Efficient Neutral Anion Receptor in Polar Environments by Synergy of Anion-π Interactions and Hydrogen Bonding

Herein, it is shown how anion recognition in highly polar solvents by neutral metal-free receptors is feasible when multiple hydrogen bonding and anion-π interactions are suitably combined. A neutral aromatic molecular tweezer functionalized with azo groups is shown to merge these two kinds of interactions in a unique system and its efficiency as an anion catcher in water is evaluated using first-principles quantum methods. Theoretical calculations unequivocally prove the high thermodynamic stability in water of a model anion, bromide, captured within the tweezer's cavity. Thus, static calculations indicate anion-tweezer interaction energies within the range of covalent or ionic bonds and stability constants in water of more than 10 orders of magnitude. First-principles molecular dynamics calculations also corroborate the stability through the time of the anion-tweezer complex in water. It shows that the anion is always found within the tweezer's cavity due to the combination of the tweezer-anion interactions plus a hydrogen bond between the anion and a water molecule that is inside the tweezer's cavity.

Eco-friendly chitosan Schiff base as an efficient sensor for trace anion detection

Herein, a chitosan Schiff base sample (CSAN) was strategically designed and prepared via a two-step process. In the first step, an azo derivative of 1- naphthylamine namely, [2-hydroxy-5-(naphthalene-1-yldiazenyl) benzaldehyde] (HNDB) was synthesized as an aldehyde moiety. Then the condensation reaction of HNDB with chitosan afforded CSAN as the target product. Structural analyses of synthesized material were accomplished through FT-IR, ¹H NMR, UV-Vis, XRD, TGA, and SEM spectral methods. Meanwhile, the heterogeneous CSAN was able to detect the presence of hydrogen carbonate (HCO₃^-), acetate (AcO^-), and cyanide (CN^-) anions in semi-aqueous media (H₂O/DMSO; 10:90%, v/v). Moreover, the selectivity of CSAN towards CN^- anion was increased through variation in solvent mixture ratios. Thereupon, CSAN was explored as a promising sensor towards CN^- anion in an aqueous media through considerable color variation from colorless to pale yellow as well as quantitative chemical analysis. Overall, reliable CSAN chemosensor with high sensitivity for mentioned anions has a pivotal role in practical applications owing to it's reversibility ability.

Words in supramolecular chemistry: the ineffable advances of polyiodide chemistry

Polyiodide chemistry has a rich history deeply intertwined with the development of supramolecular chemistry. Technological and theoretical interest in polyiodides has not diminished in the last decade, quite the contrary; yet the advances this perspective intends to cover are muddled by the involution of supramolecular vocabulary, preventing their unbiased discussion. Herein we discuss the pressing necessity of ordering the current babel of novel - and less so - supramolecular terms. Shared decisions at the community level might be required to shape the field into a harmonious body of knowledge, dominated by concepts rather than words. Secondary, σ-hole and halogen bonding schools of thought are all addressed here, together with their respective impact on the field. Then, on the basis of a shared vocabulary, a discussion of polyiodide chemistry is presented, starting with a revisited view of triiodide. The contemporary fields of supramolecular caging and polyiodide networks are then discussed, with emphasis on how the terms we choose to use deeply affect scientific progress.

Simultaneous measurement of hydrogen carbonate and acetate anions using biologically active receptor based on azo derivatives of naphthalene

A novel receptor based on azo-derivatives of 1-naphthylamine (2-((E)-((4-chloro-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)imino)methyl)-4-((E)-naphthalene-1-yldiazenyl)phenol(2) abbreviated CTNP was successfully designed and synthesized. Its sensing properties were studied deeply. Systematic studies of CTNP with HCO₃^- and AcO^- anions in DMSO disclosed that there is hydrogen-bonding between CTNP and incoming anions. Significant changes in the visible region of the spectrum, as well as a drastic color change of CTNP from pale yellow to red, observed due to interaction as mentioned earlier. The stoichiometry of [CTNP: HCO₃^- or AcO^-] complexes and association constants determined through Job's method and Benesi-Hildebrand (B-H) plot, respectively. Taking into account the analysis results, CTNP performs the selective recognition of sub-millimolar concentrations of HCO₃^- and AcO^- efficiently. The antifungal activity of the receptor was tested against Aspergillus brasiliensis and Aspergillus niger. CTNP exhibited excellent antifungal activity against both strains. CTNP also represented antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria: Staphylococcus epidermidis. It was cleared that designed receptor can be applied under physiological conditions for a long duration.

Sulfur-substituted perylene diimides: efficient tuning of LUMO levels and visible-light absorptionviasulfur redox

A series of sulfide and sulfone substituted perylene diimides (PDIs) with different LUMO levels covering a range of 0.72 eV were synthesized through simple sulfur redox chemistry.

MAPLE Assembled Acetylcholinesterase⁻Polyethylenimine Hybrid and Multilayered Interfaces for Toxic Gases Detection

Developing a controlled method for obtaining hybrid enzymatic-based interfaces for sensing application require the use of a multiuse, reusable sensor. By controlling the interface characteristics in terms of the surface chemistry, thickness, and roughness, a tailored response toward various toxic compounds can be obtained, regarding both materials used as active surfaces and fabrication methods. Herein, we report a preliminary study on using a laser-based method (i.e., matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation, or MAPLE) for obtaining active polymeric⁻enzymatic interfaces as hybrid or layered coatings for detecting toxic vapors. The MAPLE fabrication consisted of the simultaneous alternating evaporation of layers of polyethylenimine (PEI) and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) in order to obtain active surfaces as both hybrid PEI-AchE and a PEI/AchE layered coating, respectively. The deposition processes of the polymer and enzyme were carried out using a double-target system and a Nd:YAG pulsed laser, operating at 0.45 J/cm² fluences with a wavelength of 266 nm and a repetition rate of 10 Hz. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed no significant changes in the functional groups of both hybrid and layered coatings compared with the initial material. The thickness and roughness, as well as the morphologies of the coatings revealed by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy showed coatings thicker than two μm that had smooth surfaces and average roughness values below six nm. The sensors were tested with simulants for nerve gases and pesticides containing phosphonate ester groups, namely dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) and diisopropyl methylphosphonate (DIMP), and a different sensitivity was shown to the selected chemical agents for each of the sensors. The best sensitivities for DMMP and DIMP obtained by using a PEI-AchE coated sensor are 65 kHz and 200 kHz, respectively, whereas the best sensitivity when using multilayered interfaces is 30 kHz and 10 KHz for DIMP and DMMP, respectively.

An electron-deficient nanosized polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with enhanced anion–π interactions

A super-electron-deficient nano-sized polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with six imide groups at the corners has been synthesized, which exhibited enhanced anion–π interactions with various anions.