Spectrofluorometric studies on the interaction between oxacalix[6]arene-locked trizinc(II)porphyrins and crystal violet

PVA-reinforced glutathione–Ag hydrogels and release of Ag nanoparticles and drugs by UV-triggered controllable disassembly

Macromolecular chains of PVA efficiently supported the three-dimensional network structure of GSH–Ag gels, remarkably improving their thermal stability and mechanical strength and the controllable release of Ag NPs and drugs through UV-triggered gradual disassembly of GSH–Ag.

Cell-penetrating peptoids: introduction of novel cationic side chains

During the last decade peptoid-based molecular transporters have been broadly applied. They are highly valued for their easy synthesis and their superior stability against enzymatic degradation. The special structure of peptoids generally allows introducing a variety of different side chains. Yet, the cationic side chains of cell-penetrating peptoids displayed solely lysine- or arginine-like structures. Thus this report is intended to extend the spectrum of cationic peptoid side chains. Herein, we present novel functional groups, like polyamines, aza-crown ethers, or triphenylphosphonium ions that are introduced into peptoids for the first time. In addition, the obtained peptoids were tested for their cell-penetrating properties.

Molecular assemblies of porphyrins and macrocyclic receptors: recent developments in their synthesis and applications

Metalloporphyrins which form the core of many bioenzymes and natural light harvesting or electron transport systems, exhibit a variety of selective functional properties depending on the state and surroundings with which they exist in biological systems. The specificity and ease with which they function in each of their bio-functions appear to be largely governed by the nature and disposition of the protein globule around the porphyrin reaction center. Synthetic porphyrin frameworks confined within or around a pre-organized molecular entity like the protein network in natural systems have attracted considerable attraction, especially in the field of biomimetic reactions. At the same time a large number of macrocyclic oligomers such as calixarenes, resorcinarenes, spherands, cyclodextrins and crown ethers have been investigated in detail as efficient molecular receptors. These molecular receptors are synthetic host molecules with enclosed interiors, which are designed three dimensionally to ensure strong and precise molecular encapsulation/recognition. Due to their complex structures, enclosed guest molecules reside in an environment isolated from the outside and as a consequence, physical properties and chemical reactions specific to that environment in these guest species can be identified. The facile incorporation of such molecular receptors into the highly photoactive and catalytically efficient porphyrin framework allows for convenient design of useful molecular systems with unique structural and functional properties. Such systems have provided over the years attractive model systems for the study of various biological and chemical processes, and the design of new materials and molecular devices. This review focuses on the recent developments in the synthesis of porphyrin assemblies associated with cyclodextrins, calixarenes and resorcinarenes and their potential applications in the fields of molecular encapsulation/recognition, and chemical catalysis.

Molecular interactions of monosulfonate tetraphenylporphyrin (TPPS1) and meso-tetra(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (TPPS) with dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP)

The molecular interactions of monosulfonate tetraphenylporphyrin (TPPS(1)) and meso-tetra(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (TPPS) with dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) have been investigated by UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopies. The association constants and interaction stoichiometries of the bindings were obtained through Benesi-Hildebrand (B-H) method. Particularly, both linear and nonlinear fitting procedures were performed to evaluate the possible 1:2 interactions. Experimental results showed that hydrogen-bonding interactions existed in both of the two systems, resulting in regular changes in the absorbance and fluorescence characteristics of the porphyrins. The association constants and stoichiometries determined from absorbance and fluorescence studies were in excellent agreement. Using a nonlinear fitting method, we demonstrated that the one-step 1:2 interaction took place in the TPPS(1)-DMMP system, and the association constants were determined to be 71.4 M(-1) by absorbance measurements and 70.92 M(-1) by fluorescence measurements. The interaction stoichiometry of the TPPS-DMMP system was 1:1, and the association constants were determined to be 16.06 M(-1) by absorbance measurements and 16.03 M(-1) by fluorescence measurements. It was concluded that the interaction between TPPS(1) and DMMP was stronger than that between TPPS and DMMP.