A sensitive and selective chemosensor for ascorbic acid based on a fluorescent nitroxide switch

Heavy Atom-Free Triplet Photosensitizers: Molecular Structure Design, Photophysical Properties and Application in Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising method for the treatment of cancer, because of its advantages including a low toxicity, non-drug-resistant character, and targeting capability. From a photochemical aspect, a critical property of triplet photosensitizers (PSs) used for PDT reagents is the intersystem crossing (ISC) efficiency. Conventional PDT reagents are limited to porphyrin compounds. However, these compounds are difficult to prepare, purify, and derivatize. Thus, new molecular structure paradigms are desired to develop novel, efficient, and versatile PDT reagents, especially those contain no heavy atoms, such as Pt or I, etc. Unfortunately, the ISC ability of heavy atom-free organic compounds is usually elusive, and it is difficult to predict the ISC capability of these compounds and design novel heavy atom-free PDT reagents. Herein, from a photophysical perspective, we summarize the recent developments of heavy atom-free triplet PSs, including methods based on radical-enhanced ISC (REISC, facilitated by electron spin-spin interaction), twisted π-conjugation system-induced ISC, the use of fullerene C₆₀ as an electron spin converter in antenna-C₆₀ dyads, energetically matched S₁/T_n states-enhanced ISC, etc. The application of these compounds in PDT is also briefly introduced. Most of the presented examples are the works of our research group.

Effect of relative configuration of TEMPO-type nitroxides on ascorbate reduction

2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidin-N-oxyl (TEMPO)-type nitroxides are susceptible to bioreduction, leading to a loss of radical properties. Although it has been reported that the steric and electronic environments around the N-O moiety of nitroxides affect the reduction, how the relative configuration of nitroxide derivatives alters it is unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of diastereomers on the radical properties of C2- and C4-disubstituted TEMPO-type nitroxides. We succeeded in isolating the diastereomers of the studied nitroxides for the first time. In addition, we compared the reactivities of nitroxide derivatives with different substituents at the C2 and C4 positions toward ascorbate reduction. We found that the bulky substituents at both C2 and C4 and the electronic effect of C4 affected the reduction of the isomers. C2- and C4-disubstituted nitroxides were administered to mice for electron spin resonance imaging to assess bioreduction in the brain. Similar to the reactivity to reduction in vitro, a difference in the bioreduction of diastereomers was observed in brain tissues. Our research strongly indicates that bioreduction can be controlled by changing the relative configuration, which can be used in the design of nitroxide derivatives for biological applications.

Ultrathin g-C3N4 nanosheet-CoOOH nanocomposite for fluorescence imaging of ascorbic acid in living cells

Ascorbic acid (AA), a critical cellular metabolite involved in many biochemical pathways, is an important antioxidant in human body. Therefore, it is of great significance to monitor AA in living cells. Nowadays, there are various technologies developed for the detection of AA, but few methods could sensitively and selectively detect the intracellular AA. Here, we reported a highly efficient biosensor (g-C₃N₄-CoOOH nanocomposite) based on ultrathin graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) nanosheets and CoOOH nanoflakes, for sensitive detection and fluorescence imaging of AA in living cell. The g-C₃N₄ used here as fluorescence donor is a promising bioimaging nanomaterial because of their high fluorescence quantum yield, good biocompatibility and low toxicity. In addition, the CoOOH was used to be perfect fluorescence quencher. Herein, we enabled the CoOOH in situ to form a layer on the surface of g-C₃N₄, resulting in fluorescence quench of the g-C₃N₄. Upon the addition of AA, the CoOOH nanoflakes were reduced to Co²⁺, and the system gave a "turn on" fluorescence signal. It developed as an efficient sensing platform for AA, and the linear range was from 5 to 50 μM with a 1.6 μM detection limit. This novel biosensor, g-C₃N₄-CoOOH nanocomposite exhibited highly selective response toward AA relative to other biomolecules. Furthermore, this biosensor was used successfully to visualize and monitor AA in living cells. Hopefully, we believe that this biosensor would provide a low-cost and highly sensitive platform for AA detection and bioimaging. Schematic illustration of the sensing strategy based on the g-C₃N₄-CoOOH nanocomposite for AA detection.

Molecular Probes, Chemosensors, and Nanosensors for Optical Detection of Biorelevant Molecules and Ions in Aqueous Media and Biofluids

Synthetic molecular probes, chemosensors, and nanosensors used in combination with innovative assay protocols hold great potential for the development of robust, low-cost, and fast-responding sensors that are applicable in biofluids (urine, blood, and saliva). Particularly, the development of sensors for metabolites, neurotransmitters, drugs, and inorganic ions is highly desirable due to a lack of suitable biosensors. In addition, the monitoring and analysis of metabolic and signaling networks in cells and organisms by optical probes and chemosensors is becoming increasingly important in molecular biology and medicine. Thus, new perspectives for personalized diagnostics, theranostics, and biochemical/medical research will be unlocked when standing limitations of artificial binders and receptors are overcome. In this review, we survey synthetic sensing systems that have promising (future) application potential for the detection of small molecules, cations, and anions in aqueous media and biofluids. Special attention was given to sensing systems that provide a readily measurable optical signal through dynamic covalent chemistry, supramolecular host-guest interactions, or nanoparticles featuring plasmonic effects. This review shall also enable the reader to evaluate the current performance of molecular probes, chemosensors, and nanosensors in terms of sensitivity and selectivity with respect to practical requirement, and thereby inspiring new ideas for the development of further advanced systems.

Construction of Electrochemical and Photoelectrochemical Sensing Platform Based on Porphyrinic Metal-Organic Frameworks for Determination of Ascorbic Acid

Highly sensitive and specific detection of biomolecular markers is of great importance to the diagnosis and treatment of related diseases. Herein, Cu-TCPP@MOFs thin films were synthesized with tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (H₂TCPP) as organic ligands and copper ions as metal nodes. The as-synthesized Cu-TCPP@MOFs thin films as electrode modifiers were used to modify the pre-treated glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and the electrochemical performances of Cu-TCPP@MOFs/GCE were evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Furthermore, as the working electrode, the constructed Cu-TCPP@MOFs/GCE was used for the investigation of ascorbic acid (AA) due to its outstanding electrocatalytic activities towards AA by several electrochemical methods, including cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), and chronoamperometry (CA). The well-linear relationship was established based on different AA concentration ranges and the ideal detection limits (LOD) were obtained in the above-mentioned electrochemical methods, respectively. Furthermore, a Cu-TCPP MOFs@GCE sensing platform was used as a photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor to quantitatively detect AA based on the strong absorption properties of Cu-TCPP ingredients in Cu-TCPP MOFs in a visible light band of 400~700 nm. PEC sensing platform based on Cu-TCPP@MOFs exhibited a more extensive linear concentration range, more ideal detection limit, and better sensitivity relative than the other electrochemical methods for AA. The well linear regression equations were established between the peak current intensity and AA concentrations in different electrochemical technologies, including CV, DPV, and CA, and PEC technology. AA concentration ranges applicable to various electrochemical equations were as follows: 0.45~2.10 mM of CV, 0.75~2.025 mM of DPV, 0.3~2.4 mM of CA, 7.5~480 μM of PEC, and the corresponding detection limits for AA were 1.08 μM (S/N = 3), 0.14 μM (S/N = 3), 0.049 μM (S/N = 3), and 0.084 nA/μM. Moreover, the proposed Cu-TCPP MOFs@GCE electrochemical and photoelectrochemical sensing platform was applied to determine the AA concentration of a real human serum sample; the results reveal that Cu-TCPP MOFs@GCE sensing platform could accurately determine the concentration of AA of the human serum under other potential interferences contained in the human serum samples.

Cancer cell identification by facile imaging of intracellular reductive substances with fluorescent nanosensor

Ascorbic acid (AA) and glutathione (GSH), the most abundant intracellular reductive substances, have been widely used as biomarkers for cancer cells identification. The current methods relying on imaging of AA or GSH alone to identify cancer cells may cause systematic errors, since a mutual conversion relationship exists between AA and GSH. In this work, we propose a fluorescent nanosensor for the simultaneous imaging of intracellular reductive substances including AA and GSH. Biocompatible fluorescent silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) with rich surface amine and carboxyl groups were synthesized. The fluorescence of the SiNP was initially quenched by chelation of Fe³⁺ ions, forming SiNP/Fe³⁺ complex as the fluorescent nanosensor. Upon the redox reaction with reductive substances, the nanosensor showed sensitively fluorescent recovery. Moreover, benefited from the efficient cellular uptake of the SiNP/Fe³⁺ and the overexpressed intracellular reductive substances in cancer cells, the fluorescent nanosensor was used to accurately identify the human breast carcinoma (MCF-7) cells from normal mammary epithelial (MCF-10A) cells by imaging of intracellular AA and GSH simultaneously. This strategy would be promising in imaging-guided precision cancer diagnosis.

Photochemistry of phthalocyanine based on spin angular momenta: a kinetic study of fluorescent probes for ascorbic acid

Ascorbic acid, i.e., vitamin C, is a well-known essential nutrient, and has attracted considerable attention as a new candidate for cancer therapy. Previously, R2c consisting of silicon tetra-tert-butylphthalocyanine (SiPc) and two 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy (TEMPO) radicals has been encapsulated into the hydrophobic cavity of dimeric bovine serum albumin (BSA), i.e., R2c@(BSA)2, and the system was found to behave as a highly sensitive and selective fluorescent probe for detecting ascorbic acid not only in aqueous solutions but also in vivo. In this study, kinetics of the reaction of R2c@(BSA)2 with ascorbic acid have been studied based on the temporal evolution of fluorescence. Global fitting of the concentration dependence using the Runge-Kutta method revealed the existence of stepwise two proton-coupled electron transfer processes. The rate constants for the reactions with ascorbic acid (k AA ) and ascorbate radical (k AR ) were 3 × 10 and 1 × 105 min−1 M−1, respectively, suggesting that the reaction with ascorbate radical was much faster than that with ascorbic acid. These results were further corroborated by theoretical calculations of the Gibbs free energy differences and by spin statistical factors. The analysis presented herein will aid in understanding the two proton-coupled electron transfer processes in the reaction with ascorbic acid.

Synthesis, crystal structures and magnetic properties of a P-stereogenic ortho-(4-amino-tempo)phosphinic amide radical and its CuII complex

The synthesis of phosphinic amides containing one 4-amino-TEMPO substituent at the ortho position has been achieved through copper(i) catalyzed cross-coupling reactions of ortho-iodophosphinic amides with 4-amino-TEMPO. The method has been extended to the preparation of the first example of a P-stereogenic ortho-(4-amino-tempo)phosphinic amide radical 10. The reaction of 10 with Cu(hfac)2 afforded the P-stereogenic CuII complex 19. The crystal structure of both chiral compounds is reported. The molecular structure of 10 consists of a supramolecular zig-zag chain formed by intermolecular hydrogen bonds between the NH group of the phosphinic amide moiety and the nitroxide oxygen atom. In complex 19, the ligand acts as a bridge between two CuII ions coordinated to the oxygen atoms of the P[double bond, length as m-dash]O and N-O· groups leading to the formation of a polymeric helicate chain in which the metal ions exist in a distorted octahedral geometry. The magnetic behavior of ligand 10 is characterized by very weak intermolecular antiferromagnetic interactions, whereas ferro- and anti-ferromagnetic interactions are present in complex 19.

Nanoscale Dynamic Readout of a Chemical Redox Process Using Radicals Coupled with Nitrogen-Vacancy Centers in Nanodiamonds

Biocompatible nanoscale probes for sensitive detection of paramagnetic species and molecules associated with their (bio)chemical transformations would provide a desirable tool for a better understanding of cellular redox processes. Here, we describe an analytical tool based on quantum sensing techniques. We magnetically coupled negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in nanodiamonds (NDs) with nitroxide radicals present in a bioinert polymer coating of the NDs. We demonstrated that the T₁ spin relaxation time of the NV centers is very sensitive to the number of nitroxide radicals, with a resolution down to ∼10 spins per ND (detection of approximately 10^-23 mol in a localized volume). The detection is based on T₁ shortening upon the radical attachment, and we propose a theoretical model describing this phenomenon. We further show that this colloidally stable, water-soluble system can be used dynamically for spatiotemporal readout of a redox chemical process (oxidation of ascorbic acid) occurring near the ND surface in an aqueous environment under ambient conditions.

Fluorescent probes for the detection of nitroxyl (HNO)

Nitroxyl (HNO), which according to the IUPAC recommended nomenclature should be named azanone, is the protonated one-electron reduction product of nitric oxide. Recently, it has gained a considerable attention due to the interesting pharmacological effects of its donors. Although there has been great progress in the understanding of HNO chemistry and chemical biology, it still remains the most elusive reactive nitrogen species, and its selective detection is a real challenge. The development of reliable methodologies for the direct detection of azanone is essential for the understanding of important signaling properties of this reactive intermediate and its pharmacological potential. Over the last decade, there has been considerable progress in the development of low-molecular-weight fluorogenic probes for the detection of HNO, and therefore, in this review, we have focused on the challenges and limitations of and perspectives on nitroxyl detection based on the use of such probes.

In vivo fluorescence bioimaging of ascorbic acid in mice: Development of an efficient probe consisting of phthalocyanine, TEMPO, and albumin

After a groundbreaking study demonstrated that a high dose of ascorbic acid selectively kills cancer cells, the compound has been tested in the clinic against various forms of cancers, with some success. However, in vivo tracing of intravenously injected ascorbic acid has not been achieved. Herein, we successfully imaged ascorbic acid intravenously injected into mice based on the discovery of a novel, highly sensitive, and appropriately selective fluorescent probe consisting of silicon phthalocyanine (SiPc) and two 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy (TEMPO) radicals, i.e., R2c. The radicals in this R2c were encapsulated in dimeric bovine serum albumin, and the sensitivity was >100-fold higher than those of other R2c-based probes. Ascorbic acid intravenously injected into mice was efficiently transported to the liver, heart, lung, and cholecyst. The present results provide opportunities to advance the use of ascorbic acid as cancer therapy.

New strategy for the azido–ascorbic acid reaction: a convenient chemosensor and its imaging in garlic slice tissues

Three chemosensors with azide groups at different sites were designed for rapid detection of ascorbic acid in garlic slice tissues.

Near Infrared Graphene Quantum Dots-Based Two-Photon Nanoprobe for Direct Bioimaging of Endogenous Ascorbic Acid in Living Cells

Ascorbic acid (AA), as one of the most important vitamins, participates in various physiological reactions in the human body and is implicated with many diseases. Therefore, the development of effective methods for monitoring the AA level in living systems is of great significance. Up to date, various technologies have been developed for the detection of AA. However, few methods can realize the direct detection of endogenous AA in living cells. In this work, we for the first time reported that near-infrared (NIR) graphene quantum dots (GQD) possessed good two-photon fluorescence properties with a NIR emission at 660 nm upon exciting with 810 nm femtosecond pulses and a two-photon (TP) excitation action cross-section (δΦ) of 25.12 GM. They were then employed to construct a TP nanoprobe for detection and bioimaging of endogenous AA in living cells. In this nanosystem, NIR GQDs (NGs), which exhibited lower fluorescence background in living system to afford improved fluorescence imaging resolution, were acted as fluorescence reporters. Also CoOOH nanoflakes were chosen as fluorescence quenchers by forming on the surface of NGs. Once AA was introduced, CoOOH was reduced to Co²⁺, which resulted in a "turn-on" fluorescence signal of NGs. The proposed nanoprobe demonstrated high sensitivity toward AA, with the observed LOD of 270 nM. It also showed high selectivity to AA with excellent photostability. Moreover, the nanoprobe was successfully used for TP imaging of endogenous AA in living cells as well as deep tissue imaging.

Using a redox-sensitive phosphorescent probe for optical evaluation of an intracellular redox environment

A reducing intracellular environment is necessary for living cells. Here a redox-sensitive phosphorescent probe Ir-NO has been developed for evaluating the redox environment in living cells. Upon addition of reducing molecules, such as glutathione and ascorbic acid, the phosphorescent intensity of the probe is turned on, and the emission lifetime is elongated evidently. Furthermore, this probe has been used for optical imaging of the intracellular reducing environment by utilizing confocal laser scanning microscopy and phosphorescence lifetime imaging microscopy.

Synthesis of novel profluorescent nitroxides as dual luminescent-paramagnetic active probes

Profluorescent nitroxides containing 2,5-diaryl-1,3,4-oxadiazoles as fluorophore units were synthesized and characterized as actively responsive probes to reducing agents.

Fluorescence probe for the convenient and sensitive detection of ascorbic acid

Ascorbic acid is an important antioxidant that plays an essential role in the biosynthesis of numerous bioactive substances. The detection of ascorbic acid has traditionally been achieved using high-performance liquid chromatography and absorption spectrophotometry assays. However, the development of fluorescence probes for this purpose is highly desired because they provide a much more convenient and highly sensitive technique for the detection of this material. OFF-ON-type fluorescent probes have been developed for the detection of non-fluorescent compounds. Photo-induced electron transfer and fluorescence resonance energy transfer are the two main fluorescence quenching mechanisms for the detection of ascorbic acid, and several fluorescence probes have been reported based on redox-responsive metals and quantum dots. Profluorescent nitroxide compounds have also been developed as non-metal organic fluorescence probes for ascorbic acid. These nitroxide systems have a stable unpaired electron and can therefore react with ascorbic acid and a strong fluorescence quencher. Furthermore, recent synthetic advances have allowed for the synthesis of α-substituted nitroxides with varying levels of reactivity towards ascorbic acid. In this review, we have discussed the design strategies used for the preparation of fluorescent probes for ascorbic acid, with particular emphasis on profluorescent nitroxides, which are unique radical-based redox-active fluorescent probes.

A profluorescent nitroxide probe for ascorbic acid detection and its application to quantitative analysis of diabetic rat plasma

15-((9-(Ethylimino)-10-methyl-9Hbenzo[a]phenoxazin-5-yl)amino)-3,11-dioxa-7-azadispiro[5.1.58.36]hexadecan-7-yloxyl, (Nile-DiPy) has been synthesized and examined as an off–on profluorescent nitroxide probe for measuring ascorbic acid in plasma.

Fluorescence probe for the convenient and sensitive detection of ascorbic acid

Ascorbic acid is an important antioxidant that plays an essential role in the biosynthesis of numerous bioactive substances. The detection of ascorbic acid has traditionally been achieved using high-performance liquid chromatography and absorption spectrophotometry assays. However, the development of fluorescence probes for this purpose is highly desired because they provide a much more convenient and highly sensitive technique for the detection of this material. OFF-ON-type fluorescent probes have been developed for the detection of non-fluorescent compounds. Photo-induced electron transfer and fluorescence resonance energy transfer are the two main fluorescence quenching mechanisms for the detection of ascorbic acid, and several fluorescence probes have been reported based on redox-responsive metals and quantum dots. Profluorescent nitroxide compounds have also been developed as non-metal organic fluorescence probes for ascorbic acid. These nitroxide systems have a stable unpaired electron and can therefore react with ascorbic acid and a strong fluorescence quencher. Furthermore, recent synthetic advances have allowed for the synthesis of α-substituted nitroxides with varying levels of reactivity towards ascorbic acid. In this review, we have discussed the design strategies used for the preparation of fluorescent probes for ascorbic acid, with particular emphasis on profluorescent nitroxides, which are unique radical-based redox-active fluorescent probes.