Characterization of the optical size-dependence of pyrazolines nanocrystals

Simulation of absorption and scattering spectra of crystalline organic nanoparticles with the discrete dipole approximation: Effects of crystal shape, crystal size, and refractive index of the medium

The effect of the shape (habit) of crystalline organic nanoparticles on their absorption spectra is studied by simulations using the discrete dipole approximation, focusing, in particular, on the vibronic structure of the absorption bands in the spectra. Simulations predict a significant effect that, for sufficiently small particles, can be simply rationalized by the depolarization factor. The crystal size and the refractive index of the medium in which the nanoparticles are embedded are also found to have an effect on the absorption spectra. All factors mentioned are found to influence also the spectra of scattered light. These effects, already broadly documented for metallic nanoparticles, are here demonstrated theoretically for the first time for crystalline organic nanoparticles, providing novel insight into the optical response of such particles. The effects are expected to be displayed by all organic nanoparticles, as long as they have a well-defined crystal structure and are large enough for the optical properties to be understandable using a macroscopic dielectric tensor. The effects demonstrated here should be taken into account when rationalizing differences in absorption spectra of a substance in solution and in nanoparticle form, e.g., in deducing the type of intermolecular packing. The effects are much less pronounced for optically isotropic nanoparticles.

Control over size, shape, and photonics of self-assembled organic nanocrystals

The facile fabrication of free-floating organic nanocrystals (ONCs) was achieved via the kinetically controlled self-assembly of simple perylene diimide building blocks in aqueous medium. The ONCs have a thin rectangular shape, with an aspect ratio that is controlled by the content of the organic cosolvent (THF). The nanocrystals were characterized in solution by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) and small-angle X-ray scattering. The ONCs retain their structure upon drying, as was evidenced by TEM and atom force microscopy. Photophysical studies, including femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, revealed a distinct influence of the ONC morphology on their photonic properties (excitation energy transfer was observed only in the high-aspect ONCs). Convenient control over the structure and function of organic nanocrystals can enhance their utility in new and developed technologies.

Stable water-dispersed organic nanoparticles: preparation, optical properties, and cell imaging application

Water-dispersed organic nanoparticles (NPs) constructed by the conjugated molecule 2,5,2',5'-tetra(4'-N,N-diphenylaminostyryl)biphenyl (DPA-TSB) with a high luminescence and large two-photon absorption (TPA) section were fabricated via the reprecipitation method. The average size of the NPs can be controlled from 40 nm to 80 nm by adjusting the reprecipitation conditions. The NPs in water dispersions showed high aggregative and optical stability, which were due to contributions from the special cruciform configuration and amorphous nature of DPA-TSB molecules. The cellular uptake behavior of DPA-TSB NPs was investigated to show their cell staining capabilities as nanoprobes using a confocal microscopy test in vitro. The results demonstrated that DPA-TSB NPs were readily internalized into cytoplasm with no apparent toxicity for up to 24 h, implying excellent imaging capabilities.

Novel bis(1-acyl-2-pyrazolines) of potential anti-inflammatory and molluscicidal properties

A variety of bis[3-aryl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-1-carboxaldehydes] 4a-h were obtained via reaction of bis[1-aryl-2-propen-1-ones] 3a-h with hydrazine hydrate in refluxing formic acid. In addition, the corresponding bis[1-acetyl-3-aryl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazoles] 4i-m were formed through conducting the reaction of 3 with hydrazine hydrate in refluxing acetic acid. The starting bis(2-propen-1-ones) 3a-h were prepared stereoselectively as E,E'-geometric isomer via condensation of bisbenzaldehydes 1a,b with (un)substituted acetophenones 2 in ethanolic KOH solution. Anti-inflammatory as well as ulcerogenic activities of the prepared pyrazolines were evaluated in vivo and compared with that of a standard drug (indomethacin). Many of the tested compounds show remarkable anti-inflammatory properties with an ulcerogenic liability (especially 4f, g, j, and k) lower than that of the standard used drug. Compound 4f was established to be the best effectively prepared anti-inflammatory active pyrazoline derivative and safer than indomethacin with respect to its ulcerogenic liability. Molluscicidal activity of the prepared compounds against Biomphalaria alexandrina snails (the intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni) was screened. Where, some of the prepared compounds show considerable activities.