Luminescent Lanthanide Probes for Inorganic and Organic Phosphates

Inorganic and organic phosphates-including orthophosphate, nucleotides, and DNA-are some of the most fundamental anions in cellular biology, regulating numerous processes of both medical and environmental significance. The characteristic long lifetimes of emitting lanthanides, including the brighter europium(III) and terbium(III), make them ideally suited for the development of molecular probes for the detection of phosphates directly in complex aqueous media. Moreover, given their high oxophilicity and the exquisite sensitivity of their quantum yields to their hydration number, those luminescent lanthanides are perfect for the detection of phosphates. Herein we discuss the principles that have guided the recent developments of molecular probes selective for inorganic or organic phosphates and how these lanthanide complexes facilitate the study of numerous biological processes.

Bright red emission with high color purity from Eu(iii) complexes with π-conjugated polycyclic aromatic ligands and their sensing applications

Eu(iii) complexes emit red light with a high color purity and have consequently attracted attention for development toward display and physical sensing applications. The characteristic pure color emission originates from the intra-4f-4f transition, and the brightness strongly depends on the electronic and steric structures of organic ligands. A large π-conjugated ligand design with a large absorption coefficient has been actively studied for achieving bright emission. The π-conjugated Eu(iii) luminophores also provide oxygen and temperature sensing properties by controlling their excited state dynamics based on π-electron systems. A comprehensive understanding of the design strategy of large π-conjugated ligands is crucial for the further development of luminescent Eu(iii) complexes. In this review, we summarize the research progress on π-conjugated Eu(iii) luminophores exhibiting bright emission and their physical sensing applications.

The design of responsive luminescent lanthanide probes and sensors

The principles of the design of responsive luminescent probes and sensors based on lanthanide emission are summarised, based on a mechanistic understanding of their mode of action. Competing kinetic pathways for deactivation of the excited states that occur are described, highlighting the need to consider each of the salient quenching processes. Such an analysis dictates the choice of both the ligand and its integral sensitising moiety for the particular application. The key aspects of quenching involving electron transfer and vibrational and electronic energy transfer are highlighted and exemplified. Responsive systems for pH, pM, pX and pO₂ and selected biochemical analytes are distinguished, according to the nature of the optical signal observed. Signal changes include both simple and ratiometric intensity measurements, emission lifetime variations and the unique features associated with the observation of circularly polarised luminescence (CPL) for chiral systems. A classification of responsive lanthanide probes is introduced. Examples of the operation of probes for reactive oxygen species, citrate, bicarbonate, α₁-AGP and pH are used to illustrate reversible and irreversible transformations of the ligand constitution, as well as the reversible changes to the metal primary and secondary coordination sphere that sensitively perturb the ligand field. Finally, systems that function by modulation of dynamic quenching of the ligand or metal excited states are described, including real time observation of endosomal acidification in living cells, rapid urate analysis in serum, accurate temperature assessment in confined compartments and high throughput screening of drug binding to G-protein coupled receptors.

Time-resolved luminescence detection of peroxynitrite using a reactivity-based lanthanide probe

Peroxynitrite (ONOO-) is a powerful and short-lived oxidant formed in vivo, which can react with most biomolecules directly. To fully understand the roles of ONOO- in cell biology, improved methods for the selective detection and real-time analysis of ONOO- are needed. We present a water-soluble, luminescent europium(iii) probe for the rapid and sensitive detection of peroxynitrite in human serum, living cells and biological matrices. We have utilised the long luminescence lifetime of the probe to measure ONOO- in a time-resolved manner, effectively avoiding the influence of autofluorescence in biological samples. To demonstrate the utility of the Eu(iii) probe, we monitored the production of ONOO- in different cell lines, following treatment with a cold atmospheric plasma device commonly used in the clinic for skin wound treatment.

First aggregation-induced emission of a Tb(iii) luminophore based on modulation of ligand–ligand charge transfer bands

Herein the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) of a Tb(iii) complex is reported for the first time.

Lanthanide-based tools for the investigation of cellular environments

Biological probes constructed from lanthanides can provide a variety of readout signals, such as the luminescence of Eu(iii), Tb(iii), Yb(iii), Sm(iii) and Dy(iii), and the proton relaxation enhancement of Gd(iii) and Eu(ii). For numerous applications the intracellular delivery of the lanthanide probe is essential. Here, we review the methods for the intracellular delivery of non-targeted complexes (i.e. where the overall complex structure enhances cellular uptake), as well as complexes attached to a targeting unit (i.e. to a peptide or a small molecule) that facilitates delivery. The cellular applications of lanthanide-based supramolecules (dendrimers, metal organic frameworks) are covered briefly. Throughout, we emphasize the techniques that can confirm the intracellular localization of the lanthanides and those that enable the determination of the fate of the probes once inside the cell. Finally, we highlight methods that have not yet been applied in the context of lanthanide-based probes, but have been successful in the intracellular delivery of other metal-based probes.

Seven-coordinate lanthanide complexes with a tripodal redox active ligand: structural, electrochemical and spectroscopic investigations

One-electron oxidation of the lanthanide complexes affords phenoxyl radical species. Radical formation is accompanied by a quenching of the metal-based luminescence.

Functionalisation of ligands through click chemistry: long-lived NIR emission from organic Er(iii) complexes with a perfluorinated core and a hydrogen-containing shell

Erbium complexes with a fluorinated organic core shell linked to a hydrogen-containing shell, have been synthesized using the click reaction between erbium(iii) bis(perfluoro-4-azidophenyl)phosphinate and a series of alkynes.

A visible-light-excited Eu3+complex-based luminescent probe for highly sensitive time-gated luminescence imaging detection of intracellular peroxynitrite

A visible-light-excited europium complex was developed for highly sensitive imaging of intracellular peroxynitrite with time-gated luminescence mode.

A redox active switch for lanthanide luminescence in phenolate complexes

The reversible oxidation of coordinated phenolates into phenoxyl radicals results in a dramatic quenching (>95%) of the luminescence of the f metal ion.

Detection of NAD(P)H-dependent enzyme activity by time-domain ratiometry of terbium luminescence

NAD(P)H-dependent oxidoreductases play important roles in biology. Recently, we reported that the luminescence lifetime of some Tb(3+) complexes is sensitive to NAD(P)H, and we used this phenomenon to detect activities of these enzymes. However, conventional time-resolved luminescence assays are susceptible to static quenchers such as ATP. Herein we describe a detection methodology that overcomes this issue: the intensity of the sample is measured twice with different delay times and the intensity ratio value is used as an index of NAD(P)H concentration. The method is more robust than single-point measurement, and is compatible with high-throughput assays using conventional microplate readers.

Detection of NAD(P)H-dependent enzyme activity with dynamic luminescence quenching of terbium complexes

We discovered that positively charged terbium complexes bearing 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane functionalized with amide ligands are highly sensitive to dynamic luminescence quenching by NAD(P)H. We exploited this phenomenon to establish a general time-resolved luminescence-based assay platform for sensitive detection of NAD(P)H-dependent enzyme activities.

Induced europium CPL for the selective signalling of phosphorylated amino-acids and O-phosphorylated hexapeptides

Circularly polarised luminescence signals selectively the binding of a range of chiral phosphorylated molecules.

Chiral probe development for circularly polarised luminescence: comparative study of structural factors determining the degree of induced CPL with four heptacoordinate europium(iii) complexes

Induced CPL signatures arising from the reversible binding of chiral carboxylates allow their absolute configuration and enantiomeric purity to be assessed.

A ketone functionalized luminescent terbium metal–organic framework for sensing of small molecules

A ketone functionalized luminescent terbium metal–organic framework has been realized for the highly selective and sensitive sensing of aniline.

EuroTracker® dyes: design, synthesis, structure and photophysical properties of very bright europium complexes and their use in bioassays and cellular optical imaging

The creation of the most emissive series of europium complexes is traced and examples given of their use in imaging.

Evaluation of triazole-chelated lanthanides as chemically stabile bioimaging agents

Europium (Eu), dysprosium (Dy), samarium (Sm), and terbium (Tb) complexes were prepared using the neutral tridentate chelator 2,6-bis(1-benzyl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)pyridine and one equivalent of each lanthanide salt. The physicochemical, aerodynamic, and in vitro cellular properties of each lanthanide metal complex were studied to determine their viability as cell surface fluorescent probes. Each compound was characterized by electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (ESI-MS), ultraperformance liquid chromatography (UPLC), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetic analysis (TGA). Upon excitation at 320 nm each complex displayed characteristic lanthanide-based fluorescence emission in the visible wavelength range with stokes shifts greater than 200 nm. Each complex was found to be chemically stable when exposed to pH range of 1-11 for 72 h and resistant to photobleaching. To simulate pulmonary administration of these fluorophores, the aerodynamic properties of the Eu and Tb complexes were determined using a next generation impactor (NGI). This measurement confirmed that the complexes retain their fluorescence emission properties after nebulization. Cellular cytotoxicity was determined on A-549 lung cancer cell line using methylthiazol tetrazolium (MTT) cytotoxicity assay at 24, 48, and 72 h postexposure to the complexes. The complexes showed a dose and time-dependent effect on the percent viability of the cells.

Evidence for the optical signalling of changes in bicarbonate concentration within the mitochondrial region of living cells

Image and spectral intensity from bicarbonate-selective europium(III) probes localised in the mitochondria of cells is modulated reversibly by variation of external pCO(2), and is suppressed by addition of the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, acetazolomide.

Critical Design Factors for Optical Imaging with Metal Coordination Complexes

Metal coordination complexes are emerging as an important class of optical imaging probes. They may function not only as stains for particular cell compartments, but also as responsive probes, able to report on changes in local ionic composition. The critical factors to consider in designing such probes are reviewed, including issues of cell uptake and compartmentalization, the degree of non-invasiveness and their functional performance. Prospects are considered for the development of lanthanide(iii) probes capable of reporting changes in local bicarbonate, citrate, and lactate.

A europium complex with enhanced long-wavelength sensitized luminescent properties

We report a new complex Eu(tta)(3).bpt (tta = thenoyltrifluoroacetonate; bpt = 2-(N,N-di-ethylanilin-4-yl)-4,6-bis(pyrazol-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazine) with excellent long-wavelength sensitized luminescent properties, in which four hydrogen atoms replace the methyl groups at the 3,3'- and 5,5'-positions of the pyrazolyl rings in a previously reported complex Eu(tta)(3).dpbt. Upon visible-light excitation (lambda(ex) = 410 nm) at 295 K, the quantum yield (Phi(Ln)(L)) of Eu(3+) luminescence of Eu(tta)(3).bpt is higher by 23% than that of Eu(tta)(3).dpbt. Different from the case of Eu(tta)(3).dpbt, Phi(Ln)(L) of Eu(tta)(3).bpt increases linearly with the decrease in temperature. Because of the different coordination environments around Eu(3+) ion, the fine structure of the hypersensitive (5)D(0)-->(7)F(2) emission band of Eu(tta)(3).bpt is quite different from that of Eu(tta)(3).dpbt, with the strongest emission line locating at 620 nm rather than 613 nm where the strongest emission line of Eu(tta)(3).dpbt appears. The excitation window of Eu(tta)(3).bpt is much broader than that of Eu(tta)(3).dpbt with a red edge extending up to 450 nm in a dilute toluene solution (1.0 x 10(-5) M) and 500 nm in a toluene solution (1.0 x 10(-2) M). Eu(tta)(3).bpt also exhibits excellent two-photon-excitation luminescent properties.