Membrane-Active Singlet Oxygen Photogenerators as a Paradigm for Broad-Spectrum Antivirals: The Case of Halogenated (BOron)-DIPYrromethenes

Enveloped viruses, such as flaviviruses and coronaviruses, are pathogens of significant medical concern that cause severe infections in humans. Some photosensitizers are known to possess virucidal activity against enveloped viruses, targeting their lipid bilayer. Here we report a series of halogenated difluoroboron-dipyrromethene (BODIPYs) photosensitizers with strong virus-inactivating activity. Our structure-activity relationship analysis revealed that BODIPY scaffolds with a heavy halogen atom demonstrate significant efficacy against both tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV; Flaviviridae family) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2; Coronaviridae family) along with high singlet oxygen quantum yields. Moreover, select compounds also inactivated other enveloped viruses, such as herpes simplex virus type 1 and monkeypox virus. The nature and length of the alkyl side chain notably influenced the virus-inactivating activity of BODIPY molecules. Furthermore, molecular dynamics studies highlighted the critical importance of the positioning of the chromophore moiety within the lipid bilayer. As membrane-targeting photosensitizers, BODIPYs interact directly with virus particles, causing damage to the viral envelope membranes. Thus, TBEV pretreated with BODIPY was completely noninfective for lab mice. Consequently, BODIPY-based photosensitizers hold potential either as broad-spectrum virus-inactivating antivirals against a variety of phylogenetically unrelated enveloped viruses or as potent inactivators of viruses for the development of vaccines for preventing life-threatening emerging viral diseases.

Diiodo-BODIPY Sensitizing of the [Mo3S13]2- Cluster for Noble-Metal-Free Visible-Light-Driven Hydrogen Evolution within a Polyampholytic Matrix

We report on a photocatalytic setup that utilizes the organic photosensitizer (PS) diiodo-BODIPY and the non-precious-metal-based hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalyst (NH₄)₂[Mo₃S₁₃] together with a polyampholytic unimolecular matrix poly(dehydroalanine)-graft-poly(ethylene glycol) (PDha-g-PEG) in aqueous media. The system shows exceptionally high performance with turnover numbers (TON > 7300) and turnover frequencies (TOF > 450 h^-1) that are typical for noble-metal-containing systems. Excited-state absorption spectra reveal the formation of a long-lived triplet state of the PS in both aqueous and organic media. The system is a blueprint for developing noble-metal-free HER in water. Component optimization, e.g., by modification of the meso substituent of the PS and the composition of the HER catalyst, is further possible.

Synthesis and Functions of Oligomeric and Multidentate Dipyrrin Derivatives and their Complexes

The dipyrrin–metal complexes and especially the boron complex 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (BODIPY) have recently attracted considerable attention because of their interesting properties and possible applications. We have developed two unique and useful ways to extend versatility and usefulness of the dipyrrin complexes. The first one is the linear and macrocyclic oligomerization of the BODIPY units. These arrangements of the B–F moieties of the oligomerized BODIPY units provide sophisticated functions, such as unique recognition ability toward cationic guest, associated with changes in the photophysical properties by utilizing unprecedented interactions between the B–F and a cationic species. The second one is introduction of additional ligating moieties into the dipyrrin skeleton. The multidentate N2Ox dipyrrin ligands thus obtained form a variety of complexes with 13 and 14 group elements, which are difficult to synthesize using the original N2 dipyrrin derivatives. Interestingly, these unique complexes exhibit novel structures, properties, and functions such as guest recognition, stimuli-responsive structural conversion, switching of the optical properties, excellent stability of the neutral radicals, etc. We believe that these multifunctional dipyrrin complexes will advance the basic chemistry of the dipyrrin complexes and develop their applications in the materials and medicinal chemistry fields.

1 Introduction

2 Linear Oligomers of Boron–Dipyrrin Complexes

3 Cyclic Oligomers of Boron–Dipyrrin Complexes

4 A Cyclic Oligomer of Zinc–Dipyrrin Complexes

5 Group 13 Element Complexes of N2Ox Dipyrrins

6 Chiral N2 and N2Ox Dipyrrin Complexes

7 Group 14 Element Complexes of N2O2 Dipyrrins

8 Other N2O2 Dipyrrin Complexes with Unique Properties and Functions

9 Conclusion

BODIPY-based macrocycles

During the past few years, the construction of BODIPY-based macrocycles has attracted extensive interest due to the widespread applications of these materials in sensing, bioimaging, molecular machines, and photodynamic therapy (PDT). Since significant progress has been made in this field, it is time to summarize the recent developments involving BODIPY-based macrocycles. In this review, we will briefly introduce the synthesis routes of BODIPY-based macrocycles, including a covalent synthetic protocol and a noncovalent self-assembly protocol. In addition, we will discuss the photophysical and photochemical properties and the applications of these BODIPY-based macrocycles in the areas of sensing, bioimaging, photodynamic therapy, etc.

Functional Supramolecular Architectures of Dipyrrin Complexes

Dynamic formation of self-assemblies from molecular components is a useful and efficient way to produce molecular and supramolecular architectures with sophisticated functions. The labile coordination bond and dynamic covalent bond as a reversible bond have often been used to create a well-organized supramolecular self-assembly. In order to realize sophisticated novel functions of the supramolecular self-assemblies, dipyrrin complexes have recently been employed as a functional unit and incorporated into the supramolecular architectures because of their outstanding properties and functions such as a high photostability and strong light absorption/emission. This review article summarizes recent development in functional supramolecular architectures of the dipyrrin complexes produced by coordination to a metal ion and dynamic covalent bond formation. We first describe the synthesis and unique functions of a series of discrete supramolecular architectures: helicates, macrocycles, and cages. The polymeric supramolecular self-assemblies with 1D, 2D, and 3D structures are then introduced as a functional infinite supramolecular architecture.

β-IminoBODIPY oligomers: facilely accessible π-conjugated luminescent BODIPY arrays

A combination of imine-BODIPY chemistry was employed to fabricate luminescent π-conjugated BODIPY oligomers and BODIPY-functionalized silica gel.

Development of solid-state emissive o-carboranes and theoretical investigation of the mechanism of the aggregation-induced emission behaviors of organoboron “element-blocks”

This paper presents the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties of o-carborane derivatives and proposes a potential strategy for constructing AIE-active organoboron complexes via the enhancement of freedom of intramolecular mobility. Initially, the optical properties of o-carborane derivatives with or without the fused ring structure at the C–C bond in o-carborane in which elongation should be induced by photo-excitation according to theoretical calculations were compared. Accordingly, it was shown that large mobility at the C–C bond in o-carborane should be responsible for the annihilation of emission in solution, leading to the AIE property. From this result, it was presumed that by enhancing the freedom of intramolecular mobility in conventional luminescent organoboron complexes, the deactivation of the excited state in solution and emission recovery in the aggregate can be induced. Based on this idea, we have performed several studies and introduce two representative results. Firstly, the decrease in luminescent properties of boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) in solution by introducing a movable functional group is explained. Next, the AIE behaviors of boron ketoiminates and the potential mechanism concerning conformational changes for the deactivation of the excited state in the solution state are illustrated. It is proposed that enhancement of the freedom of mobility in the excited state of luminescent organoboron complexes could be a potential strategy for realizing AIE behaviors.

Preservation of main-chain conjugation through BODIPY-containing alternating polymers from electronic interactions with side-chain substituents by cardo boron structures

This manuscript describes the synthesis and electronic structures of the modified boron dipyrromethene derivatives containing cardo boron.

BODIPY atropisomer interconversion, face discrimination, and superstructure appending

Atropisomerism and atropisomer interconversion in the BODIPY series are presented. It was used to synthesize a picket-fence-like BODIPY and to examine the BODIPY face discrimination. Pickets are aimed at preventing π-stacking of the BODIPY platform.

Flexible MOFs under stress: pressure and temperature

In the recent past an enormous number of Metal–Organic Framework type compounds (MOFs) have been synthesized.