1
|
Monzón-Bensojo JF, Flores-Hidalgo MA, Flores-Barraza R, Barraza-Jiménez D. Theoretical FRET Efficiency of an Antenna Material Containing Natural Dyes and Zeolite L. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:15594-15610. [PMID: 37151506 PMCID: PMC10157681 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c01010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
We calculated the Förster resonance energy-transfer (FRET) efficiency of a theoretical host-guest composite formed by all-trans β-cryptoxanthin (BCRY), all-trans zeaxanthin (ZEA), and a zeolite-LTL (Linde Type L) nanochannel with the help of computational chemistry tools. Climate change demands urgently the development of novel renewable energies, and in such a context, artificial photosynthesis arises as a promising technology capable of contributing to satisfying humankind's energy needs. All artificial photosynthetic devices need antennas to harvest and transfer energy to a reaction center efficiently. Antenna materials integrated by highly fluorescent synthetic pigments embedded onto the nanochannels of a zeolite-LTL have already been shown experimentally to be very efficient supramolecular assemblies. However, research work computing the efficiency of an antenna made of nonfluorescent natural pigments and a zeolite-LTL nanochannel has not been undertaken yet, at least to our knowledge. Fortunately, natural dyes possess outstanding features to study them dynamically; they are environmentally friendly, inexpensive, ubiquitous, and abundant. Density functional theory (DFT) methods were chiefly employed along with the CAM-B3LYP functional and the 3-21G*/6-311+G(d,p) basis sets. The ONIOM method enabled geometry and energy calculations of dyes inside the zeolite-LTL (ZL) nanochannel. The Förster resonance energy-transfer (FRET) efficiency and the Förster radius of the composite were 40.9% and 24.9 Å, respectively. Theoretical findings suggested that this composite might contribute to diminishing costs and improving the environmental friendliness of an antenna system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Francisco Monzón-Bensojo
- Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango (UJED), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Av. Veterinaria s/n, Circuito Universitario, Col. Valle del sur, C.P. 34120 Victoria de Durango, Durango, México
| | - Manuel Alberto Flores-Hidalgo
- Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango (UJED), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Av. Veterinaria s/n, Circuito Universitario, Col. Valle del sur, C.P. 34120 Victoria de Durango, Durango, México
| | - Ruth Flores-Barraza
- Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango (UJED), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Av. Veterinaria s/n, Circuito Universitario, Col. Valle del sur, C.P. 34120 Victoria de Durango, Durango, México
| | - Diana Barraza-Jiménez
- Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango (UJED), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Av. Veterinaria s/n, Circuito Universitario, Col. Valle del sur, C.P. 34120 Victoria de Durango, Durango, México
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Curcio M, Nicoli F, Paltrinieri E, Fois E, Tabacchi G, Cavallo L, Silvi S, Baroncini M, Credi A. Chemically Induced Mismatch of Rings and Stations in [3]Rotaxanes. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:8046-8055. [PMID: 33915051 PMCID: PMC8176457 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c02230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
![]()
The mechanical interlocking
of molecular components can lead to
the appearance of novel and unconventional properties and processes,
with potential relevance for applications in nanoscience, sensing,
catalysis, and materials science. We describe a [3]rotaxane in which
the number of recognition sites available on the axle component can
be changed by acid–base inputs, encompassing cases in which
this number is larger, equal to, or smaller than the number of interlocked
macrocycles. These species exhibit very different properties and give
rise to a unique network of acid–base reactions that leads
to a fine pKa tuning of chemically equivalent
acidic sites. The rotaxane where only one station is available for
two rings exhibits a rich coconformational dynamics, unveiled by an
integrated experimental and computational approach. In this compound,
the two crown ethers compete for the sole recognition site, but can
also come together to share it, driven by the need to minimize free
energy without evident inter-ring interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Curcio
- Dipartimento di Chimica Industriale "Toso Montanari", Università di Bologna, Bologna 40136, Italy.,Center for Light Activated Nanostructures, Istituto ISOF-CNR, Bologna 40129, Italy
| | - Federico Nicoli
- Dipartimento di Chimica Industriale "Toso Montanari", Università di Bologna, Bologna 40136, Italy.,Center for Light Activated Nanostructures, Istituto ISOF-CNR, Bologna 40129, Italy
| | - Erica Paltrinieri
- Dipartimento di Chimica Industriale "Toso Montanari", Università di Bologna, Bologna 40136, Italy.,Center for Light Activated Nanostructures, Istituto ISOF-CNR, Bologna 40129, Italy
| | - Ettore Fois
- Dipartimento di Scienza e Alta Tecnologia, Università dell'Insubria, Como 22100, Italy
| | - Gloria Tabacchi
- Dipartimento di Scienza e Alta Tecnologia, Università dell'Insubria, Como 22100, Italy
| | - Luigi Cavallo
- Kaust Catalysis Center, Physical Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Serena Silvi
- Center for Light Activated Nanostructures, Istituto ISOF-CNR, Bologna 40129, Italy.,Dipartimento di Chimica "Giacomo Ciamician", Università di Bologna, Bologna 40126, Italy
| | - Massimo Baroncini
- Center for Light Activated Nanostructures, Istituto ISOF-CNR, Bologna 40129, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agro-alimentari, Università di Bologna, Bologna 40127, Italy
| | - Alberto Credi
- Dipartimento di Chimica Industriale "Toso Montanari", Università di Bologna, Bologna 40136, Italy.,Center for Light Activated Nanostructures, Istituto ISOF-CNR, Bologna 40129, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fois E, Oriani M, Tabacchi G. A post-HF approach to the sunscreen octyl methoxycinnamate. J Chem Phys 2021; 154:144304. [PMID: 33858162 DOI: 10.1063/5.0046118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Octyl methoxycinnamate (2-ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate, OMC) is a commercial sunscreen known as octinoxate with excellent UVB filter properties. However, it is known to undergo a series of photodegradation processes that decrease its effectiveness as a UVB filter. In particular, the trans (E) form-which is considered so far as the most stable isomer-converts to the cis (Z) form under the effect of light. In this work, by using post-Hartree-Fock approaches [CCSD, CCSD(t), and CCSD + T(CCSD)] on ground state OMC geometries optimized at the MP2 level, we show that the cis and trans forms of the gas-phase OMC molecule have comparable stability. Test calculations on the same structures with a series of dispersion-corrected density functional theory-based approaches including the B2PLYP double hybrid predict the trans structures to be energetically favored, missing the subtle stabilization of cis-OMC. Our results suggest that the cis form is stabilized by intra-molecular dispersion interactions, leading to a folded more compact structure than the trans isomer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ettore Fois
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria and INSTM UdR Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, I-22100 Como, Italy
| | - Mario Oriani
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria and INSTM UdR Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, I-22100 Como, Italy
| | - Gloria Tabacchi
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria and INSTM UdR Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, I-22100 Como, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Groppi J, Casimiro L, Canton M, Corra S, Jafari‐Nasab M, Tabacchi G, Cavallo L, Baroncini M, Silvi S, Fois E, Credi A. Precision Molecular Threading/Dethreading. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202003064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Groppi
- CLAN-Center for Light Activated Nanostructures Istituto ISOF-CNR via Gobetti 101 40129 Bologna Italy
| | - Lorenzo Casimiro
- CLAN-Center for Light Activated Nanostructures Istituto ISOF-CNR via Gobetti 101 40129 Bologna Italy
- Dipartimento di Chimica “G. Ciamician” Università di Bologna via Selmi 2 40126 Bologna Italy
| | - Martina Canton
- CLAN-Center for Light Activated Nanostructures Istituto ISOF-CNR via Gobetti 101 40129 Bologna Italy
- Dipartimento di Chimica Industriale “Toso Montanari” Università di Bologna viale del Risorgimento 4 40136 Bologna Italy
| | - Stefano Corra
- CLAN-Center for Light Activated Nanostructures Istituto ISOF-CNR via Gobetti 101 40129 Bologna Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agro-alimentari Università di Bologna viale Fanin 44 40127 Bologna Italy
| | - Mina Jafari‐Nasab
- Dipartimento di Chimica “G. Ciamician” Università di Bologna via Selmi 2 40126 Bologna Italy
| | - Gloria Tabacchi
- Dipartimento di Scienza ed Alta Tecnologia and INSTM Università dell'Insubria via Valleggio 11 22100 Como Italy
| | - Luigi Cavallo
- KAUST Catalysis Center King Abdullah University of Science and Technology Thuwal 23955-6900 Saudi Arabia
| | - Massimo Baroncini
- CLAN-Center for Light Activated Nanostructures Istituto ISOF-CNR via Gobetti 101 40129 Bologna Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agro-alimentari Università di Bologna viale Fanin 44 40127 Bologna Italy
| | - Serena Silvi
- CLAN-Center for Light Activated Nanostructures Istituto ISOF-CNR via Gobetti 101 40129 Bologna Italy
- Dipartimento di Chimica “G. Ciamician” Università di Bologna via Selmi 2 40126 Bologna Italy
| | - Ettore Fois
- Dipartimento di Scienza ed Alta Tecnologia and INSTM Università dell'Insubria via Valleggio 11 22100 Como Italy
| | - Alberto Credi
- CLAN-Center for Light Activated Nanostructures Istituto ISOF-CNR via Gobetti 101 40129 Bologna Italy
- Dipartimento di Chimica Industriale “Toso Montanari” Università di Bologna viale del Risorgimento 4 40136 Bologna Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Groppi J, Casimiro L, Canton M, Corra S, Jafari‐Nasab M, Tabacchi G, Cavallo L, Baroncini M, Silvi S, Fois E, Credi A. Precision Molecular Threading/Dethreading. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020; 59:14825-14834. [PMID: 32396687 PMCID: PMC7496742 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202003064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The general principles guiding the design of molecular machines based on interlocked structures are well known. Nonetheless, the identification of suitable molecular components for a precise tuning of the energetic parameters that determine the mechanical link is still challenging. Indeed, what are the reasons of the "all-or-nothing" effect, which turns a molecular "speed-bump" into a stopper in pseudorotaxane-based architectures? Here we investigate the threading and dethreading processes for a representative class of molecular components, based on symmetric dibenzylammonium axles and dibenzo[24]crown-8 ether, with a joint experimental-computational strategy. From the analysis of quantitative data and an atomistic insight, we derive simple rules correlating the kinetic behaviour with the substitution pattern, and provide rational guidelines for the design of modules to be integrated in molecular switches and motors with sophisticated dynamic features.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Groppi
- CLAN-Center for Light Activated NanostructuresIstituto ISOF-CNRvia Gobetti 10140129BolognaItaly
| | - Lorenzo Casimiro
- CLAN-Center for Light Activated NanostructuresIstituto ISOF-CNRvia Gobetti 10140129BolognaItaly
- Dipartimento di Chimica “G. Ciamician”Università di Bolognavia Selmi 240126BolognaItaly
| | - Martina Canton
- CLAN-Center for Light Activated NanostructuresIstituto ISOF-CNRvia Gobetti 10140129BolognaItaly
- Dipartimento di Chimica Industriale “Toso Montanari”Università di Bolognaviale del Risorgimento 440136BolognaItaly
| | - Stefano Corra
- CLAN-Center for Light Activated NanostructuresIstituto ISOF-CNRvia Gobetti 10140129BolognaItaly
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agro-alimentariUniversità di Bolognaviale Fanin 4440127BolognaItaly
| | - Mina Jafari‐Nasab
- Dipartimento di Chimica “G. Ciamician”Università di Bolognavia Selmi 240126BolognaItaly
| | - Gloria Tabacchi
- Dipartimento di Scienza ed Alta Tecnologia and INSTMUniversità dell'Insubriavia Valleggio 1122100ComoItaly
| | - Luigi Cavallo
- KAUST Catalysis CenterKing Abdullah University of Science and TechnologyThuwal23955-6900Saudi Arabia
| | - Massimo Baroncini
- CLAN-Center for Light Activated NanostructuresIstituto ISOF-CNRvia Gobetti 10140129BolognaItaly
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agro-alimentariUniversità di Bolognaviale Fanin 4440127BolognaItaly
| | - Serena Silvi
- CLAN-Center for Light Activated NanostructuresIstituto ISOF-CNRvia Gobetti 10140129BolognaItaly
- Dipartimento di Chimica “G. Ciamician”Università di Bolognavia Selmi 240126BolognaItaly
| | - Ettore Fois
- Dipartimento di Scienza ed Alta Tecnologia and INSTMUniversità dell'Insubriavia Valleggio 1122100ComoItaly
| | - Alberto Credi
- CLAN-Center for Light Activated NanostructuresIstituto ISOF-CNRvia Gobetti 10140129BolognaItaly
- Dipartimento di Chimica Industriale “Toso Montanari”Università di Bolognaviale del Risorgimento 440136BolognaItaly
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lebovka NI, Tatochenko MO, Vygornitskii NV, Tarasevich YY. Paris car parking problem for partially oriented discorectangles on a line. Phys Rev E 2020; 102:012128. [PMID: 32795031 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.102.012128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The random sequential adsorption (RSA) of identical elongated particles (discorectangles) on a line ("Paris car parking problem") was studied numerically. An off-lattice model with continuous positional and orientational degrees of freedom was considered. The possible orientations of the discorectanles were restricted between θ∈[-θ_{m};θ_{m}] while the aspect ratio (length-to-width ratio) for the discorectangles was varied within the range ɛ∈[1;100]. Additionally, the limiting case ɛ=∞ (i.e., widthless sticks) was considered. We observed that the RSA deposition for the problem under consideration was governed by the formation of rarefied holes (containing particles oriented along a line) surrounded by comparatively dense stacks (filled with almost parallel particles oriented in the vertical direction). The kinetics of the changes of the order parameter and the packing density are discussed. Partial ordering of the discorectangles significantly affected the packing density at the jamming state, φ_{j}, and shifted the cusps in the φ_{j}(ɛ) dependencies. This can be explained by the effects on the competition between the particles' orientational degrees of freedom and the excluded volume effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolai I Lebovka
- Department of Physical Chemistry of Disperse Minerals, F. D. Ovcharenko Institute of Biocolloidal Chemistry, NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv 03142, Ukraine
- Department of Physics, Taras Shevchenko Kiev National University, Kyiv 01033, Ukraine
| | | | - Nikolai V Vygornitskii
- Department of Physical Chemistry of Disperse Minerals, F. D. Ovcharenko Institute of Biocolloidal Chemistry, NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv 03142, Ukraine
| | - Yuri Yu Tarasevich
- Laboratory of Mathematical Modeling, Astrakhan State University, Astrakhan 414056, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Xue Z, Chen S, Xue Y, Watson OA, Zang L. Electrochemical Study of Structure Tunable Perylene Diimides and The Nanofibers Deposited on Electrodes. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2019; 35:12009-12016. [PMID: 31433938 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.9b01943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The electrochemical behavior of organic conjugated semiconductors and their bulk materials is a considerable and irreplaceable parameter to maintain their diverse electronic or optoelectronic applications. In this paper, a series of n-type symmetrical perylene diimide derivatives (PTCDIs) with substituents (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT), cyclohexane, acetic acid, or propionic acid) at located the nitrogens imide position were synthesized, and their solubility, optical features, thermal stability, as well as solution-phase interfacial self-assembly into one-dimensional (1D) nanofibers and related morphology were discussed in detail. Moreover, a simple but effective method, in situ deposition following in situ self-assembly, was developed to construct uniform electrodes over a large area coated with networked PTCDI nanofibers. Then the electrochemical properties of the PTCDI nanofibers were researched in comparison with their molecules. The excellent variability at molecular or nanoscale morphological level will provide an interesting insight into the research of PTCDIs in a wide range applications of organic electronics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zexu Xue
- School of Pharmacy , Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University , Nanchang 330013 , Jiangxi China
| | - Shuai Chen
- School of Pharmacy , Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University , Nanchang 330013 , Jiangxi China
- Nano Institute of Utah and Department of Materials Science and Engineering , University of Utah , Salt Lake City 84112 , Utah United States
| | - Yu Xue
- School of Pharmacy , Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University , Nanchang 330013 , Jiangxi China
| | - Olivia Anielle Watson
- Nano Institute of Utah and Department of Materials Science and Engineering , University of Utah , Salt Lake City 84112 , Utah United States
| | - Ling Zang
- Nano Institute of Utah and Department of Materials Science and Engineering , University of Utah , Salt Lake City 84112 , Utah United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tabacchi G, Fabbiani M, Mino L, Martra G, Fois E. The Case of Formic Acid on Anatase TiO 2 (101): Where is the Acid Proton? Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019; 58:12431-12434. [PMID: 31310450 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201906709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Carboxylic-acid adsorption on anatase TiO2 is a relevant process in many technological applications. Yet, despite several decades of investigations, the acid-proton localization-either on the molecule or on the surface-is still an open issue. By modeling the adsorption of formic acid on top of anatase(101) surfaces, we highlight the formation of a short strong hydrogen bond. In the 0 K limit, the acid-proton behavior is ruled by quantum delocalization effects in a single potential well, while at ambient conditions, the proton undergoes a rapid classical shuttling in a shallow two-well free-energy profile. This picture, supported by agreement with available experiments, shows that the anatase surface acts like a protecting group for the carboxylic acid functionality. Such a new conceptual insight might help rationalize chemical processes involving carboxylic acids on oxide surfaces.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Tabacchi
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria and INSTM, via Valleggio 9, I-22100, Como, Italy
| | - Marco Fabbiani
- Department of Chemistry and Nanostructured Interfaces and Surfaces NIS interdepartmental centre, University of Torino, via P. Giuria 7, I-10125, Torino, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Mino
- Department of Chemistry and Nanostructured Interfaces and Surfaces NIS interdepartmental centre, University of Torino, via P. Giuria 7, I-10125, Torino, Italy
| | - Gianmario Martra
- Department of Chemistry and Nanostructured Interfaces and Surfaces NIS interdepartmental centre, University of Torino, via P. Giuria 7, I-10125, Torino, Italy
| | - Ettore Fois
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria and INSTM, via Valleggio 9, I-22100, Como, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Tabacchi G, Fabbiani M, Mino L, Martra G, Fois E. The Case of Formic Acid on Anatase TiO
2
(101): Where is the Acid Proton? Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201906709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Tabacchi
- Department of Science and High TechnologyUniversity of Insubria and INSTM via Valleggio 9 I-22100 Como Italy
| | - Marco Fabbiani
- Department of Chemistry and Nanostructured Interfaces and Surfaces NIS interdepartmental centreUniversity of Torino via P. Giuria 7 I-10125 Torino Italy
| | - Lorenzo Mino
- Department of Chemistry and Nanostructured Interfaces and Surfaces NIS interdepartmental centreUniversity of Torino via P. Giuria 7 I-10125 Torino Italy
| | - Gianmario Martra
- Department of Chemistry and Nanostructured Interfaces and Surfaces NIS interdepartmental centreUniversity of Torino via P. Giuria 7 I-10125 Torino Italy
| | - Ettore Fois
- Department of Science and High TechnologyUniversity of Insubria and INSTM via Valleggio 9 I-22100 Como Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chen Y, Jing C, Zhang X, Jiang D, Liu X, Dong B, Feng L, Li S, Zhang Y. Acid-salt treated CoAl layered double hydroxide nanosheets with enhanced adsorption capacity of methyl orange dye. J Colloid Interface Sci 2019; 548:100-109. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2019.03.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
11
|
Giussani L, Tabacchi G, Coluccia S, Fois E. Confining a Protein-Containing Water Nanodroplet inside Silica Nanochannels. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E2965. [PMID: 31216631 PMCID: PMC6627703 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20122965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Incorporation of biological systems in water nanodroplets has recently emerged as a new frontier to investigate structural changes of biomolecules, with perspective applications in ultra-fast drug delivery. We report on the molecular dynamics of the digestive protein Pepsin subjected to a double confinement. The double confinement stemmed from embedding the protein inside a water nanodroplet, which in turn was caged in a nanochannel mimicking the mesoporous silica SBA-15. The nano-bio-droplet, whose size fits with the pore diameter, behaved differently depending on the protonation state of the pore surface silanols. Neutral channel sections allowed for the droplet to flow, while deprotonated sections acted as anchoring piers for the droplet. Inside the droplet, the protein, not directly bonded to the surface, showed a behavior similar to that reported for bulk water solutions, indicating that double confinement should not alter its catalytic activity. Our results suggest that nanobiodroplets, recently fabricated in volatile environments, can be encapsulated and stored in mesoporous silicas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lara Giussani
- Dipartimento di Scienza e Alta Tecnologia and INSTM udr Como, Insubria University, Via Valleggio 9, I-22100 Como, Italy.
| | - Gloria Tabacchi
- Dipartimento di Scienza e Alta Tecnologia and INSTM udr Como, Insubria University, Via Valleggio 9, I-22100 Como, Italy.
| | - Salvatore Coluccia
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Turin University, Via P. Giuria 7, I-10125 Turin, Italy.
| | - Ettore Fois
- Dipartimento di Scienza e Alta Tecnologia and INSTM udr Como, Insubria University, Via Valleggio 9, I-22100 Como, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
Abstract
Confinement of molecules in one dimensional arrays of channel-shaped cavities has led to technologically interesting materials. However, the interactions governing the supramolecular aggregates still remain obscure, even for the most common guest molecule: water. Herein, we use computational chemistry methods (#compchem) to study the water organization inside two different channel-type environments: zeolite L – a widely used matrix for inclusion of dye molecules, and ZLMOF – the closest metal-organic-framework mimic of zeolite L. In ZLMOF, the methyl groups of the ligands protrude inside the channels, creating nearly isolated nanocavities. These cavities host well-separated ring-shaped clusters of water molecules, dominated mainly by water-water hydrogen bonds. ZLMOF provides arrays of “isolated supramolecule” environments, which might be exploited for the individual confinement of small species with interesting optical or catalytic properties. In contrast, the one dimensional channels of zeolite L contain a continuous supramolecular structure, governed by the water interactions with potassium cations and by water-water hydrogen bonds. Water imparts a significant energetic stabilization to both materials, which increases with the water content in ZLMOF and follows the opposite trend in zeolite L. The water network in zeolite L contains an intriguing hypercoordinated structure, where a water molecule is surrounded by five strong hydrogen bonds. Such a structure, here described for the first time in zeolites, can be considered as a water pre-dissociation complex and might explain the experimentally detected high proton activity in zeolite L nanochannels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ettore Fois
- Department of Science and High Technology and INSTM , Università degli Studi dell’Insubria , Via Valleggio 11 , I-22100 Como , Italy
| | - Gloria Tabacchi
- Department of Science and High Technology and INSTM , Università degli Studi dell’Insubria , Via Valleggio 11 , I-22100 Como , Italy
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Calzaferri G. Entropy in multiple equilibria, compounds with different sites. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2018; 20:29070-29084. [PMID: 30452040 DOI: 10.1039/c8cp04145h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The influence of entropy in multiple chemical equilibria is investigated for systems with different types of sites for the condition that the binding enthalpy of the species is the same within each type of sites and independent of those species that are already bonded. This allows splitting of the free reaction enthalpy into the particle distribution term and all other contributions for each type of sites separately and, hence, to evaluate this entropy contribution to the free reaction enthalpy. The situations for which this applies can be chemically very different, e.g. acid base, ligand exchange, isomerisation, conformational change, rearrangement of a ligand, ion exchange, adsorption of a species on the surface of a particle or a dendrimer, insertion of charged or neutral species into the cavities of a microporous or mesoporous host. We provide physical insight by discussing Xrc1{n1ABn2}Xrc2 systems. The number of coordination sites A and B are n1 and n2, respectively. The indices rc1 = 1, 2,…,n1 and rc2 = 1, 2,…,n2 count the number of X bonded to sites A and sites B, respectively. An important result is that the large number of equilibrium constants needed to describe those situations can be expressed as a function of two constants only. This allows studying systems quantitatively by experimental and theoretical means which otherwise might be difficult to handle. It has also implication for theoretical studies in the sense that it is sufficient to model only two reactions instead of many in order to describe a system. The results remain valid for systems with more than two types of different sites. The description of the entropy driven development of the fractional equilibrium coverage of the sites provides a new tool for understanding adsorption and ion exchange isotherms. The fractional equilibrium coverage of the sites can be described as a linear combination of individual Langmuir isotherms despite of the fact that such a linear combination has never the shape of the original Langmuir isotherm. This is remarkable and very useful. It provides us with new tools for describing and testing isotherms based on well defined, transparent physical ideas. Explicit solution for systems with 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 12 coordination sites are reported. Applications to a system with 12 coordination sites serve to illustrate information that can be obtained for complex situations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gion Calzaferri
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
Empty spaces are abhorred by nature, which immediately rushes in to fill the void. Humans have learnt pretty well how to make ordered empty nanocontainers, and to get useful products out of them. When such an order is imparted to molecules, new properties may appear, often yielding advanced applications. This review illustrates how the organized void space inherently present in various materials: zeolites, clathrates, mesoporous silica/organosilica, and metal organic frameworks (MOF), for example, can be exploited to create confined, organized, and self-assembled supramolecular structures of low dimensionality. Features of the confining matrices relevant to organization are presented with special focus on molecular-level aspects. Selected examples of confined supramolecular assemblies - from small molecules to quantum dots or luminescent species - are aimed to show the complexity and potential of this approach. Natural confinement (minerals) and hyperconfinement (high pressure) provide further opportunities to understand and master the atomistic-level interactions governing supramolecular organization under nanospace restrictions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Tabacchi
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio, 9 I-22100, Como, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
|
16
|
Photoactive Nanomaterials Inspired by Nature: LTL Zeolite Doped with Laser Dyes as Artificial Light Harvesting Systems. MATERIALS 2017; 10:ma10050495. [PMID: 28772856 PMCID: PMC5459014 DOI: 10.3390/ma10050495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The herein reported work describes the development of hierarchically-organized fluorescent nanomaterials inspired by plant antenna systems. These hybrid materials are based on nanostructured zeolitic materials (LTL zeolite) doped with laser dyes, which implies a synergism between organic and inorganic moieties. The non-interconnected channeled structure and pore dimensions (7.1 Å) of the inorganic host are ideal to order and align the allocated fluorophores inside, inferring also high thermal and chemical stability. These artificial antennae harvest a broad range of chromatic radiation and convert it into predominant red-edge or alternatively white-light emission, just choosing the right dye combination and concentration ratio to modulate the efficiency of the ongoing energy transfer hops. A further degree of organization can be achieved by functionalizing the channel entrances of LTL zeolite with specific tailor-made (stopcock) molecules via a covalent linkage. These molecules plug the channels to avoid the leakage of the guest molecules absorbed inside, as well as connect the inner space of the zeolite with the outside thanks to energy transfer processes, making the coupling of the material with external devices easier.
Collapse
|
17
|
Arletti R, Fois E, Gigli L, Vezzalini G, Quartieri S, Tabacchi G. Irreversible Conversion of a Water-Ethanol Solution into an Organized Two-Dimensional Network of Alternating Supramolecular Units in a Hydrophobic Zeolite under Pressure. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201610949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Arletti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra; Università di Torino; Via Valperga Caluso 35 Torino Italy
| | - Ettore Fois
- Dipartimento di Scienza ed Alta Tecnologia; Università dell'Insubria and INSTM; Via Valleggio 9 22100 Como Italy
| | - Lara Gigli
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste; Strada Statale 14 34149 Basovizza, Trieste Italy
| | - Giovanna Vezzalini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche; Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia; Via Campi 103 41125 Modena Italy
| | - Simona Quartieri
- Dipartimento di Scienze Matematiche e Informatiche; Scienze Fisiche e Scienze della Terra; Università di Messina; Viale F. Stagno D'Alcontres 31 98166 Messina S. Agata Italy
| | - Gloria Tabacchi
- Dipartimento di Scienza ed Alta Tecnologia; Università dell'Insubria and INSTM; Via Valleggio 9 22100 Como Italy
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Arletti R, Fois E, Gigli L, Vezzalini G, Quartieri S, Tabacchi G. Irreversible Conversion of a Water-Ethanol Solution into an Organized Two-Dimensional Network of Alternating Supramolecular Units in a Hydrophobic Zeolite under Pressure. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2017; 56:2105-2109. [PMID: 28067444 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201610949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Turning disorder into organization is a key issue in science. By making use of X-ray powder diffraction and modeling studies, we show herein that high pressures in combination with the shape and space constraints of the hydrophobic all-silica zeolite ferrierite separate an ethanol-water liquid mixture into ethanol dimer wires and water tetramer squares. The confined supramolecular blocks alternate in a binary two-dimensional (2D) architecture that remains stable upon complete pressure release. These results support the combined use of high pressures and porous networks as a viable strategy for driving the organization of molecules or nano-objects towards complex, pre-defined patterns relevant for the realization of novel functional nanocomposites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Arletti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università di Torino, Via Valperga Caluso 35, Torino, Italy
| | - Ettore Fois
- Dipartimento di Scienza ed Alta Tecnologia, Università dell'Insubria and INSTM, Via Valleggio 9, 22100, Como, Italy
| | - Lara Gigli
- Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, Strada Statale 14, 34149, Basovizza, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giovanna Vezzalini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Simona Quartieri
- Dipartimento di Scienze Matematiche e Informatiche, Scienze Fisiche e Scienze della Terra, Università di Messina, Viale F. Stagno D'Alcontres 31, 98166, Messina S. Agata, Italy
| | - Gloria Tabacchi
- Dipartimento di Scienza ed Alta Tecnologia, Università dell'Insubria and INSTM, Via Valleggio 9, 22100, Como, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Calzaferri G. Entropy in multiple equilibria, theory and applications. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2017; 19:10611-10621. [DOI: 10.1039/c7cp00584a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Entropy controls the dependence of the equilibrium constants in the synthesis of host–guest composites on the occupation rc for channels of different length.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gion Calzaferri
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
- 3012 Bern
- Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Kehr NS, Motealleh A, Schäfer AH. Cell Growth on ("Janus") Density Gradients of Bifunctional Zeolite L Crystals. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2016; 8:35081-35090. [PMID: 27966873 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.6b13667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticle density gradients on surfaces have attracted interest as two-dimensional material surfaces that can mimic the complex nano-/microstructure of the native extracellular matrix, including its chemical and physical gradients, and can therefore be used to systematically study cell-material interactions. In this respect, we report the preparation of density gradients made of bifunctional zeolite L crystals on glass surfaces and the effects of the density gradient and biopolymer functionalization of zeolite L crystals on cell adhesion. We also describe how we created "Janus" density gradient surfaces by gradually depositing two different types of zeolite L crystals that were functionalized and loaded with different chemical groups and guest molecules onto the two distinct sides of the same glass substrate. Our results show that more cells adhered on the density gradient of biopolymer-coated zeolites than on uncoated ones. The number of adhered cells increased up to a certain surface coverage of the glass by the zeolite L crystals, but then it decreased beyond the zeolite density at which a higher surface coverage decreased fibroblast cell adhesion and spreading. Additionally, cell experiments showed that cells gradually internalized the guest-molecule-loaded zeolite L crystals from the underlying density gradient containing bifunctional zeolite L crystals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nermin Seda Kehr
- Physikalisches Institut and CeNTech, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster , Heisenbergstraße 11, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Andisheh Motealleh
- Physikalisches Institut and CeNTech, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster , Heisenbergstraße 11, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|