1
|
Sorour MI, Kistler KA, Marcus AH, Matsika S. Molecular Dynamical and Quantum Mechanical Exploration of the Site-Specific Dynamics of Cy3 Dimers Internally Linked to dsDNA. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:7750-7760. [PMID: 39105720 PMCID: PMC11343064 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.4c03115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Performing spectroscopic measurements on biomolecules labeled with fluorescent probes is a powerful approach to locating the molecular behavior and dynamics of large systems at specific sites within their local environments. The indocarbocyanine dye Cy3 has emerged as one of the most commonly used chromophores. The incorporation of Cy3 dimers into DNA enhances experimental resolution owing to the spectral characteristics influenced by the geometric orientation of excitonically coupled monomeric units. Various theoretical models and simulations have been utilized to aid in the interpretation of the experimental spectra. In this study, we employ all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to study the structural dynamics of Cy3 dimers internally linked to the dsDNA backbone. We used quantum mechanical calculations to derive insights from both the linear absorption spectra and the circular dichroism data. Furthermore, we explore potential limitations within a commonly used force field for cyanine dyes. The molecular dynamics simulations suggest the presence of four possible Cy3 dimeric populations. The spectral simulations on the four populations show one of them to agree better with the experimental signatures, suggesting it to be the dominant population. The relative orientation of Cy3 in this population compares very well with previous predictions from the Holstein-Frenkel Hamiltonian model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed I Sorour
- Department of Chemistry, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122, United States
| | - Kurt A Kistler
- Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, Brandywine Campus, Media, Pennsylvania 19063, United States
| | - Andrew H Marcus
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403, United States
| | - Spiridoula Matsika
- Department of Chemistry, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sanders SE, Zhang M, Javed A, Ogilvie JP. Expanding the bandwidth of fluorescence-detected two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy using a broadband continuum probe pulse pair. OPTICS EXPRESS 2024; 32:8887-8902. [PMID: 38571135 DOI: 10.1364/oe.516963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
We demonstrate fluorescence-detected two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy (F-2DES) with a broadband, continuum probe pulse pair in the pump-probe geometry. The approach combines a pump pulse pair generated by an acousto-optic pulse-shaper with precise control of the relative pump pulse phase and time delay with a broadband, continuum probe pulse pair created using the Translating Wedge-based Identical pulses eNcoding System (TWINS). The continuum probe expands the spectral range of the detection axis and lengthens the waiting times that can be accessed in comparison to implementations of F-2DES using a single pulse-shaper. We employ phase-cycling of the pump pulse pair and take advantage of the separation of signals in the frequency domain to isolate rephasing and non-rephasing signals and optimize the signal-to-noise ratio. As proof of principle, we demonstrate broadband F-2DES on a laser dye and bacteriochlorophyll a.
Collapse
|
3
|
Heussman D, Enkhbaatar L, Sorour MI, Kistler KA, von Hippel PH, Matsika S, Marcus AH. Using transition density models to interpret experimental optical spectra of exciton-coupled cyanine (iCy3)2 dimer probes of local DNA conformations at or near functional protein binding sites. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:1272-1289. [PMID: 38050987 PMCID: PMC10853810 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Exciton-coupled chromophore dimers are an emerging class of optical probes for studies of site-specific biomolecular interactions. Applying accurate theoretical models for the electrostatic coupling of a molecular dimer probe is a key step for simulating its optical properties and analyzing spectroscopic data. In this work, we compare experimental absorbance and circular dichroism (CD) spectra of 'internally-labeled' (iCy3)2 dimer probes inserted site-specifically into DNA fork constructs to theoretical calculations of the structure and geometry of these exciton-coupled dimers. We compare transition density models of varying levels of approximation to determine conformational parameters of the (iCy3)2 dimer-labeled DNA fork constructs. By applying an atomistically detailed transition charge (TQ) model, we can distinguish between dimer conformations in which the stacking and tilt angles between planar iCy3 monomers are varied. A major strength of this approach is that the local conformations of the (iCy3)2 dimer probes that we determined can be used to infer information about the structures of the DNA framework immediately surrounding the probes at various positions within the constructs, both deep in the duplex DNA sequences and at sites at or near the DNA fork junctions where protein complexes bind to discharge their biological functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Heussman
- Center for Optical, Molecular and Quantum Science, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Lulu Enkhbaatar
- Center for Optical, Molecular and Quantum Science, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Mohammed I Sorour
- Department of Chemistry, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Kurt A Kistler
- Department of Chemistry, Brandywine Campus, The Pennsylvania State University, Media, PA 19063, USA
| | - Peter H von Hippel
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | | | - Andrew H Marcus
- Center for Optical, Molecular and Quantum Science, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Maurer J, Albrecht CS, Herbert P, Heussman D, Chang A, von Hippel PH, Marcus AH. Studies of DNA breathing in exciton-coupled (iCy3) 2 dimer-labeled DNA constructs by polarization-sweep single-molecule fluorescence (PS-SMF) microscopy. PROCEEDINGS OF SPIE--THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR OPTICAL ENGINEERING 2024; 12863:128630C. [PMID: 39149417 PMCID: PMC11326516 DOI: 10.1117/12.3001962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Local fluctuations of the sugar-phosphate backbones and bases of DNA (a form of DNA 'breathing') play a central role in the assembly of protein-DNA complexes. We present a single-molecule fluorescence method to sensitively measure the local conformational fluctuations of exciton-coupled cyanine [(iCy3)2] dimer-labeled DNA fork constructs in which the dimer probes are placed at varying positions relative to the DNA fork junction. These systems exhibit spectroscopic signals that are sensitive to the local conformations adopted by the sugar-phosphate backbones and bases immediately surrounding the dimer probe label positions. The (iCy3)2 dimer has one symmetric (+) and one anti-symmetric (-) exciton with respective transition dipole moments oriented perpendicular to one another. We excite single molecule samples using a continuous-wave, linearly polarized laser with its polarization direction rotated at a frequency of 1 MHz. The ensuing fluorescence signal is modulated as the laser polarization alternately excites the symmetric and anti-symmetric excitons of the (iCy3)2 dimer probe. Phase-sensitive detection of the signal at the photon-counting level provides information about the distribution of local conformations and conformational dynamics. We analyze our data using a kinetic network model, which we use to parametrize the free energy surface of the system. In addition to observing DNA breathing at and near ss-dsDNA junctions, the approach can be used to study the effects of proteins that bind and function at these sites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jack Maurer
- Center for Optical, Molecular and Quantum Science, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
| | - Claire S Albrecht
- Center for Optical, Molecular and Quantum Science, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
| | - Patrick Herbert
- Center for Optical, Molecular and Quantum Science, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
| | - Dylan Heussman
- Center for Optical, Molecular and Quantum Science, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
| | - Anabel Chang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
| | - Peter H von Hippel
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
| | - Andrew H Marcus
- Center for Optical, Molecular and Quantum Science, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Albrecht CS, Scatena LF, von Hippel PH, Marcus AH. Two-photon excitation two-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy (2PE-2DFS) of the fluorescent nucleobase 6-MI. PROCEEDINGS OF SPIE--THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR OPTICAL ENGINEERING 2024; 12863:1286305. [PMID: 39149416 PMCID: PMC11326479 DOI: 10.1117/12.3001802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Base stacking is fundamentally important to the stability of double-stranded DNA. However, few experiments can directly probe the local conformations and conformational fluctuations of the DNA bases. Here we report a new spectroscopic approach to study the local conformations of DNA bases using the UV-absorbing fluorescent guanine analogue, 6-methyl isoxanthopterin (6-MI), which can be used as a site-specific probe to label DNA. In these experiments, we apply a two-photon excitation (2PE) approach to two-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy (2DFS), which is a fluorescence-detected nonlinear Fourier transform spectroscopy. In 2DFS, a repeating sequence of four collinear laser pulses (with center wavelength ~ 675 nm and relative phases swept at radio frequencies) is used to excite the lowest energy electronic-vibrational (vibronic) transitions of 6-MI (with center wavelength ~ 340 nm). The ensuing low flux fluorescence is phase-synchronously detected at the level of individual photons and as a function of inter-pulse delay. The 2PE transition pathways that give rise to electronically excited state populations include optical coherences between electronic ground and excited states and non-resonant (one-photon-excited) virtual states. Our results indicate that 2PE-2DFS experiments can provide information about the electronic-vibrational spectrum of the 6-MI monomer, in addition to the conformation-dependent exciton coupling between adjacent 6-MI monomers within a (6-MI)2 dimer. In principle, this approach can be used to determine the local base-stacking conformations of (6-MI)2 dimer-substituted DNA constructs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire S Albrecht
- Center for Optical, Molecular and Quantum Science, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
- Department of Physics, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
| | - Lawrence F Scatena
- Center for Optical, Molecular and Quantum Science, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
| | - Peter H von Hippel
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
| | - Andrew H Marcus
- Center for Optical, Molecular and Quantum Science, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Maurer J, Albrecht CS, Herbert P, Heussman D, Chang A, von Hippel PH, Marcus AH. Studies of DNA 'Breathing' by Polarization-Sweep Single-Molecule Fluorescence Microscopy of Exciton-Coupled (iCy3) 2 Dimer-Labeled DNA Fork Constructs. J Phys Chem B 2023; 127:10730-10748. [PMID: 38060691 PMCID: PMC10754251 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c06463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Local fluctuations of the sugar-phosphate backbones and bases of DNA (often called DNA 'breathing') play a variety of critical roles in controlling the functional interactions of the DNA genome with the protein complexes that regulate it. Here, we present a single-molecule fluorescence method that we have used to measure and characterize such conformational fluctuations at and near biologically important positions in model DNA replication fork constructs labeled with exciton-coupled cyanine [(iCy3)2] dimer probes. Previous work has shown that the constructs that we tested here exhibit a broad range of spectral properties at the ensemble level, and these differences can be structurally and dynamically interpreted using our present methodology at the single-molecule level. The (iCy3)2 dimer has one symmetric (+) and one antisymmetric (-) exciton, with the respective transition dipole moments oriented perpendicular to one another. We excite single-molecule samples using a continuous-wave linearly polarized laser, with the polarization direction continuously rotated at the frequency of 1 MHz. The ensuing fluorescence signal is modulated as the laser polarization alternately excites the symmetric and antisymmetric excitons of the (iCy3)2 dimer probe. Phase-sensitive detection of the modulated signal provides information about the distribution of local conformations and the conformational interconversion dynamics of the (iCy3)2 probe. We find that at most construct positions that we examined, the (iCy3)2 dimer-labeled DNA fork constructs can adopt four topologically distinct conformational macrostates. These results suggest that in addition to observing DNA breathing at and near ss-dsDNA junctions, our new methodology should be useful to determine which of these pre-existing macrostates are recognized by, bind to, and are stabilized by various genome-regulatory proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jack Maurer
- Center for Optical, Molecular and Quantum Science, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
| | - Claire S. Albrecht
- Center for Optical, Molecular and Quantum Science, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
- Department of Physics, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
| | - Patrick Herbert
- Center for Optical, Molecular and Quantum Science, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
| | - Dylan Heussman
- Center for Optical, Molecular and Quantum Science, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
| | - Anabel Chang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
| | - Peter H. von Hippel
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
| | - Andrew H. Marcus
- Center for Optical, Molecular and Quantum Science, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sorour MI, Marcus AH, Matsika S. Unravelling the Origin of the Vibronic Spectral Signatures in an Excitonically Coupled Indocarbocyanine Cy3 Dimer. J Phys Chem A 2023; 127:9530-9540. [PMID: 37934679 PMCID: PMC10774018 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpca.3c06090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
The indocarbocyanine Cy3 dye is widely used to probe the dynamics of proteins and DNA. Excitonically coupled Cy3 dimers exhibit very unique spectral signatures that depend on the interchromophoric geometrical orientation induced by the environment, making them powerful tools to infer the dynamics of their surroundings. Understanding the origin of the dimeric spectral signatures is a necessity for an accurate interpretation of the experimental results. In this work, we simulate the vibronic spectrum of an experimentally well-studied Cy3 dimer, and we explain the origin of the experimental signatures present in its linear absorption spectrum. The Franck-Condon harmonic approximations, among other tests, are used to probe the factors contributing to the spectrum. It is found that the first peak in the absorption spectrum originates from the lower energy excitonic state, while the next two peaks are vibrational progressions of the higher energy excitonic state. The polar solvent plays a crucial role in the appearance of the spectrum, being responsible for the localized S1 minimum, which results in an increased intensity of the first peak.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed I Sorour
- Department of Chemistry, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122, United States
| | - Andrew H Marcus
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403, United States
| | - Spiridoula Matsika
- Department of Chemistry, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mathur D, Díaz SA, Hildebrandt N, Pensack RD, Yurke B, Biaggne A, Li L, Melinger JS, Ancona MG, Knowlton WB, Medintz IL. Pursuing excitonic energy transfer with programmable DNA-based optical breadboards. Chem Soc Rev 2023; 52:7848-7948. [PMID: 37872857 PMCID: PMC10642627 DOI: 10.1039/d0cs00936a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
DNA nanotechnology has now enabled the self-assembly of almost any prescribed 3-dimensional nanoscale structure in large numbers and with high fidelity. These structures are also amenable to site-specific modification with a variety of small molecules ranging from drugs to reporter dyes. Beyond obvious application in biotechnology, such DNA structures are being pursued as programmable nanoscale optical breadboards where multiple different/identical fluorophores can be positioned with sub-nanometer resolution in a manner designed to allow them to engage in multistep excitonic energy-transfer (ET) via Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) or other related processes. Not only is the ability to create such complex optical structures unique, more importantly, the ability to rapidly redesign and prototype almost all structural and optical analogues in a massively parallel format allows for deep insight into the underlying photophysical processes. Dynamic DNA structures further provide the unparalleled capability to reconfigure a DNA scaffold on the fly in situ and thus switch between ET pathways within a given assembly, actively change its properties, and even repeatedly toggle between two states such as on/off. Here, we review progress in developing these composite materials for potential applications that include artificial light harvesting, smart sensors, nanoactuators, optical barcoding, bioprobes, cryptography, computing, charge conversion, and theranostics to even new forms of optical data storage. Along with an introduction into the DNA scaffolding itself, the diverse fluorophores utilized in these structures, their incorporation chemistry, and the photophysical processes they are designed to exploit, we highlight the evolution of DNA architectures implemented in the pursuit of increased transfer efficiency and the key lessons about ET learned from each iteration. We also focus on recent and growing efforts to exploit DNA as a scaffold for assembling molecular dye aggregates that host delocalized excitons as a test bed for creating excitonic circuits and accessing other quantum-like optical phenomena. We conclude with an outlook on what is still required to transition these materials from a research pursuit to application specific prototypes and beyond.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Divita Mathur
- Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland OH 44106, USA
| | - Sebastián A Díaz
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Code 6900, USA.
| | - Niko Hildebrandt
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea
- Department of Engineering Physics, McMaster University, Hamilton, L8S 4L7, Canada
| | - Ryan D Pensack
- Micron School of Materials Science & Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, ID 83725, USA.
| | - Bernard Yurke
- Micron School of Materials Science & Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, ID 83725, USA.
| | - Austin Biaggne
- Micron School of Materials Science & Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, ID 83725, USA.
| | - Lan Li
- Micron School of Materials Science & Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, ID 83725, USA.
- Center for Advanced Energy Studies, Idaho Falls, ID 83401, USA
| | - Joseph S Melinger
- Electronics Science and Technology Division, Code 6800, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, USA
| | - Mario G Ancona
- Electronics Science and Technology Division, Code 6800, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA
| | - William B Knowlton
- Micron School of Materials Science & Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, ID 83725, USA.
| | - Igor L Medintz
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Code 6900, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lüttig J, Rose PA, Malý P, Turkin A, Bühler M, Lambert C, Krich JJ, Brixner T. High-order pump-probe and high-order two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy on the example of squaraine oligomers. J Chem Phys 2023; 158:234201. [PMID: 37326161 DOI: 10.1063/5.0139090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Time-resolved spectroscopy is commonly used to study diverse phenomena in chemistry, biology, and physics. Pump-probe experiments and coherent two-dimensional (2D) spectroscopy have resolved site-to-site energy transfer, visualized electronic couplings, and much more. In both techniques, the lowest-order signal, in a perturbative expansion of the polarization, is of third order in the electric field, which we call a one-quantum (1Q) signal because in 2D spectroscopy it oscillates in the coherence time with the excitation frequency. There is also a two-quantum (2Q) signal that oscillates in the coherence time at twice the fundamental frequency and is fifth order in the electric field. We demonstrate that the appearance of the 2Q signal guarantees that the 1Q signal is contaminated by non-negligible fifth-order interactions. We derive an analytical connection between an nQ signal and (2n + 1)th-order contaminations of an rQ (with r < n) signal by studying Feynman diagrams of all contributions. We demonstrate that by performing partial integrations along the excitation axis in 2D spectra, we can obtain clean rQ signals free of higher-order artifacts. We exemplify the technique using optical 2D spectroscopy on squaraine oligomers, showing clean extraction of the third-order signal. We further demonstrate the analytical connection with higher-order pump-probe spectroscopy and compare both techniques experimentally. Our approach demonstrates the full power of higher-order pump-probe and 2D spectroscopy to investigate multi-particle interactions in coupled systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julian Lüttig
- Institut für Physikalische und Theoretische Chemie, Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Peter A Rose
- Department of Physics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Pavel Malý
- Institut für Physikalische und Theoretische Chemie, Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
- Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Arthur Turkin
- Institut für Organische Chemie, Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Michael Bühler
- Institut für Physikalische und Theoretische Chemie, Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Lambert
- Institut für Organische Chemie, Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
- Center for Nanosystems Chemistry (CNC), Universität Würzburg, Theodor-Boveri-Weg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jacob J Krich
- Department of Physics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Tobias Brixner
- Institut für Physikalische und Theoretische Chemie, Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
- Center for Nanosystems Chemistry (CNC), Universität Würzburg, Theodor-Boveri-Weg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Rafique MG, Remington JM, Clark F, Bai H, Toader V, Perepichka DF, Li J, Sleiman HF. Two-Dimensional Supramolecular Polymerization of DNA Amphiphiles is Driven by Sequence-Dependent DNA-Chromophore Interactions. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202217814. [PMID: 36939824 PMCID: PMC10239398 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202217814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) assemblies of water-soluble block copolymers have been limited by a dearth of systematic studies that relate polymer structure to pathway mechanism and supramolecular morphology. Here, we employ sequence-defined triblock DNA amphiphiles for the supramolecular polymerization of free-standing DNA nanosheets in water. Our systematic modulation of amphiphile sequence shows the alkyl chain core forming a cell membrane-like structure and the distal π-stacking chromophore block folding back to interact with the hydrophilic DNA block on the nanosheet surface. This interaction is crucial to sheet formation, marked by a chiral "signature", and sensitive to DNA sequence, where nanosheets form with a mixed sequence, but not with a homogeneous poly(thymine) sequence. This work opens the possibility of forming well-ordered, bilayer-like assemblies using a single DNA amphiphile for applications in cell sensing, nucleic acid therapeutic delivery and enzyme arrays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jacob M. Remington
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Finley Clark
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Haochen Bai
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St W, Montréal, QC H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Violeta Toader
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St W, Montréal, QC H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Dmytro F. Perepichka
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St W, Montréal, QC H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Jianing Li
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Hanadi F. Sleiman
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St W, Montréal, QC H3A 0B8, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kubarych KJ, Thielges MC, Tahara T, Elsaesser T. Special issue on time-resolved vibrational spectroscopy. J Chem Phys 2023; 158:2887209. [PMID: 37114706 DOI: 10.1063/5.0147807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J Kubarych
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, 930 N. University Ave., Ann Abor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Megan C Thielges
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, 800 E. Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington, Indiana 47405, USA
| | - Tahei Tahara
- RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Marcus AH, Heussman D, Maurer J, Albrecht CS, Herbert P, von Hippel PH. Studies of Local DNA Backbone Conformation and Conformational Disorder Using Site-Specific Exciton-Coupled Dimer Probe Spectroscopy. Annu Rev Phys Chem 2023; 74:245-265. [PMID: 36696590 PMCID: PMC10590263 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-physchem-090419-041204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The processes of genome expression, regulation, and repair require direct interactions between proteins and DNA at specific sites located at and near single-stranded-double-stranded DNA (ssDNA-dsDNA) junctions. Here, we review the application of recently developed spectroscopic methods and analyses that combine linear absorbance and circular dichroism spectroscopy with nonlinear 2D fluorescence spectroscopy to study the local conformations and conformational disorder of the sugar-phosphate backbones of ssDNA-dsDNA fork constructs that have been internally labeled with exciton-coupled cyanine (iCy3)2 dimer probes. With the application of these methods, the (iCy3)2 dimer can serve as a reliable probe of the mean local conformations and conformational distributions of the sugar-phosphate backbones of dsDNA at various critical positions. The results of our studies suggest a possible structural framework for understanding the roles of DNA breathing in driving the processes of protein-DNA complex assembly and function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew H Marcus
- Center for Optical, Molecular and Quantum Science, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA;
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
- Department of Physics, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
| | - Dylan Heussman
- Center for Optical, Molecular and Quantum Science, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA;
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
| | - Jack Maurer
- Center for Optical, Molecular and Quantum Science, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA;
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
| | - Claire S Albrecht
- Center for Optical, Molecular and Quantum Science, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA;
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
- Department of Physics, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
| | - Patrick Herbert
- Center for Optical, Molecular and Quantum Science, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA;
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
| | - Peter H von Hippel
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cina JA. Dynamics of an excitation-transfer trimer: Interference, coherence, Berry's phase development, and vibrational control of non-adiabaticity. J Chem Phys 2023; 158:124307. [PMID: 37003733 DOI: 10.1063/5.0139174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
We detail several interesting features in the dynamics of an equilaterally shaped electronic excitation-transfer (EET) trimer with distance-dependent intermonomer excitation-transfer couplings. In the absence of electronic-vibrational coupling, symmetric and antisymmetric superpositions of two single-monomer excitations are shown to exhibit purely constructive, oscillatory, and purely destructive interference in the EET to the third monomer, respectively. In the former case, the transfer is modulated by motion in the symmetrical framework-expansion vibration induced by the Franck-Condon excitation. Distortions in the shape of the triangular framework degrade that coherent EET while activating excitation transfer in the latter case of an antisymmetric initial state. In its symmetrical configuration, two of the three single-exciton states of the trimer are degenerate. This degeneracy is broken by the Jahn-Teller-active framework distortions. The calculations illustrate closed, approximately circular pseudo-rotational wave-packet dynamics on both the lower and the upper adiabatic potential energy surfaces of the degenerate manifold, which lead to the acquisition after one cycle of physically meaningful geometric (Berry) phases of π. Another manifestation of Berry-phase development is seen in the evolution of the vibrational probability density of a wave packet on the lower Jahn-Teller adiabatic potential comprising a superposition of clockwise and counterclockwise circular motions. The circular pseudo-rotation on the upper cone is shown to stabilize the adiabatic electronic state against non-adiabatic internal conversion via the conical intersection, a dynamical process analogous to Slonczewski resonance. Strategies for initiating and monitoring these various dynamical processes experimentally using pre-resonant impulsive Raman excitation, short-pulse absorption, and multi-dimensional wave-packet interferometry are outlined in brief.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A Cina
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Oregon Center for Optical, Molecular, and Quantum Science, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wright N, Huff JS, Barclay MS, Wilson CK, Barcenas G, Duncan KM, Ketteridge M, Obukhova OM, Krivoshey AI, Tatarets AL, Terpetschnig EA, Dean JC, Knowlton WB, Yurke B, Li L, Mass OA, Davis PH, Lee J, Turner DB, Pensack RD. Intramolecular Charge Transfer and Ultrafast Nonradiative Decay in DNA-Tethered Asymmetric Nitro- and Dimethylamino-Substituted Squaraines. J Phys Chem A 2023; 127:1141-1157. [PMID: 36705555 PMCID: PMC9923757 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpca.2c06442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Molecular (dye) aggregates are a materials platform of interest in light harvesting, organic optoelectronics, and nanoscale computing, including quantum information science (QIS). Strong excitonic interactions between dyes are key to their use in QIS; critically, properties of the individual dyes govern the extent of these interactions. In this work, the electronic structure and excited-state dynamics of a series of indolenine-based squaraine dyes incorporating dimethylamino (electron donating) and/or nitro (electron withdrawing) substituents, so-called asymmetric dyes, were characterized. The dyes were covalently tethered to DNA Holliday junctions to suppress aggregation and permit characterization of their monomer photophysics. A combination of density functional theory and steady-state absorption spectroscopy shows that the difference static dipole moment (Δd) successively increases with the addition of these substituents while simultaneously maintaining a large transition dipole moment (μ). Steady-state fluorescence and time-resolved absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies uncover a significant nonradiative decay pathway in the asymmetrically substituted dyes that drastically reduces their excited-state lifetime (τ). This work indicates that Δd can indeed be increased by functionalizing dyes with electron donating and withdrawing substituents and that, in certain classes of dyes such as these asymmetric squaraines, strategies may be needed to ensure long τ, e.g., by rigidifying the π-conjugated network.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas
D. Wright
- †Micron
School of Materials Science & Engineering, ⊥Department of Electrical
& Computer Engineering, ○Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725, United States
| | - Jonathan S. Huff
- †Micron
School of Materials Science & Engineering, ⊥Department of Electrical
& Computer Engineering, ○Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725, United States
| | - Matthew S. Barclay
- †Micron
School of Materials Science & Engineering, ⊥Department of Electrical
& Computer Engineering, ○Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725, United States
| | - Christopher K. Wilson
- †Micron
School of Materials Science & Engineering, ⊥Department of Electrical
& Computer Engineering, ○Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725, United States
| | - German Barcenas
- †Micron
School of Materials Science & Engineering, ⊥Department of Electrical
& Computer Engineering, ○Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725, United States
| | - Katelyn M. Duncan
- †Micron
School of Materials Science & Engineering, ⊥Department of Electrical
& Computer Engineering, ○Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725, United States
| | - Maia Ketteridge
- †Micron
School of Materials Science & Engineering, ⊥Department of Electrical
& Computer Engineering, ○Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725, United States
| | - Olena M. Obukhova
- SSI
“Institute for Single Crystals” of the National Academy
of Sciences of Ukraine, Kharkiv 61072, Ukraine
| | - Alexander I. Krivoshey
- SSI
“Institute for Single Crystals” of the National Academy
of Sciences of Ukraine, Kharkiv 61072, Ukraine
| | - Anatoliy L. Tatarets
- SSI
“Institute for Single Crystals” of the National Academy
of Sciences of Ukraine, Kharkiv 61072, Ukraine
| | | | - Jacob C. Dean
- Department
of Physical Science, Southern Utah University, Cedar City, Utah 84720, United States
| | - William B. Knowlton
- †Micron
School of Materials Science & Engineering, ⊥Department of Electrical
& Computer Engineering, ○Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725, United States
| | - Bernard Yurke
- †Micron
School of Materials Science & Engineering, ⊥Department of Electrical
& Computer Engineering, ○Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725, United States
| | - Lan Li
- †Micron
School of Materials Science & Engineering, ⊥Department of Electrical
& Computer Engineering, ○Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725, United States,Center
for
Advanced Energy Studies, Idaho
Falls, Idaho 83401, United States
| | - Olga A. Mass
- †Micron
School of Materials Science & Engineering, ⊥Department of Electrical
& Computer Engineering, ○Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725, United States
| | - Paul H. Davis
- †Micron
School of Materials Science & Engineering, ⊥Department of Electrical
& Computer Engineering, ○Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725, United States,Center
for
Advanced Energy Studies, Idaho
Falls, Idaho 83401, United States
| | - Jeunghoon Lee
- †Micron
School of Materials Science & Engineering, ⊥Department of Electrical
& Computer Engineering, ○Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725, United States
| | - Daniel B. Turner
- †Micron
School of Materials Science & Engineering, ⊥Department of Electrical
& Computer Engineering, ○Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725, United States
| | - Ryan D. Pensack
- †Micron
School of Materials Science & Engineering, ⊥Department of Electrical
& Computer Engineering, ○Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725, United States,
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Barclay MS, Chowdhury AU, Biaggne A, Huff JS, Wright ND, Davis PH, Li L, Knowlton WB, Yurke B, Pensack RD, Turner DB. Probing DNA structural heterogeneity by identifying conformational subensembles of a bicovalently bound cyanine dye. J Chem Phys 2023; 158:035101. [PMID: 36681650 DOI: 10.1063/5.0131795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA is a re-configurable, biological information-storage unit, and much remains to be learned about its heterogeneous structural dynamics. For example, while it is known that molecular dyes templated onto DNA exhibit increased photostability, the mechanism by which the structural dynamics of DNA affect the dye photophysics remains unknown. Here, we use femtosecond, two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy measurements of a cyanine dye, Cy5, to probe local conformations in samples of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA-Cy5), double-stranded DNA (dsDNA-Cy5), and Holliday junction DNA (HJ-DNA-Cy5). A line shape analysis of the 2D spectra reveals a strong excitation-emission correlation present in only the dsDNA-Cy5 complex, which is a signature of inhomogeneous broadening. Molecular dynamics simulations support the conclusion that this inhomogeneous broadening arises from a nearly degenerate conformer found only in the dsDNA-Cy5 complex. These insights will support future studies on DNA's structural heterogeneity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S Barclay
- Micron School for Materials Science and Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725, USA
| | - Azhad U Chowdhury
- Micron School for Materials Science and Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725, USA
| | - Austin Biaggne
- Micron School for Materials Science and Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725, USA
| | - Jonathan S Huff
- Micron School for Materials Science and Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725, USA
| | - Nicholas D Wright
- Micron School for Materials Science and Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725, USA
| | - Paul H Davis
- Micron School for Materials Science and Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725, USA
| | - Lan Li
- Micron School for Materials Science and Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725, USA
| | - William B Knowlton
- Micron School for Materials Science and Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725, USA
| | - Bernard Yurke
- Micron School for Materials Science and Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725, USA
| | - Ryan D Pensack
- Micron School for Materials Science and Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725, USA
| | - Daniel B Turner
- Micron School for Materials Science and Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Fernandes R, Chowdhary S, Mikula N, Saleh N, Kanevche K, Berlepsch HV, Hosogi N, Heberle J, Weber M, Böttcher C, Koksch B. Cyanine Dye Coupling Mediates Self-assembly of a pH Sensitive Peptide into Novel 3D Architectures. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202208647. [PMID: 36161448 PMCID: PMC9828782 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202208647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic multichromophore systems are of great importance in artificial light harvesting devices, organic optoelectronics, tumor imaging and therapy. Here, we introduce a promising strategy for the construction of self-assembled peptide templated dye stacks based on coupling of a de novo designed pH sensitive peptide with a cyanine dye Cy5 at its N-terminus. Microscopic techniques, in particular cryogenic TEM (cryo-TEM) and cryo-electron tomography technique (cryo-ET), reveal two types of highly ordered three-dimensional assembly structures on the micrometer scale. Unbranched compact layered rods are observed at pH 7.4 and two-dimensional membrane-like assemblies at pH 3.4, both species displaying spectral features of H-aggregates. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the coupling of Cy5 moieties promotes the formation of both ultrastructures, whereas the protonation states of acidic and basic amino acid side chains dictates their ultimate three-dimensional organization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rita Fernandes
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryFreie Universität BerlinArnimallee 2014195BerlinGermany
| | - Suvrat Chowdhary
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryFreie Universität BerlinArnimallee 2014195BerlinGermany
| | - Natalia Mikula
- Mathematics for Life and Materials SciencesZuse Institute BerlinTakustraße 714195BerlinGermany
| | - Noureldin Saleh
- Mathematics for Life and Materials SciencesZuse Institute BerlinTakustraße 714195BerlinGermany
| | - Katerina Kanevche
- Department of PhysicsExperimental Molecular BiophysicsFreie Universität BerlinArnimallee 1414195BerlinGermany
| | - Hans v. Berlepsch
- Research Center for Electron Microscopy and Core Facility BioSupraMolFreie Universität BerlinFabeckstraße 36a14195BerlinGermany
| | | | - Joachim Heberle
- Department of PhysicsExperimental Molecular BiophysicsFreie Universität BerlinArnimallee 1414195BerlinGermany
| | - Marcus Weber
- Mathematics for Life and Materials SciencesZuse Institute BerlinTakustraße 714195BerlinGermany
| | - Christoph Böttcher
- Research Center for Electron Microscopy and Core Facility BioSupraMolFreie Universität BerlinFabeckstraße 36a14195BerlinGermany
| | - Beate Koksch
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryFreie Universität BerlinArnimallee 2014195BerlinGermany
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Huff J, Díaz S, Barclay MS, Chowdhury AU, Chiriboga M, Ellis GA, Mathur D, Patten LK, Roy SK, Sup A, Biaggne A, Rolczynski BS, Cunningham PD, Li L, Lee J, Davis PH, Yurke B, Knowlton WB, Medintz IL, Turner DB, Melinger JS, Pensack RD. Tunable Electronic Structure via DNA-Templated Heteroaggregates of Two Distinct Cyanine Dyes. THE JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY. C, NANOMATERIALS AND INTERFACES 2022; 126:17164-17175. [PMID: 36268205 PMCID: PMC9575151 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.2c04336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Molecular excitons are useful for applications in light harvesting, organic optoelectronics, and nanoscale computing. Electronic energy transfer (EET) is a process central to the function of devices based on molecular excitons. Achieving EET with a high quantum efficiency is a common obstacle to excitonic devices, often owing to the lack of donor and acceptor molecules that exhibit favorable spectral overlap. EET quantum efficiencies may be substantially improved through the use of heteroaggregates-aggregates of chemically distinct dyes-rather than individual dyes as energy relay units. However, controlling the assembly of heteroaggregates remains a significant challenge. Here, we use DNA Holliday junctions to assemble homo- and heterotetramer aggregates of the prototypical cyanine dyes Cy5 and Cy5.5. In addition to permitting control over the number of dyes within an aggregate, DNA-templated assembly confers control over aggregate composition, i.e., the ratio of constituent Cy5 and Cy5.5 dyes. By varying the ratio of Cy5 and Cy5.5, we show that the most intense absorption feature of the resulting tetramer can be shifted in energy over a range of almost 200 meV (1600 cm-1). All tetramers pack in the form of H-aggregates and exhibit quenched emission and drastically reduced excited-state lifetimes compared to the monomeric dyes. We apply a purely electronic exciton theory model to describe the observed progression of the absorption spectra. This model agrees with both the measured data and a more sophisticated vibronic model of the absorption and circular dichroism spectra, indicating that Cy5 and Cy5.5 heteroaggregates are largely described by molecular exciton theory. Finally, we extend the purely electronic exciton model to describe an idealized J-aggregate based on Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) and discuss the potential advantages of such a device over traditional FRET relays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan
S. Huff
- Micron
School of Materials Science & Engineering, Department of Physics, Department of Chemistry
& Biochemistry, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725, United States
| | - Sebastián
A. Díaz
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science
and Engineering Code 6900, Electronics Science and
Technology Division Code 6800, U.S. Naval
Research Laboratory, Washington, District of Columbia 20375, United States
| | - Matthew S. Barclay
- Micron
School of Materials Science & Engineering, Department of Physics, Department of Chemistry
& Biochemistry, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725, United States
| | - Azhad U. Chowdhury
- Micron
School of Materials Science & Engineering, Department of Physics, Department of Chemistry
& Biochemistry, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725, United States
| | - Matthew Chiriboga
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science
and Engineering Code 6900, Electronics Science and
Technology Division Code 6800, U.S. Naval
Research Laboratory, Washington, District of Columbia 20375, United States
- Volgenau
School of Engineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia 22030, United States
| | - Gregory A. Ellis
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science
and Engineering Code 6900, Electronics Science and
Technology Division Code 6800, U.S. Naval
Research Laboratory, Washington, District of Columbia 20375, United States
| | - Divita Mathur
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science
and Engineering Code 6900, Electronics Science and
Technology Division Code 6800, U.S. Naval
Research Laboratory, Washington, District of Columbia 20375, United States
- College
of Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia 22030, United States
| | - Lance K. Patten
- Micron
School of Materials Science & Engineering, Department of Physics, Department of Chemistry
& Biochemistry, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725, United States
| | - Simon K. Roy
- Micron
School of Materials Science & Engineering, Department of Physics, Department of Chemistry
& Biochemistry, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725, United States
| | - Aaron Sup
- Micron
School of Materials Science & Engineering, Department of Physics, Department of Chemistry
& Biochemistry, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725, United States
| | - Austin Biaggne
- Micron
School of Materials Science & Engineering, Department of Physics, Department of Chemistry
& Biochemistry, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725, United States
| | - Brian S. Rolczynski
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science
and Engineering Code 6900, Electronics Science and
Technology Division Code 6800, U.S. Naval
Research Laboratory, Washington, District of Columbia 20375, United States
| | - Paul D. Cunningham
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science
and Engineering Code 6900, Electronics Science and
Technology Division Code 6800, U.S. Naval
Research Laboratory, Washington, District of Columbia 20375, United States
| | - Lan Li
- Micron
School of Materials Science & Engineering, Department of Physics, Department of Chemistry
& Biochemistry, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725, United States
- Center
for Advanced Energy Studies, Idaho
Falls, Idaho 83401, United States
| | - Jeunghoon Lee
- Micron
School of Materials Science & Engineering, Department of Physics, Department of Chemistry
& Biochemistry, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725, United States
| | - Paul H. Davis
- Micron
School of Materials Science & Engineering, Department of Physics, Department of Chemistry
& Biochemistry, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725, United States
- Center
for Advanced Energy Studies, Idaho
Falls, Idaho 83401, United States
| | - Bernard Yurke
- Micron
School of Materials Science & Engineering, Department of Physics, Department of Chemistry
& Biochemistry, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725, United States
| | - William B. Knowlton
- Micron
School of Materials Science & Engineering, Department of Physics, Department of Chemistry
& Biochemistry, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725, United States
| | - Igor L. Medintz
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science
and Engineering Code 6900, Electronics Science and
Technology Division Code 6800, U.S. Naval
Research Laboratory, Washington, District of Columbia 20375, United States
| | - Daniel B. Turner
- Micron
School of Materials Science & Engineering, Department of Physics, Department of Chemistry
& Biochemistry, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725, United States
| | - Joseph S. Melinger
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science
and Engineering Code 6900, Electronics Science and
Technology Division Code 6800, U.S. Naval
Research Laboratory, Washington, District of Columbia 20375, United States
| | - Ryan D. Pensack
- Micron
School of Materials Science & Engineering, Department of Physics, Department of Chemistry
& Biochemistry, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho 83725, United States
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Symmetry Breaking Charge Transfer in DNA-Templated Perylene Dimer Aggregates. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27196612. [PMID: 36235149 PMCID: PMC9571668 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Molecular aggregates are of interest to a broad range of fields including light harvesting, organic optoelectronics, and nanoscale computing. In molecular aggregates, nonradiative decay pathways may emerge that were not present in the constituent molecules. Such nonradiative decay pathways may include singlet fission, excimer relaxation, and symmetry-breaking charge transfer. Singlet fission, sometimes referred to as excitation multiplication, is of great interest to the fields of energy conversion and quantum information. For example, endothermic singlet fission, which avoids energy loss, has been observed in covalently bound, linear perylene trimers and tetramers. In this work, the electronic structure and excited-state dynamics of dimers of a perylene derivative templated using DNA were investigated. Specifically, DNA Holliday junctions were used to template the aggregation of two perylene molecules covalently linked to a modified uracil nucleobase through an ethynyl group. The perylenes were templated in the form of monomer, transverse dimer, and adjacent dimer configurations. The electronic structure of the perylene monomers and dimers were characterized via steady-state absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. Initial insights into their excited-state dynamics were gleaned from relative fluorescence intensity measurements, which indicated that a new nonradiative decay pathway emerges in the dimers. Femtosecond visible transient absorption spectroscopy was subsequently used to elucidate the excited-state dynamics. A new excited-state absorption feature grows in on the tens of picosecond timescale in the dimers, which is attributed to the formation of perylene anions and cations resulting from symmetry-breaking charge transfer. Given the close proximity required for symmetry-breaking charge transfer, the results shed promising light on the prospect of singlet fission in DNA-templated molecular aggregates.
Collapse
|
19
|
Sorour MI, Marcus AH, Matsika S. Modeling the Electronic Absorption Spectra of the Indocarbocyanine Cy3. Molecules 2022; 27:4062. [PMID: 35807308 PMCID: PMC9268038 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27134062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Accurate modeling of optical spectra requires careful treatment of the molecular structures and vibronic, environmental, and thermal contributions. The accuracy of the computational methods used to simulate absorption spectra is limited by their ability to account for all the factors that affect the spectral shapes and energetics. The ensemble-based approaches are widely used to model the absorption spectra of molecules in the condensed-phase, and their performance is system dependent. The Franck-Condon approach is suitable for simulating high resolution spectra of rigid systems, and its accuracy is limited mainly by the harmonic approximation. In this work, the absorption spectrum of the widely used cyanine Cy3 is simulated using the ensemble approach via classical and quantum sampling, as well as, the Franck-Condon approach. The factors limiting the ensemble approaches, including the sampling and force field effects, are tested, while the vertical and adiabatic harmonic approximations of the Franck-Condon approach are also systematically examined. Our results show that all the vertical methods, including the ensemble approach, are not suitable to model the absorption spectrum of Cy3, and recommend the adiabatic methods as suitable approaches for the modeling of spectra with strong vibronic contributions. We find that the thermal effects, the low frequency modes, and the simultaneous vibrational excitations have prominent contributions to the Cy3 spectrum. The inclusion of the solvent stabilizes the energetics significantly, while its negligible effect on the spectral shapes aligns well with the experimental observations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed I. Sorour
- Department of Chemistry, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA;
| | - Andrew H. Marcus
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA;
| | - Spiridoula Matsika
- Department of Chemistry, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA;
| |
Collapse
|