1
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Diana R, Gentile FS, Concilio S, Petrella A, Belvedere R, Schibeci M, Arciello A, Di Costanzo L, Panunzi B. A DR/NIR Hybrid Polymeric Tool for Functional Bio-Coatings: Theoretical Study, Cytotoxicity, and Antimicrobial Activity. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15040883. [PMID: 36850168 PMCID: PMC9967255 DOI: 10.3390/polym15040883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Among modern biomaterials, hybrid tools containing an organic component and a metal cation are recognized as added value, and, for many advanced biomedical applications, synthetic polymers are used as thin protective/functional coatings for medical or prosthetic devices and implants. These materials require specific non-degradability, biocompatibility, antimicrobial, and antiproliferative properties to address safety aspects concerning their use in medicine. Moreover, bioimaging monitoring of the biomedical device and/or implant through biological tissues is a desirable ability. This article reports a novel hybrid metallopolymer obtained by grafting zinc-coordinated fragments to an organic polymeric matrix. This hybrid polymer, owing to its relevant emission in the deep red to near-infrared (DR/NIR) region, is monitorable; therefore, it represents a potential material for biomedical coating. Furthermore, it shows good biocompatibility and adhesion properties and excellent stability in slightly acidic/basic water solutions. Finally, in contact with the superficial layers of human skin, it shows antimicrobial properties against Staphylococcus aureus bacterial strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosita Diana
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80055 Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Simona Concilio
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy
- Bionam Research Center for Biomaterials, University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy
| | | | | | - Martina Schibeci
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Angela Arciello
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Biostrutture e Biosistemi (INBB), 00136 Roma, Italy
| | - Luigi Di Costanzo
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80055 Napoli, Italy
| | - Barbara Panunzi
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80055 Napoli, Italy
- Correspondence:
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2
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Optical and Thermal Investigations of Eutectic Metallomesogen Mixtures Based on Salicylaldiaminates Metal Complexes with a Large Nematic Stability Range. INORGANICS 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/inorganics11010032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The mesomorphic behavior and the miscibility properties of binary mixtures of a new series of Schiff base metallomesogen (MOM) are evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarized optical microscopy (POM). Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), elemental analysis (CHNX), Fourier−transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to certify the molecular structure of the compounds. The results revealed that the studied mixtures are completely miscible throughout the composition field and exhibit a nematic phase which covered the whole composition range. In the mixtures, the stability of the nematic phase varies continuously, and it is possible to highlight the presence of a eutectic composition with a wide mesogenic stability range.
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3
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Diana R, Gentile FS, Carella A, Di Costanzo L, Panunzi B. Insights into Two Novel Orthopalladated Chromophores with Antimicrobial Activity against Escherichia coli. Molecules 2022; 27:6060. [PMID: 36144794 PMCID: PMC9504776 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27186060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced chromophoric tools, besides being biologically active, need to meet the expectations of the technological demands including stability, colour retention, and proper solubility for their target. Many coordination compounds of conjugated ligands are antibacterial dyes, able to combine a strong dyeing performance with a useful biological activity. Specifically, palladium (II) complexes of Schiff base ligands are known for their relevant activity against common bacteria. In this article, we report the synthesis and comprehensive experimental and theoretical characterization of two novel Pd(II) chromophore complexes obtained from a cyclopalladated Schiff base as two different chelating azo dyes. The antibacterial response of these two novel complexes was tested against the ubiquitous Escherichia coli bacterium in an aqueous medium and revealed a noteworthy antimicrobial activity, higher than when compared with their uncoordinated biologically active ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosita Diana
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università, 100, 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Francesco Silvio Gentile
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Antonio Carella
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Strada Comunale Cinthia, 26, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Luigi Di Costanzo
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università, 100, 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Barbara Panunzi
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università, 100, 80055 Portici, Italy
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4
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Diana R, Caruso U, Gentile FS, Di Costanzo L, Musto P, Panunzi B. Thermo-Induced Fluorochromism in Two AIE Zinc Complexes: A Deep Insight into the Structure-Property Relationship. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27082551. [PMID: 35458748 PMCID: PMC9025698 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27082551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Solid-state emitters exhibiting mechano-fluorochromic or thermo-fluorochromic responses represent the foundation of smart tools for novel technological applications. Among fluorochromic (FC) materials, solid-state emissive coordination complexes offer a variety of fluorescence responses related to the dynamic of noncovalent metal-ligand coordination bonds. Relevant FC behaviour can result from the targeted choice of metal cation and ligands. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of two different colour emitters consisting of zinc complexes obtained from N,O bidentate ligands with different electron-withdrawing substituents. The two complexes are blue and orange solid-state fluorophores, respectively, highly responsive to thermal and mechanical stress. These emitters show a very different photoluminescent (PL) pattern as recorded before and after the annealing treatment. Through X-ray structural analysis combined with thermal analysis, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, PL, and DFT simulation we provide a comprehensive analysis of the structural feature involved in the fluorochromic response. Notably, we were able to correlate the on-off thermo-fluorochromism of the complexes with the structural rearrangement at the zinc coordination core.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosita Diana
- Department of Agriculture, University of Napoli Federico II, Via Università, 100, 80055 Portici, NA, Italy; (R.D.); (L.D.C.)
| | - Ugo Caruso
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Strada Comunale Cinthia, 26, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (U.C.); (F.S.G.)
| | - Francesco Silvio Gentile
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, Strada Comunale Cinthia, 26, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (U.C.); (F.S.G.)
| | - Luigi Di Costanzo
- Department of Agriculture, University of Napoli Federico II, Via Università, 100, 80055 Portici, NA, Italy; (R.D.); (L.D.C.)
| | - Pellegrino Musto
- Institute on Polymers Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council, Via Campi Flegrei, 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy;
| | - Barbara Panunzi
- Department of Agriculture, University of Napoli Federico II, Via Università, 100, 80055 Portici, NA, Italy; (R.D.); (L.D.C.)
- Correspondence:
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5
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Diana R, Caruso U, Di Costanzo L, Concilio S, Piotto S, Sessa L, Panunzi B. A Water Soluble 2-Phenyl-5-(pyridin-3-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole Based Probe: Antimicrobial Activity and Colorimetric/Fluorescence pH Response. Molecules 2022; 27:1824. [PMID: 35335188 PMCID: PMC8952330 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27061824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The growing demand of responsive tools for biological and biomedical applications pushes towards new low-cost probes easy to synthesize and versatile. Current optical probes are theranostic tools simultaneously responsive to biological parameters/analyte and therapeutically operating. Among the optical methods for pH monitoring, simple small organic molecules including multifunctional probes for simultaneous biological activity being highly desired by scientists and technicians. Here, we present a novel pH-responsive probe with a three-ring heteroaromatic pattern and a flexible cationic chain. The novel molecule shows real-time naked-eye colorimetric and fluorescence response in the slightly acidic pH range besides its excellent solubility both in the organic phase and in water. In addition, the small probe shows significant antibacterial activity, particularly against Escherichia coli. Single-crystal X-ray study and density functional theory (DFT) calculations rationalize the molecule spectroscopic response. Finally, molecular dynamics (MD) elucidate the interactions between the probe and a model cell membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosita Diana
- Department of Agriculture, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università, 100, 80055 Portici, Italy; (R.D.); (L.D.C.); (B.P.)
| | - Ugo Caruso
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Strada Comunale Cinthia, 26, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Luigi Di Costanzo
- Department of Agriculture, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università, 100, 80055 Portici, Italy; (R.D.); (L.D.C.); (B.P.)
| | - Simona Concilio
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (S.C.); (S.P.); (L.S.)
| | - Stefano Piotto
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (S.C.); (S.P.); (L.S.)
| | - Lucia Sessa
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (S.C.); (S.P.); (L.S.)
| | - Barbara Panunzi
- Department of Agriculture, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università, 100, 80055 Portici, Italy; (R.D.); (L.D.C.); (B.P.)
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Diana R, Caruso U, Gentile FS, Di Costanzo L, Panunzi B. A Novel L-Shaped Fluorescent Probe for AIE Sensing of Zinc (II) Ion by a DR/NIR Response. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26237347. [PMID: 34885935 PMCID: PMC8658931 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26237347] [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: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the field of optical sensors, small molecules responsive to metal cations are of current interest. Probes displaying aggregation-induced emission (AIE) can solve the problems due to the aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) molecules, scarcely emissive as aggregates in aqueous media and in tissues. The addition of a metal cation to an AIE ligand dissolved in solution can cause a "turn-on" of the fluorescence emission. Half-cruciform-shaped molecules can be a winning strategy to build specific AIE probes. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of a novel L-shaped fluorophore containing a benzofuran core condensed with 3-hydroxy-2-naphthaldehyde crossed with a nitrobenzene moiety. The novel AIE probe produces a fast colorimetric and fluorescence response toward zinc (II) in both in neutral and basic conditions. Acting as a tridentate ligand, it produces a complex with enhanced and red-shifted emission in the DR/NIR spectral range. The AIE nature of both compounds was examined on the basis of X-ray crystallography and DFT analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosita Diana
- Department of Agriculture, University of Napoli Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy; (R.D.); (L.D.C.)
| | - Ugo Caruso
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (U.C.); (F.S.G.)
| | - Francesco Silvio Gentile
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (U.C.); (F.S.G.)
| | - Luigi Di Costanzo
- Department of Agriculture, University of Napoli Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy; (R.D.); (L.D.C.)
| | - Barbara Panunzi
- Department of Agriculture, University of Napoli Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy; (R.D.); (L.D.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-081-674-170
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7
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Wang X, Tang H, Huang X. Water-soluble fluorescent probes for bisulfite and viscosity imaging in living cells: Pyrene vs. anthracene. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2021; 260:119902. [PMID: 33993021 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2021.119902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We have designed two mitochondria targetable probes P-Py and P-An by the π-conjugation of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (pyrene vs. anthracene) with 4-dimethylamino pyridinium. They present an amphiphilic property with excellent solubility in the common polar and non-polar solvents. Both of them demonstrated a significant fluorescence response to bisulfite in Tris-HCl buffer solutions (5 mM, pH = 7.4). By a combination of fluorescence, UV-vis, time-resolved emission, 1H NMR, and ESI-MS, their sensing mechanisms have been elaborated to be a Michael addition. Notably, P-Py also exhibits a sensitivity to the viscosity change with a Stokes shift of 140 nm, due to the restriction of C-C bond rotation. By taking advantages of its good water solubility, low toxicity, and high mitochondrial target, the dual responses of P-Py to exogenous SO2 derivatives and viscosity change in mitochondria were explored by confocal fluorescence microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Pollutant Analysis and Reuse Technology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hubei Normal University, Huangshi 435002, PR China
| | - Hong Tang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Pollutant Analysis and Reuse Technology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hubei Normal University, Huangshi 435002, PR China
| | - Xiaohuan Huang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Pollutant Analysis and Reuse Technology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hubei Normal University, Huangshi 435002, PR China.
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8
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Diana R, Caruso U, Panunzi B. Stimuli-Responsive Zinc (II) Coordination Polymers: A Novel Platform for Supramolecular Chromic Smart Tools. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:3712. [PMID: 34771269 PMCID: PMC8588226 DOI: 10.3390/polym13213712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The unique role of the zinc (II) cation prompted us to cut a cross-section of the large and complex topic of the stimuli-responsive coordination polymers (CPs). Due to its flexible coordination environment and geometries, easiness of coordination-decoordination equilibria, "optically innocent" ability to "clip" the ligands in emissive architectures, non-toxicity and sustainability, the zinc (II) cation is a good candidate for building supramolecular smart tools. The review summarizes the recent achievements of zinc-based CPs as stimuli-responsive materials able to provide a chromic response. An overview of the past five years has been organised, encompassing 1, 2 and 3D responsive zinc-based CPs; specifically zinc-based metallorganic frameworks and zinc-based nanosized polymeric probes. The most relevant examples were collected following a consequential and progressive approach, referring to the structure-responsiveness relationship, the sensing mechanisms, the analytes and/or parameters detected. Finally, applications of highly bioengineered Zn-CPs for advanced imaging technique have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosita Diana
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy;
| | - Ugo Caruso
- Department of Chemical Science, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Barbara Panunzi
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy;
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9
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Wang S, Zhang Z, Huang Z, Lei X, Wang Y, Li L, Yang L, Liu H, Sun F, Ma LJ. A pyrene-based pH fluorescence probe with continuous multiple responses under acidic conditions and its application for environmental water systems and cells. J Photochem Photobiol A Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotochem.2021.113438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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10
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Diana R, Panunzi B. Zinc (II) and AIEgens: The "Clip Approach" for a Novel Fluorophore Family. A Review. Molecules 2021; 26:4176. [PMID: 34299451 PMCID: PMC8304007 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26144176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggregation-induced emission (AIE) compounds display a photophysical phenomenon in which the aggregate state exhibits stronger emission than the isolated units. The common term of "AIEgens" was coined to describe compounds undergoing the AIE effect. Due to the recent interest in AIEgens, the search for novel hybrid organic-inorganic compounds with unique luminescence properties in the aggregate phase is a relevant goal. In this perspective, the abundant, inexpensive, and nontoxic d10 zinc cation offers unique opportunities for building AIE active fluorophores, sensing probes, and bioimaging tools. Considering the novelty of the topic, relevant examples collected in the last 5 years (2016-2021) through scientific production can be considered fully representative of the state-of-the-art. Starting from the simple phenomenological approach and considering different typological and chemical units and structures, we focused on zinc-based AIEgens offering synthetic novelty, research completeness, and relevant applications. A special section was devoted to Zn(II)-based AIEgens for living cell imaging as the novel technological frontier in biology and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Barbara Panunzi
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy;
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11
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Visual pH Sensors: From a Chemical Perspective to New Bioengineered Materials. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26102952. [PMID: 34065629 PMCID: PMC8156760 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26102952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Many human activities and cellular functions depend upon precise pH values, and pH monitoring is considered a fundamental task. Colorimetric and fluorescence sensors for pH measurements are chemical and biochemical tools able to sense protons and produce a visible signal. These pH sensors are gaining widespread attention as non-destructive tools, visible to the human eye, that are capable of a real-time and in-situ response. Optical “visual” sensors are expanding researchers’ interests in many chemical contexts and are routinely used for biological, environmental, and medical applications. In this review we provide an overview of trending colorimetric, fluorescent, or dual-mode responsive visual pH sensors. These sensors include molecular synthetic organic sensors, metal organic frameworks (MOF), engineered sensing nanomaterials, and bioengineered sensors. We review different typological chemical entities of visual pH sensors, three-dimensional structures, and signaling mechanisms for pH sensing and applications; developed in the past five years. The progression of this review from simple organic molecules to biological macromolecules seeks to benefit beginners and scientists embarking on a project of pH sensing development, who needs background information and a quick update on advances in the field. Lessons learned from these tools will aid pH determination projects and provide new ways of thinking for cell bioimaging or other cutting-edge in vivo applications.
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12
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Concilio S, Di Martino M, Nardiello AM, Panunzi B, Sessa L, Miele Y, Rossi F, Piotto S. A Flavone-Based Solvatochromic Probe with A Low Expected Perturbation Impact on the Membrane Physical State. Molecules 2020; 25:E3458. [PMID: 32751363 PMCID: PMC7436088 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25153458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of the cell membrane is an ambitious and arduous objective since its physical state is regulated by a series of processes that guarantee its regular functionality. Among the different methods of analysis, fluorescence spectroscopy is a technique of election, non-invasive, and easy to use. Besides, molecular dynamics analysis (MD) on model membranes provides useful information on the possibility of using a new probe, following its positioning in the membrane, and evaluating the possible perturbation of the double layer. In this work, we report the rational design and the synthesis of a new fluorescent solvatochromic probe and its characterization in model membranes. The probe consists of a fluorescent aromatic nucleus of a 3-hydroxyflavone moiety, provided with a saturated chain of 18 carbon atoms and a zwitterionic head so to facilitate the anchoring to the polar heads of the lipid bilayer and avoid the complete internalization. It was possible to study the behavior of the probe in GUV model membranes by MD analysis and fluorescence microscopy, demonstrating that the new probe can efficiently be incorporated in the lipid bilayer, and give a color response, thanks to is solvatochromic properties. Moreover, MD simulation of the probe in the membrane supports the hypothesis of a reduced perturbation of the membrane physical state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Concilio
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Miriam Di Martino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (M.D.M.); (A.M.N.); (L.S.)
| | - Anna Maria Nardiello
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (M.D.M.); (A.M.N.); (L.S.)
| | - Barbara Panunzi
- Department of Agriculture, University of Napoli Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy;
| | - Lucia Sessa
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (M.D.M.); (A.M.N.); (L.S.)
| | - Ylenia Miele
- Department of Chemistry and Biology “A. Zambelli”, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy;
| | - Federico Rossi
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Physical Sciences “DEEP Sciences”, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Stefano Piotto
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy; (M.D.M.); (A.M.N.); (L.S.)
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13
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Filipe HAL, Moreno MJ, Loura LMS. The Secret Lives of Fluorescent Membrane Probes as Revealed by Molecular Dynamics Simulations. Molecules 2020; 25:E3424. [PMID: 32731549 PMCID: PMC7435664 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25153424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluorescent probes have been employed for more than half a century to study the structure and dynamics of model and biological membranes, using spectroscopic and/or microscopic experimental approaches. While their utilization has led to tremendous progress in our knowledge of membrane biophysics and physiology, in some respects the behavior of bilayer-inserted membrane probes has long remained inscrutable. The location, orientation and interaction of fluorophores with lipid and/or water molecules are often not well known, and they are crucial for understanding what the probe is actually reporting. Moreover, because the probe is an extraneous inclusion, it may perturb the properties of the host membrane system, altering the very properties it is supposed to measure. For these reasons, the need for independent methodologies to assess the behavior of bilayer-inserted fluorescence probes has been recognized for a long time. Because of recent improvements in computational tools, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have become a popular means of obtaining this important information. The present review addresses MD studies of all major classes of fluorescent membrane probes, focusing in the period between 2011 and 2020, during which such work has undergone a dramatic surge in both the number of studies and the variety of probes and properties accessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo A. L. Filipe
- Chemistry Department, Coimbra Chemistry Center, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Maria João Moreno
- Coimbra Chemistry Center and CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Luís M. S. Loura
- Coimbra Chemistry Center and CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
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14
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Diana R, Panunzi B, Caruso U. Two Novel π -Conjugated Fluorophores for Dye-Doped LC On-Off Photoluminescence Switching. LETT ORG CHEM 2020. [DOI: 10.2174/1570178616666191104094527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Among various classes of Photoluminescent (PL) compounds, soft-matter based materials in
which chromophores are embedded in a Liquid-Crystal (LC) host polymer prove to be very attractive
in the production of flexible panels and on-off temperature switches. Actually, the obtainment of low
cost, easily synthesizable, and stable organic molecules soluble in the LC matrix is a challenge for both
scholars and technologists. Here we describe the synthesis of two new emissive dyes based on a dicyanophenylenevinylene
and on a bis-azobenzene core whose PL properties were investigated as neat solids, in
solution, and in particular in a dye-doped LC nematic polymer often employed in PDLC applications.
1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy allow the characterization of all compounds Their thermotropic liquid-
crystalline (LC) properties were examined by differential scanning calorimetry and polarizing optical
microscopy. Photoluminescence properties were characterized by fluorescence spectra.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosita Diana
- Department of Agriculture, University of Napoli Federico II, 80055 Portici NA, Italy
| | - Barbara Panunzi
- Department of Agriculture, University of Napoli Federico II, 80055 Portici NA, Italy
| | - Ugo Caruso
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy
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15
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Diana R, Panunzi B, De Simone B, Borbone F, Tuzi A, Caruso U. RGB emission of three charged O,N,O-chelate zinc (II) complexes in pyridine solution. INORG CHEM COMMUN 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.inoche.2020.107763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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16
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Abstract
A new 5-(4-((2-(benzothiazole-2-carbonyl)hydrazono)methyl)-3-hydroxyphenoxy)-N,N,N-trimethylpentan-1-aminium bromide (BTABr) fluorescent and colorimetric pH probe was easily synthesized by the condensation reaction of benzothiazole-2-carbohydrazide with 5-(4-formyl-3-hydroxyphenoxy)-N,N,N-trimethylpentan-1-aminium bromide. The benzothiazole moiety provided the emissive part of the molecule and the charged trimethyl amino group guaranteed outstanding solubility in water, for an organic molecule. pH titration experiments indicated that the probe is useful for monitoring acidic and alkaline solutions, turning reversibly in color/fluorescence just at a neutral pH value. Naked-eye colorimetric response was observed both in solution and in the solid state. In addition, the probe showed high stability and selectivity and large Stokes shifts. Because of these features, BTABr can potentially work as an on-off real-time pH sensor for intracellular pH imaging. The crystal structure of BTABr examined by single-crystal analysis showed a planar geometry of the molecule and confirmed the presence of a molecular stacking between molecules joined in a complex tridimensional hydrogen bonding pattern.
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Panunzi B, Diana R, Caruso U. A Highly Efficient White Luminescent Zinc (II) Based Metallopolymer by RGB Approach. Polymers (Basel) 2019; 11:E1712. [PMID: 31635279 PMCID: PMC6835976 DOI: 10.3390/polym11101712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Three aryl-hydrazone O,N,O tridentate ligands with a different electron-withdrawing substituent were prepared. The introduction of a flexible charged chain in the ligands guaranteed solubility in many organic solvents and in water. The increasing withdrawing aptitude of the substituents red-shifted the emission in the correspondent metallopolymers. The metallated polymers were obtained by grafting ligand-zinc (II) coordination fragments onto commercial poly-(4-vinylpyridine). Metallopolymers thin films exhibited red, green and blue emission colors defined by Commission Internationale d'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates and medium to excellent photoluminescence (PL) quantum yields (PLQYs) comparable with other highly-performing active materials for Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs). By grafting a suitable mix of the three different coordination pendants, an efficient single-component white emissive metallopolymer with CIE (0.30, 0.31) was prepared. Thanks to the charged moiety, the polymers resulted miscible with an ionic liquid. The addition produced homogeneous polymeric layers with unaltered PL performances, potentially employable in Light-emitting Electrochemical Cells (LECs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Panunzi
- Department of Agriculture, University of Napoli Federico II, 80055 Portici NA, Italy.
| | - Rosita Diana
- Department of Agriculture, University of Napoli Federico II, 80055 Portici NA, Italy.
| | - Ugo Caruso
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy.
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