Sensing Zn2+ in Aqueous Solution with a Fluorescent Scorpiand Macrocyclic Ligand Decorated with an Anthracene Bearing Tail

A new biphenol-dipicolylamine based ligand and its dinuclear Zn2+ complex as fluorescent sensors for ibuprofen and ketoprofen in aqueous solution

In this work, the study of the new ligand 3,3'-bis[N,N-bis(pyridine-2-ylmethyl)aminomethyl]-2,2'-dihydroxybiphenyl (L) is reported, where a central 2,2'-biphenol (BPH) fluorophore was functionalized at 3,3'-positions with two dipicolylamine (DPA) side arms as receptor units. Following the synthesis and full chemical-physical characterization, the acid-base and Zn2+-coordination abilities of L were investigated through a combination of potentiometric, UV-Vis, fluorescence, NMR, XRD and DFT measurements. The optical properties of the ligand turned out to be strongly dependent on the pH, being straightforwardly associated with the protonation state of the BPH moiety, whereas its peculiar design allowed to form stable mono and dinuclear Zn2+ complexes. In the latter species, the presence of two Zn2+ ions coordinatively unsaturated and placed at close distance to each other, prompted us to test their usefulness as metallo-receptors for two environmental pollutants of great relevance, ibuprofen and ketoprofen. Potentiometric and fluorescence investigations evidenced that these important non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effectively coordinated by the metallo-receptors and, of relevance, both the stability and the fluorescence properties of the resulting ternary adducts are markedly affected by the different chemical architectures of the two substrates. This study aims at highlighting the promising perspectives arising from the use of polyamino phenolic ligands as chemosensors for H+/Zn2+ and other additional anionic targets in their metal-complexed forms.

Advances in the synthesis and applications of macrocyclic polyamines

Macrocyclic polyamines constitute a significant class of macrocyclic compounds that play a pivotal role in the realm of supramolecular chemistry. They find extensive applications across diverse domains including industrial and agricultural production, clinical diagnostics, environmental protection and other multidisciplinary fields. Macrocyclic polyamines possess a distinctive cavity structure with varying sizes, depths, electron-richness degrees and flexibilities. This unique feature enables them to form specific supramolecular structures through complexation with diverse objects, thereby attracting considerable attention from chemists, biologists and materials scientists alike. However, there is currently a lack of comprehensive summaries on the synthesis methods for macrocyclic polyamines. In this review article, we provide an in-depth introduction to the synthesis of macrocyclic polyamines while analysing their respective advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, we also present an overview of the recent 5-year advancements in using macrocyclic polyamines as non-viral gene vectors, fluorescent probes, diagnostic and therapeutic reagents as well as catalysts. Looking ahead to future research directions on the synthesis and application of macrocyclic polyamines across various fields will hopefully inspire new ideas for their synthesis and use.

Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline solution catalysed by an atomically precise catalyst based on a Pd(II) complex supported on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Electrochemical and structural considerations

A new atomically precise, single-ion catalyst (MWCNT-LPd) for ORR (oxygen reduction reaction), consisting of a Pd(II) complex of a tetraazacycloalkane anchored on multiwalled carbon nanotubes, has been prepared through a supramolecular approach ensuring a uniform distribution of catalytic centres on the support surface. A tetraazacycloalkane was chosen to saturate the four coordination sites of the typical square planar coordination geometry of Pd(II) with the aim of ascertaining whether the metal ion must have free coordination sites to function effectively in the ORR or whether, as predicted by quantum mechanical calculations, the catalytic effect can be originated from an interaction of O2 in the fifth coordinative position. The results clearly demonstrated that tetracoordination of Pd(II) does not influence its catalytic capacity in the ORR. Electrodes based on this catalyst show ORR performance very close to that of commercial Pt electrodes, despite the low Pd(II) content (1.72% by weight) in the catalyst. The onset potential (Eon) value and the half-wave potential (E1/2) of the catalyst are, respectively, only 53 mV and 24 mV less positive than those observed for the Pt electrode and direct conversion of O2 to H2O reaches 85.0%, compared to 89% of the Pt electrode. Furthermore, a preliminary galvanostatic test (simulating a working fuel cell at a fixed potential) showed that the catalyst maintains its efficiency continuing to produce water throughout the process (the average number of electrons exchanged over time per O2 molecule remains close to 4).

Crystal engineering of high explosives through lone pair-π interactions: Insights for improving thermal safety

In this high-risk/high-reward study, we prepared complexes of a high explosive anion (picrate) with potentially explosive s-tetrazine-based ligands with the sole purpose of advancing the understanding of one of the weakest supramolecular forces: the lone pair-π interaction. This is a proof-of-concept study showing how lone pair-π contacts can be effectively used in crystal engineering, even of high explosives, and how the supramolecular architecture of the resulting crystalline phases influences their experimental thermokinetic properties. Herein we present XRD structures of 4 novel detonating compounds, all showcasing lone pair-π interactions, their thermal characterization (DSC, TGA), including the correlation of experimental thermokinetic parameters with crystal packing, and in silico explosion properties. This last aspect is relevant for improving the safety of high-energy materials.

Evaluation of coumarin-tagged deferoxamine as a Zr(IV)-based PET/fluorescence dual imaging probe

Desferoxamine (DFO) is currently the golden standard chelator for 89Zr4+, a promising nuclide for positron emission tomography imaging (PET). The natural siderophore DFO had previously been conjugated with fluorophores to obtain Fe(III) sensing molecules. In this study, a fluorescent coumarin derivative of DFO (DFOC) has been prepared and characterized (potentiometry, UV-Vis spectroscopy) for what concerns its protonation and metal coordination properties towards PET-relevant ions (Cu(II), Zr(IV)), evidencing strong similarity with pristine DFO. Retention of DFOC fluorescence emission upon metal binding has been checked (fluorescence spectrophotometry), as it would - and does - allow for optical (fluorescent) imaging, thus unlocking bimodal (PET/fluorescence) imaging for 89Zr(IV) tracers. Crystal violet and MTT assays on NIH-3 T3 fibroblasts and MDA-MB 231 mammary adenocarcinoma cell lines demonstrated, respectively, no cytotoxicity nor metabolic impairment at usual radiodiagnostic concentrations of ZrDFOC. Clonogenic colony-forming assay performed on X-irradiated MDA-MB 231 cells showed no interference of ZrDFOC with radiosensitivity. Morphological biodistribution (confocal fluorescence, transmission electron microscopy) assays on the same cells suggested internalization of the complex through endocytosis. Overall, these results support fluorophore-tagged DFO as a suitable option to achieve dual imaging (PET/fluorescence) probes based on 89Zr.

Selective recognition of neurotransmitters in aqueous solution by hydroxyphenyl aza-scorpiand ligands

The synthesis, acid-base behaviour and anion recognition of neurotransmitters (dopamine, tyramine and serotonin) in aqueous solution of different aza-scorpiand ligands functionalized with hydroxyphenyl and phenyl moieties (L1-L3 and L4, respectively) have been studied by potentiometry, NMR, UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). The analysis of the potentiometric results shows the selective recognition of serotonin at physiological pH (K_eff = 8.64 × 10⁴) by L1. This selectivity has an entropic origin probably coming from a fine pre-organization of the interacting partners. Thus, the complementarity of the receptor and the substrate allows the reciprocal formation of hydrogen bonds, π-π and cation-π interactions, stabilizing the receptors and slowing the rate of oxidative degradation, and satisfactory results are obtained at acidic and neutral pH values. NMR and molecular dynamics studies reveal the rotation blockage in the neurotransmitter side chain once complexed with L1.

Pyrene-Containing Polyamines as Fluorescent Receptors for Recognition of PFOA in Aqueous Media

The globally widespread perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a concerning environmental contaminant, with a possible toxic long-term effects on the environment and human health The development of sensible, rapid, and low-cost detection systems is a current change in modern environmental chemistry. In this context, two triamine-based chemosensors, L1 and L2, containing a fluorescent pyrene unit, and their Zn(II) complexes are proposed as fluorescent probes for the detection of PFOA in aqueous media. Binding studies carried out by means of fluorescence and NMR titrations highlight that protonated forms of the receptors can interact with the carboxylate group of PFOA, thanks to salt bridge formation with the ammonium groups of the aliphatic chain. This interaction induces a decrease in the fluorescence emission of pyrene at neutral and slightly acidic pH values. Similarly, emission quenching has also been observed upon coordination of PFOA by the Zn(II) complexes of the receptors. These results evidence that simple polyamine-based molecular receptors can be employed for the optical recognition of harmful pollutant molecules, such as PFOA, in aqueous media.

Mn(II) Complexes of Enlarged Scorpiand-Type Azamacrocycles as Mimetics of MnSOD Enzyme

Living organisms depend on superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes to shield themselves from the deleterious effects of superoxide radical. In humans, alterations of these protective mechanisms have been linked to the pathogenesis of many diseases. However, the therapeutic use of the native enzyme is hindered by, among other things, its high molecular size, low stability, and immunogenicity. For this reason, synthetic SOD mimetic compounds of low molecular weight may have therapeutic potential. We present here three low-molecular-weight compounds, whose Mn2+ complexes can mimic, at least partially, the protective activity of SOD-enzymes. These compounds were characterized by NMR, potentiometry, and, to test whether they have protective activity in vitro, by their capacity to restore the growth of SOD-deficient strains of E. coli. In this report, we provide evidence that these compounds form stable complexes with Mn2+ and have an in vitro protective effect, restoring up to 75% the growth of the SOD-deficient E. coli.

Metal Coordination Properties of a Chromophoric Desferrioxamine (DFO) Derivative: Insight on the Coordination Stoichiometry and Thermodynamic Stability of Zr4+ Complexes

Desferrioxamine (DFO) is the current "gold standard" chelator for ⁸⁹Zr⁴⁺, which is used to label monoclonal antibodies for applications in immunopositron emission tomography. Recently, controversial data have been reported regarding the speciation and the stability of the complexes formed by DFO with Zr⁴⁺ in solution. To shed some light on this point, we studied the coordination properties in solution ofa chromophoric DFO derivative bearing a substituted pyrimidine residue (DFO-Pm) toward several metal ions (Zr⁴⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺). Potentiometric titrations showed that DFO-Pm and pristine DFO form complexes with very similar stoichiometry and stability. DFO-Pm, which can consequently be taken as a model system for DFO, provides a photochemical response to metal coordination that can be used to further define the complexes formed. In the critical case of Zr⁴⁺, spectrophotometric measurements allowed the verification of the formation of 1:1 and 2:3 complexes that, together with 2:2 complexes form the coordination model that was obtained through the use of our potentiometric measurements. Additionally, mass spectrometry measurements verified the formation of 1:1 and 2:3 complexes and showed that 1:2 species can be easily generated through the fragmentation of the 2:3 species. In conclusion, the results obtained with DFO-Pm validate the complexation model of Zr⁴⁺/DFO composed of 1:1, 2:2, and 2:3 metal-to-ligand complexes. Convergences and conflicts with other works are addressed.

Fluorescent Chemosensors Based on Polyamine Ligands: A Review

Polyamine ligands are water-soluble receptors that are able to coordinate, depending on their protonation degree, either metal ions, anionic, or neutral species. Furthermore, the presence of fluorescent signaling units allows an immediate visual response/signal. For these reasons, they can find applications in a wide variety of fields, mainly those where aqueous media is necessary, such as biological studies, wastewater analysis, soil contamination, etc. This review provides an overview of the recent developments in the research of chemosensors based on polyamine ligands functionalized with fluorescent signaling units. The discussion focuses on the design, synthesis, and physicochemical properties of this type of fluorescent chemosensors in order to analyze the applications associated to the sensing of metal ions, anions, and neutral molecules of environmental and/or biological interest. To facilitate a quick access and overview of all the chemosensors covered in this review, a summary table of the chemosensor structures and analytes, with all the corresponding references, is also presented.

Assembly of Polyiodide Networks with Cu(II) Complexes of Pyridinol-Based Tetraaza Macrocycles

Polyiodide networks are currently of great practical interest for the preparation of new electronic materials. The participation of metals in the formation of these networks is believed to improve their mechanical performance and thermal stability. Here we report the results on the construction of polyiodide networks obtained using Cu(II) complexes of a series of pyridinol-based tetraazacyclophanes as countercations. The assembly of these crystalline polyiodides takes place from aqueous solutions on the basis of similar structural elements, the [CuL]²⁺ and [Cu(H_–1L)]⁺ (L = L2, L2-Me, L2-Me₃) complex cations, so that the peculiarities induced by the increase of N-methylation of ligands, the structural variable of ligands, can be highlighted. First, solution equilibria involving ligands and complexes were analyzed (potentiometry, NMR, UV–vis, ITC). Then, the appropriate conditions could be selected to prepare polyiodides based on the above complex cations. Single-crystal XRD analysis showed that the coordination of pyridinol units to two metal ions is a prime feature of these ligands, leading to polymeric coordination chains of general formula {[Cu(H_–1L)]}_nⁿ⁺ (L = L2-Me, L2-Me₃). In the presence of the I^–/I₂ couple, the polymerization tendency stops with the formation of [(CuL)(CuH_–1L)]³⁺ (L = L2-Me, L2-Me₃) dimers which are surrounded by polyiodide networks. Moreover, coordination of the pyridinol group to two metal ions transforms the surface charge of the ring from negative to markedly positive, generating a suitable environment for the assembly of polyiodide anions, while N-methylation shifts the directional control of the assembly from H-bonds to I···I interactions. In fact, an extended concatenation of iodine atoms occurs around the complex dimeric cations, the supramolecular I···I interactions become shorter and shorter, fading into stronger forces dominated by the orbital overlap, which is promising for effective electronic materials.

Polyiodides with high iodine density are generated by Cu(II) complexes of pyridinol-based tetraazacyclophanes. Direct coordination of iodine atoms to Cu(II), anion−π interactions with electron-poor aromatic surfaces, and shift of the directional control of assembly from H-bonds to I···I interactions, governed by N-methylation, are the main elements leading to enhanced iodine chaining and strengthening of I···I contacts.

Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Boron-Containing Macrocyclic Polyamines and Their Zinc(II) Complexes for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a binary therapeutic method for cancer treatment based on the use of a combination of a cancer-specific drug containing boron-10 (¹⁰B) and thermal neutron irradiation. For successful BNCT, ¹⁰B-containing molecules need to accumulate specifically in cancer cells, because destructive effect of the generated heavy particles is limited basically to boron-containing cells. Herein, we report on the design and synthesis of boron compounds that are functionalized with 9-, 12-, and 15-membered macrocyclic polyamines and their Zn²⁺ complexes. Their cytotoxicity, intracellular uptake activity into cancer cells and normal cells, and BNCT effect are also reported. The experimental data suggest that mono- and/or diprotonated forms of metal-free [12]aneN₄- and [15]aneN₅-type ligands are uptaken into cancer cells, and their complexes with intracellular metals such as Zn²⁺ would induce cell death upon thermal neutron irradiation, possibly via interactions with DNA.

Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Supported Pd(II) Complexes: A Supramolecular Approach towards Single-Ion Oxygen Reduction Reaction Catalysts

Lowering the platinum group metal content of oxygen reduction reaction catalysts is among the most prevalent research focuses in the field. This target is herein approached through supported Pd(II) complexes. Starting from a commercial macrocycle, a new ligand is synthesized, its solution behavior and binding properties briefly explored (potentiometry, UV-Vis) and then used to prepare a new catalyst. A supramolecular approach is used in order to obtain homogeneous decoration of carbon nanotubes surfaces, fostering novel possibilities to access single-ion active sites. The novel catalyst is characterized through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy and its promising oxygen reduction reaction performance is evaluated via rotating ring-disk electrode and rotating disk electrode in half-cell studies.

Stabilization of polyiodide networks with Cu(ii) complexes of small methylated polyazacyclophanes: shifting directional control from H-bonds to I⋯I interactions

Modulation of hydrogen bonds and iodine–iodine interactions, both covalent and supramolecular, unlocks novel possibilities for the construction of transition metal-polyiodide hybrid networks.