State of Charge and State of Health Assessment of Viologens in Aqueous-Organic Redox-Flow Electrolytes Using In Situ IR Spectroscopy and Multivariate Curve Resolution

Aqueous-organic redox flow batteries (RFBs) have gained considerable interest in recent years, given their potential for an economically viable energy storage at large scale. This, however, strongly depends on both the robustness of the underlying electrolyte chemistry against molecular decomposition reactions as well as the device's operation. With regard to this, the presented study focuses on the use of in situ IR spectroscopy in combination with a multivariate curve resolution approach to gain insight into both the molecular structures of the active materials present within the electrolyte as well as crucial electrolyte state parameters, represented by the electrolyte's state of charge (SOC) and state of health (SOH). To demonstrate the general applicability of the approach, methyl viologen (MV) and bis(3-trimethylammonium)propyl viologen (BTMAPV) are chosen, as viologens are frequently used as negolytes in aqueous-organic RFBs. The study's findings highlight the impact of in situ spectroscopy and spectral deconvolution tools on the precision of the obtainable SOC and SOH values. Furthermore, the study indicates the occurrence of multiple viologen dimers, which possibly influence the electrolyte lifetime and charging characteristics.

Poly(selenoviologen)-Assembled Upconversion Nanoparticles for Low-Power Single-NIR Light-Triggered Synergistic Photodynamic and Photothermal Antibacterial Therapy

The development of a highly effective photosensitizer (PS) that can be activated with a low-power single light is a pressing issue. Herein, we report a PS for synergistic photodynamic and photothermal therapy constructed through self-assembly of poly(selenoviologen) on the surface of core-shell NaYF₄:Yb/Tm@NaYF₄ upconversion nanoparticles. The hybrid UCNPs/PSeV PS showed strong ROS generation ability and high photothermal conversion efficiency (∼52.5%) under the mildest reported-to-date irradiation conditions (λ = 980 nm, 150 mW/cm², 4 min), leading to a high efficiency in killing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) both in vitro and in vivo. Remarkably, after intravenous injection, the reported PS accumulated preferentially in deep MRSA-infected tissues and achieved an excellent therapeutic index. This PS design realizes a low-power single-NIR light-triggered synergistic phototherapy and provides a simple and versatile strategy to develop safe clinically translatable agents for efficient treatment of deep tissue bacterial inflammations.

Thermotropic Liquid-Crystalline and Light-Emitting Properties of Bis(4-aalkoxyphenyl) Viologen Bis(triflimide) Salts

A series of bis(4-alkoxyphenyl) viologen bis(triflimide) salts with alkoxy chains of different lengths were synthesized by the metathesis reaction of respective bis(4-alkoxyphenyl) viologen dichloride salts, which were in turn prepared from the reaction of Zincke salt with the corresponding 4-n-alkoxyanilines, with lithium triflimide in methanol. Their chemical structures were characterized by 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectra and elemental analysis. Their thermotropic liquid-crystalline (LC) properties were examined by differential scanning calorimetry, polarizing optical microscopy, and variable temperature X-ray diffraction. Salts with short length alkoxy chains had crystal-to-liquid transitions. Salts of intermediate length alkoxy chains showed both crystal-to-smectic A (SmA) transitions, Tms, and SmA-to-isotropic transitions, Tis. Those with longer length of alkoxy chains had relatively low Tms at which they formed the SmA phases that persisted up to the decomposition at high temperatures. As expected, all of them had excellent thermal stabilities in the temperature range of 330-370 °C. Their light-emitting properties in methanol were also included.

Active Anion Delivery by Self-Propelled Microswimmers

Self-propelled micro- and nanomachines are at the forefront of materials research, branching into applications in biomedical science and environmental remediation. Cationic frameworks enabling the collection and delivery of anionic species (A^-) are highly required, due to the large variety of life-threatening pollutants, such as radioactive technetium and carcinogenic chromium, and medicines, such as dexamethasone derivatives with negative charges. However, such autonomous moving carriers for active transport of the anions have been barely discussed. A polymeric viologen (PV⁺⁺)-consisting of electroactive bicationic subunits-is utilized in a tubular autonomous microswimmer to selectively deliver A^- of different sizes and charge densities. The cargo loading is based on a facile anion exchange mechanism. The packed crystal structure of PV⁺⁺ allows removal of an exceptionally high quantity of anions per one microswimmer (2.55 × 10^-13 mol anions per microswimmer), a critical factor often neglected regarding the real-world application of microswimmers. Notably, there was virtually no leakage of anions during the delivery process or upon keeping the loaded microswimmers under ambient conditions for at least 4 months. Multiple release mechanisms, compatible with different environments, including electrochemical, photochemical, and a metathesis reaction, with high efficiencies up to 98% are introduced. Such functional autonomous micromachines provide great promise for the next generation of functional materials for biomedical and environmental applications.

Near-Infrared Optical Nanosensors for Continuous Detection of Glucose

BACKGROUND

Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) enable people with diabetes to proactively manage their blood glucose and reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. Commercially available CGMs utilize percutaneous electrodes that, after days to weeks of implantation, are subjected to the foreign body response that severely reduces sensor accuracy. The previous work demonstrated the use of hydrogels containing a glucose-responsive viologen that quenches a nearby fluorophore. Here, we investigate the immobilization of this sensing motif onto a nanoparticle surface and optimize local surface concentrations for optical glucose sensing.

METHODS

A viologen quencher-fluorescent dye system was incorporated into poly(2-hydroethyl methacrylate) hydrogels in varying quantities to assess the effect of quencher-fluorophore concentration on glucose responsiveness. The sensing motif was then immobilized onto silica nanoparticles by carbodiimide chemistry. Nanosensors with a range of dye and quencher concentrations were challenged for glucose responsiveness to determine the optimal sensor formulation.

RESULTS

When incorporated into a hydrogel, high concentrations of viologen quencher and fluorophore were required to permit electron transfer between the two components and yield a detectable glucose response. Immobilization of this glucose-responsive system onto a silica nanoparticle facilitated this electron transfer to yield detectable responses at even low concentrations. Increasing quencher concentration on the nanoparticle, relative to the fluorophore, resulted in the greatest apparent glucose response.

CONCLUSION

The nanoparticle sensors demonstrated excellent glucose response in the physiological range and are a promising tool for real-time glucose tracking.

Mono- and Di-Quaternized 4,4'-Bipyridine Derivatives as Key Building Blocks for Medium- and Environment-Responsive Compounds and Materials

Mono- and di-quaternized 4,4'-bipyridine derivatives constitute a family of heterocyclic compounds, which in recent years have been employed in numerous applications. These applications correspond to various disciplines of research and technology. In their majority, two key features of these 4,4'-bipyridine-based derivatives are exploited: their redox activity and their electrochromic aptitude. Contemporary materials and compounds encompassing these skeletons as building blocks are often characterized as multifunctional, as their presence often gives rise to interesting phenomena, e.g., various types of chromism. This research trend is acknowledged, and, in this review article, recent examples of multifunctional chromic materials/compounds of this class are presented. Emphasis is placed on solvent-/medium- and environment-responsive 4,4'-bipyridine derivatives. Two important classes of 4,4'-bipyridine-based products with solvatochromic and/or environment-responsive character are reviewed: viologens (i.e., N,N'-disubstituted derivatives) and monoquats (i.e., monosubstituted 4,4'-bipyridine derivatives). The multifunctional nature of these derivatives is analyzed and structure-property relations are discussed in connection to the role of these derivatives in various novel applications.

Polyviologen as Electron Transport Material in Photosystem I-Based Biophotovoltaic Cells

The photosynthetic protein complex, photosystem I (PSI), can be photoexcited with a quantum efficiency approaching unity and can be integrated into solar energy conversion devices as the photoactive electrode. The incorporation of PSI into conducting polymer frameworks allows for improved conductivity and orientational control in the photoactive layer. Polyviologens are a unique class of organic polycationic polymers that can rapidly accept electrons from a primary donor such as photoexcited PSI and subsequently can donate them to a secondary acceptor. Monomeric viologens, such as methyl viologen, have been widely used as diffusible mediators in wet PSI-based photoelectrochemical cells on the basis of their suitable redox potentials for accepting electrons. Polyviologens possess similar electronic properties to their monomers with the added advantage that they can shuttle electrons in the solid state. Depositing polyviologen directly onto a film of PSI protein results in significant photocurrent enhancement, which confirms its role as an electron-transport material. The polymer film not only improves the photocurrent by aiding the electron transfer but also helps preserve the protein film underneath. The composite polymer-PSI assembly enhances the charge-shuttling processes from individual protein molecules within the PSI multilayer, greatly reducing charge-transfer resistances. The resulting PSI-based solid-state platform demonstrates a much higher photocurrent than the corresponding photoelectrochemical cell built using a similar architecture.

Fluorescent Probes for Sugar Detection

Herein, a new class of polymerizable boronic acid (BA) monomers are presented, which are used to generate soft hydrogels capable of accurate determination of saccharide concentration. By exploiting the interaction of these cationic BAs with an anionic fluorophore, 8-hydroxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid trisodium salt (pyranine), a two-component sugar-sensing system was realized. In the presence of such cationic BAs ( o-BA, m-BA, and p-BA), the fluorescence of pyranine becomes quenched because of the formation of a nonfluorescent BA-fluorophore complex. Upon addition of saccharides, formation of a cyclic boronate ester results in dissociation of the nonfluorescent complex and recovery of the pyranine fluorescence. The response of this system was examined in solution with common monosaccharides, such as glucose, fructose, and galactose. Subsequent polymerization of the BA monomers yielded cross-linked hydrogels which showed similar reversible recovery of fluorescence in the presence of glucose.

Generation of a Multicomponent Library of Disulfide Donor-Acceptor Architectures Using Dynamic Combinatorial Chemistry

We describe here the generation of new donor-acceptor disulfide architectures obtained in aqueous solution at physiological pH. The application of a dynamic combinatorial chemistry approach allowed us to generate a large number of new disulfide macrocyclic architectures together with a new type of [2]catenanes consisting of four distinct components. Up to fifteen types of structurally-distinct dynamic architectures have been generated through one-pot disulfide exchange reactions between four thiol-functionalized aqueous components. The distribution of disulfide products formed was found to be strongly dependent on the structural features of the thiol components employed. This work not only constitutes a success in the synthesis of topologically- and morphologically-complex targets, but it may also open new horizons for the use of this methodology in the construction of molecular machines.

Reversible deformation-formation of a multistimuli responsive vesicle by a supramolecular peptide amphiphile

A systematic study of the ternary complex formation process for aromatic amino acids using ucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) and a viologen amphiphile shows that the affinity of the amino acid needs to be higher or in a comparable range to that of CB[8] for the amphiphile in order to form the ternary complex. Based on these observations, a supramolecular peptide amphiphile and its corresponding vesicle are prepared using a peptide containing an azobenzene moiety. The azobenzene group at the N-terminus of the peptide served as the second guest for CB[8]. The vesicles obtained from this peptide amphiphile show response to a number of external triggers. The trans-cis isomerization of the azobenzene group upon irradiation with UV-light of 365 nm leads to the breakdown of the ternary complex and eventually to the disruption of the vesicle. The deformation-reformation of the vesicle can be controlled by illuminating the disrupted solution with light of 420 nm as it facilitates the cis-trans isomerization. Thus, the vesicle showed a controlled and reversible response to UV-light with the ability for manipulation of the formation-deformation of the vesicle by the choice of an appropriate wavelength. The vesicle showed response to a stronger guest (1-adamantylamine) for CB[8], which displaces both the guests from the CB[8] cavity and consequently ruptures the vesicle structure. 2,6-Dihydroxynaphthalene acts as a competitive guest and thereby behaves as another external trigger for replacing the peptide from the CB[8] cavity by self-inclusion to form the ternary complex. Henceforth, it allows retaining the vesicle structure and results in the release of the peptide from the vesicle.

Preparation of Hydrogenase and Viologen-Functionalized Carbon Nanotube Composites for Electrochemical Oxidation of Hydrogen

Bionanocomposites of hydrogenase and viologen-functionalized carbon nanotubes (H2ase/V-MWNTs) were prepared and characterized by using infrared spectra and scanning electron microscope. Cyclic voltammograms revealed two couples of redox waves corresponded to the electron transfer processes of viologens and [4Fe-4S]2+/1+ clusters of hydrogenase. The current intensity was enhanced in the H2 atmosphere, which suggested that the present bio-nanocomposites could be used as heterogeneous bio-catalyst to catalyze reversible reaction between protons and H2.

Thermodynamics and kinetics of guest-induced switching between "basket handle" porphyrin isomers

The synthesis and switching properties of two “basket handle” porphyrin isomers is described. The cis-oriented meso-phenyl groups of these porphyrins are linked at their ortho-positons via benzocrown-ether-based spacers, which as a result of slow atropisomerization are located either on the same side of the porphyrin plane (cis), or on opposite sides (trans). In solution, the cis-linked isomer slowly isomerizes in the direction of the thermodynamically more stable trans-isomer. In the presence of viologen (N,N'-dialkyl-4,4'-bipyridinium) derivatives, which have different affinities for the two isomers, the isomerization equilibrium could be significantly influenced. In addition, the presence of these guests was found to enhance the rate of the switching process, which was suggested to be caused by favorable interactions between the positively charged guest and the crown ethers of the receptor, stabilizing the transition state energies of the isomerization reaction between the two isomers.

Electrical characterization of organic monolayers at a nanoscale

This study investigates the electrical properties of viologen derivatives at a nanoscale and analyzes it using a scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) in order to apply viologen molecules that represent a function in electron transfer mediators as a molecular electronic device. In addition, we measure conformational changes in the viologen molecular protrusions using STM and investigate changes in the width and height of the alkyl group that are due to the change in the polarity of viologen molecules by electron charges. In this experiment, high peak current is observed, such as a rectification at +1.14 V. Thus, according to the results of this experiment the rectification ratio [RR = J (at +2.5 V)/J (at -2.5 V)] of the viologen is found by 4.47 (HSC8VC8SH). Similar results are also obtained in some other cases of viologen derivatives.

Structural and spectroscopic properties of the second generation phosphorus-viologen "molecular asterisk"

The FTIR and FT Raman spectra of the second generation phosphorus-viologen "molecular asterisk" G2 built from cyclotriphosphazene core with 12 viologen units and 6 terminal phosphonate groups have been recorded and analyzed. The experimental X-ray data of 1,1-bis(4-formylbenzyl)-4,4'-bipyridinium bis(hexaflurophosphate) was used in molecular modeling studies. The optimization of isolated 1,1-bis(4-formylbenzyl)-4,4'-bipyridinium (BFBP) molecule without counter ions PF6(-) does not lead to significant changes of dihedral angles, thus the molecular conformation does not depend on interactions with the counter ions. The structural optimization and normal mode analysis were performed for G2 on the basis of the density functional theory (DFT). The calculated geometrical parameters and harmonic vibrational frequencies are predicted in a good agreement with the experimental data. It was found that G2 has a kind of "egg timer" structure with planar OC6H4CHNN(CH3) fragments and slightly non-planar cyclotriphosphazene core. The experimental IR and Raman spectra of G2 were interpreted by means of potential energy distribution.

A facile channel for D-glucose detection in aqueous solution

Three facile ensembles for sensing D-glucose are designed and constructed. The ensembles are comprised of fluorescent dye (NAHBDS) and boronic acid substituted viologens (BBVs) quenchers/receptors. The sensing processes of three ensembles (NAHBDS/o-BBV, NAHBDS/m-BBV and NAHBDS/p-BBV) to D-glucose were determined by fluorescence spectra at pH 7.4 buffer solution. The results show that NAHBDS/o-BBV and NAHBDS/m-BBV ensembles embody higher sensitivity for D-glucose with reversible "on-off" fluorescence response. More importantly, the recovery of relative intensity has good linear relation to low concentration of D-glucose. The action between the ensemble with D-glucose is dynamically reversible equilibrium process. The research results provide a new mode to design highly selective probe.

Electrochemical behavior of N-methyl-N'-carboxydecyl-4,4'-bipyridinium probed by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Interfacial structure determines the activity and selectivity of a sensor and plays important roles in interfacial electrochemistry, electroanalysis, biosensing, etc. In situ electrochemical Raman spectroscopy appears to be a powerful tool to probe the electrochemical interface and surface process by providing the molecular fingerprint information. Herein, the electrochemical behaviors of N-methyl-N'-carboxydecyl-4,4'-bipyridinium (derivatives of methyl viologens, MV(2+)) with different alkyl chain lengths (n=2 and 10) on roughened Au electrodes were systematically investigated by the electrochemical surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Three systems with different interfacial structures were constructed. One is to anchor the MV(2+) molecules via esterification with the 2-mercaptoethanol molecule pre-assembled on the Au surface. The second system is similar to the first one but without esterification. The third system is the direct adsorption of MV(2+) molecules on the bare roughened Au surfaces. The three systems gave different spectral response upon the change of the electrode potential. A drastically increased relative Raman intensity of 19a/8a modes of the MV(2+) molecules was observed at negative potentials. The phenomenon is attributed to the formation of the reduced form of MV(2+) molecules, which produces resonant Raman effect to enhanced the signal of 19a mode. The third system showed the highest electrochemical reduction activity towards the reduction of MV(2+) molecules, followed by the first and second systems. The result indicates that the interfacial structure can sensitively influence electrochemical activity of the electrode.

Viologens as charge carriers in a polymer-based battery anode

Viologens, either as anions in solution or as pendant substituents to pyrrole, were incorporated as dopants to electrodeposited films of polypyrrole. The resulting polymer films exhibited redox activity at -0.5 V vs Ag/AgCl. The film consisting of polypyrrole with pendant viologens exhibited the best charge-discharge behavior with a maximum capacity of 55 mAh/g at a discharge current of 0.25 mA/cm(2). An anode consisting of polypyrrole (pPy) doped with viologen (V) was coupled to a cathode consisting of pPy doped with 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) to yield a polymer-based battery with a cell electromotive force (emf) of 1.0 V, maximum capacity of 16 mAh/g, and energy density of 15 Wh/kg.

High-contrast photopatterning of photoluminescence within quantum dot films through degradation of a charge-transfer quencher

Diffraction-limited, high-contrast photopatterning of the photoluminescence of layer-by-layer films comprising CdSe@CdS@ZnS quantum dots and polyviologen is reported. The photoluminescence of the quantum dots is initially quantitatively quenched due to ultrafast photoinduced electron transfer to polyviologen. Photopatterning is achieved by high-power or prolonged illumination in air, which photochemically degrades the polyviologen and thereby restores the photoluminescence of the quantum dots.

Ligand-controlled rates of photoinduced electron transfer in hybrid CdSe nanocrystal/poly(viologen) films

This paper describes a study of the rates of photoinduced electron transfer (PET) from CdSe quantum dots (QDs) to poly(viologen) within thin films, as a function of the length of the ligands passivating the QDs. Ultrafast (<10 ps), quantitative PET occurs from CdSe QDs coated with HS-(CH(2))(n)-COOH for n = 1, 2, 5, and 7 to viologen units. The observed decrease in the magnitude of the PET rate constant with n is weaker than that expected from the decay of the electron tunneling probability across extended all-trans mercaptocarboxylic acids but well-described by electron tunneling across a collapsed ligand shell. The PET rate constants for films with n = 10 and 15 are much slower than those expected based on the trend for n = 1-7; this deviation is ascribed to the formation of bundles of ligands on the surface of the QD that make the tunneling process prohibitively slow by limiting access of the viologen units to the surfaces of the QDs. This study highlights the importance of molecular-level morphology of donor and acceptor materials in determining the rate and yield of interfacial photoinduced electron transfer in thin films.

Redox-switching in a viologen-type adlayer: an electrochemical shell-isolated nanoparticle enhanced Raman spectroscopy study on Au(111)-(1×1) single crystal electrodes

We reported the first application of in situ shell-isolated nanoparticle enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SHINERS) to an interfacial redox reaction under electrochemical conditions. We construct gap-mode sandwich structures composed of a thiol-terminated HS-6V6H viologen adlayer immobilized on a single crystal Au(111)-(1×1) electrode and covered by Au(60 nm)@SiO(2) core-shell nanoparticles acting as plasmonic antennas. We observed high-quality, potential-dependent Raman spectra of the three viologen species V(2+), V(+●), and V(0) on a well-defined Au(111) substrate surface and could map their potential-dependent evolution. Comparison with experiments on powder samples revealed an enhancement factor of the nonresonant Raman modes of ∼3 × 10(5), and up to 9 × 10(7) for the resonance modes. The study illustrates the unique capability of SHINERS and its potential in the entire field of electrochemical surface science to explore structures and reaction pathways on well-defined substrate surfaces, such as single crystals, for molecular, (electro-)catalytic, bioelectrochemical systems up to fundamental double layer studies at electrified solid/liquid interfaces.

An electrochemical glucose sensor from an organically modified nanocomposite of viologen and TiO2

An organically modified TiO2 nanocomposite was explored for glucose detection. Bis-Butyl viologen (BBV) was mixed with TiO2 nanoparticles to generate highly dispersed nanocomposite solution, which provided organically modified nanocomposite film of TiO2 (BBV-TiO2). A transistor type sensor was fabricated using the BBV-TiO2 film and platinum gate electrode. The BBV-TiO2 nanocomposite sensor showed higher sensitivity to glucose sensing in low concentration region compared to that of TiO2 sensor. This result was ascribed to facilitated electron transport by the adsorbed viologen molecules on TiO2 nanoparticles, where viologen molecules act as an electron transfer mediator between enzyme and TiO2.

A nitrite biosensor based on co-immobilization of nitrite reductase and viologen-modified chitosan on a glassy carbon electrode

An electrochemical nitrite biosensor based on co-immobilization of copper-containing nitrite reductase (Cu-NiR, from Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides forma sp. denitrificans) and viologen-modified chitosan (CHIT-V) on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) is presented. Electron transfer (ET) between a conventional GCE and immobilized Cu-NiR was mediated by the co-immobilized CHIT-V. Redox-active viologen was covalently linked to a chitosan backbone, and the thus produced CHIT-V was co-immobilized with Cu-NiR on the GCE surface by drop-coating of hydrophilic polyurethane (HPU). The electrode responded to nitrite with a limit of detection (LOD) of 40 nM (S/N = 3). The sensitivity, linear response range, and response time (t(90%)) were 14.9 nA/μM, 0.04-11 μM (r(2) = 0.999) and 15 s, respectively. The corresponding Lineweaver-Burk plot showed that the apparent Michaelis-Menten constant (K(M) (app)) was 65 μM. Storage stability of the biosensor (retaining 80% of initial activity) was 65 days under ambient air and room temperature storage conditions. Reproducibility of the sensor showed a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 2.8% (n = 5) for detection of 1 μM of nitrite. An interference study showed that anions commonly found in water samples such as chlorate, chloride, sulfate and sulfite did not interfere with the nitrite detection. However, nitrate interfered with a relative sensitivity of 64% and this interference effect was due to the intrinsic character of the NiR employed in this study.

A dual electrochrome of poly-(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) doped by N,N'-bis(3-sulfonatopropyl)-4-4'-bipyridinium--redox chemistry and electrochromism in flexible devices

An electrochromic zwitterionic viologen, N,N'-bis(3-sulfonatopropyl)-4-4'-bipyridinium, has been used for the first time for doping poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiopene) (PEDOT) films during electropolymerization. Slow and fast diffusional rates for the monomer at deposition potentials of +1.2 and +1.8 V, respectively yielded the viologen-doped PEDOT films with granular morphology and with dendrite-like shapes. The dual electrochrome formed at +1.8 V, showed enhanced coloration efficiency, larger electrochemical charge storage capacity, and superior redox activity in comparison to its analogue grown at +1.2 V, thus demonstrating the role of dendritic shapes in amplifying electrochromism. Flexible electrochromic devices fabricated with the viologen-doped PEDOT film grown at +1.8 V and Prussian blue with an ionic liquid-based gel electrolyte film showed reversible coloration between pale and dark purple with maximum coloration efficiency of 187 cm2C(-1) at lambda=693 nm. The diffusional impedance parameters and switching kinetics of the device showed the suitability of this dual electrochrome formed as a single layer for practical electrochromic cells.

Recognition of phospho sugars and nucleotides with an array of boronic acid appended bipyridinium salts

The solution-phase sensor array of three cationic bis-boronic acid appended benzyl viologens (BBV) and the anionic fluorescent dye, 8-hydroxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid trisodium salt (HPTS), is able to discriminate among five phospho sugars, four nucleotides and three neutral saccharides in aqueous buffered solution at low mM concentrations. Linear discriminant analysis, principal component analysis, and hierachical cluster analysis studies showed the "discrimination limit" (lowest analyte concentration where the discrimination is still 100%) to be 4mM. Calculated K(b) and F(max)/F(0) values from binding curves of the three BBVs with 1-12 were also used to perform multi-variate analyses with very good discrimination results.

Interaction of viologens with nucleic acid G-tetrades

The interaction between the tetrade-forming oligonucleotide 5'-d(T 4G 4T 4) and monoalkylated bipyridinium salts, such as 1-ethyl-4-pyridin-4-ylpyridinium bromide, is reported. The oligomer forms tetrades in the presence of K+ ions but not with Li+. Additionally, the interaction of the thrombin-binding aptamer 5'-d(GGTTGGTGTGGTTGG) (TBA) with a dialkylated bipyridinium salt, viologen, was studied by cyclic voltammetry. This was performed either on a TiO2 electrode, derivatized with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS), using [Fe(CN)6](4-) as a marker ion or without a marker ion on an electrostatically TiO2-bound amino-ferrocenyl derivative. Both experiments proof a strong interaction between the immobilized aptamer and the viologen. Third, the electrochemical response of the specific thrombin binding to the immobilized aptamer was studied.

Effect of TiO2 particle size on the performance of viologen-anchored TiO2 electrochromic device

The effect of TiO2 particle size on the performance of the electrochromic device (ECD) has been investigated in this work by applying the TiO2 nanoparticles in 7, 15, and 30 nm sizes. The phosphonated viologen, bis(2-phosphonoethyl)-4,4'-bipyridinium dibromide, was anchored on the TiO2 surfaces for the construction of ECD. The ECD derived from 7 nm-sized TiO2 demonstrated the highest contrast ratio with high optical transparency, whereas it showed the slowest switching response. The enhancement of coloration efficiency with decrease of TiO2 particle size is due to the increased amount of the anchored viologen on TiO2 electrode. On the other hand, the relatively slower switching response would be caused by the difficulty of diffusion for the electrolytes and counter-ions through the small pores of the nanocrystalline TiO2 electrode derived from 7 nm-sized nanoparticles.

Influence of the Hofmeister series of anions on the molecular organization of positively ionized monolayers of a viologen derivative

The effects of the Hofmeister series of ions are ubiquitous in chemistry and biology. In this paper specific ion effects on the surface behavior of a viologen dication, namely 1,1(')-dioctadecyl-4,4(')-bipyridilium, are shown. Surface pressure and surface potential vs area isotherms were obtained on aqueous subphases containing potassium salts with several representative counterions in the Hofmeister series (C6H5O3-7, SO2 -4, HPO2-4, Cl-, Br-, NO-3, I-, and ClO-4). The parameters obtained from the compression isotherms (area per molecule, phase transitions, Young modulus, initial surface potential, and variation of the surface potential upon compression) are dependent on the nature of the counterion, indicating ion specificity. Aqueous subphases containing C6H5O3-7, SO2-4, and HPO2-4 anions yield more expanded viologen monolayers and these anions do not effectively penetrate into the monolayer. Brewster angle microscopy was used to map the different phases of the viologen monolayers at the air-water interface. The Langmuir films were also characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, with quantitative analysis of the reflection spectra supporting an organizational model in which the viologen chromophore undergoes a gradual transition to a more vertical position with respect to the water surface upon compression. A comparison of the tilt angles of the viologen on the different subphases indicates that anions that can more easily penetrate in the monolayer permit the viologen moieties to adopt a slightly more vertical position with respect to the water surface.

Encapsulation of Electron Donor−Acceptor Dyads in β-Cyclodextrin Cavity: Unusual Planarization and Enhancement in Rate of Electron-Transfer Reaction

Interaction of beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) with a few novel electron donor acceptor dyads 1a-c and 2a-c, having aryl and flexible methylene spacer groups, has been investigated through photophysical, chiroptical, electrochemical, NMR, and microscopic techniques. Dyads 1a and 1c, with p-tolyl and biphenyl spacer groups, respectively, exhibited significantly decreased fluorescence quantum yields and lifetimes in the presence of beta-CD, while negligible changes were observed for dyad 1b with an o-tolyl spacer. In contrast, spacer-length-dependent significant enhancement in fluorescence quantum yields and lifetimes was observed for dyads 2a-c, with flexible polymethylene (n = 1, 3, 11) spacer groups. Association constants of beta-CD encapsulated complexes have been determined and the contrast behavior observed in these systems is explained through an electron transfer (kET) mechanism based on calculated favorable change in free energy (DeltaGET = -1.27 eV) and the redox species characterized through laser flash photolysis studies. Rates of kET have been estimated and are found to increase ca. 2-fold in the case of dyads 1a and 1c when encapsulated in beta-CD, while significantly decreased kET values were observed for the dyads 2a-c with flexible spacer (ca. 9-fold for 2c). As characterized through cyclic voltammetry, 2D NMR [correlated (COSY) and nuclear Overhauser enhancement (NOESY) spectroscopy], and laser flash photolysis studies, the beta-CD encapsulation of dyads with aliphatic spacer groups leads to the conformational unfolding of a sandwich type of structure, whereas dyads with rigid aryl spacer groups undergo unusual planarization as compared to the uncomplexed dyads, resulting in enhanced electron-transfer reaction between the donor and acceptor moieties.

Electrochemical Detection of DNA Hybridization via Bis-Intercalation of a Naphthylimide-Functionalized Viologen Dimer

The synthesis and DNA binding properties of a bis-naphthyl imide tetracationic diviologen compound NI(CH2)3V(2+)(CH2)6V(2+)(CH2)3NI (where V(2+) = 4,4'-bipyridinium and NI = naphthyl imide, NIV) are described. Binding to thiolated ssDNA and dsDNA immobilized at Au electrodes was characterized using the electrochemical response for reduction of the V(2+) state to the V+ (viologen radical cation) state. Isotherms and binding constants for this molecule to both forms of immobilized DNA were generated in this fashion. The character of the binding isotherm for dsDNA suggests bis-intercalation. Under high saline conditions, the diviologen molecule dissociated 160 times slower from dsDNA compared to ssDNA. Slow dissociation kinetics from dsDNA (kd =7.0 x 10-5 s(-1)) allow this molecule to be used as an effective DNA hybridization indicator.

Molecular complexes based on tetrathiafulvalene and dialkylviologens

Three kinds of molecular complexes based on tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) and dialkylviologens were prepared and their crystal structures elucidated. While TTF-dimethylviologen complex forms a mixed stack arrangement of donors and acceptors in its crystal structure, TTF donors aggregate with long alkyl groups by CH/pi and/or van der Waals interactions in a couple of TTF-heptylviologen complexes.

Quantification of amplified quenching for conjugated polymer microsphere systems

A series of nonaggregating carboxylate-functionalized poly(phenylene ethynylene)s (PPEs) have been synthesized for immobilization via electrostatic adsorption onto Eu3+-polystyrene microspheres with a mean diameter of 0.2 microm. This system is shown to constitute a ratiometric system that measures fluorescence quenching with high fidelity. The fluorescence quenching properties of the polymer-coated particles in response to methyl viologen and a naphthyl-functionalized viologen have been investigated in aqueous solutions to study the influence of electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions with pentiptycene-incorporated as well as macrocycle-containing polymers.

Novel Bifunctional Viologen-Linked Pyrene Conjugates: Synthesis and Study of Their Interactions with Nucleosides and DNA

With the objective of developing efficient DNA oxidizing agents, a new series of viologen-linked pyrene conjugates with the general formula PYLnV(2+), having a different number of methylene spacer units (Ln) was synthesized, and their interactions with nucleosides and DNA have been investigated through photophysical and biophysical techniques. The viologen-linked pyrene derivatives PYL1V(2+) (n =equals; 1), PYL7V(2+) (n = 7), and PYL12V(2+) (n = 12) exhibited characteristic fluorescence emission of the pyrene chromophore centered around 380 nm but with significantly reduced yields when compared to those of the model compound PYL1Et(3)(+). The fluorescence quenching observed in these systems is explained through an electron-transfer mechanism based on a calculated favorable change in free energy (DeltaG(ET) = -1.59 eV), and the redox species characterized through laser flash photolysis studies. Intramolecular electron-transfer rate constants (k(ET)) were calculated from the observed fluorescence yields, and the singlet lifetimes of the model compound and are found to decrease with increasing spacer length. The DNA binding studies of these systems through photophysical, chiroptical, and viscometric techniques demonstrated that these systems effectively undergo DNA intercalation with association constants (KDNA) in the range of 1.1-2.6 x 10(4) M(-1) and exhibit 2:1 sequence selectivity for poly(dG) x poly(dC) over poly(dA) x poly(dT). Photoactivation of these systems initiates electron transfer from the singlet excited state of the pyrene chromophore to the viologen moiety followed by an electron transfer from DNA to the oxidized pyrene. This results in the formation of stable charge-separated species such as radical cations of both DNA and reduced viologen as characterized by laser flash photolysis studies and subsequently the oxidized DNA modifications. These novel systems are soluble in buffer media, stable under irradiation conditions, and oxidize DNA efficiently and selectively through a cosensitization mechanism and hence can be useful as photoactivated DNA cleaving agents.

Charge transfer property of self-assembled viologen derivative by electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance response

Viologen modified electrodes have been extensively investigated with quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), which has been known as a nano-gram order mass detector, because of their highly reversible electrochemical properties, especially the first reduction-oxidation cycle of V2+ <--> V*+. The purpose of this work was to study the charge transfer characteristics of self-assembled monolayer (SAM) by changing electrolyte solutions where the cations and anions are different. The redox peak currents were nearly equal charges during redox processes and showed an excellent linear interrelation between the scan rates and second redox peak currents. The charge transfer of self-assembled viologen monolayer was determined by the mass change during the cyclic voltammetry (CV). The total frequency change was about 17.8 Hz, 19.6 Hz, 9.5 Hz, and 8.4 Hz. From this data, we could know the transferred mass was about 19.0 ng, 20.9 ng, 10.2 ng, and 9.0 ng. Finally, the electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) has been employed to monitor the electrochemically induced adsorption of self-assembled monolayer.

Continuous glucose detection using boronic acid-substituted viologens in fluorescent hydrogels: linker effects and extension to fiber optics

A fluorescent anionic dye and a viologen appended with boronic acids, which serve as glucose receptors, have been synthesized and immobilized into a poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) hydrogel for use as a continuous glucose monitor. The fluorescence of the dye is modulated by the quenching efficiency of the viologen-based receptor, which in turn is dependent on the glucose concentration. Two monomeric versions of the quencher/receptor unit were prepared and their performance within the hydrogel evaluated. By tethering the quencher/receptor to the hydrogel matrix using a single-point attachment, slightly improved glucose sensing was observed. The hydrogels were tested for their ability to continuously and reversibly detect glucose over the course of several hours. The tests were carried out using a cuvette-based system, as well as a fiber-optic-based configuration. Under physiological conditions (0.1 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, 37 degrees C), the fluorescent hydrogels display an excellent dynamic response to glucose concentrations within the biologically significant range (2.5-20 mM).

Radical cations from dipyridinium derivatives: a combined EPR and DFT study

The monoelectronic reduction of 1,1'-dimethyl-2,2'-dicyano-4,4'-bipyridinium (DCMV++) bis-methylsulphate, conducted directly in the cavity of the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometer at room temperature and in DMSO solution, gave the signal of the corresponding radical cation (DCMV.+) whose interpretation has been carried out with the aid of density functional theory (DFT) calculations run at different levels. The model chemistries considered yielded in general hyperfine coupling constants (hfcc) in good agreement with the experimental ones, except for the methyl protons directly bonded to the pyridinium nitrogens. The use of various computational methods accounting for solvent-solute interactions did not give significant improvements with respect to the gas phase results, while the geometry optimizations performed showed that the two pyridinium rings are coplanar in the radical cation but staggered in the parent dication, although the corresponding energy barrier involved is very low.

Ionic Liquids as a Novel Medium for Photochemical Reactions. Ru(bpy)32+/ Viologen in Imidazolium Ionic Liquid as a Photocatalytic System Mimicking the Oxido-Reductase Enzyme†

Ionic liquids are suitable media which stabilize charged intermediates favoring those mechanisms that occur through charge separation. We have used ionic liquids to develop a photocatalytic system to perform the reduction of a carbonyl group to alcohol, thus mimicking the behavior of the reductase enzymes. The photochemical cycle is based on the well-known electron transfer from the Ru(bpy)(3)2+ complex in its excited state, acting as electron donor to MV2+, which acts as electron acceptor. The initial electron transfer process can be promoted upon selective Ru(bpy)(3)2+ excitation by visible light. By means of laser flash photolysis we have provided evidence of the nature and lifetimes of the intermediates involved in the photocatalytic system. Thus, the initial electron transfer between Ru(bpy)(3)2+ triplets and viologen MV2+ forms the MV*+ radical cation, which upon accepting an H* atom from a suitable hydrogen atom donor, forms the corresponding dihydropyridine MVH+ reducing agent.

Competitive photoinduced electron transfer by the complex formation of porphyrin with cyclodextrin bearing viologen

Photoinduced electron transfer between a porphyrin and a new guest cyclodextrin bearing viologen occurs by a supramolecular formation with conformational change of a guest molecule.

Monitoring cyclodextrin-polyviologen pseudopolyrotaxanes with the Bradford assay

Self-assembled multivalent pseudopolyrotaxanes, composed of lactoside-bearing cyclodextrin (CD) rings threaded on linear polyviologen polymers, have been introduced recently as flexible and dynamic neoglycoconjugates. In the course of this research, it was found that polyviologens are responsive to the Bradford assay, which is traditionally highly selective for proteins. The response of the pseudopolyrotaxanes to the Bradford assay was dependant on, and thus indicative of, the degree of threading of the CD rings onto the polyelectrolyte. The assay was then used to report on the threading and dethreading of native and lactoside-bearing alpha-CD rings onto and off of polyviologen chains, a phenomenon which demonstrates the utility of biochemical assays to address problems unique to supramolecular chemistry.

Influence of the Environment on Photoinduced Electron Transfer: Comparison between Organized Monolayers at the Air−Water Interface and Monolayer Assemblies on Glass

Photoinduced electron transfer (PET) has been investigated in organized monolayers at the air-water interface and in monolayer assemblies on glass in an effort to evaluate the influence of solvent reorganization and molecular dynamics on PET. The donor monolayer contained an amphiphilic thiacyanine dye, and the electron acceptors were methyl viologen and dioctadecyl viologen, respectively. The distance dependence is described here by a hard disk model, where an acceptor molecule within a disk with a radius rDA around the excited donor molecule quenches the donor fluorescence due to electron transfer. Acceptor molecules outside the disk are considered ineffective. The critical radius rDA is larger in monolayer assemblies on glass (rDA = 1.97 nm) than at the air-water interface (rDA = 1.15 nm) as evaluated from steady-state fluorescence quenching. This large difference indicates that the time between thermal collisions generating and destroying the energetic match required for electron tunneling from the excited donor molecule to the acceptor is quite different in the two systems that are compared.

The interaction of boronic acid-substituted viologens with pyranine: the effects of quencher charge on fluorescence quenching and glucose response

The fluorescence sensing of several monosaccharides using boronic acid-substituted viologen quenchers in combination with the fluorescent dye pyranine (HPTS) is reported. In this two-component sensing system, fluorescence quenching by the viologen is modulated by monosaccharides to provide a fluorescence signal. A series of viologen quenchers with different charges were prepared and tested for their ability both to quench the fluorescence of HPTS and to sense changes in glucose concentration in aqueous solution at pH 7.4. Both quenching efficiency and sugar sensing were found to be strongly dependent upon viologen charge. The molar ratio between HPTS and each of the viologen quenchers was varied in order to obtain an optimal ratio that provided a fairly linear fluorescence signal across a physiological glucose concentration range. Both the quenching and sugar sensing results are explained by electrostatic interaction between dye and quencher.

Isolation and Characterization of Phenyl Viologen as a Radical Cation and Neutral Molecule

The chemical synthesis, isolation, and characterization of phenyl viologen (PV) as a dication, radical cation, and neutral species are described. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction of PV(2+)2Cl(-.)2H2O and PV(.+)PF(6)(-).pyridine reveals the expected differences in bond lengths and also a structural change from two coplanar central rings in PV(.+) to a twist of 36 degrees between the two central rings in PV(2+). The phenyl viologen radical cation exhibits behavior characteristic of many radical cations, including weak pi-dimerization in the solid state and reversible pi-dimerization in solution. Electrical conductivity measurements of neutral phenyl viologen, the first such measurements of a neutral viologen, reveal that it is a significantly better conductor than the radical cation. Differences in geometric relaxation during charge transfer offer a possible explanation for the higher conductivity of the neutral viologen.

Evaluation of pyranine derivatives in boronic acid based saccharide sensing: significance of charge interaction between dye and quencher in solution and hydrogel

In an ongoing program to synthesize a glucose sensing polymer that could be used for real time glucose monitoring in vivo, we have been exploring the use of boronic acid functional viologens as glucose responsive quenchers for fluorescent dyes. The present study focuses on the effect of ionic interactions between pyranine or its various sulfonamide derivatives and the viologen quenchers. Dyes bearing anionic groups were quenched more efficiently when compared to dyes with nonionic substituents. The anionic dyes in conjunction with the cationic quenchers exhibited a broader range of glucose response both in solution and when immobilized in a hydrogel. The interaction of glucose with the sensing components was similar whether they are soluble or immobilized.

Antibacterial activity of polymeric substrate with surface grafted viologen moieties

An asymmetric viologen, N-hexyl-N'-(4-vinylbenzyl)-4,4'-bipyridinium bromide chloride (HVV), was synthesized and graft copolymerized with commercial PET films. The surface graft concentration of HVV on the PET film is easily controlled by varying the monomer concentration used in the UV-induced graft copolymerization process. The HVV surface functionalized PET film functions as a smart window whose transmittance is reduced upon exposure to light. Concomitantly, the film possesses antibacterial activity, as shown by its bactericidal effect on Escherichia coli (E. coli). The antibacterial activity depends on the concentration of pyridinium groups on the surface and a surface concentration of 25 nmol/cm2 on PET has been shown to be highly effective in killing the bacteria.

A new Co(ii)-metalloviologen-based electrochromic material integrated in thin multilayer films

A metallosupramolecular coordination polyelectrolyte prepared by the reaction of cobalt(II) with a novel bisterpyridine ligand has been assembled as the active component in electrochromic films by sequential deposition using electrostatic layer-by-layer self-assembly.

Optical glucose detection across the visible spectrum using anionic fluorescent dyes and a viologen quencher in a two-component saccharide sensing system

A very general system is described in which anionic fluorescent dyes possessing a wide range of absorbance and emission wavelengths are used in combination with a boronic acid-modified viologen quencher to sense glucose at pH 7.4 in buffered aqueous solution. The present study demonstrates this capability with the use of eleven anionic fluorescent dyes of various structural types. Signal modulation occurs as the monosaccharide binds to the viologen quencher and alters its efficiency in quenching the fluorescence of the anionic dyes. The degree of quenching and the magnitude of the glucose signal were found to correlate roughly with the number of anionic groups on the dye. Optimal quencher : dye ratios were determined for each dye to provide a fairly linear signal in response to changes in glucose concentration across the physiological range.

Metal ion reduction and resultant deposition on viologen-functionalized LDPE films and viologen-containing microporous membranes

Photo-induced reduction of gold and platinum metal salt solutions was carried out using viologen graft copolymerized on low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films and viologen-containing poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF-PVBV) microporous membranes. The effects of the UV irradiation time and concentration of the metal salt solutions on the metal ion reduction process and the resultant metal deposition on the polymeric substrates were investigated. The metal-polymer composites were characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV-visible absorption spectroscopy. The amount of metal uptake, the state of the metal, and the size of the metal particles were found to be strongly dependent on the UV irradiation time and the type and concentration of the metal salt solution. The microporous structure and the high viologen content of the PVDF-PVBV membrane constitute an effective matrix for metal ion reduction and preparation of metal nanoparticles.