Mitochondria‐Targeting Oxidovanadium(IV) Complex as a Near‐IR Light Photocytotoxic Agent

Oxidovanadium(IV) complexes [VO(L¹)(phen)] ? Cl ( 1 ) and [VO(L²)(L³)] ? Cl ( 2 ), in which HL¹ is 2‐{[(benzimidazol‐2‐yl)methylimino]‐methyl}phenol (sal‐ambmz), HL² is 2‐[({1‐[(anthracen‐9‐yl)methyl]‐benzimidazol‐2‐yl}methylimino)‐methyl]phenol (sal‐an‐ambmz), phen is 1,10‐phenanthroline and L³ is dipyrido[3,2‐a:2′,3′‐c]phenazine (dppz) conjugated to a Gly‐Gly‐OMe dipeptide moiety, were prepared, characterized, and their DNA binding, photoinduced DNA‐cleavage, and photocytotoxic properties were studied. Fluorescence microscopy studies were performed by using complex 2 in HeLa and HaCaT cells. Complex 1 , structurally characterized by X‐ray crystallography, has a vanadyl group in VO₂N₄ core with the VO²⁺ moiety bonded to N,N‐donor phen and a N,N,O‐donor Schiff base. Complex 2 , having an anthracenyl fluorophore, showed fluorescence emission bands at 397, 419, and 443 nm. The complexes are redox‐active exhibiting the V(IV)/V(III) redox couple near ?0.85 V versus SCE in DMF 0.1 M tetrabutylammonium perchlorate (TBAP). Complex 2 , having a dipeptide moiety, showed specific binding towards poly(dAdT)₂ sequence. The dppz‐Gly‐Gly‐OMe complex showed significant DNA photocleavage activity in red light of 705 nm through a hydroxyl radical (^.OH) pathway. Complex 2 showed photocytotoxicity in HaCaT and HeLa cells in visible light (400–700 nm) and red light (620–700 nm), however, the complex was less toxic in the dark. Fluorescence microscopy revealed the localization of complex 2 primarily in mitochondria. Apoptosis was found to occur inside mitochondria (intrinsic pathway) caused by ROS generation.     

Three‐Dimensional Control of DNA Hybridization by Orthogonal Two‐Color Two‐Photon Uncaging

We successfully introduced two‐photon‐sensitive photolabile groups ([7‐(diethylamino)coumarin‐4‐yl]methyl and p‐dialkylaminonitrobiphenyl) into DNA strands and demonstrated their suitability for three‐dimensional photorelease. To visualize the uncaging, we used a fluorescence readout based on double‐strand displacement in a hydrogel and in neurons. Orthogonal two‐photon uncaging of the two cages is possible, thus enabling complex scenarios of three‐dimensional control of hybridization with light.     

Photoresponsive water‐dispersible polyaniline nanoparticles through template synthesis with copolymer micelle containing coumarin groups

A novel kind of photosensitive water‐dispersible polyaniline (PANI) nanoparticles was designed and prepared by template synthesis using a photo‐responsive vinyl‐coumarin (VM)/2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid (AMPS) copolymer micelle containing coumarin moieties. The resulting PANI nanoparticles exhibited reversible photo‐crosslinking and photo‐decrosslinking behavior similar to coumarin moiety upon irradiation with different UV light as verified by UV–vis absorption. In addition, photoinduced size change of the PANI nanoparticles after 365 nm UV light irradiation was successfully monitored by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy measurements, further confirming the photosensitivity of the obtained PANI nanoparticles by the incorporation of VM/AMPS copolymer. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012     

Tag‐Convertible Photocrosslinker with Click‐On/Off N‐Acylsulfonamide Linkage for Protein Identification

The N‐acylsulfonamide group, known as a safety‐catch linker, has been applied to photoaffinity labeling (PAL) using a cinnamate‐type photocrosslinker to improve the efficiency of PAL‐based target identification. A bioorthogonal sulfo‐click reaction was used to stably link a photocrosslinker unit with N‐acylsulfonamide linkage to produce a photoactivatable probe without any protection. In addition, the crosslinked protein was selectively isolated with a small cinnamate tag via linkage disruption upon N‐alkylation. Furthermore, the tag moiety was photochemically converted to a stable coumarin derivative by losing a water molecule, which is a useful property in MS‐based identification.     

The Synthesis of Some New N‐[1‐(2,5‐Dichlorophenyl)‐5‐Methyl‐1,2,3‐Triazol‐4‐yl]‐Carbamic Acid Ester Derivatives

The synthesis of some new N‐[1‐(2,5‐dichlorophenyl)‐5‐methyl‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl]‐carbamic acid ester derivatives are reported in this paper. The yielded products 6a‐l were confirmed by Elemental analyses, NMR, MS, and IR spectra.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of several 3‐(coumarin‐4‐yl)tetrahydroisoxazole and 3‐(coumarin‐4‐yl)dihydropyrazole derivatives

A series of novel 3‐(coumarin‐4‐yl)tetrahydroisoxazoles 5a,b, 7, 9 and 3‐(coumarin‐4‐yl)dihydropyra‐zoles 13a‐d, 14,15a,b were synthesized from coumarin‐4‐carboxaldehyde 1 via the intermediate N‐methyl nitrone 3 and N‐phenyl or N‐methyl hydrazones 11a,b . These coumarin derivatives were isolated, characterized and evaluated in vitro for their ability to inhibit trypsin, β‐glucuronidase, soybean lipoxygenase and to interact with the stable radical 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl. The compounds were tested in vivo as anti‐inflammatory agents in the rat carrageenin paw edema assay. Compound 15a seems to be a lead molecule to be modified in order to improve the lipoxygenase inhibition. The results are discussed in terms of structural characteristics.     

Two‐Photon Excitation of a Plasmonic Nanoswitch Monitored by Single‐Molecule Fluorescence Microscopy

Visible‐light excitation of the surface plasmon band of silver nanoplates can effectively localize and concentrate the incident electromagnetic field enhancing the photochemical performance of organic molecules. Herein, the first single‐molecule study of the plasmon‐assisted isomerization of a photochrome‐fluorophore dyad, designed to switch between a nonfluorescent and a fluorescent state in response to the photochromic transformation, is reported. The photochemistry of the switchable assembly, consisting of a photochromic benzooxazine chemically conjugated to a coumarin moiety, is examined in real time with total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy in the presence of silver nanoplates excited with a 633 nm laser. The metallic nanostructures significantly enhance the visible light‐induced performance of the photoconversion, which normally requires ultraviolet excitation. The resulting ring‐open isomer is strongly fluorescent and can also be excited at 633 nm. These stochastic emission events are used to monitor photochromic activation and show quadratic dependence on incident power. The utilization of a single laser wavelength for both photochromic activation and excitation effectively mimics a pseudo two‐colours system.     

Broadband Light‐Harvesting Molecular Triads with High FRET Efficiency Based on the Coumarin–Rhodamine–BODIPY Platform

Broadband capturing and FRET‐based light‐harvesting molecular triads, CRBs, based on the coumarin–rhodamine–BODIPY platform were rationally designed and synthesized. The absorption band of CRBs starts from blue–green to yellow–orange regions (330–610 nm), covering the strong radiation scope of sunlight. The peripheral coumarin and BODIPY chromophore energy could transfer to the central acceptor rhodamine by a one‐step direct way. The energy of the coumarin moiety could also transfer to the BODIPY unit, subsequently transferring to the rhodamine core by two‐step sequential ways. Both the efficiencies of the coumarin moiety and the BODIPY unit to the rhodamine core in CRBs, determined by two different ways, are very high.     

Syntheses of Some 3—[1′（1′H）—Substituent—pyrazol—5′—yl] benzo [5,6] coumarins

3-[1′(1′H)-Substituent-pyrazol-5′-yl]benzo[5,6]coumarins and 3-(1′,2′-oxazol-5′-yl)benzo[5,6]coumarin were prepared via condensation of 3-(2′-formyl-1′-chlorovinyl)benzo[5,6] coumarin with hydrazine derivatives or hydroxylamine.Reaction of 3-[1′(1′H)-pyrazol-5′-yl]benzo[5,6]coumarin with alkyl halides,olefinic compunds or acid chlorides are described.     

Carboxylated Photoswitchable Diarylethenes for Biolabeling and Super‐Resolution RESOLFT Microscopy

Reversibly photoswitchable 1,2‐bis(2‐ethyl‐6‐phenyl‐1‐benzothiophene‐1,1‐dioxide‐3‐yl)perfluorocyclopentenes (EBT) having fluorescent “closed” forms were decorated with four or eight carboxylic groups and attached to antibodies. Low aggregation, efficient photoswitching in aqueous buffers, specific staining of cellular structures, and good photophysical properties were demonstrated. Alternating light pulses of UV and blue light induce numerous reversible photochemical transformations between two stables states with distinct structures. Using relatively low light intensities, EBTs were applied in biology‐related super‐resolution microscopy based on the reversible saturable (switchable) optical linear fluorescence transitions (RESOLFT) and demonstrated optical resolution of 75 nm.     

Chemical cross‐linking with a diazirine photoactivatable cross‐linker investigated by MALDI‐ and ESI‐MS/MS

Crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance are well‐established methods to study protein tertiary structure and interactions. Despite their usefulness, such methods are not applicable to many protein systems. Chemical cross‐linking of proteins coupled with mass spectrometry allows low‐resolution characterization of proteins and protein complexes based on measuring distance constraints from cross‐links. In this work, we have investigated cross‐linking by means of a heterobifunctional cross‐linker containing a traditional N‐hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) ester and a UV photoactivatable diazirine group. Activation of the diazirine group yields a highly reactive carbene species, with potential to increase the number of cross‐links compared with homobifunctional, NHS‐based cross‐linkers. Cross‐linking reactions were performed on model systems such as synthetic peptides and equine myoglobin. After reduction of the disulfide bond, the formation of intra‐ and intermolecular cross‐links was identified and the peptides modified with both NHS and diazirine moieties characterized. Fragmentation of these modified peptides reveals the presence of a marker ion for intramolecular cross‐links, which facilitates identification. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Heteroarene‐fused π‐conjugated main‐chain polymers containing 4,7‐bis(4‐octylthiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole or 2,5‐bis(4‐octylthiophen‐2‐yl)thiazolo[5,4‐d]thiazole and their application to photovoltaic devices

Two conjugated main‐chain polymers consisting of heteroarene‐fused π‐conjuagted donor moiety alternating with 4,7‐bis(5‐bromo‐4‐octylthiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole (P1) or 2,5‐bis(5‐bromo‐4‐octylthiophen‐2‐yl) thiazolo[5,4‐d]thiazole (P2) units have been synthesized. They are intrinsically amorphous in nature and do not exhibit crystalline melting temperatures during thermal analysis. The effect of the fused rings on the thermal, optical, electrochemical, charge transport, and photovoltaic properties of these polymers has been investigated. The polymer (P1) containing 4,7‐bis(5‐bromo‐4‐octylthiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[c][1,2,5] thiadiazole has a broad absorption extending from 300 to 600 nm with optical bandgaps as low as 2.02 eV. The HOMO levels (5.42 to 5.29 eV) are more sensitive to the choice of acceptor. The polymers were employed to fabricate organic photovoltaic cells with methanofullerene [6,6]‐phenyl C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC₇₁BM). As a result, the polymer solar cell device containing P1 had the best preliminary results with an open‐circuit voltage of 0.61 V, a short‐circuit current density of 6.19 mA/cm², and a fill factor of 0.32, offering an overall power conversion efficiency of 1.21%. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010     

Synthesis of 3‐(5‐Methylthiophen‐2‐yl)coumarins and Their Photochromic Dihetarylethene Derivatives

Novel unsymmetrical di(thienyl)maleic acid anhydride, including coumarin moiety, has been designed and synthesized. Its photochromism study and fatigue resistance estimation are reported. Microwave‐assisted procedure has been successfully used for synthesis of 3‐(5‐methylthiophen‐2‐yl)coumarins.     

Synthesis and Characterization of γ‐Heteroaryl‐substituted Pentamethine Cyanine Dyes with Carboxy or Methoxycarbonyl Substituents at the Two Heterocyclic End Groups

Seven novel pentamethine cyanine dyes with 3,5‐dimethylpyridinium‐1‐yl, pyridinium‐1‐yl, and 1‐quinolinum‐1‐yl substituents in the γ position of the methine chain containing ester or carboxylic acid groups in the ring of the dyes were synthesized via a three‐step procedure. The visible spectral behavior of the pentamethine cyanine dyes was examined in DMSO. Elemental analysis, IR, ¹H‐NMR, ¹³C‐NMR, and mass spectral (MS) data confirmed the molecular structure of the newly synthesized compounds.     

Regioselective Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity Studies of 1,2,3‐Triazol‐4‐YL]‐4‐methyl‐2H‐chromen‐2‐ones

Synthesis, spectral analysis, and antibacterial activity of new coumarin derivatives are described in this paper. Twelve new coumarin derivatives were synthesized in moderate to good yields by the react with 4‐methyl‐6‐(prop‐2‐ynyloxy)‐2H‐chromen‐2‐one ( 3a – c ) and ethyl azide ( 4a – l ) and done by the click reaction to obtained 6‐[(l‐ethyl‐lH‐l,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)methoxy]‐4‐methyl‐2H‐chromen‐2‐ones ( 5a – l ). The structures of all the newly synthesized molecules were assigned by elemental analysis and spectral data. The synthesized compounds were screened for their antibacterial activities strains using Cup plate method.     

Synthesis of the Chiral Pair of a Novel Thromboxane Antagonist, 3‐[2‐(3‐Benzenesulfonylamino‐7‐oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept‐2‐yl‐methyl)phenyl] Propionic Acid

Preparation of the enantiomeric pair of 3‐[2‐(3‐benzenesulfonylamino‐7‐oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept‐2‐yl‐methyl)phenyl] propionic acid, a novel thromboxane antagonist is reported. They are synthesized from either enantiomers of known (1R,2R,3R,4S)‐3‐[2‐(3‐carboxy‐7‐oxabicyclo[2,2,1]hept‐2‐yl‐methyl)phenyl]‐propionic acid methyl ester via epimerization, modified Curtius' rearrangement and sulfonylamino formation. Other derivatives may be prepared similarly.     

Cyclization of dialkylpropyn‐1‐yl(allyl)(3‐isopropenylpropyn‐2‐yl)ammonium bromides and water‐base cleavage of 2,2‐dialkyl‐5‐methyl‐2,6,7,7a‐tetrahydro‐1h‐isoindolium and 2,2‐dialkyl‐5‐methylisoindolinium bromides

Dialkylpropyn‐1‐yl(or allyl)(3‐isopropenylpropyn‐2‐yl)ammonium bromides under base‐catalyzed condition instantly undergo intramolecular cyclization. The cyclization of dialkylpropyn‐1‐yl(3‐isopropenylpropyn‐2‐yl)ammonium bromides leads to the formation of 2,2‐dialkyl‐5‐methylisoindolinium salts. In case of allyl analogs, instead of the expected 2,2‐dialkyl‐6‐methyl‐3a,4‐dihydroisoindolinium salts their isomeric forms ‐ 2,2‐dialkyl‐5‐methyl‐2,6,7,7a‐tetrahydro‐1H‐isoindolium bromides are obtained. In alkaline medium they are transform into the dihydroisoindolinium salts, the cleavage of which in two directions ‐ 1,2 and 1,6 leads to the mixture of isomeric dialkyl‐1,4‐dimethyl‐ and 2,4‐dimethylbenzyl‐amines. Study of the behavior of 2,2‐dialkyl‐5‐methylisoindolinium salts under conditions of water‐base cleavage showed, that only spiro[5‐methylisoindolyn]morpholinium bromide undergoes 1,2‐elimination, forming 5‐methylisoindoline 2‐vinyl ethyl ester.     

Light‐Induced Reversible Self‐Assembly of Gold Nanoparticles Surface‐Immobilized with Coumarin Ligands

A novel light‐induced reversible self‐assembly (LIRSA) system is based on the reversible photodimerization and photocleavage of coumarin groups on the surface of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in THF solution. Facilitated by coumarin groups, light irradiation at 365 nm triggers the stable assembly of monodisperse AuNPs; the resulting self‐assembly system can be disassembled back to the disassembled state by a relatively short exposure to benign UV light. The reversible self‐assembly cycle can be repeated 4 times. A specific concentration range of coumarin ligand and the THF solvent were identified to be the two predominant factors that contribute to the LIRSA of AuNPs. This is the first successful application of reversible photodimerization based on a coumarin derivative in the field of AuNP LIRSA. This LIRSA system may provide unique opportunities for the photoregulated synthesis of many adjustable nanostructures and devices.     

A‐D‐A Type Small Molecules Based on Boron Dipyrromethene for Solution‐Processed Organic Solar Cells

The unique properties of boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) dyes including facile synthesis, high absorption coefficients, and delocalized molecular orbitals as well as excellent photochemical and thermal stability, make them promising as materials for organic solar cells. Accordingly, in this study three A‐D ‐A structural small molecules of BDTT‐BODIPY, FL‐BODIPY, and TT‐BODIPY have been synthesized, in which two BODIPY acceptor units are symmetrically conjugated to 4,8‐bis(5‐(2‐ethylhexyl) thiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b]dithiophene (BDTT), 9,9‐dioctyl‐9H‐fluorene (FL), and thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene (TT) donor cores, respectively. The manipulation of the structural parameters significantly improves the performances of the BHJ OSCs, which show power conversion efficiencies of 4.75 %, 1.51 %, and 1.67 % based on [6,6]‐phenyl C₇₁‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC₇₁BM) as the acceptor material and BDTT‐BODIPY, FL‐BODIPY, and TT‐BODIPY as the donor materials, respectively.     

Optical Resolution of 5‐Oxo‐1‐Phenyl‐Pyrazolidine‐3‐Carboxylic Acid as a New Organocatalyst for Organic Reactions

Optical resolution of racemic 5‐oxo‐1‐phenyl‐pyrazolidine‐3‐carboxylic acid 2 with L‐amino acid methyl ester via the diastereomers formation was investigated. Treatment of racemic 5‐oxo‐1‐phenyl‐pyrazolidine‐3‐carboxylic acid 2 with L‐valine methyl ester gave diastereomers with a total yield of 86%. The diastereomeric dipeptides can be easily separated by flash column chromatography. Acidic cleavage of the derived diastereomers gave both the optically pure (+)‐(R)‐ and (‐)‐(S)‐5‐oxo‐1‐phenyl‐pyrazolidine‐3‐carboxylic acid ((+)‐(R)‐ 2 and (‐)‐(S)‐ 2 ) with a total yield of 94% and 95%, respectively.