A New Fluorescence Turn-On Probe for Aluminum(III) with High Selectivity and Sensitivity,and its Application to Bioimaging

The development of novel selective probes with high sensitivity for the detection of Al³⁺ is widely considered an important research goal due to the importance of such probes in medicine, living systems and the environment. Here, we describe a new fluorescent probe, N′-(4-diethylamino-2-hydroxybenzylidene)-2-hydroxybenzohydrazide (1), for Al³⁺. Probe 1 was evaluated in a solution of acetonitrile/water (1:1 v/v). Compared with previously reported probes for Al³⁺, probe 1 can be synthesized easily and in high yield. A Job plot confirmed that probe 1 is able to complex Al³⁺ in a 1:1 ratio, and the binding constant was determined to be 4.25×10⁸ m⁻¹. Moreover, the detection limit was as low as 6.7×10⁻⁹ m, suggesting that probe 1 has a high sensitivity. Common coexistent metal ions, such as K⁺, Co²⁺, Ca²⁺, Ba²⁺, Ni²⁺, Pb²⁺, Hg²⁺, Ce²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Fe³⁺, showed little or no interference in the detection of Al³⁺ in solution, demonstrating the high selectivity of the probe. Finally, the ability of probe 1 to act as a fluorescent probe for Al³⁺ in living systems was evaluated in Gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli, and confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed its utility. The results of this study suggest that 1 has appropriate properties to be developed for application as a fluorescent probe of Al³⁺ for use in biological studies.     

Plasmonic refraction‐induced ultrahigh transparency of highly conducting metallic networks

We demonstrate a high optoelectronic performance and application potential of our random network, with subwavelength diameter, ultralong, and high‐quality silver nanowires, stabilized on a substrate with a UV binder. Our networks show very good optoelectronic properties, with the single best figure of merit of ∼1686, and excellent stability under harsh mechanical strain, as well as thermal, and chemical challenge. Our network transparency strongly exceeds the simple shading limit. We show that this transmission enhancement is due to plasmonic refraction, which in an effective medium picture involves localized plasmons, and identify the inhomogeneous broadening as the key factor in promoting this mechanism. Such networks could become a basis for a next generation of ultrahigh‐performance transparent conductors.

     

How Does Photoreceptor UVR8 Perceive a UV‐B Signal?

UVR8 is the only known plant photoreceptor that mediates light responses to UV‐B (280–315 nm) of the solar spectrum. UVR8 perceives a UV‐B signal via light‐induced dimer dissociation, which triggers a wide range of cellular responses involved in photomorphogenesis and photoprotection. Two recent crystal structures of Arabidopsis thaliana UVR8 (AtUVR8) have revealed unusual clustering of UV‐B‐absorbing Trp pigments at the dimer interface and provided a structural framework for further mechanistic investigation. This review summarizes recent advances in spectroscopic, computational and crystallographic studies on UVR8 that are directed toward full understanding of UV‐B perception at the molecular level.     

In Vitro Photodynamic Inactivation Effects of Ru(II) Complexes on Clinical Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus Planktonic and Biofilm Cultures

Photosensitizers (PSs) combined with light are able to generate antimicrobial effects. Ru(II) complexes have been recognized as a novel class of PSs. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of photodynamic inactivation (PDI) mediated by three Ru(II) polypyridine complexes, 1–3, against four isolates of clinical methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA‐1, MRSA‐2, MRSA‐3 and MRSA‐4). In PDI of a planktonic culture of MRSA‐1, compound 3 showed the highest efficacy, likely owing to its advantageous light absorption, ¹O₂ quantum yield and bacterial cellular binding. The PDI efficacy of 3 was further evaluated against all other strains and MRSA‐1 biofilms. At appropriate PS concentrations, viability reduction of 100% or 96.83% was observed in planktonic or biofilm forms of MRSA, respectively. The mechanisms of action were investigated using negative staining transmission electron microscopy (TEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was demonstrated that PDI of planktonic bacteria was achieved primarily through damage to the cell envelope. Biofilms were eliminated through both the destruction of their structure and inactivation of the individual bacterial cells. In conclusion, Ru(II) complexes, especially 3, are potential candidates for the effective photodynamic control of MRSA infections.     

Rhodium(III)‐Catalyzed [3+2]/[5+2] Annulation of 4‐Aryl 1,2,3‐Triazoles with Internal Alkynes through Dual C(sp2)?H Functionalization

A rhodium(III)‐catalyzed [3+2]/[5+2] annulation of 4‐aryl 1‐tosyl‐1,2,3‐triazoles with internal alkynes is presented. This transformation provides straightforward access to indeno[1,7‐cd]azepine architectures through a sequence involving the formation of a rhodium(III) azavinyl carbene, dual C(sp²) H functionalization, and [3+2]/[5+2] annulation.     

低共熔溶剂中新型螺环吲哚衍生物的绿色合成

在低共熔溶剂氯化胆碱/草酸催化作用下,由醛、吲哚和6,10-二氧杂螺[4.5]十烷-7,9-二酮三组分多米诺Knoevenagel-Michael反应合成了一系列新型螺环吲哚衍生物,产率为70%~97%.该方法条件温和,操作简单,反应时间短,对环境友好等优点,且催化剂廉价易得.     

Enzyme-regulated the changes of pH values for assembling a colorimetric and multistage interconnection logic network with multiple readouts

Based on enzymatic reactions-triggered changes of pH values and biocomputing, a novel and multistage interconnection biological network with multiple easy-detectable signal outputs has been developed. Compared with traditional chemical computing, the enzyme-based biological system could overcome the interference between reactions or the incompatibility of individual computing gates and offer a unique opportunity to assemble multicomponent/multifunctional logic circuitries. Our system included four enzyme inputs: β-galactosidase (β-gal), glucose oxidase (GOx), esterase (Est) and urease (Ur). With the assistance of two signal transducers (gold nanoparticles and acid–base indicators) or pH meter, the outputs of the biological network could be conveniently read by the naked eyes. In contrast to current methods, the approach present here could realize cost-effective, label-free and colorimetric logic operations without complicated instrument. By designing a series of Boolean logic operations, we could logically make judgment of the compositions of the samples on the basis of visual output signals. Our work offered a promising paradigm for future biological computing technology and might be highly useful in future intelligent diagnostics, prodrug activation, smart drug delivery, process control, and electronic applications.     

Bioactive Trichothecenes Produced by the Myrothecium sp. QB‐1

Three new simple trichothecenes, 15‐acetyltrichoverrol B ( 3 ), 13′‐acetyltrichoverrin B ( 5 ), and 6′‐dehydroxytrichoverrin B ( 6 ), along with five known trichothecenes trichodermadienediol B ( 1 ), trichoverrol B ( 2 ), trichoverrin B ( 4 ), and roridins A ( 7 ) and D ( 8 ), have been isolated from the liquid culture of Myrothecium roridum (strain no. QB‐1). The structures of the new compounds were established by comprehensive analysis of 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR data. All the compounds were evaluated for antifungal activity, only compounds 7 and 8 showed significant antifungal activity against the tested fungi (MIC ranged from 10 to 5 μg/ml).