Magnetic Modulation in Heteroallene and Heterocumulene Based tert-butyl Nitroxide Diradicals: Spin Delocalization and Conformation Play Crucial Roles

We have theoretically investigated the magnetic properties of heteroallene (>C=C=X−) and heterocumulene (>C=C=C=X−) based tert-butyl nitroxide diradicals (X is P/As). Calculation of magnetic exchange coupling constant (J) shows ferromagnetic interaction in heteroallene based diradicals. Whereas, in heterocumulene based diradicals, tuning of J value from antiferro- to ferro-magnetic state is observed from Z- to E- isomer. Delocalization of spin density from radical site to the coupler (in planar arrangement) is observed in spin distribution analysis which is also advocated by molecular orbital analysis. The typical feature of tert-butyl nitroxide radical creates spin delocalization along with spin polarization within the coupler. The J values of all the diradicals strongly depend on the dihedral angle between radical center and coupler. Magneto-structural correlation shows that the change in dihedral angle tunes the magnetic property for both the Z- and E- isomers of heterocumulenes depending on the spin accumulation on two nearby magnetic centers. The extent of spin delocalization and conformation of spin centers on the molecular axis are important for the different J values observed in our designed systems.     

Lanthanide-mediated supramolecular cages and host-guest interactions

The structure and thermodynamic properties of lanthanide complexes with a new tripodal ligand L2 have been elucidated using different physicochemical methods. At stoichiometric ratios, the tetrahedral three-dimensional complexes with lanthanide cations are formed in acetonitrile with good stabilities. Despite minor structural changes comparing to previously investigated tripodal ligands, the resulting assembly exhibits different features revealed with the crystal structure of [Eu(4)L2(4)](OH)(ClO(4))(11) (orthorhombic, Pbcn). Interestingly, the highly charged edifice contains an inner cage encapsulating a perchlorate anion. Such lanthanide mediated cage-like assemblies are rare, and may be of interest for different sensing applications. Indeed, the anionic guest can be exchanged with different anions. The related host-guest equilibria were investigated with NMR techniques. Various aspects of these reactions are qualitatively discussed.     

Effect of External Pressure on the Excitation Energy Transfer from [Cr(ox)3]3− to [Cr(bpy)3]3+ in [Rh1−xCrx(bpy)3][NaM1−yCry(ox)3]ClO4

Resonant excitation energy transfer from [Cr(ox)₃]^3? to [Cr(bpy)₃]³⁺ in the doped 3D oxalate networks [Rh_1?xCr_x(bpy)₃][NaM^III_1?yCr_y(ox)₃]ClO₄ (ox=C₂O₄^?, bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine, M=Al, Rh) is due to two types of interaction, namely super exchange coupling and electric dipole–dipole interaction. The energy transfer probability for both mechanisms is proportional to the spectral overlap of the ²E→⁴A₂ emission of the [Cr(ox)₃]^3? donor and the ⁴A₂→²T₁ absorption of the [Cr(bpy)₃]³⁺ acceptor. The spin‐flip transitions of (pseudo‐)octahedral Cr³⁺ are known to shift to lower energy with increasing pressure. Because the shift rates of the two transitions in question differ, the spectral overlap between the donor emission and the acceptor absorption is a function of applied pressure. For [Rh_1?xCr_x(bpy)₃][NaM_1?yCr_y(ox)₃]ClO₄ the spectral overlap is thus substantially reduced on increasing pressure from 0 to 2.5 GPa. As a result, the energy transfer probability decreases with increasing pressure as evidenced by a decrease in the relative emission intensity from the [Cr(bpy)₃]³⁺ acceptor.     

Enhancement of radiosensitivity of oral carcinoma cells by iodinated chlorin p6 copper complex in combination with synchrotron X‐ray radiation

The combination of synchrotron X‐ray radiation and metal‐based radiosensitizer is a novel form of photon activation therapy which offers the advantage of treating malignant tumors with greater efficacy and higher precision than conventional radiation therapy. In this study the anticancer cytotoxic efficacy of a new chlorophyll derivative, iodinated chlorin p₆ copper complex (ICp₆‐Cu), combined with synchrotron X‐ray radiation (8–10 keV) in two human oral cancer cell lines is explored. Pre‐treatment of cells with 20 µM and 30 µM ICp₆‐Cu for 3 h was found to enhance the X‐ray‐induced cytotoxicity with sensitization enhancement ratios of 1.8 and 2.8, respectively. ICp₆‐Cu localized in cytoplasm, mainly in lysosomes and endoplasmic reticulum, and did not cause any cytotoxicity alone. The radiosensitization effect of ICp₆‐Cu accompanied a significant increase in the level of reactive oxygen species, damage to lysosomes, inhibition of repair of radiation‐induced DNA double‐strand breaks, increase in cell death and no significant effect on cell cycle progression. These results demonstrate that ICp₆‐Cu is a potential agent for synchrotron photon activation therapy of cancer.     

Inhibitory Role of Berberine,an Isoquinoline Alkaloid,on NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation for the Treatment of Inflammatory Diseases

The pyrin domain-containing multiprotein complex NLRP3 inflammasome, consisting of the NLRP3 protein, ASC adaptor, and procaspase-1, plays a vital role in the pathophysiology of several inflammatory disorders, including neurological and metabolic disorders, chronic inflammatory diseases, and cancer. Several phytochemicals act as promising anti-inflammatory agents and are usually regarded to have potential applications as complementary or alternative therapeutic agents against chronic inflammatory disorders. Various in vitro and in vivo studies have reported the anti-inflammatory role of berberine (BRB), an organic heteropentacyclic phytochemical and natural isoquinoline, in inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent inflammation against many disorders. This review summarizes the mechanism and regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and its involvement in inflammatory diseases, and discusses the current scientific evidence on the repressive role of BRB on NLRP3 inflammasome pathways along with the possible mechanism(s) and their potential in counteracting various inflammatory diseases.