Production of ROS by photosensitized anthracene under sunlight and UV-R at ambient environmental intensities

The aim of this study was to analyze the photostability and phototoxicity mechanism of anthracene (ANT) in a human skin epidermal cell line (HaCaT) at ambient environmental intensities of sunlight/UV‐R (UV‐A and UV‐B). Photomodification of ANT under sunlight/UV‐R exposure produced two photoproducts, anthrone and 9,10 anthracenedione. Generation of ¹O₂, O₂^?? and ^?OH was measured under UV‐R/sunlight exposure. Involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was further substantiated by their quenching with free radical quenchers. Photodegradation of 2‐deoxyguanosine and linoleic acid peroxidation showed that ROS were mainly responsible for ANT phototoxicity. ANT generates significant amount of intracellular ROS in cell line. Maximum cell viability (85%) was reduced under sunlight exposure (30 min). Results of MTT assay accord NRU assay. ANT (0.01 μg mL^?1) induced cell‐cycle arrest at G1 phase. RT‐PCR demonstrated constitutive inducible mRNA expression of CYP 1A1 and 1B1 genes. Photosensitive ANT upregulates CYP 1A1 (2.2‐folds) and 1B1 (4.1‐folds) genes. Thus, the study suggests that ROS and DNA damage were mainly responsible for ANT phototoxicity. ANT exposure may be deleterious to human health at ambient environmental intensities reaching the earth’s surface through sunlight.     

Thioredoxin Reductase Activity may be More Important than GSH Level in Protecting Human Lens Epithelial Cells against UVA Light

This study compares the abilities of the glutathione (GSH) and thioredoxin (Trx) antioxidant systems in defending cultured human lens epithelial cells (LECs) against UVA light. Levels of GSH were depleted with either L‐buthionine‐(S,R)‐sulfoximine (BSO) or 1‐chloro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene (CDNB). CDNB treatment also inhibited the activity of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR). Two levels of O₂, 3% and 20%, were employed during a 1 h exposure of the cells to 25 J cm^?2 of UVA radiation (338–400 nm wavelength, peak at 365 nm). Inhibition of TrxR activity by CDNB, combined with exposure to UVA light, produced a substantial loss of LECs and cell damage, with the effects being considerably more severe at 20% O₂ compared to 3%. In contrast, depletion of GSH by BSO, combined with exposure to UVA light, produced only a slight cell loss, with no apparent morphological effects. Catalase was highly sensitive to UVA‐induced inactivation, but was not essential for protection. Although UVA light presented a challenge for the lens epithelium, it was well tolerated under normal conditions. The results demonstrate an important role for TrxR activity in defending the lens epithelium against UVA light, possibly related to the ability of the Trx system to assist DNA synthesis following UVA‐induced cell damage.     

Why is Rose Bengal More Phototoxic to Fibroblasts In Vitro Than In Vivo?

Photosensitized protein cross‐linking has been recently developed to seal wounds and strengthen tissue. Although the photosensitizing dye, Rose Bengal (RB), is phototoxic to cultured cells, cytotoxicity does not accompany RB‐photosensitized tissue repair in vivo. We investigated whether the environment surrounding cells in tissue or the high irradiances used for photo–cross‐linking inhibited RB phototoxicity. Fibroblasts (FB) grown within collagen gels to mimic a tissue environment and monolayer cultured FB were treated with RB (0.01–1 mm ) and the high 532 nm laser irradiances used in vivo for tissue repair (0.10–0.50 W cm^?2). Monolayer FB were substantially more sensitive to RB photosensitization: the LD₅₀ was >200‐fold lower than that in collagen gels. Collagen gel protection was associated with increased Akt phosphorylation, a prosurvival pathway. RB phototoxicity in collagen gels was 25‐fold greater at low (0.030 W cm^?2) that at high (0.50 W cm^?2) irradiances. Oxygen depletion at high irradiance only partially accounted for the irradiance dependence of phototoxicity as replacing air with nitrogen only increased the LD₅₀ by four‐fold in monolayers. These results indicate that the lack of RB phototoxicity during in vivo tissue repair results from upregulation of prosurvival pathways in tissue cells, oxygen depletion and irradiance‐dependent RB photochemistry.     

Unraveling the Degradation Mechanism of Purine Nucleotides Photosensitized by Pterins: The Role of Charge‐Transfer Steps

Photosensitized reactions contribute to the development of skin cancer and are used in many applications. Photosensitizers can act through different mechanisms. It is currently accepted that if the photosensitizer generates singlet molecular oxygen (¹O₂) upon irradiation, the target molecule can undergo oxidation by this reactive oxygen species and the reaction needs dissolved O₂ to proceed, therefore the reaction is classified as ¹O₂‐mediated oxidation (type II mechanism). However, this assumption is not always correct, and as an example, a study on the degradation of 2′‐deoxyguanosine 5′‐monophosphate photosensitized by pterin is presented. A general mechanism is proposed to explain how the degradation of biological targets, such as nucleotides, photosensitized by pterins, naturally occurring ¹O₂ photosensitizers, takes place through an electron‐transfer‐initiated process (type I mechanism), whereas the contribution of the ¹O₂‐mediated oxidation is almost negligible.     

Synthesis,characterization, DNA binding,cytotoxicity and molecular docking properties of Cu (II) and Mn (II) complexes with 1,4‐bis (pyrazol‐1‐yl) terephthalic acid

Two novel complexes, [Cu (L)(H₂O)]?H₂O ( 1 ) and [Mn (H₂O)₆] ?L ?H₂O ( 2 ) (L = 1,4‐bis (pyrazol‐1‐yl) terephthalic acid), were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. They were characterized using elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Intramolecular weak interactions, such as hydrogen bonds, and intermolecular interactions play important roles in the construction of the complexes. The interaction of these complexes with fish sperm DNA (FS‐DNA) was monitored and binding constants were determined using UV–visible spectroscopy, which revealed their ability to bind to FS‐DNA, with binding constants for the two complexes of 1.88 × 10⁴ M^?1 ( 1 ) and 1.06 × 10⁴ M^?1 ( 2 ). Viscosity experiments further demonstrated the binding of the complexes to DNA. The complexes were further studied using gel electrophoresis assay with supercoiled plasmid pBR322 DNA. In addition, anticancer activities of the metal complexes investigated through MTT assays in vitro indicated good cytotoxic activity against cancer cell lines. Flow cytometry and apoptosis experiments showed that these complexes induced apoptosis of two different cancer cell lines (HeLa and KB cells), demonstrating a significant cancer cell inhibitory rate. Finally, a further molecular docking technique was employed to confirm the binding of the complexes towards the molecular target DNA.     

UVA and UVB‐Induced 8‐Methoxypsoralen Photoadducts and a Novel Method for their Detection by Surface‐Enhanced Laser Desorption Ionization Time‐of‐Flight Mass Spectrometry (SELDI‐TOF MS)

UVA‐activated psoralens are used to treat hyperproliferative skin conditions due to their ability to form DNA photoadducts, which impair cellular processes and may lead to cell death. Although UVA (320–400 nm) is more commonly used clinically, studies have shown that UVB (280–320 nm) activation of psoralen can also be effective. However, there has been no characterization of UVB‐induced adduct formation in DNA alone. As psoralen derivatives have a greater extinction coefficient in the UVB region (11 800 cm^?1 M^?1 at 300 nm) compared with the UVA region (2016 cm^?1 M^?1 at 365 nm), a greater extent of adduct formation is expected. SELDI‐TOF, a proteomic technique that combines chromatography with mass spectrometry, was used to detect photoadduct formation in an alternating A–T oligonucleotide. 8‐Methoxypsoralen (8‐MOP) and DNA solutions were irradiated with either UVA or UVB. An adduct peak was obtained with SELDI‐TOF. For UVB‐activated 8‐MOP, the extent of adducts was three times greater than for UVA. HPLC ESI‐MS analysis showed that UVB irradiation yielded high levels of 3,4‐monoadducts (78% of total adducts). UVA was more effective than UVB at conversion of 4′,5′‐monoadducts to crosslinks (17% vs 4%, respectively). This report presents a method for comparing DNA binding efficiencies of interstrand crosslink inducing agents.     

In vitro and In vivo Antiproliferative Effect of a Combination of Ultraviolet‐A and Alkoxy Furocoumarins Isolated from Umbelliferae Medicinal Plants,in Melanoma Cells

We examined the effects of six furocoumarins with alkoxy groups at the C‐5 or C‐8 position isolated from Umbelliferae medicinal plants on cell proliferation, and their mechanisms of action against B16F10 melanoma cells or in melanin‐possessing hairless mice implanted with B16F10 cells, under UVA irradiation. Three furocoumarins with an alkoxy group at C‐5, isoimperatorin (1), oxypeucedanin (2) and oxypeucedanin hydrate (3), showed antiproliferative activity and caused G₂/M arrest at concentrations of 0.1–10.0 μm . Furthermore, three furocoumarins with an alkoxy group at C‐8, imperatorin (4), heraclenin (5) and heraclenol (6), inhibited the proliferation of melanoma cells and cell cycle at G₂/M at concentrations of 0.1–1.0 μm . UVA plus 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 reduced tumor growth and final tumor weight in B16F10‐bearing mice at a dose of 0.3, 0.5 or 1.0 mg kg^?1 (intraperitoneal injection). UVA plus 1, 3 and 6 increased Chk1 phosphorylation and reduced cdc2 (Thr 161) phosphorylation in melanoma cells. We suggest that the antitumor actions of UVA plus furocoumarins with an alkoxy group at C‐5 or C‐8 were due to G₂/M arrest of the cell cycle by an increase in phosphor‐Chk1 and decrease in phospho‐cdc2.     

Effects of Light Energy and Reducing Agents on C60‐Mediated Photosensitizing Reactions

Many biomolecules contain photoactive reducing agents, such as reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and 6‐thioguanine (6‐TG) incorporated into DNA through drug metabolism. These reducing agents may produce reactive oxygen species under UVA irradiation or act as electron donors in various media. The interactions of C₆₀ fullerenes with biological reductants and light energy, especially via the Type‐I electron‐transfer mechanism, are not fully understood although these factors are often involved in toxicity assessments. The two reductants employed in this work were NADH for aqueous solutions and 6‐TG for organic solvents. Using steady‐state photolysis and electrochemical techniques, we showed that under visible light irradiation, the presence of reducing agents enhanced C₆₀‐mediated Type‐I reactions that generate superoxide anion (O₂^.?) at the expense of singlet oxygen (¹O₂) production. The quantum yield of O₂^.? production upon visible light irradiation of C₆₀ is estimated below 0.2 in dipolar aprotic media, indicating that the majority of triplet C₆₀ deactivate via Type‐II pathway. Upon UVA irradiation, however, both C₆₀ and NADH undergo photochemical reactions to produce O₂^.?, which could lead to a possible synergistic toxicity effects. C₆₀ photosensitization via Type‐I pathway is not observed in the absence of reducing agents.     

Preparation of magnetically recyclable ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles by easy single‐step co‐precipitation method and their catalytic performance in the synthesis of 2‐aminothiophenes

In this work, a new synthetic route for the preparation of ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles through the chemical co‐precipitation using Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions in an alkaline solution was developed. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, ICP‐MS, DRS, TGA, VSM and elemental analysis. Characterization results confirmed the formation of single ZnFe₂O₄ phase, with an average particle size of 40 nm and a high saturation magnetization of 34 emu g^?1. The prepared material was employed as a catalyst for the synthesis of 2‐aminotiophene derivatives through the Gewald reaction. This thermally and chemically stable nanocatalyst is environmentally benign, economical and reusable which can be easily recovered using an external magnet. Therefore, it appears that this methodology can be simply extended for industrial purposes.     

Facile synthesis of PEG‐coated magnetite (Fe3O4) and embedment of gold nanoparticle as a nontoxic antimicrobial agent

In the present study, we carried out a chemical synthesis and characterization of Fe₃O₄@PEG‐Au as a core/shell nanocomposite in an aqueous solution by the chemical co‐precipitation of Fe³⁺ and Fe²⁺ ions and encapsulated it by polyethylene glycol (PEG) in order to enhance hydrophilicity and biocompatibility of gold ions and immobilize them in the presence of NaBH₄ as a reducing agent. The nanostructures were characterized with FT‐IR, FESEM, EDS, WDX, VSM, ICP‐MS, and TEM. The antimicrobial activities of the nanostructures were tested against pathogenic microorganisms, including Staphylococcus aureus , Escherichia coli , and Candida albicans by broth microdilution method according to the methods of the Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI). The toxicity of the nanostructures was tested against animal cell line based on MTT assay. The synthesized core/shell nanostructures had a good activity against the representative microorganisms of public health concern and revealed an insignificant toxicity against animal cell line.     

Antioxidant,DNA interaction,molecular docking and cytotoxicity studies of aminoethylpiperazine‐containing macrocyclic binuclear copper(II) complexes

A series of new macrocyclic binuclear copper(II) complexes of the type [Cu₂L^1–5(ClO₄)](ClO₄) ( 1 – 5 ) were synthesized by template condensation between precursor compounds 2,6‐bis(4‐aminoethylpiperazin‐1‐ylmethyl)‐4‐substituted phenols and 2,6‐diformyl‐4‐substituted phenols. The synthesized precursors and complexes were characterized using regular physicochemical techniques. The rate constant values obtained for the hydrolysis of 4‐nitrophenylphosphate were in the range 1.83 × 10⁻²–4.19 × 10⁻² min⁻¹. Antioxidant studies against 2,2′‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl revealed the antioxidant potency of the synthesized complexes. Binding studies of the complexes with calf thymus DNA were conducted using electronic, viscometric and voltammetric techniques, and the obtained results suggested a non‐covalent groove mode of binding. The oxidative cleavage of pBR322 DNA in the presence of co‐reactant H₂O₂ and radical scavengers showed single strand scission and involvement of H₂O₂ radical in the cleavage process. Molecular docking studies were performed to insert complexes into the crystal structures of 1BNA and VEGFR kinase at active sites to determine the possible binding mode and predominant binding interactions. In vitro cytotoxicity of the complexes was tested against human epidermoid carcinoma cells (A431) by MTT assay, which revealed the effective anticancer activity of the complexes. Live cell and fluorescent imaging of A431 cells showed that the complexes induce cell death through apoptosis.     

Design,Synthesis, and Evaluation of the Anticancer Properties of a Novel Series of Imidazolone Fused Pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine Derivatives

A novel series of imidazolone fused pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine derivatives has been designed and synthesized using a convergent approach, and the structures of these compounds were confirmed by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, ESI‐MS, and IR analyses. These new compounds were tested for their in vitro antiproliferative activity using an 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Out of the 20 derivatives prepared in the current study, compounds 8h , 8n , and 8r exhibited good anticancer activities tested against HeLa cells and HepG₂ cells. However, the in vitro anticancer activity of compound 8r against HeLa, HepG₂, and MCF‐7 cell lines is superior to the marketed drugs Paclitaxel and SAHA.     

Synthesis and structural and DNA binding studies of mono‐ and dinuclear copper(II) complexes constructed with ─O and ─N donor ligands: Potential anti‐skin cancer drugs

Mononuclear and dinuclear copper(II) complexes with thiophenecarboxylic acid, [Cu(3‐TCA)₂(2,2′‐bpy)] ( 1 ), [Cu(3‐Me‐2‐TCA)₂(H₂O)(2,2′‐bpy)] ( 2 ), [Cu(5‐Me‐2‐TCA)₂(H₂O)(2,2′‐bpy)] ( 3 ) and [Cu₂(2,5‐TDCA)(DMF)₂(H₂O)₂(2,2′‐bpy)₂](ClO₄)₂ ( 4 ) (where 3‐TCA = 3‐thiophenecarboxylic acid; 3‐Me‐2‐TCA = 3‐methyl‐2‐thiophenecarboxylic acid; 5‐Me‐2‐TCA = 5‐methyl‐2‐thiophenecarboxylic acid; 2,5‐TDCA = thiophene‐2,5‐dicarboxylic acid; 2,2′‐bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridyl; DMF = N,N‐dimethylformamide), were synthesized. Compounds 1 – 4 were extensively characterized using both analytical and spectroscopic methods. Additionally, the solid‐state structures of 1 and 4 were unambiguously established from single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. The hexacoordinated Cu(II) centre in 1 (CuO₄N₂) is a distorted octahedral geometry whereas the pentacoodinated 4 (CuO₃N₂) has distorted square pyramidal geometry. Compounds 1 and 4 exhibit intermolecular hydrogen bonding which leads to the formation of two‐ and three‐dimensional supramolecular architectures, respectively. Spectrophotometric and computational investigations suggest that these compounds bind with DNA in minor groove binding such that K_b = 4.9 × 10⁵ M^?1 and K_sv = 3.4 × 10⁵ M^?1, and binding score of ?5.26 kcal mol^?1. The binding affinity of these complexes to calf thymus DNA is in the order 2 > 3 > 4 > 1 . Methyl‐substituted thiophene ring increases the DNA binding affinity whereas unsubstituted thiophene ring DNA binding rate is reduced. The methyl group on the thiophene ring would sterically hinder π–π stacking of the ring with DNA base pairs, and subsequently they are involved in hydrophobic interaction with the DNA surface rather than partial intercalative interaction. Compounds 1 – 4 show pronounced activity against B16 mouse melanoma skin cancer cell lines as measured by MTT assay yielding IC₅₀ values in the micromolar concentration range. The compounds could prove to be efficient anti‐cancer agents, since at a concentration as low as 2.1 μg ml^?1 they exerted a significant cytotoxic effect in cancer cells whereas cell viability was not affected in normal cells.     

Inactivation of Bacillus subtilis Spores Using Various Combinations of Ultraviolet Treatment with Addition of Hydrogen Peroxide

This study aims at comparing the inactivation of Bacillus subtilis spores by various combinations of UV treatment and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) addition. The combinations included sequential (UV–H₂O₂, H₂O₂–UV) and simultaneous (UV/H₂O₂) processes. Results showed that B. subtilis spores achieved a certain inactivation effect through UV treatment. However, hardly any inactivation effect by H₂O₂ alone was observed. H₂O₂ had a significant synergetic effect when combined with UV treatment, while high irradiance and H₂O₂ concentration both favored the reaction. When treated with 0.60 mm H₂O₂ and 113.0 μW/cm² UV irradiance for 6 min, the simultaneous UV/H₂O₂ treatment showed significantly improved disinfection effect (4.13 log) compared to that of UV–H₂O₂ (3.03 log) and H₂O₂–UV (2.88 log). The relationship between the inactivation effect and the exposure time followed a typical pseudo‐first‐order kinetics model. The pseudo‐first‐order rate constants were 0.478, 0.447 and 0.634 min^?1, for the UV‐H₂O₂, H₂O₂–UV and UV/H₂O₂ processes, respectively, further confirming the optimal disinfection effect of the UV/H₂O₂ process. The disinfection could be ascribed to the OH radicals, as verified by the level of para‐chlorobenzoic acid (pCBA).     

The Employment of a Removable Chitosan‐Derivatized Polymeric Sensitizer in the Photooxidation of Polyhydroxylated Water‐Pollutants

The known O₂(¹?_g)‐sensitizer system Chitosan bounded Rose Bengal (CH‐RB), with Rose Bengal (RB) immobilized by irreversible covalent bonding to the polymer Chitosan (CH), soluble in aquous acidic medium, was employed in the photodegradation of three tri‐hydroxy benzene water‐contaminants (THBs). The system sensitizes the O₂(¹?_g)‐mediated photodegradation of THBs by a process kinetically favored, as compared to that employing free RB dissolved in the same solvent. Additionally the free xanthene dye, degradable by O₂(¹?_g) through self‐sensitization upon prolonged light‐exposure, is considerably protected when bonded to CH‐polymer. The polymeric sensitizer, totally insoluble in neutral medium, can be removed from the solution after the photodegradative cycle by precipitation through a simple pH change. This fact constitutes an interesting aspect in the context of photoremediation of confined polluted waters. In other words, the sensitizing system could be useful for avoiding to dissolve dyestuffs in the polluted waters, in order to act as conventional sunlight‐absorbing dye‐sensitizers. In parallel the interaction CH ‐ O₂(¹?_g) in acidic solution was evaluated. The polymer quenches the oxidative species with a rate constant 2.4 × 10⁸ M^?1 s^?1 being the process mostly attributable to a physical interaction. This fact promotes the photoprotection of the bonded dye in the CH‐RB polymer.     

Red Light Interferes in UVA‐Induced Photoaging of Human Skin Fibroblast Cells

The possible regulation mechanism of red light was determined to discover how to retard UVA‐induced skin photoaging. Human skin fibroblasts were cultured and irradiated with different doses of UVA, thus creating a photoaging model. Fibroblasts were also exposed to a subtoxic dose of UVA combined with a red light‐emitting diode (LED) for five continuous days. Three groups were examined: control, UVA and UVA plus red light. Cumulative exposure doses of UVA were 25 J cm^?2, and the total doses of red light were 0.18 J cm^?2. Various indicators were measured before and after irradiation, including cell morphology, viability, β‐galactosidase staining, apoptosis, cycle phase, the length of telomeres and the protein levels of photoaging‐related genes. Red light irradiation retarded the cumulative low‐dose UVA irradiation‐induced skin photoaging, decreased the expression of senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase, upregulated SIRT1 expression, decreased matrix metalloproteinase MMP‐1 and the acetylation of p53 expression, reduced the horizon of cell apoptosis and enhanced cell viability. Furthermore, the telomeres in UVA‐treated cells were shortened compared to those of cells in the red light groups. These results suggest that red light plays a key role in the antiphotoaging of human skin fibroblasts by acting on different signaling transduction pathways.     

Design,Synthesis, and Evaluation of the Anticancer Properties of a Novel Series of α‐(Benzoylamino)‐β‐substituted Acrylic Amide Derivatives of Pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine

A novel series of α‐(benzoylamino)‐β‐substituted acrylic amide derivatives of pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine has been synthesized using a convergent multistep synthesis. The synthesized compounds were characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, ESI‐MS, and IR analyses. Those new compounds were screened for their in vitro antiproliferative activity using an MTT assay analysis. Out of nine derivatives synthesized in the current study, compounds 13g , 13d , 13h , and 13i exhibited the greatest anticancer activities in HeLa and HepG₂ cell lines. The in vitro anticancer activity of compound 13g against HeLa, HepG₂, and MCF‐7 cell lines is superior to the marketed drugs paclitaxel and SAHA.     

The Effect of pH Values on the Synthesis,Microstructure and Photocatalytic Activity of Ce‐Bi2O3 by a Two‐Step Hydrothermal Method

In this study, the effect of pH values on the microstructure and photocatalytic activity of Ce‐Bi₂O₃ under visible light irradiation was investigated in detail. In alkaline condition (e.g. pH = 9), the as‐prepared Ce‐Bi₂O₃ exhibited an agglomerated status and mesoporous structures without a long‐range order. While in weak acid condition (e.g. pH = 5), the Ce‐Bi₂O₃ exhibited a best morphology with irregular nanosheets. Correspondingly, it possessed largest surface area (24.641 m² g^?1) and pore volume (9.825E‐02 cm³ g^?1). These unique nanosheets can offer an attachment for pollutant molecules and reduce the distance of electron immigration from inner to surface, thus facilitating the separation of photoelectron and hole pairs. Compared with the pure Bi₂O₃, the band gap of Ce‐Bi₂O₃ prepared at different pH was much lower. Among them, the band gap of Ce‐Bi₂O₃ (pH of 5) was lowest (2.61 eV). Ce‐Bi₂O₃ (pH of 5) exhibited as tetragonal crystal with the bismuth oxide in the form of the composites, which could reduce the band gap width or suppress the charge‐carrier recombination, subsequently possessing great photocatalytic activity for acid orange II under visible light irradiation. After 2 h degradation under visible light, the degradation rate of acid Orange II was up to 96.44% by Ce‐Bi₂O₃ prepared at pH 5. Overall, it can be concluded that the pH values had effects on the microstructure and photocatalytic activity of Ce‐Bi₂O₃ catalysts.     

Exploring the interactions between gold nanoparticles and analytes through surface‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry

Surface‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (SALDI‐MS) is applied to provide strong evidence for the chemical reactions of functionalized gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) with analytes – Hg²⁺ ions induced MPA?Au NPs aggregation in the presence of 2,6‐pyridinedicarboxylic acid (PDCA) and H₂O₂ induced fluorescence quenching of 11‐MUA?Au NDs. PDCA‐Hg²⁺‐MPA coordination is responsible for Au NPs aggregation, while the formation of 11‐MUA disulfide compounds that release into the bulk solution is responsible for H₂O₂‐induced fluorescence quenching. In addition to providing information about the chemical structures, SALDI‐MS is also selective and sensitive for the detection of Hg²⁺ ions and H₂O₂. The limits of detection (LODs) for Hg²⁺ ions and H₂O₂ by SALDI‐MS were 300 nM and 250 µM, respectively. The spot‐to‐spot variations in the two studies were both less than 18% (50 sample spots). Our results reveal that SALDI‐MS can be used to study analyte‐induced changes in the surface properties of nanoparticles. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Selective Ablation of β‐Galactosidase‐Expressing Cells with a Rationally Designed Activatable Photosensitizer

We have developed an activatable photosensitizer capable of specifically inducing the death of β‐galactosidase‐expressing cells in response to photoirradiation. By using a selenium‐substituted rhodol scaffold bearing β‐galactoside as a targeting substituent, we designed and synthesized HMDESeR‐βGal, which has a non‐phototoxic spirocyclic structure owing to the presence of the galactoside moiety. However, β‐galactosidase efficiently converted HMDESeR‐βGal into phototoxic HMDESeR, which exists predominantly in the open xanthene form. This structural change resulted in drastic recovery of visible‐wavelength absorption and the ability to generate singlet oxygen (¹O₂). When HMDESeR‐βGal was applied to larval Drosophila melanogaster wing disks, which express β‐galactosidase only in the posterior region, photoirradiation induced cell death in the β‐galactosidase‐expressing region with high specificity.