Multivalent dendrimers at molecular printboards: influence of dendrimer structure on binding strength and stoichiometry and their electrochemically induced desorption

A fundamental understanding of multivalency can have a profound influence on bottom-up nanofabrication. For this purpose, three different types of ferrocenyl (Fc) functionalized dendrimers of generations 1-5 with various spacer groups were adsorbed at self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of heptathioether-functionalized beta-cyclodextrin (betaCD) on gold. The dendrimers formed kinetically stable supramolecular assemblies at the betaCD host surface having up to eight multivalent supramolecular interactions, but could be efficiently removed from the host surface by electrochemical oxidation of the Fc end groups. Dendrimer desorption and re-adsorption could be repeated a number of times without significant decomposition of the system. The stoichiometries of the dendrimers at the surface were determined using cyclic voltammetry (CV). These were quantitatively confirmed for the lower generations by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) titrations of the dendrimers to the betaCD SAM. Measuring CV and SPR simultaneously gave crucial mechanistic information on the electrochemically induced desorption of the dendrimers from the host surface. The redox-active dendrimers effectively blocked the host surface for binding other molecules, e.g. adamantyl-functionalized dendrimers, but electrochemically induced release of the blocking layer revealed the host surface to which the adamantyl dendrimers could then bind.     

Analysis of polyamidoamine dendrimers by isoelectric focusing

Polyamidoamine dendrimers have been studied extensively for their potential applications in nanomedicine. Their uses as imaging, drug, and nucleic acid delivery agents are nearing clinical trials. As such, characterization of polyamidoamine dendrimers and their nano-devices is of immense importance for monitoring the efficiency of their synthesis, purity, and quality control of manufactured products as well as their in vivo behavior. We report here the analysis of polyamidoamine dendrimers possessing various cores and surface groups with a simple and inexpensive isoelectric focusing method. The isoelectric points of the dendrimers were readily determined from a calibration plot generated by running proteins with known pI values. The isoelectric points for various surface-modified polyamidoamine dendrimers ranged from 4 to 9. Polyamidoamine dendrimers possessing terminal hydroxyl groups gave a pI?>?7, while those with terminal carboxyl groups exhibit a pI?<?7. Generation number and cores of the dendrimers did not significantly affect their isoelectric points. Isoelectric focusing thus offers another important tool for characterizing these nanomolecules.

Synthesis of polyglutamine conjugates of lysine dendrimers in solution and polymer gel

The synthesis of polyglutamine conjugates of lysine dendrimers, in which carboxyl groups of polyglutamine chains are linked via one point to the amino groups of N-terminal lysine fragments of dendrimers, is studied. Lysine dendrimers of third, fourth, and fifth generations are preliminarily prepared via the solid-phase synthesis on a polymer support, crosslinked p-methylbenzohydrylaminopolystyrene. The first approach to the synthesis of polyglutamine conjugates of dendrimers consisted in that, after the synthesis of lysine dendrimers, their removal from the polymer support, their full unblocking, and their purification, γ-benzyl glutamate N-carboxyadhydride is involved in solution polymerization at the amino groups of lysine of the outer sphere of dendrimers. The second approach includes the polymerization of γ-benzyl glutamate N-carboxyadhydride on the amino groups of N-terminal lysine residues of lysine dendrimers performed before dendrimer removal from the polymer support. The structural study of star-shaped conjugate of lysine dendrimers makes it possible to for the first time estimate the similarities and differences in these two approaches to the synthesis of polyglutamine conjugates of lysine dendrimers.     

Chemical Strategies for Dendritic Magneto-plasmonic Nanostructures Applied to Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

Chemical analyses in the field using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) protocols are expected to be part of several analytical procedures applied to water quality monitoring. To date, these endeavors have been supported by developments in SERS substrate nanofabrication, instrumentation portability, and the internet of things. Here, we report distinct chemical strategies for preparing magneto-plasmonic (Fe₃O₄ : Au) colloids, which are relevant in the context of trace-level detection of water contaminants due to their inherent multifunctionality. The main objective of this research is to investigate the role of poly(amidoamine) dendrimers (PAMAMs) in the preparation of SERS substrates integrating both functionalities into single nanostructures. Three chemical routes were investigated to design magneto-plasmonic nanostructures that translate into different ways for assessing SERS detection by using distinct interfaces. Hence, a series of magneto-plasmonic colloids have been characterized and then assessed for their SERS activity by using a model pesticide (thiram) dissolved in aqueous samples.     

Dendrimers as photochemical reaction media. Photochemical behavior of unimolecular and bimolecular reactions in water-soluble dendrimers

Synthesis and studies of poly(alkyl aryl ether) dendrimers, possessing carboxylic acid functionalities at their peripheries, are reported. 5-Bromopentyloxy methylisophthalate was utilized as the monomer to O-alkylate the phenolic hydroxyl groups of poly(alkyl aryl ether) dendrimers. Dendrimers of first, second, and third generations, possessing 6, 12, and 24 carboxylic acids, respectively, were thus prepared. These dendrimers were soluble in alkaline aqueous solutions, and the ensuing microenvironmental properties of the aqueous solutions were assessed by pyrene solubilization studies. Upon establishing the presence of nonpolar microenvironments within the dendritic structures, solubilizations of few organic substrates were conducted and their photochemical behaviors were assessed. Specifically, the photolysis of 1-phenyl-3-p-tolyl-propan-2-one and benzoin ethyl ether and photodimerization of acenaphthylene were conducted. These studies revealed that the product distribution and the "cage effect" were more distinct and efficient for the third generation dendrimer, than for the first and second generation dendrimers. The photochemical studies of carboxylic acid functionalized dendrimers were compared to that of hydroxyl group terminated poly(alkyl aryl ether) dendrimers.     

Unsurpassed cage effect for the photolysis of dibenzyl ketones in water-soluble dendrimers

Amphiphilic water-soluble poly(alkyl aryl ether) dendrimers Gn (n = 1-3) with charge-neutral tetraethylene glycol monomethyl ethers at their periphery were synthesized as microreactors to control the photochemical reactions of dibenzyl ketone derivatives in aqueous solutions. Photophysical studies demonstrated that Gn can encapsulate organic molecules and provide a hydrophobic microenvironment. The product distribution of photolysis of dibenzyl ketone derivatives can be successfully controlled by encapsulating the substrates within dendrimers, and an unsurpassed cage effect of 1.00 is reached in high generation dendrimers, revealing that a thick and compact "shell" was formed at the periphery of the dendrimers. The cage effect is also significantly influenced by the substituent at the para-position of the guest molecules. The higher generation dendrimers exhibit a better confined microenvironment and the aggregates possess more compact cavities to "lock" the guests than the corresponding unimolecular dendrimers. After photolysis, the separation of products can be easily achieved by extracting from the dendrimer solutions and the dendrimers are simply recovered and reused.     

Designer dendrimers: branched oligosulfonimides with controllable molecular architectures

The synthesis of "designer" dendrimers and dendrons with sulfonimide units at every branching point is reported. The synthesis is based on a series of (regio)selective functionalization reactions of amines and sulfonamides allowing precise control of the dendrimers' shape, the number of branches in each generation, and their peripheral decoration with functional groups. In principle, structurally different branches can be incorporated at any position within the dendrimer structure at will. Structurally perfect symmetrical and two-faced "Janus"-type dendrimers, as well as dendrimers and dendrons with intended interstices were synthesized on a preparative scale and fully characterized. Oligosulfonimide dendrons of various generations bearing an aryl bromide functional group at their focal points were attached to a p-phenylene core with the aid of Suzuki cross-coupling reactions resulting in dendrimers with photoactive terphenyl cores. The structure and the high purity of all dendritic sulfonimides were confirmed by means of (1)H and (13)C NMR, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), and elemental analysis. The utility of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for the analytical characterization of these dendrimers was evaluated in comparison to electrospray ionization. Two model branched oligosulfonimides were characterized in the solid state by single-crystal X-ray analysis. Reaction selectivities and conformation of sulfonimide branching points were rationalized by DFT calculations.     

The Design of Second-order Nonlinear Optical Dendrimers: From “Branch Only” to “Root Containing”

Dendrimers are considered as a promising family of organic second-order nonlinear optical (NLO) polymers because of their well-defined structures,easily modified peripheral functional groups,interior branches and central cores.In order to obtain NLO materials with high performance,dendrimer structures have been optimized in the past years,such as the "branch only" and the "root containing" type dendrimers.This feature article highlights the achievements in exploring the rational design of dendrimers,partially marked by their macroscopic NLO performance.     

A new class of protein mimics: preparation and electrophoretic properties of polycationic β-alanine-based dendrimers

The synthesis and characterization of a series of polyammonium β-alanine containing dendrimers 4-6 were reported. Such polycationic species were shown to exhibit electrophoretic behavior similar to that of protein molecules such as lysozyme and aprotinin in acidic polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. It was also found that their electromobility was directly related to their molecular size, and hence such biomimetic dendrimers are potential molecular weight markers for protein analysis.     

Synthesis and characterization of poly(ethyleneimine) dendrimers

Poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) dendrimers up to the third generation (G3) were prepared by a divergent synthesis method from an ethylenediamine (EDA) core. The amine terminals were bonded with vinylbromide by a Michael addition reaction. Then, the bromide terminals were converted to amine groups using a Gabriel amine synthesis method. PEI dendrimers displayed pH-dependent luminescence, and their emission intensities at pH 6 increased over time. Fluorescence intensities also increased with increasing dendrimer generation from G1 to G3. Air-bubbling in aqueous solutions of dendrimers made to incorporate detectable amount of oxygen in dendrimers. EDA also behaved similarly in luminescence and oxygen incorporation.

Cationic and fluorescent "Janus" dendrimers

Two synthetic routes to "Janus"-type dendrimers possessing ammonium groups on one side and fluorescent dansyl derivatives on the other side are described. These surface-block dendrimers are obtained by the coupling of two different dendrons, built from the hexafunctional cyclotriphosphazene core. Their characterization and their photophysical behavior are reported. The largest compound possesses 10 ammonium groups and 5 dansyl groups; it is potentially useful as a fluorescent label in materials science and biology.     

The effect of global compaction on the local secondary structure of folded dendrimers

The effect of nonlocal interactions on the local structural propensities of folded dendrimers was evaluated in this work by comparing, under identical conditions, the conformational properties of isomeric dendrimers differing in their global packing efficiency. Accordingly, a modular synthesis of two series of dendrimers up to the third generation was developed to provide efficient access to isomeric dendrimers displaying different levels of overall compaction. Dendrimer compaction levels were adjusted by connecting the folded dendrons to 1,3,5-benzenetricarbonyl chloride, as the central core, via either a 2- or a 4-aminobenzamide linkage to induce relatively "compacted" or "expanded" conformations, respectively. The hydrodynamic volumes of the dendrimers were measured by time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy (TRFA) measurements as a function of the dendrimer series, generation level, and solvent. Packing efficiencies (compaction levels) were estimated by the ratio (V(h)/V(vw)) of the experimental hydrodynamic volume (V(h)) to the calculated van der Waals volume (V(vw)). The extent and stability of local helical bias was measured using circular dichroism and correlated with the packing efficiency (V(h)/V(vw)). These studies suggested that compaction plays an extremely important role in determining the secondary structural preferences of the dendrimers; however, the nature of compaction was more important than the extent of compaction.     

Unfolding the conformational behavior of peptide dendrimers: insights from molecular dynamics simulations

We present here the first comprehensive structural characterization of peptide dendrimers using molecular simulation methods. Multiple long molecular dynamics simulations are used to extensively sample the conformational preferences of five third-generation peptide dendrimers, including some known to bind aquacobalamine. We start by analyzing the compactness of the conformations thus sampled using their radius of gyration profiles. A more detailed analysis is then performed using dissimilarity measures, principal coordinate analysis, and free energy landscapes, with the aim of identifying groups of similar conformations. The results point to a high conformational flexibility of these molecules, with no clear "folded state", although two markedly distinct behaviors were found: one of the dendrimers displayed mostly compact conformations clustered into distinct basins (rough landscape), while the remaining dendrimers displayed mainly noncompact conformations with no significant clustering (downhill landscape). This study brings new insight into the conformational behavior of peptide dendrimers and may provide better routes for their functional design. In particular, we propose a yet unsynthesized peptide dendrimer that might exhibit enhanced ability to coordinate aquocobalamin.     

Quaternized and Thiazole‐Functionalized Free Radical‐Generating Organometallic Dendrimers as Antimicrobial Platform against Multidrug‐Resistant Microorganisms

New macromolecules such as dendrimers are increasingly needed to drive breakthroughs in diverse areas, for example, healthcare. Here, the authors report hybrid antimicrobial dendrimers synthesized by functionalizing organometallic dendrimers with quaternary ammonium groups or 2‐mercaptobenzothiazole. The functionalization tunes the glass transition temperature and antimicrobial activities of the dendrimers. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy reveals that the dendrimers form free radicals, which have significant implications for catalysis and biology. In vitro antimicrobial assays indicate that the dendrimers are potent antimicrobial agents with activity against multidrug‐resistant pathogens such as methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus faecium as well as other microorganisms. The functionalization increases the activity, especially in the quaternary ammonium group‐functionalized dendrimers. Importantly, the activities are selective because human epidermal keratinocytes cells and BJ fibroblast cells exposed to the dendrimers are viable after 24 h.

     

Peptide and glycopeptide dendrimer apple trees as enzyme models and for biomedical applications

Solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) provides peptides with a dendritic topology when diamino acids are introduced in the sequences. Peptide dendrimers with one to three amino acids between branches can be prepared with up to 38 amino acids (MW ~ 5,000 Da). Larger peptide dendrimers (MW ~ 30,000) were obtained by a multivalent chloroacetyl cysteine (ClAc) ligation. Structural studies of peptide dendrimers by CD, FT-IR, NMR and molecular dynamics reveal molten globule states containing up to 50% of α-helix. Esterase and aldolase peptide dendrimers displaying dendritic effects and enzyme kinetics (k(cat)/k(uncat) ~ 10(5)) were designed or discovered by screening large combinatorial libraries. Strong ligands for Pseudomonas aeruginosa lectins LecA and LecB able to inhibit biofilm formation were obtained with glycopeptide dendrimers. Efficient ligands for cobalamin, cytotoxic colchicine conjugates and antimicrobial peptide dendrimers were also developed showing the versatility of dendritic peptides. Complementing the multivalency, the amino acid composition of the dendrimers strongly influenced the catalytic or biological activity obtained demonstrating the importance of the "apple tree" configuration for protein-like function in peptide dendrimers.     

Efficient halogen-lithium exchange reactions to functionalize poly(alkyl aryl ether) dendrimers

Poly(alkyl aryl ether) dendrimers were functionalized with bromophenyl groups at their peripheries, so as to have 3, 6, 12, and 24 groups in the zero, first, second, and third generation dendrimers, respectively. The new bromophenyl functionalized dendrimers were assessed for their reactivities in C-heteroatom and C-C bond forming reactions. For this purpose, the bromophenyl functionalized dendrimers were converted quantitatively to their polylithiated derivatives, using n-BuLi in benzene. The polylithiated dendrimers were reacted either with D₂O or with CO₂, so as to afford the corresponding deuterated and carboxylic acid functionalized dendrimers, respectively. The carboxylic acid functionalized dendrimers were modified further to the methyl esters during their characterization.     

"Click" dendrimers: synthesis, redox sensing of Pd(OAc)2, and remarkable catalytic hydrogenation activity of precise Pd nanoparticles stabilized by 1,2,3-triazole-containing dendrimers

"Click" dendrimers containing 1,2,3-triazolyl ligands that coordinate to PdII(OAc)2 have been synthesized in view of catalytic applications. Five of these dendrimers contain ferrocenyl termini directly attached to the triazole ligand in order to monitor the number of PdII that are introduced into the dendrimers by cyclic voltammetry. Reduction of the PdII-triazole dendrimers by using NaBH4 or methanol yields Pd nanoparticles (PdNPs) that are stabilized either by several dendrimers (G0, DSN) or by encapsulation inside a dendrimer (G1 and G2: DEN), as confirmed by TEM. Relative to PAMAM-DENs (PAMAM=poly(amidoamine)), the "click" DSNs and DENs show a remarkable efficiency and stability for olefin hydrogenation under ambient conditions of various substrates. The influence of the reductant of PdII bound to the dendrimers is dramatic, reduction with methanol leading to much higher catalytic activity than reduction with NaBH4. The most active NPs are shown to be those derived from dendrimer G1, and variation of its termini groups (ferrocenyl, alkyl, phenyl) allowed us to clearly delineate, optimize, and rationalize the role of the dendrimer frameworks on the catalytic efficiencies. Finally, hydrogenation of various substrates catalyzed by these PdNPs shows remarkable selectivity features.     

Paramagnetic cobalt(II) as an NMR probe of dendrimer structure: mobility and cooperativity of dendritic arms

Cobalt(II) has been utilized as an external paramagnetic (1)H NMR probe for the study of the structure of dendrimers that possess specifically located metal recognition sites. The hyperfine-shifted (1)H NMR signals of the Co(II) complexes of several 2,6-diamidopyridine-containing dendrimers have been fully assigned by means of 1D and 2D NMR techniques, including NOE difference, EXSY, COSY, and TOCSY. Temperature-dependent T(1) values of the hyperfine-shifted signals were used to conclude that the Co(II)-dendrimer complexes are in the "liquidlike" regime, indicative of a shell-like structure instead of a "dense-core" structure. The presence of sizable cavities within the dendrimers was observed including a loosely packed conformation for the 2,6-diamidopyridino moiety to bind to potential guest molecules. Cooperativity among the dendritic arms in metal binding is also observed, whereby two dendritic arms bind to the metal center at the same time. In the case of dendrimers with the metal binding site located near the surface of the molecule, such binding cooperativity is still observed despite the large degree of freedom of the metal-binding moiety. Cooperativity among the dendritic arms can thus be considered an intrinsic property, which has to be taken into consideration in future design of functional dendrimers for the purpose of specific recognition and catalysis. The hydrodynamic radii of these dendrimers have been determined by means of nuclear Overhouser effect at low temperature. The study offers a method for the study of the dynamics of dendrimers in solution under different conditions and upon ligand binding and recognition. The study also provides a tool for monitoring systematic variation of the metal binding site in different dendrimer frameworks for specific applications, such as catalysis and molecular recognition.     

Dependence of Property of Silver Nanoparticles within Dendrimer-template on Molar Ratios of Ag+ to PAMAM Dendrimers

G5.0‐OH PAMAM dendrimers were used to prepare fluorescent silver clusters with weaker ultraviolet irradiation reduction method, in which the molar ratio of Ag⁺ to PAMAM dendrimers was the key factor to determine the geometry and properties of silver nanoparticles. The results showed that because of G5.0‐OH PAMAM dendrimers as strong encapsulatores, when the molar ratios of Ag⁺ to PAMAM dendrimers was smaller than 5, the obtained Ag_n clusters (n<5) had line structures and "molecular‐like" properties, which were highly fluorescent and quite stable in aqueous solution. Whereas when the molar ratios were between 5 and 8, the obtained Ag_n clusters were 2D structures and their fluorescence was weaker. When the molar ratio was larger than 8, the structure of silver nanoparticles was 3D and no fluorescence was observed from the obtained silver nanoparticles.     

Excited-state processes in first-generation phenyl-cored thiophene dendrimers

First generation dendrimers with three oligothiophene arms (meta-arranged, 3G1-nS) and four arms (ortho- and para-arranged, 4G1-nS) connected to a central phenyl core were investigated spectroscopically in solution. In all dendrimers, on an ultrafast time scale (<10 ps), two "cooling" processes convert the initially generated, "hot" exciton into the geometrically relaxed, "cold" exciton. A decrease in the triplet yield, particularly evident for the 4-arm dendrimers; intersystem crossing rate; and nonradiative triplet decay time with increasing number of bridging thiophene units n all meet with expectations from prior studies on linear oligothiophenes. A relatively fast internal conversion process (>0.6 ns(-1)) is observed in both dendrimer series, possibly due to increased twisting about the phenyl core that reduces the triplet yields considerably with respect to oligothiophenes. An anomalous shifting of the triplet-triplet absorption spectra characterizes the 4G1-nS dendrimers as unique from the 3G1-nS series in terms of the hindrance of torsional motion and confinement of excited states enforced by the arrangement of dendrons.