A theoretical study on magnesium ion–selective two-photon fluorescent probe based on benzo [h] chromene derivatives

The geometrical structure, electronic structure, and one-photon absorption (OPA) properties of a series of magnesium ion (Mg²⁺)-selective fluorescent probes based on benzo [h] chromene derivatives have been theoretically studied by using density functional theory (DFT) method and Zerner’s intermediate neglect of differential overlap (ZINDO) methods. Their two-photon absorption (TPA) properties are also calculated by using the method of ZINDO/sum-over-states. Results show that all studied probe molecules exhibit large TPA cross-section (δ_max) in response to Mg²⁺ in 700- to 1,200-nm range. Furthermore, the δ_max can be greatly enhanced by introducing acceptor groups to the lateral side of benzo [h] chromene. And that probes with stronger acceptor group show larger δ_max and result in 70-fold enhancing when coordinate with Mg²⁺. Significantly, probe molecules with good cell permeability were also studied by replacing the hydrogen group with acetoxymethyl ester, but δ_max changed slightly. These results shed light into the design strategy of efficient TP fluorescent probes with large δ_max and good cell permeability for Mg²⁺ sensing in living systems.     

二吡唑铝化合物双光子吸收性质的理论研究

应用密度泛函理论(DFT)和半经验的ZINDO方法对二吡唑铝化合物的单、双光子吸收(OPA、TPA)性质进行了研究.结果表明,铝氮烷杂环化合物具有好的双光子吸收性质,其双光子最大吸收截面值(δmax)可达到2860.1 GM(1 GM=10-50 cm4·s·photon-1).在中心、共轭桥和末端引入强的吸电子基团可调谐单、双光子吸收光谱,实现在不同波长范围的双光子吸收;利用三态公式分析了分子的双光子吸收截面变化的内在原因;铝氮烷杂环化合物与其相应的硼化合物相比,表现出类似的单、双光子吸收性质,但一定程度上可增大双光子吸收截面.     

Theoretical study of one- and two-photon absorption properties of pyrene derivatives

The geometrical structure, electronic structure, one-photon absorption (OPA) properties of pyrene and its derivatives have been theoretically studied by using density functional theory (DFT) method and Zerner’s intermediate neglect of differential overlap (ZINDO) methods, and their two-photon absorption (TPA) properties are calculated by the ZINDO/sum-over-states method. The results show that introducing donor groups to pyrene molecule, increasing the number of donor groups, extending the conjugated length, or forming circular conjugated dimer can increase the oscillator strength (f) in the TPA process and ultimately result in extremely large TPA cross-sections and strong OPA around 400 nm of pyrene derivatives. All these results give us some basic principles to design pyrene derivatives with large TPA cross-sections. This shed light into the significance of the pyrene derivatives as promising fluorescent probes in biochemistry when they were linked to some special recognizing groups.     

两个具有强双光子荧光的有机硼化合物

以二米基硼为电子受体, 苯乙烯基噻吩为共轭桥, 合成了两个新的稳定的有机硼化合物: 反式,反式-2-二米基 硼-5-{2-[4-(2-噻吩乙烯基)苯基]乙烯基}噻吩(1)和反式,反式-1,4-二-[2-(5-二米基硼噻吩)乙烯基]苯(2). 前者为不对称结构的偶极分子, 后者为对称的A-π-A型四极分子. 对称性不同的化合物表现出不同的双光子吸收性质. 对于偶极分子1, 单双光子吸收达到的激发态能级接近, 而对于四极分子2, 双光子吸收达到的激发态则比单光子吸收所达到的激发态高出0.35 eV. 在波长为710到 900 nm范围的飞秒脉冲激光激发下, 化合物1和2在THF溶液中都可以发出很强的绿色上转换荧光 (1, λ_max＝505 nm; 2, λ_max＝513 nm). 用双光子荧光法测得A-π-A型化合物2在775 nm处的双光子吸收截面达1340 GM.     

Synthesis and properties of tribranched chromophores with triazine and fluorene units

Two tribranched chromophores,1,3,5-triazine as electron deficient core,9,9-dimethylfluorene asπ-conjugated bridge, diphenylamino(4a) and naphthylamino(4b) as electron-donating end-groups,were successfully prepared via Buchwald-Hartwig coupling reaction.Their linear photophysical and two-photon absorption(TPA) properties were investigated by absorption, fluorescence and nonlinear transmission method,respectively.The absorption cut-offs of the chromophores are below 550 nm and both chromophores have strong fluorescence emission.The compound 4a(206.3 GM) exhibits larger TPA cross-section than 4b (57.8 GM) in the femtosecond regime at 800 nm.     

Fluorene as the π-spacer for new two-photon absorption chromophores

We report herein the design and synthesis of two new quadrupolar D-π-A-π-D chromophores containing diphenyl amine and dicyanobenzene or 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole as electron donor (D) and acceptor (A), respectively, which are bridged by fluorene linkage (π). The introduction of coplanar fluorenes is highly beneficial for the enhancement of two-photon absorption (TPA), where 1b displays a TPA cross section (σ₂) of up to 1975±207 GM.     

Theoretical study of two-photon absorption properties of a series of ferrocene-based chromophores

The electronic structures, one-photon absorption (OPA), and two-photon absorption (TPA) properties of a series of ferrocene-based chromophores with TCF-type acceptors (TCF = 2-dicyanomethylene-3-cyano-4-methyl-2,5-dihydrofuran) have been studied by using the ZINDO-SOS method. The results have revealed that OPA and TPA of ferrocenyl derivatives are affected by the strength of the acceptor, especially the pi-bridge conjugation length. The TPA cross section increases with increasing acceptor strength and pi-bridge conjugation length. The TCF-type acceptor with a phenyl group can lead to a larger TPA cross section. Quadrupole molecules have the largest TPA cross sections (2000-3000 GM), which are about 4 times that of the corresponding dipolar molecules, indicating larger interactions between the top and bottom branches. Finally, the origins of the two-photon excitations for ferrocenyl derivatives are analyzed. The calculations show that ferrocenyl derivatives with TCF-type acceptors (especially quadrupole molecules) are promising candidates for TPA materials.     

Diaza-18-crown-6 based chromophores for modulation of two-photon absorption cross-section by metal ions

Two chromophores with diaza-18-crown-6 as receptor have been synthesized in high yields. The electronic structure, one-photon absorption (OPA) spectra, and two-photon absorption (TPA) properties have been studied in detail. When no metal ion is added as input, both show negligible TPA cross-section (σ₂). However, in the presence of Zn(II)/Cd(II)/Mg(II)/Ca(II) ion, each exhibits large TPA cross-section value. Binding of metal ion in the receptor increases the symmetric charge transfer leading to large σ₂ values. Theoretical calculations at the B3LYP functional with 6-31G^∗ and LanL2DZ mixed basis set under DFT formalism support experimental results.     

Novel Lipophilic Fluorophores with Highly Acidity-Dependent Two-Photon Response

Lipophilic fluorophores are widely implemented in nonlinear microscopy; however, few existing membrane-specific probes combine the high brightness of two-photon excited fluorescence (2PEF) with pH sensitivity. Herein we describe four novel two-photon excited fluorophores, based on a coumarin 151 core structure, where lipophilicity is induced by a covalently attached phosphazene moiety. Changing the environmental acidity using trifluoromethanesulfonic (triflic) acid leads to profound changes in the linear fluorescence and 2PEF characteristics, due to chromophores’ switching between neutral- and protonated forms. We characterize this dependence by measuring the two-photon absorption (2PA) spectra over the region λ_2PA=550–1000 nm, observing 2PA cross sections of σ_2PA=10–20 GM, with an associated 2PEF brightness of 10–13 GM, in neutral solutions of both acetonitrile and n-octanol. Although quantum chemical modelling and NMR measurements show that, at high chromophore concentrations, protonation may be accompanied by a dimerization process, these dimers likely do not form at the lower concentrations used in optical spectroscopy.     

Triphenylamine-based highly active two-photon absorbing chromophores with push-pull systems

Two triphenylamine-based star-type push-pull chromophores (T1, T2) were designed and synthesized. Triphenylamine serves as the central core and acts as an electron-donating group surrounded by electron-withdrawing pentafluorobenzene or N,N-dimethyl substituted tetrafluorobenzene, which are connected by ethylene bridges. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction confirmed the structures and molecular arrangement of two chromophores. The systematic photophysical research of T1 and T2 absorption characteristics was carried out to gain a better understanding of how structure-property relationships affect the observed nonlinear optical absorption phenomenon. Complementary calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) further confirmed the experimental results. Both chromophores exhibited excellent two-photon absorption (TPA) properties in CH₂Cl₂. Notably, T2 has more remarkable nonlinear optical absorption effects with the TPA cross-section up to 4.24 × 10⁷ GM. By adjusting the electronic structures of the chromophores through introducing pentafluorobenzene or N,N-dimethyl as functional groups with different electron-donating or withdrawing behaviors, the TPA performance of the small organic molecule could be greatly enhanced. These molecular structures with push-pull systems were excellent candidates for different two-photon applications.     

A p‐Quinodimethane‐Bridged Porphyrin Dimer

A p‐quinodimethane (p‐QDM)‐bridged porphyrin dimer 1 has been prepared for the first time. An unexpected Michael addition reaction took place when we attempted to synthesize compound 1 by reaction of the cross‐conjugated keto‐linked porphyrin dimers 8 a and 8 b with alkynyl/aryl Grignard reagents. Alternatively, compound 1 could be successfully prepared by intramolecular Friedel–Crafts alkylation of the diol‐linked porphyrin dimer 14 with concomitant oxidation in air. Compound 1 shows intense one‐photon absorption (OPA, λ_max=955 nm, ε=45400 M ^?1 cm^?1) and a large two‐photon absorption (TPA) cross‐section (σ⁽²⁾_max=2080 GM at 1800 nm) in the near‐infrared (NIR) region due to its extended π‐conjugation and quinoidal character. It also exhibits a short singlet excited‐state lifetime of 25 ps. The cyclic voltammogram of 1 displays multiple redox waves with a small electrochemical energy gap of 0.86 eV. The ground‐state geometry, electronic structure, and optical properties of 1 have been further studied by density functional theory (DFT) calculations and compared with those of the keto‐linked dimer 8 b . This research has revealed that incorporation of a p‐QDM unit into the porphyrin framework had a significant impact on its optical and electronic properties, leading to a novel NIR OPA and TPA chromophore.     

几个荧光蛋白发色团双光子吸收性质的理论研究

实验测得的荧光蛋白的单、双光子吸收光谱在低频和高频区域都表现出明显不同的特征。为了揭示这些不同点的起源和研究荧光蛋白的构–效关系,我们详细研究了三种荧光蛋白发色团(一种增强型蓝绿色荧光蛋白的中性发色团和两种红色荧光蛋白的阴离子发色团)的单、双光子吸收特性,分别计算了纯的和振动分辨的电子谱。计算结果表明：光谱线形与计算采用的交换相关密度泛函及谱截面计算所采用的近似关系密切;如果在计算光谱截面时,我们利用长程修正的交换相关泛函CAM-B3LYP来计算几何和电子结构参数,然后把Franck-Condon (FC)效应和包含Herzberg-Teller (HT)效果的电-声耦合效应都考虑进去,理论计算的光谱与实验测定的光谱可以很好地符合;对于两种离子态的发色团,HT电-声耦合效应使得对应于基态到第一激发态跃迁的双光子吸收最强峰相对于单光子吸收的最强峰发生了蓝移,但HT电-声耦合效应对高频的双光子吸收谱没有太大的影响;分子内电荷转移是导致高频区的双光子吸收明显强于单光子吸收的主要原因。     

Two-photon absorption in V-type chromophores with electron-rich heterocyclevinylene bridges

A series of V-type chromophores with electron-rich heterocyclevinylene bridges have been synthesized via Wittig-Horner-Emmons and Vilsmeier reactions.All the target chromophores showed strong one-photon and two-photon excited emission,and their electron properties could be tuned by using different heterocycles such as furan,thiophene and pyrrole moieties in I-III.The maximum two-photon absorption (TPA) cross sections occurred at 760 nm and were measured to be in the range of 400-800 GM.     

A new fluorescent sensor selective for Pb<Superscript>2+</Superscript> in water capable of two-photon-induced fluorescence measurement

A new fluorescent sensor (1) for Pb²⁺ containing a 1,4-dicyano-2,5-bis(styryl)benzene fluorophore and 2-(N,N′-bis(carboxylmethyl))amino-1-carboxylmethoxylbenzene as receptor has been synthesized. The sensor selectively responds to Pb²⁺ in the aqueous environment, and brings about similar and significant changes in one- and two-photon excited emission spectra: λ _max red-shift from 460 (519) to 590 nm. The selective response is pH-independent in a large physiological pH range, and two-photon action cross section (ϕδ) is 51 GM (1 GM = 1×10⁻⁵⁰ cm⁴·s·photon⁻¹·molecule⁻¹) at 740 nm. Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 20705621 & 20706008), the National Basic Research Project of China (Grant No. 2009CB724706), the Ministry of Education of China, Changjiang Scholars Innovative Research Team in University (Grant No. IRT0711) and Cultivation Fund of the Key Scientific and Technical Innovation Project (Grant No. 707016)     

Two-photon absorption chromophores with a tunable [2,2′]bithiophene core

Sonogashira coupling between 3,5,3′,5′-tetrabromo-[2,2′]bithiophene and various terminal alkynes provides two-photon absorption (TPA) chromophores 1-6, which possess electron donor (D) and/or acceptor (A) alkynyl substituents at 3(3′) and 5(5′) sites of the bithiophene core. The up-converted fluorescence emission excited at 800 nm (Ti:sapphire femtosecond laser, ∼100 fs pulses) was used to determine the two-photon absorption cross-sections (σ) of these compounds. The corresponding TPA cross-section (σ) values ranging from 132 to 1120 GM (10⁻⁵⁰ cm⁴ s photon⁻¹) can be fine-tuned by the substitutents. The quadrupolar-type (A-π-D-π-A) chromophore 5 exhibits the largest σ value (1120 GM) in CH₂Cl₂ upon 800 nm excitation.     

Synthesis and characterization of naphthalene diimide (NDI)-based near infrared chromophores with two-photon absorbing properties

A new series of 2,7-bis-(2-ethylhexyl)-benzo[lmn][3,8]-phenanthroline-1,3,6,8-tetraone (NDI) based pseudo-quadrupolar molecules (1-6) is presented and their two-photon absorption (2PA) cross-sections measured with the Z-scan method. The spectral properties of these compounds can be fine-tuned via modification of the donor segments. The corresponding 2PA cross-section (σ₂) values at the most readily available 800 nm excitation range from 229±15 to 1092±59 GM owing to differences in conjugation length and/or position of substitution.     

Two photon absorption of extended substituted phenylenevinylene oligomers: A TDDFT study

Time dependent density functional theory has been applied to analyze the effect of substituent groups on one-photon (OPA) and two-photon (TPA) absorption properties of extended amine-terminated phenylenevinylene oligomers. All investigated molecules are characterized by increased TPA activity. Calculated TPA cross-sections for these compounds do not show TPA enhancements observed in experimental measurements. Stabilization of the TPA active excited state in these chromophores leads to the small (0.2 eV) energy separation between the OPA and TPA allowed excited states, which agrees well with experimental data and may lead to the enhancement of the TPA response due to the strong vibronic couplings.     

Synthesis and Properties of a New Two-photon-absorbed Material Heasps

Abstract

A new dye Trans-4-[p-(N-hydroxyethyl-N-ethyiamino)styryl]-N-methylpyridinium p-toluene sulfonate (HEASPS) was synthesized, and the two-photon absorption (TPA), TPA-induced frequency up-conversion emission, and two-photon pumped (TPP) frequency up-converted lasing properties of this new dye were experimentally studied. This new dye has a moderate TPA cross-section of\sigma₂ = 4.7 × 10^?48 cm⁴ .s/photon at 1064nm, but exhibits a high lasing efficiency. The net conversion efficiency from the absorbed 1064 nm pump pulse energy to the 626 nm up-converted lasing energy is 18.2% at the pump energy level of 1.9 mJ.     

Kinetics of Alloxan-Induced Inhibition on δ-Aminolevulinate Dehydratase Activity in Mouse Liver Homogenates

This study evaluated the effects of alloxan on the kinetics properties of the δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) using mouse liver homogenates. δ-ALA-D is an important sulfhydryl enzyme that catalyses the second step in heme biosynthesis and is commonly diminished in experimental and human diabetes. Despite the known effects of alloxan in models of experimental diabetes, there are no data in the literature demonstrating the effects of alloxan on the kinetics properties of the δ-ALA-D. The results showed that alloxan (1.25–20 μM) caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of hepatic δ-ALA-D activity. The inhibition constant (K _i ) for alloxan-induced inhibition on δ-ALA-D was 3.64 μM. The alloxan (5 μM) caused a decrease in V _max (65.8%) and in K _m (53.1%), which is suggestive of an uncompetitive inhibition of enzyme. In addition, dithiothreitol (700 and 1,000 μM) completely prevented the δ-ALA-D activity inhibition induced by 10 and 20 μM alloxan. Similar protection was obtained in the presence of 2,000 μM glutathione. Therefore, this work showed that the inhibition of hepatic δ-ALA-D activity can be obtained in vitro at low micromolar levels of alloxan, and can also be prevented by reducing agents. Moreover, these results may help to understand the abnormalities in heme pathway found in models of experimental diabetes in vivo.     

One- and two-photon spectra of some selected molecules: A comparative study

The complementarity of one- and two-photon spectroscopy has been utilised for throwing light on the following problems of chemical interest: (1) Weak interaction between identical chromophores separated by insulating bridges gives rise to split states of different symmetries. Two-photon spectroscopy (TPA), in conjunction with one-photon absorption (OPA), has been used to identify the states and hence to estimate the magnitude of interaction in bimolecules and trimolecules. From the shifts between the one- and the two-photon spectra, the splittings have been estimated. Calculations confirm that the dominant interaction is the through-bond one. (2) The second type of problem is the identification ofg andu vibrations in molecules. We have initiated studies on three molecules in jet-cooled conditions: 9,10-dihydro-anthracene (DHA). 9,10-dihydro-phenanthrene (DHP) and octa-fluoronaph-thalene (OFN). Only the one-photon fluorescence excitation spectra have so far been obtained by us and the TPA spectra are under investigation. (3) The third class of molecules discussed here are the Ln³⁺ complexes wheref ⁿ⇒ fⁿ transitions are intrinsically two-photon allowed. We have studied two GD³⁺ single crystals. The CF-splittings, observed clearly in TPA, have been fitted with a parametric model. Some of our observations on the variations of TPA intensity patterns from crystal to crystal, such as circular:linear polarisation ratios, relative intensities of transitions to differentJ-states, do not quite fit in with the Axe-Judd-Downer model. The discrepancies call for a reappraisal of the role of ligand in the TPA process.