Antioxidative vs cytotoxic activities of organotin complexes bearing 2,6‐di‐tert‐butylphenol moieties

Two series of organotin(IV) complexes with Sn–S bonds on the base of 2,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4‐mercaptophenol ( L ¹ SH ) of formulae Me₂Sn(L¹S)₂ ( 1 ); Et₂Sn(L¹S)₂ ( 2 ); Bu₂Sn(L¹S)₂ ( 3 ); Ph ₂ Sn(L¹S)₂ ( 4 ); (L¹)₂Sn(L¹S)₂ ( 5 ); Me₃Sn(L¹S) ( 6 ); Ph₃Sn(L¹S) ( 7 ) (L¹ = 3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4‐hydroxyphenyl), together with the new ones [Me₃SnCl(L²)] ( 8 ), [Me₂SnCl₂(L²)₂] ( 9 ) ( L ²  = 2‐(N‐3′,5′‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4′‐hydroxyphenyl)‐iminomethylphenol) were used to study their antioxidant and cytotoxic activity. Novel complexes 8 , 9 of Me_nSnCl_4 ? n (n = 3, 2) with Schiff base were synthesized and characterized by ¹H, ¹³C NMR, IR and elemental analysis. The crystal structures of compounds 8 and 9 were determined by X‐ray diffraction analysis. The distorted tetrahedral geometry around the Sn center in the monocrystals of 8 was revealed, the Schiff base is coordinated to the tin(IV) atom by electrostatic interaction and formation of short contact Sn–O 2.805 Å. In the case of complex 9 the distorted octahedron coordination of Sn atom is formed. The antioxidant activity of compounds as radical scavengers and reducing agents was proved spectrophotometrically in tests with stable radical DPPH, reduction of Cu²⁺ (CUPRAC method) and interaction with superoxide radical‐anion. Moreover, compounds have been screened for in vitro cytotoxicity on eight human cancer cell lines. A high activity against all cell lines with IC₅₀ values 60–160 nM was determined for the triphenyltin complex 7 , while the introduction of Schiff base decreased the cytotoxicity of the complexes. The influence on mitochondrial potential and mitochondrial permeability for the compounds 8 and 9 has been studied. It is shown that studied complexes depolarize the mitochondria but don't influence the calcium‐induced mitochondrial permeability transition.     

The Use of Solar Radiation by the Photosynthetic Bacterium,Rhodopseudomonas palustris: Model Simulation of Conditions Found in a Shallow Pond or a Flatbed Reactor

Photosynthetic bacteria are attractive for biotechnology because they produce no oxygen and so H₂‐production is not inhibited by oxygen as occurs in oxygenic photoorganisms. Rhodopseudomonas palustris and Afifella marina containing BChl a can use irradiances from violet near‐UV (VNUV) to orange (350–650 nm) light and near‐infrared (NIR) light (762–870 nm). Blue diode‐based pulse amplitude modulation technology was used to measure their photosynthetic electron transport rate (ETR). ETR vs Irradiance curves fitted the waiting‐in‐line model—ETR = (ETR_max × E/E_opt) × exp (1 ? E/E_opt). The equation was integrated over pond depth to calculate ETR of Afifella and Rhodopseudomonas in a pond up to 30 cm deep (A₃₇₆, 1 cm = 0.1). Afifella saturates at low irradiances and so photoinhibition results in very low photosynthesis in a pond. Rhodopseudomonas saturates at ≈15% sunlight and shows photoinhibition in the surface layers of the pond. Total ETR is ≈335 μmol (e^?) m^?2 s^?1 in NUV + photosynthetically active radiation light (350–700 nm). Daily ETR curves saturate at low irradiances and have a square‐wave shape: ≈11–13 mol (e^?) m^?2 day^?1 (350–700 nm). Up to 20–24% of daily 350–700 nm irradiance can be converted into ETR. NIR is absorbed by water and so competes with the bacterial RC‐2 photosystem for photons.     

Photosynthetic Electron Transport in an Anoxygenic Photosynthetic Bacterium Afifella (Rhodopseudomonas) marina Measured Using PAM Fluorometry

Blue diode‐based pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) technology can be used to measure the photosynthetic electron transport rate (ETR) in a purple nonsulfur anoxygenic photobacterium, Afifella (Rhodopseudomonas) marina. Rhodopseudomonads have a reaction center light harvesting antenna complex containing an RC‐2 type bacteriochlorophyll a protein (BChl a RC‐2‐LH1) which has a blue absorption peak and variable fluorescence similar to PSII. Absorptance of cells filtered onto glass fiber disks was measured using a blue–diode‐based absorptance meter (Blue‐RAT) so that absolute ETR could be calculated from PAM experiments. Maximum quantum yield (Y) was ≈0.6, decreasing exponentially as irradiance increased. ETR vs irradiance (P vs E) curves fitted the waiting‐in‐line model (ETR = (ETR_max × E/E_opt) × exp(1 ? E/E_opt)). Maximum ETR (ETR_max) was ≈1000–2000 μmol e^? mg^?1 BChl a h^?1. Fe²⁺, bisulfite and thiosulfate act as photosynthetic electron donors. Optimum irradiance was ≈100 μmol m^?2 s^?1 PPFD even in Afifella grown in sunlight. Quantum efficiencies (α) were ≈0.3–0.4 mol e^? mol hλ^?1; or ≈11.8 ± 2.9 mol e^? mol hλ^?1 m² μg^?1 BChl a). An underlying layer of Afifella in a constructed algal/photosynthetic bacterial mat has little effect on the measured ETR of the overlying oxyphotoautotroph (Chlorella).     

Red Light Treatment in an Axotomy Model of Neurodegeneration

Red light has been shown to provide neuroprotective effects. Axotomizing the optic nerve initiates retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration, and an early marker of this is dendritic pruning. We hypothesized that 670 nm light can delay axotomy‐induced dendritic pruning in the retinal explant. To test this hypothesis, we monitored the effects of 670 nm light (radiant exposure of 31.7 J cm^?2), on RGC dendritic pruning in retinal explants from C57BL/6J mice, at 40 min, 8 h and 16 h post axotomy. For sham‐treated retinae, area under the Sholl curve, peak of the Sholl curve and dendritic length at 8 h post axotomy showed statistically significant reductions by 42.3% (P = 0.008), 29.8% (P = 0.007) and 38.4% (P = 0.038), respectively, which were further reduced after 16 h by 40.56% (P < 0.008), 33.9% (P < 0.007), 45.43% (P < 0.006), respectively. Dendritic field area was also significantly reduced after 16 h, by 44.23% (P < 0.019). Such statistically significant reductions were not seen in light‐treated RGCs at 8 or 16 h post axotomy. The results demonstrate the ability of 670 nm light to partially prevent ex vivo dendropathy in the mouse retina, suggesting that it is worth exploring as a treatment option for dendropathy‐associated neurodegenerative diseases, including glaucoma and Alzheimer's disease.     

Coumarinyl azoimidazolyl complexes of osmium(II) hydridocarbonyls: spectroscopic and structural characterization,oxidation catalysis,photovoltaic effect and density functional theory computation

Os(II) hydridocarbonyl complexes of coumarinyl azoimidazoles, [Osh(CO)(PPh₃)₂(CZ‐4R‐R′)]^0/+ ( 3 , 4 ) (CZ‐R‐H = 2‐(coumarinyl‐6‐azo)‐4‐substituted imidazole or 1‐alkyl‐2‐(coumarinyl‐6‐azo)‐4‐substituted imidazole), were characterized from spectroscopic data and the single‐crystal X‐ray data for one of the complexes, [Osh(CO)(PPh₃)₂(CZ‐4‐Ph)] ( 3c ) (CZ‐4‐Ph = 2‐(coumarinyl‐6‐azo)‐4‐phenylimidazolate), confirmed the structure. The complexes show higher emission (quantum yield ? = 0.0163–0.16) and longer lifetime (τ = 1.4–10.3 ns) than free ligands (? = 0.0012–0.0185 and τ = 0.685–1.306 ns). Cyclic voltammetry shows quasi‐reversible metal oxidation at 0.67–0.94 V for [Os(III)/Os(II)] and 1.21–1.36 V for [Os(IV)/Os(III)] and subsequent azo reductions (?0.68 to ?0.95 V for [? N?N? ]/[? N N? ]^? and irreversible < ?1.2 V for [? N N? ]^?/[? N? N? ]^2?) of the chelated coumarinyl azoimidazole. The complexes are photostable and show better photovoltaic power conversion efficiency than free ligands. Also, the complexes were used as catalysts for the oxidation of primary/secondary alcohols to aldehydes/ketones using oxidizing agents like N‐methylmorpholine N‐oxide, t‐BuOOH and H₂O₂. Density functional theory computation was carried out from the optimized structures and the data obtained were used to interpret the electronic and photovoltaic properties. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Time‐Resolved Energetics of Photoprocesses in Prokaryotic Phytochrome‐Related Photoreceptors

Time‐resolved photoacoustics (PA) is uniquely able to explore the energy landscape of photoactive proteins and concomitantly detects light‐induced volumetric changes (ΔV) accompanying the formation and decay of transient species in a time window between ca. 20 ns and 5 μs. Here, we report PA measurements on diverse photochromic bilin‐binding photoreceptors of prokaryotic origin: (1) the chromophore‐binding GAF3 domain of the red (R)/green (G) switching cyanobacteriochrome 1393 (Slr1393g3) from Synechocystis; (2) the red/far red (R/FR) Synechocystis Cph1 phytochrome; (3) full‐length and truncated constructs of Xanthomonas campestris bacteriophytochrome (XccBphP), absorbing up to the NIR spectral region. In almost all cases, photoisomerization results in a large fraction of energy dissipated as heat (up to 90%) on the sub‐ns scale, reflecting the low photoisomerization quantum yield (<0.2). This “prompt” step is accompanied by a positive ΔV₁ = 5–12.5 mL mol^?1. Formation of the first intermediate is the sole process accessible to PA, with the notable exception of Slr1393g3‐G for which ΔV₁ = +4.5 mL mol^?1 is followed by a time‐resolved, energy‐conserving contraction ΔV₂ = ?11.4 mL mol^?1, τ₂ = 180 ns at 2.4°C. This peculiarity is possibly due to a larger solvent occupancy of the chromophore cavity for Slr1393g3‐G.     

New anthracene based Schiff base ligands appended Cu(II) complexes: Theoretical study,DNA binding and cleavage activities

New anthracene based Schiff base ligands L ¹ and H( L ² ), their Cu(II) complexes [Cu( L ¹ )Cl₂] ( 1 ) and [Cu( L ² )Cl] ( 2 ) , (where L ¹  = N¹,N²‐bis(anthracene‐9‐methylene)benzene‐1,2‐diamine, L ²  = (2Z,4E)‐4‐(2‐(anthracen‐9‐ylmethyleneamino)phenylimino)pent‐2‐en‐2‐ol) have been prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, NMR, FAB‐mass, EPR, FT‐IR, UV–Vis and cyclic voltammetry. The electronic structures and geometrical parameters of complexes 1 and 2 were analyzed by the theoretical B3LYP/DFT method. The interaction of these complexes 1 and 2 with CT‐DNA has been explored by using absorption, cyclic voltammetric and CD spectral studies. From the electronic absorption spectral studies, it was found that the DNA binding constants of complexes 1 and 2 are 8.7 × 10³ and 7.0 × 10⁴ M^?1, respectively. From electrochemical studies, the ratio of DNA binding constants K₊/K₂₊ for 2 has been estimated to be >1. The high binding constant values, K₊/K₂₊ ratios more than unity and positive shift of voltammetric E_1/2 value on titration with DNA for complex 2 suggest that they bind more avidly with DNA than complex 1 . The inability to affect the conformational changes of DNA in the CD spectrum is the definite evidences of electrostatic binding by the complex 1 . It can be assumed that it is the bulky anthracene unit which sterically inhibits these complexes 1 and 2 from intercalation and thereby remains in the groove or electrostatic. The complex 2 hardly cleaves supercoiled pUC18 plasmid DNA in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. The results suggest that complex 2 bind to DNA through minor groove binding.     

Theoretical studies of the copper gyromagnetic factors for three novel Cu2+ coordination polymers with bi‐triazole ligand

The copper electron paramagnetic resonance gyromagnetic factors are theoretically studied for three novel Cu²⁺ coordination polymers [Cu(XL)(NO₃)₂]_n ( 1 ), {[Cu(XL)(4,4′‐bpy)(NO₃)₂]?CH₃CN}_n (1a) and {[Cu(XL)₃](NO₃)₂?3.5H₂O}_n (2) with bi‐triazole ligand (XL) = N ,N ′‐bicyclo[2.2.2]oct‐7‐ene‐2,3,5,6‐tetracarboxdiimide bi(1,2,4‐triazole) from the high‐order perturbation calculations of the g factors for a rhombically elongated octahedral 3d⁹ group. The order ( 1  ≤  1a  <  2 ) of g _z can be illustrated by the dominant second‐order perturbation term roughly proportional to the square of the covalency factor N . g _x (and g _y ) relies on the combination of the contributions from N , cubic field parameter D _q , and axial elongation of the copper sites and exhibits the sequence ( 1  ≤  2  <  1a ). As regards the axiality (g _x  ≈ g _y ) of g factors, this is because the perpendicular rhombic contribution from the deviations of the bond lengths and bond angles for the planar ligands with respect to an ideal octahedron and that from the discrepancies between the crystal fields of the planar ligands O^2? and N^3? largely cancel each other. The present theoretical studies on the copper electron paramagnetic resonance g factors would be helpful to understand the structures and properties of some promising coordination polymers containing copper with the novel bi‐triazole ligand XL.     

Oxygen bridged Homobinuclear Mn(II) compounds with Anthranilic acid: Theoretical calculations,oxidation and catalase activity

Two new homobinuclear manganese compounds with mixed ligands, [Mn₂(μ_1,1–2‐NH₂C₆H₄COO)₂(phen)₄](ClO₄)2(CH₃OH) ( 1 ), and [Mn₂(μ_1,3–2‐NH₂C₆H₄COO)₂(bipy)₄](ClO₄)2 ( 2 ) (NH₂C₆H₄COOH = anthranilic acid, bipy = 2,2′‐bipyridine, phen = 1,10‐ phenanthroline) were synthesized and thoroughly characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV and single crystal X‐ray crystallography. X‐ray structure analysis shows that in the mono‐ and bidentate carboxylate bridged compounds, Mn–Mn distances of 1 and 2 are 3,461 Å, and 4,639 Å, respectively. The energy of the compounds was determined with a DFT (Density Functional Theory) calculation on B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p) optimized geometry by using the B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p) basis set. These compounds acts as biomimetic catalyst and show catalase‐like activity for the hydrogen peroxide dismutation at room temperature in different solvents with remarkable activity (TOF, Turnover frequency = mol of subst./(mol of cat. × time)) up to 12640 h^?1 with 1 , and 17910 h^?1 with 2 in Tris–HCl buffer). Moreover, the catalytic activity of 1 and 2 has been studied for oxidation of alcohols (cinnamyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, cyclohexanol, 1‐octanol and 1‐heptanol) and alkenes (cyclohexene, styrene, ethyl benzene, 1‐octene and 1‐hexene) in a homogeneous catalytic system consisting t‐butylhydroperoxide (TBHP) as an oxidant in acetonitrile. Both compounds exhibited very high activity in the oxidation of cyclohexene to cyclohexanone (~80% selectivity, ~99% conversion in 1 h, TOF = 243 h^?1 and 226 h^?1) and cinnamyl alcohol to cinnamaldehyde (~64% selectivity) as the main product with very high TOF value (9180 h^?1 and 13040 h^?1 in the first minute of reaction) (~100% conversion in 0.5 h) with TBHP at 70 °C in acetonitrile, for 1 and 2 , respectively.     

Consecutive Chemical Activation Steps in the OH‐Initiated Atmospheric Degradation of Isoprene: An Analysis with Coupled Master Equations

The influence of a two‐step chemical activation on 1,5‐H and 1,6‐H shift reactions of hydroxyl‐peroxy radicals formed in the atmospheric photooxidation of isoprene was investigated by means of a master equation analysis. To account for multiple chemical activation processes, three master equations were coupled. The general approach of this coupling is described, and consequences for steady‐state regimes are examined. The specific calculations show that chemical activation has no substantial influence on the rate coefficients of the above‐mentioned reactions under tropospheric conditions. However, it is demonstrated that high‐pressure limits of the thermal rate coefficients instead of the falloff‐corrected values have to be used for kinetic modeling. This is a consequence of the continuous population of the high‐energy part of the isoprene‐OH‐O₂ adduct distribution by the forming reactions under steady‐state conditions. The rate coefficients of the isomerization reactions at T = 298 K were calculated to be k_3a^∞ = 1.5 × 10^?3 s^?1 (1,5‐H‐shift of the 1,2‐isomer) and k_4a^∞ = 6.5 s^?1 (1,6‐H‐shift of the (Z)‐1,4‐isomer). The calculated value of k_4a^∞ is three orders of magnitude larger than a recently reported experimentally observed rate coefficient for the hydrogen shift reactions of the hydroxyl‐peroxy intermediates. It is shown that this discrepancy is in part due to the fact that the experiment does not distinguish between different structural isomers. A comparison of the experimentally determined isotope effect with the calculated value shows a reasonable agreement.     

Experimental Study of the Reactions of OH Radicals with Propane,n‐Pentane,and n‐Heptane over a Wide Temperature Range

The kinetics of the reactions of propane, n‐pentane, and n‐heptane with OH radicals has been studied using a low‐pressure flow tube reactor (P = 1 Torr) coupled with a quadrupole mass spectrometer. The rate constants of the title reactions were determined under pseudo–first‐order conditions, monitoring the kinetics of OH radical consumption in excess of the alkanes. A newly developed high‐temperature flow reactor was validated by the study of the OH + propane reaction, where the reaction rate constant, k₁ = 5.1 × 10^?17T^1.85exp(–160/T) cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1 (uncertainty of 20%), measured in a wide temperature range, 230–898 K, was found to be in excellent agreement with previous studies and current recommendations. The experimental data for the rate constants of the reactions of OH with n‐pentane and n‐heptane can be represented as three parameter expressions (in cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1, uncertainty of 20%): k₂ = 5.8 × 10^?18T^2.2exp(260/T) at T= 248–900 K and k₃ = 2.7 × 10^?16T^1.7exp(138/T) at T= 248–896 K, respectively. A combination of the present data with those from previous studies leads to the following expressions: k₁ = 2.64 × 10^?17T^1.93exp(–114/T), k₂ = 9.0 × 10^?17T^1.8 exp(120/T), and k₃ = 3.75 × 10^?16 T^1.65 exp(101/T) cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1, which can be recommended for k₁, k₂, and k₃ (with uncertainty of 20%) in the temperature ranges 190–1300, 240–1300, and 220–1300 K, respectively.     

Modeling ionomer swelling dynamics of a sulfonated polyphenylene,pentablock copolymers,and nafion

The water swelling behavior of Nafion, sulfonated poly(phenylene) (sPP), and poly[t‐butyl styrene‐b‐hydrogenated isoprene‐b‐sulfonated styrene‐b‐hydrogenated isoprene‐b‐t‐butyl styrene) was studied in order to understand microscopic molecular interactions. Ionomer swelling was modeled using the Flory‐Rehner relationship to predict solvent‐ionomer interaction parameter (χ ₁₂) and effective number of elastically active chains (n ). Water swollen PBC had a decreasing χ₁₂ from 1.146 to 0.516 when its ion‐exchange capacity (IEC) increased from 1.0 to 2.0. Nafion 117 and sPP χ ₁₂ values were 0.93 and 0.807 at an IEC of 0.91 and 1.8. Polymer water uptake was inversely dependent upon n and IEC or sulfonic acid‐group concentration. The following trend was noted for ionomer type, n , and water uptake: PBC‐2.0 (159 wt % and 7.89e‐4 mol/cm³) > sPP (48.6 wt % and 1.40e‐3 mol/cm³) > Nafion 117 (23 wt % and 1.24e‐3 mol/cm³). The ionomer's Gibb's total free change (ΔG_Tot ) due to water swelling for Nafion 117 was ?15.3 J, sPP was ?28.5 J, and PBC‐2.0 was ?53.2 J. An empirical equation was created to estimate a material's total solubility parameter (δ ); and dispersion (δ_d ), dipolar (δ_p ,), and hydrogen bonding (δ_h ) forces. The δ values for Nafion 117, sPP, and PBC‐2.0 were 19.9 (J/cm³)^1/2, 21.3 (J/cm³)^1/2, and 21.0 (J/cm³)^1/2. Idealized swelling within an ionomer due to solvent. Ion domains are comprised of fixed sulfonated acid groups (? SO₃H) along the polymer's backbone. These functional groups provide interaction sites for molecules to diffusion and swell chains. The total change in free energy ΔG is dominated by ΔG_mix that is attributed to hydrogen bonding and the concentration of elastically active chains n , which directly impacts its chemical potential Δμ . © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017 , 55 , 435–443     

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.     

p‐Toluate‐bridged dinuclear Cu(II) complexes in combination with tridentate chelating ligand: Crystal structure,density functional theory calculation,DNA/protein binding and catecholase activity

The dinuclear Cu(II) complexes [Cu₂(L¹)₂(mb)]?ClO₄ ( 1 ) and [Cu₂(L²)₂(mb)]?ClO₄ ( 2 ) (HL¹ = 2‐[(2‐diethylaminoethylimino)methyl]phenol; HL² = 2‐[1‐(2‐diethylaminoethylimino)propyl]phenol; mb = 4‐methylbenzoate) were synthesized and characterized using X‐ray crystal structure analysis and spectroscopic methods. Complexes 1 and 2 are dinuclear with distorted square pyramidal Cu (II) geometries, where Schiff base coordinates with tridentate (N,N,O) chelating mode and mb bridges two metal centres. Optimized structures and photophysical properties of ligands and complexes were calculated using density functional theory and time‐dependent density functional theory methods using B3LYP functional with 6‐31G (d,p) and LanL2MB basis sets. Interactions of the complexes with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and human serum albumin (HSA) were studied using UV–visible absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies and the calculated values of association constants (M^?1) are 1.7 × 10⁵ ( 1 –BSA), 5.7 × 10⁵ ( 2 –BSA), 1.6 × 10⁵ ( 1 –HSA) and 6.9 × 10⁵ ( 2 –HSA). Interactions of the complexes with calf thymus DNA were also investigated and the binding affinities are 1.4 × 10⁵ and 1.6 × 10⁵ M^?1 for 1 and 2 , respectively. Both complexes catalytically oxidize 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylcatechol to 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylbenzoquinone in the presence of molecular oxygen.     

Synthesis,Structure and Photophysical Properties of Ferrocenyl or Mixed Sandwich Cobaltocenyl Ester Linked meso‐Tetratolylporphyrin Dyads

We report here the design and synthesis of porphyrin–metallocene dyads consisting of a metallocene [either ferrocene or mixed sandwich η⁵‐[C₅H₄(COOH)]Co(η⁴‐C₄Ph₄) connected via an ester linkage at meso phenyl position of either free‐base or zinc porphyrin. All these dyad systems were characterized by various spectroscopic and electrochemical methods. A dimeric form of this molecule was observed in the X‐ray crystal structure of Zn‐TTPCo. The absorption spectra of all four dyads indicated the absence of electronic interactions between porphyrin macrocycle and metallocene in the ground state. However, interestingly, in all four dyads, fluorescence emission of the porphyrin was quenched (19–55%) as compared to their monomeric units. The quenching was more pronounced in ferrocene derivatives rather than cobaltocenyl derivatives. The emission quenching can be attributed to the excited‐state intramolecular photoinduced electron transfer from metallocene to singlet excited state of porphyrin and the electron‐transfer rates (k_ET) were established in the range 1.51 × 10⁸ to 1.11 × 10⁹ s^?1. They were found to be solvent dependent.     

Four‐, five‐ and six‐coordinated transition metal complexes based on naphthalimide Schiff base ligands: Synthesis,crystal structure and properties

Two bidentate Schiff base ligands (HL¹ = N‐n‐butyl‐4‐[(E)‐2‐(((2‐aminoethyl)imino)methyl)phenol]‐1,8‐naphthalimide; and HL² = N‐n‐butyl‐4‐[(E)‐2‐(((2‐aminoethyl)imino)methyl)‐6‐methoxyphenol]‐1,8‐naphthalimide) with their metal complexes [Cu(L¹)₂] ( 1 ), [Zn(L¹)₂(Py)]₂?H₂O ( 2 ) and [Ni(L²)₂(DMF)₂] ( 3 ) have been synthesized and characterized. Single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis reveals that complex 1 has a four‐coordinated square geometry, while complex 2 is a five‐coordinated square pyramidal structure and complex 3 is a distorted six‐coordinated octahedral structure. Cyclic voltammograms of 1 indicate an irreversible Cu²⁺/Cu⁺ couple. In vitro antioxidant activity assay demonstrates that the ligands and the two complexes 1 and 3 display high scavenging activity against hydroxyl (HO^?) and superoxide (O₂^??) radicals. Moreover, the fluorescence properties of the ligands and complexes 1 – 3 were studied in the solid state. Metal‐mediated enhancement is observed in 2 , whereas metal‐mediated fluorescence quenching occurs with 1 and 3 .     

Synthesis,Crystal Structure,and Magnetic Property of New Trispin Ln(III)‐Nitronyl Nitroxide Complexes

Four Ln(III) complexes based on a new nitronyl nitroxide radical have been synthesized and structurally characterized: {Ln(hfac)₃[NITPh(MeO)₂]₂} (Ln = Eu( 1 ), Gd( 2 ), Tb( 3 ), Dy( 4 ); NITPh(MeO)₂ = 2‐(3′,4′‐dimethoxyphenyl)‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethylimidazoline‐1‐oxyl‐3‐oxide; hfac = hexafluoroacetylacetonate). The single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis shows that these complexes have similar mononuclear trispin structures, in which central Ln(III) ion is eight‐coordinated by two O‐atoms from two nitroxide groups and six O‐atoms from three hfac anions. The variable temperature magnetic susceptibility study reveals that there exist ferromagnetic interactions between Gd(III) and the radicals, and antiferromagnetic interactions between two radicals (J_Gd‐Rad = 3.40 cm^?1, J_Rad‐Rad = ?9.99 cm^?1) in complex 2 . Meanwhile, antiferromagnetic interactions are estimated between Eu(III) (or Dy(III)) and radicals in complexes 1 and 4 , and ferromagnetic interaction between Tb(III) and radicals in complex 3 , respectively.     

Measurement of Photosynthesis Using PAM Technology in a Purple Sulfur Bacterium Thermochromatium tepidum (Chromatiaceae)

We demonstrate that Blue‐diode‐based pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) technology can be used to measure the photosynthetic electron transport rate (ETR) of purple sulfur bacteria (Thermochromatium tepidum, Chromatiaceae). Previous studies showed that PAM technology could be used to estimate photosynthesis in purple nonsulfur bacteria and so PAM technology can be used to estimate photosynthesis of both kinds of purple photosynthetic bacteria. The absorptance of Thermochromatium films on glass fiber disks was measured and used to calculate actual ETR. ETR vs Irradiance (P vs E) curves fitted the waiting‐in‐line model (ETR = (ETR_max × E/E_opt) × exp (1?E/E_opt)). Yield (Y) was only ≈ 0.3–0.4. Thermochromatium saturates at 325 ± 13.8 μmol photons m^?2 s^?1 or ≈15% sunlight and shows photoinhibition at high irradiances. A pond of Thermochromatium would exhibit classic surface inhibition. Photosynthesis is extremely low in the absence of an electron source: ETR increases in the presence of acetate (5 mol m^?3) provided as an organic carbon source and also increases in the presence of sulfite (3 mol m^?3) but not sulfide and is only marginally increased by the presence of Fe²⁺. Nonphotochemical quenching does occur in Thermochromatium but at very low levels compared to oxygenic photo‐organisms or Rhodopseudomonads.     

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.     

Visible Light Excitable SCN− Selective Fluorescence Probe Derived from Thiophene

An efficient fluorescence probe, 4‐methyl‐2,6‐bis((thiophen‐2‐ylmethylimino)methyl)phenol (DFPTMA) and its SCN^? adduct has been synthesized and characterized by different spectroscopic techniques like ¹H NMR,¹³C NMR, QTOF‐MS ES⁺, UV‐Vis and FTIR spectroscopy. Single crystal X‐ray structure of DFPTMA is reported. In presence of SCN^?, DFPTMA exhibits significant fluorescence enhancement (λ_Ex, 455 nm, λ_Em, 504 nm) in aqueous methanol (water‐methanol, 1:4, V/V, 0.1 mol/L HEPES buffer, pH 7.4). Common bio‐relevant anions viz. CH₃COO^?, NO₂^?, NO₃^?, Cl^?, Br^?, I^?, SO₄^2?, HSO₄^?, N₃^?, HAsO₄^2?, Cr₂O₇^2?, H₂PO₄^?, ClO₄^?, NCO^?, CN^?, CO₃^2?, F^?, PO₄^3?, S^2?, HS^? do not interfere in the recognition of SCN^?. Lowest detection limit for SCN^? is 0.88 µmol/L with response time <5 min. The SCN^? assisted enhancement in emission intensity may be attributed to the formation of H‐bond which enhances the rigidity of the molecular assembly.