Unidirectional threading synthesis of isomer-free [2]rotaxanes

The threading of an alpha-cyclodextrin (alpha-CyD) by an unsymmetrical dumbbell generally results in two isomeric [2]rotaxanes differing in the orientation of the alpha-CyD. In this work, two methods have been developed for the unidirectionally threading an alpha-CyD to obtain isomer-free [2]rotaxanes. These methods use the Suzuki coupling of a boronic acid derivative and a halide in aqueous alkaline solution. The conformations of the two unidirectional [2]rotaxanes-R3 and R4 were determined by 2D 1H ROESY NMR spectra. The optical spectral studies revealed that each of the two [2]rotaxanes can proceed with E/Z photoisomerization and shuttling motions of the alpha-CyD ring on the thread under alternating irradiation at 330 and 275 nm, accompanied by fluorescence intensity changes at 530 nm. The induced circular dichroism (ICD) spectra of another two analogous [2]rotaxanes R1 and R2 were also studied. Distinctive ICD signal changes resulting from the photoisomerization with respect to the movements of alpha-CyD were detected. This demonstrates that, besides the fluorescence, ICD signal is another way to identify the shuttling motions of alpha-CyD in these [2]rotaxanes.     

A multi-mode-driven molecular shuttle: photochemically and thermally reactive azobenzene rotaxanes

The shuttling process of alpha-CyD in three rotaxanes (1-3) containing alpha-cyclodextrin (alpha-CyD) as a ring, azobenzene as a photoactive group, viologen as an energy barrier for slipping of the ring, and 2,4-dinitrobenzene as a stopper was investigated. The trans-cis photoisomerization of 1 by UV light irradiation occurred in both DMSO and water due to the movement of alpha-CyD toward the ethylene group, while the photoisomerization of 2 occurred in DMSO, but not in water. No photoisomerization was observed for 3 in both water and DMSO. The activation parameters of 1 and 1-ref in DMSO are subject to a compensation relation between deltaS(double dagger) and deltaH(double dagger); however, in water, the deltaS(double dagger) terms are not compensated by the deltaH(double dagger) terms. Alternating irradiation of the UV and visible lights resulted in a reversible change in the induced circular dichroism (ICD) bands of trans-1 and cis-1. In contrast, after the UV light irradiation, the ICD band of trans-2 decreased without the appearance of any bands of cis-2. The NMR spectra of 2 in DMSO showed coalescence of the split signals for the methylene and for the viologen protons due to the shuttling of alpha-CyD. Both the NOE differential spectra for cis-1 in water after UV light irradiation and 2 in DMSO after heating to 120 degrees C showed the negative NOE peaks assigned to interior protons of alpha-CyD, suggesting that alpha-CyD in cis-1 exists at the one ethylene moiety, and alpha-CyDs in cis-2 and 2 heated in DMSO exist at the propylene moieties.     

Development of Enantioselective Fluorescent Sensors for Chiral Recognition

Novel chiral compounds have been synthesized for the enantioselective fluorescent recognition of alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids and amino acids. By introducing dendritic branches to the chiral receptor units, the fluorescence signals of the receptors are significantly amplified because of the light-harvesting effect of the dendritic structure. This has greatly increased the sensitivity of the sensors in the fluorescent recognition. Highly enantioselective fluorescent responses have also been ac…     

Fabrication of Novel Polymer Nanoparticle-Based Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer Systems and their Tunable Fluorescence Properties

In this study, two hydrophobic fluorescent dyes, nitrobenzoxadiazolyl (NBD) and 9-(diethylamino)benzo[a]phenoxazin-5-one (NR) with different doping ratios were incorporated into polymer nanoparticles to constitute novel polymer nanoparticle-based fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) systems via a facile one-step mini-emulsion polymerization. Spectroscopic characteristics demonstrate that the two fluorophores have been successfully embedded into the nanoparticles, and the fluorescence emission intensity of the two hydrophobic dyes can be greatly enhanced in aqueous media. The as-prepared fluorescent nanoparticles also display a uniform small size (ca. 55 nm), high dye load, intense fluorescence, as well as controllable amount and ratio of the two dyes. The observed FRET efficiencies (16.0–75.2%), as well as the distance (r) between NBD (donor) and NR (acceptor), is closely correlated to the doping ratio of two dyes. Moreover, by varying the doping ratio of two dyes, the fluorescent nanoparticles would exhibit multicolor through FRET upon a single wavelength excitation, and the fluorescence emission signals of the dye-doped nanoparticles could be accurately tuned. These results indicate that the as-prepared uniform FRET-mediated nanoparticles are of high interest in multiplexed bioanalysis.     

A co-assembled probing system using the homoadenine self duplex signal

A co-assembly system consisting of fluorescent oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) and biotin has been developed to recognize streptavidin, and it shows a fluorescent discrimination between blue and red signals through recognizing streptavidin.     

共轭聚合物离子荧光化学传感器

荧光传感器能够将分子识别的信息转换成荧光信号,荧光法在灵敏度、选择性和实时原位检测等方面优势突出,最近已引起了人们很大的兴趣。本文主要介绍以共轭聚合物为基础的离子荧光化学传感器的近期研究进展,重点综述了共轭聚合物的荧光化学传感器在阳离子识别检测中的分子设计、合成、作用机理和应用,并展望了该领域的发展方向。     

Flow injection microscopy as a tool for two-parameter monitoring of cellular responses

Flow Injection Fluorescence Microscopy (FIFM) has been further developed to become a useful tool for a multiparametric study of the response of living cells to a biochemical stimulus. Rather than recording several parameters simultaneously, the multiparametric measurements are carried out in a sequential fashion: internal Ca-concentration and pH of Chinese Hamster Ovary cells were alternately monitored in subsequent runs where the cells were exposed to carbachol. Delivery of carbachol onto the cells was carried out by the flow injection apparatus in the FIFM setup. Fluorescent indicators fura-2 and BCECF had been loaded into the cells to provide the Ca- and pH dependent signals, respectively. The fluorescent signals were detected by means of the fluorescent microscope domain of the FIFM setup. Comparison of the temporal dependence of the response curves shows differences in the two responses. The experimental evidence is supported by a novel functional tracer test that is used to characterize the kinetics of cell-stimulation interaction. Received: 15 December 1997 / Revised: 25 March 1998 / Accepted: 1 April 1998     

Flow injection microscopy as a tool for two-parameter monitoring of cellular responses

Flow Injection Fluorescence Microscopy (FIFM) has been further developed to become a useful tool for a multiparametric study of the response of living cells to a biochemical stimulus. Rather than recording several parameters simultaneously, the multiparametric measurements are carried out in a sequential fashion: internal Ca-concentration and pH of Chinese Hamster Ovary cells were alternately monitored in subsequent runs where the cells were exposed to carbachol. Delivery of carbachol onto the cells was carried out by the flow injection apparatus in the FIFM setup. Fluorescent indicators fura-2 and BCECF had been loaded into the cells to provide the Ca- and pH dependent signals, respectively. The fluorescent signals were detected by means of the fluorescent microscope domain of the FIFM setup. Comparison of the temporal dependence of the response curves shows differences in the two responses. The experimental evidence is supported by a novel functional tracer test that is used to characterize the kinetics of cell-stimulation interaction. Received: 15 December 1997 / Revised: 25 March 1998 / Accepted: 1 April 1998     

Digital communication through intermolecular fluorescence modulation

[see reaction]. Ultraminiaturized processors incorporating molecular components can be developed only after devising efficient strategies to communicate signals at the molecular level. We have demonstrated that a three-state molecular switch responds to ultraviolet light, visible light, and H+, attenuating the emission intensity of a fluorescent probe. Intermolecular communication is responsible for the transduction of three input signals into a single optical output. The behavior of the communicating ensemble of molecules corresponds to that of a logic circuit incorporating seven gates.     

Position Matters: Fluorescent Positional Isomers for Reliable Multichannel Encryption Devices

Fluorescence signals have been widely used in information encryption for a few decades, but still suffer from limited reliability. Here, reversible multichannel fluorescent devices with encrypted information were constructed, based on two fluorescent positional isomers of a diphenylquinoxaline derivative. Possessing the same core fluorescent group and acid-/pH-responsive mechanism, the two isomers showed different fluorescence colors in an acidic environment; this allowed us to realize stepwise encryption of information in orthogonal fluorescence channels. Because the protonation was reversible, the revealed information could be re-encrypted simply by heating. This approach highlights the value of positional isomers to build multichannel encryption devices, improving their reliability on the molecular level.     

Fluorescence enhancement by heterostructure colloidal photonic crystals with dual stopbands

In this work, we present a facile approach on the remarkable enhancement of fluorescent signal by heterostructure colloidal photonic crystals (PCs) with dual stopbands. The intensity of fluorescent medium on heterostructure PCs with dual stopbands overlapping the excitation wavelength and the emission wavelength of fluorescent medium can be up to 162-fold enhancement in comparison to that on the control sample. Otherwise, parameters of heterostructure PC films such as film thickness or stacking order have important effects on fluorescent signals. The method will be of great significance for developing the highly sensitive fluorescence-based detection.     

香豆素类荧光传感器

荧光传感器能够将分子识别的信息转换成荧光信号,荧光法在灵敏度、选择性和实时原位检测等方面优势突出。实时检测被分析物的水平已引起包括化学家、生物学家、临床生物化学家和环境学家的极大兴趣。以香豆素为基础的荧光传感器近年来已成为一个新兴的研究热点。本文综述了香豆素类荧光传感器在阳离子、阴离子、中性分子识别检测中的分子设计、作用机理和应用效果,展望了该领域的发展方向。     

High-resolution optical imaging from trajectory time distributions

Trajectory time distribution optical microscopy (TTDOM), which records the mean off-times of single molecular fluorescent indicators that light up when they collide with vesicles, is extended to record fluorescence durations or on-times. TTDOM can distinguish shapes of objects that are smaller than the diffraction limited resolution. The fluorescence duration time image can also provide high-resolution information. The effects of the threshold that separates fluorescent bursts from background signals and of two or more probes visiting the vesicles simultaneously have been investigated systematically. New experimental results along with simulations indicate that TTDOM is capable of providing the size and shape of objects and information on probe-vesicle binding.     

Studies on Fluorescamine. Part II - Thin-Layer Chromatographic Mobilities of Fluorescamine Positive Drugs

Abstract

Fluorescamine reacts with primary amines, it does not react with secondary or tertiary amines, to yield bright acquamarine fluorescent products. This reaction has been developed into a spot test useful for differentiation of amphetamine from methamphetamine; previous spot tests did not have this degree of specificity. The fluorescent products of several primary amines have been demonstrated to have sufficient stability to permit thin-layer chromatography comparisons with authentic materials. The fluorescent derivative of amphetamine has been demonstrated to be capable of differentiation from other fluorescent products formed from fluorescamine based on its unique migration in three different TLC systems.     

A mini-review on MXenes as versatile substrate for advanced sensors

MXenes have emerged as versatile 2D materials that are already gaining paramount attention in the areas of energy,catalyst,electromagnetic shielding,and sensors.The unique surface chemistry,graphene-like mo rphology,high hydrophilicity,metal-like conductivity with redox capability identifies MXenes,as an ideal material for surface-related applications.This short review summarizes the most recent reports that discuss the potential application of MXenes and their hybrids as a transducer material for advanced sensors.Based on the nature of transducing signals,the discussion is categorized into three sections,which include electrochemical(bio) sensors,gas sensors,and finally,electro-chemiluminescence fluorescent sensors.The review provides a concise summary of all the analytical merits obtained subsequent to the use of MXenes,followed by endeavors that have been made to accentuate the future perspective of MXenes in sensor devices.     

A squaraine-based near IR fluorescent chemosensor for Calcium

A red to NIR emitting, highly Ca²⁺-specific fluorescent chemosensor has been synthesized. In pH 7.2 aqueous buffers, the chemosensor signals Ca²⁺ by a decrease in emission intensity, whereas large excess of Mg²⁺ ions have no effect on either the absorption or the emission spectrum. The chemosensor is likely to be the prototype of a new generation of laser-diode excitable fluorescent chemosensors for Calcium.     

水溶性量子点的制备及应用

高量子产率的水溶性量子点在众多领域如发光晶体、薄膜光激发器件,尤其是生物荧光标记中展现出巨大的潜在应用价值.量子点荧光明亮、稳定,激发光谱宽,发射光谱窄,且发射波长可通过改变材料的粒径大小和组成来调控,因而在生物样本尤其是活组织的多色成像中极为有用,能有效避免因样本自身发光和光散射导致的信号干扰.量子点的研究已成为一门新兴的交叉科学,是目前最有吸引力的研究领域之一.近年来,水溶性量子点作生物荧光标记物的研究取得了长足的进展.本文简述了量子点的结构特征及光学特性,重点综述了水溶性量子点的制备方法及应用研究进展,特别是它在生物、医学中作荧光探针的最新研究.     

Signal enhancement of a micro-arrayed polydiacetylene (PDA) biosensor using gold nanoparticles

Polydiacetylene (PDA) liposomes possess unique properties that allow liposomes to change color and emit fluorescence in response to stimuli such as temperature, antibody-antigen interaction, pH, mechanical stress, and organic solvent. They have been studied extensively as signal transducers in biosensor applications. Here, we describe an antibody-based biosensor using PDA liposomes for detection of human immunoglobulin E (hIgE). Target hIgE chemically bound to hIgE monoclonal antibodies immobilized on PDA liposomes and the fluorescent signals were slightly increased depending on the target protein concentration. As the primary response, the hIgE could be detected to below 10 ng mL(-1). However, fluorescent signals were dramatically increased depending on the target protein concentration when gold nanoparticle-conjugated polyclonal antibody probes were added on the PDA liposomes after the primary immune reaction. A PDA liposome biosensor could detect the hIgE as low as 0.1 ng mL(-1) and the sensitivity was increased up to one hundred times higher than the primary response. As a result, we confirmed that gold nanoparticle-conjugated polyclonal antibody probes efficiently enhanced the fluorescent signal of the PDA liposome biosensor chip. This strategy can be useful to detect proteins of ultra-low concentration.     

A Fluorogenic Probe with Aggregation‐Induced Emission Characteristics for Carboxylesterase Assay through Formation of Supramolecular Microfibers

Herein, we report a novel fluorescent “light‐up” probe useful for carboxylesterase assay that is based on a tetraphenylethylene derivative containing carboxylic ester groups. The specific cleavage of the carboxylic ester bonds by carboxylesterase results in the generation of a relatively hydrophobic moiety that self‐assembles into supramolecular microfibers, thus giving rise to “turn‐on” fluorescent signals. A high sensitivity towards carboxylesterase was achieved with a detection limit as low as 29 pM , which is much lower than the corresponding assays based on other fluorescent approaches.     

基于大环分子的主客体超分子荧光探针

针对环境污染源的早期检测和疾病的预防与治疗已经研究开发出许多检测技术手段,其中,荧光探针作为一种方便、灵敏、可视化的检测技术得到了广泛关注与认可。大环分子荧光探针作为一类重要的荧光探针逐渐引起了研究者的关注。大环分子具有特定尺寸、可特异性配合某些基团的空腔。因此,在设计这类荧光探针时可以充分利用大环分子的空腔优势。此外,大环分子容易通过化学修饰制备多种功能化衍生物,这也为设计大环荧光探针提供了更多选择。本文回顾了大环分子荧光探针的设计策略,主要从探针的化学组成以及相互作用机理来阐述,为大环分子荧光探针的设计提供了系统的理论指导。