Selective dendritic fluorescent sensors for Zn(II)

A series of dendritic 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) and 5-dialkyl(aryl)aminomethyl-8-HQ derivatives were synthesized and their fluoroionophoric properties toward representative alkali, alkaline earth, group IIIA and transition metal ions were investigated. Among the selected ions, Zn(II) enhanced the fluorescence of N-di-(methoxycarbonylethyl)aminoethyl-3-[4-(8-hydroxyquinolin-5-ylmethyl)piperazin-1-yl]-propanoic amide] (7) by 31-fold, while Al(III) caused enhancement to some extent. The absence of any significant fluorescence enhancement by the other ions examined renders 7a highly useful Zn(II)-selective fluorescent sensor.     

6-methylpyridyl for pyridyl substitution tunes the properties of fluorescent zinc sensors of the Zinpyr family

To prepare fluorescent zinc sensors with binding affinities lower than that of the parent 9-(o-carboxyphenyl)-2,7-dichloro-4,5-bis(bis(2-pyridylmethyl)methylaminomethyl)-6-hydroxy-3-xanthenone (ZP1), dimethylated and tetramethylated derivatives were synthesized having either two or four of the pyridyl subunits methylated at the 6-position. Like the parent ZP1, both Me(2)ZP1 and Me(4)ZP1 exhibit increased fluorescence in the presence of Zn(2+). The integrated emission of Me(2)ZP1 increases 4-fold in the presence of excess zinc, whereas Me(4)ZP1 displays 2.5-fold enhanced fluorescence for Zn(2+). Methylating the 6-positions of the pyridyl rings raises the dissociation constant of the sensors and lowers the pK(a) values associated with the tertiary amine ligands in a systematic manner. The properties of the dimethylated Me(2)ZP1 dye resemble those of ZP1, but the tetramethylated Me(4)ZP1 differs greatly from ZP1 in terms of its brightness, affinity toward Zn(2+), exchange kinetics, and metal sensitivity. Both Me(2)ZP1 and Me(4)ZP1 can enter HeLa cells and signal the presence of Zn(2+). Staining caused by both dyes is punctate, with localization patterns resembling that observed for ZP1.     

The zinspy family of fluorescent zinc sensors: syntheses and spectroscopic investigations

Four fluorescent sensors designed for Zn(II) detection that contain a fluorescein reporting group and a pyridyl-amine-thioether derivatized ligand moiety were prepared and their photophysical properties characterized. These "Zinspy" sensors are water soluble and generally display approximately 1.4- to approximately 4.5-fold fluorescence enhancement upon Zn(II) coordination, depending upon fluorescein halogenation and the number and nature of the zinc-binding appendages. The Zinspy sensors exhibit improved selectivity for zinc compared to the di-(2-picolyl)amine-based Zinpyr family.     

Mono- and dinuclear Zn(II) complexes of Schiff-base ligands: syntheses,characterization and studies of photoluminescence

Six Schiff-bases HL¹-HL⁴, L⁵ and L⁶ [HL¹ = 2,6-bis[1-(2-aminoethyl)pyrolidine-iminomethyl]-4-methyl-phenol, HL² = 2,6-bis[1-(2-aminoethyl)piperidine-iminomethyl]-4-methyl-phenol, HL³ = N-{1-(2-aminoethyl)pyrolidine}salicylideneimine, HL⁴ = N-{1-(2-aminoethyl)piperidine}salicylideneimine, L⁵ = 2-benzoyl pyridine-N-{1-(2-aminoethyl)pyrolidine}, L⁶ = 2-benzoylpyridine-N-{1-(2-aminoethyl)piperidine}] have been synthesized and characterized. Zn(II) complexes of those ligands have been prepared by conventional sequential route as well as by template synthesis. The same complexes are obtained from the two routes as evident from routine physicochemical characterizations. All the Schiff-bases exhibit photoluminescence originating from intraligand (π–π*) transitions. Metal mediated fluorescence enhancement is observed on complexation of HL¹-HL⁴ with Zn(II), whereas metal mediated fluorescence quenching occurs in Zn(II) complexes of L⁵ and L⁶.     

Modular fluorescent benzobis(imidazolium) salts: syntheses, photophysical analyses, and applications

A series of benzobis(imidazolium) (BBI) salts has been prepared and studied as a new class of versatile fluorescent materials. Using a high yielding, modular synthetic strategy, BBI salts with a range of functionality poised for investigating fundamental and applications-oriented characteristics, including emission wavelength tunability, solvatochromism, red-edge excitation, chemical stability, multiphoton excitation, and protein conjugation, were prepared in overall yields of 40-97%. Through structural variation, the BBIs exhibited lambda(em) ranging between 329 and 561 nm while displaying phi(f)s up to 0.91. In addition, the emission characteristics of these salts were found to exhibit strong solvent dependencies with Stokes shifts ranging from 4570 to 13 793 cm(-1), depending on the nature of the BBI core. Although red-edge effects for BBI salts with Br and BF4 counterions were found to be similar, unique characteristics were displayed by an analogue with MeSO4 anions. The stability of an amphiphilic BBI was quantified in aqueous solutions of varying pH, and >85% of the emission intensity was retained after 2 h at pH 3-9. Through multiphoton excitation experiments in aqueous solutions, a BBI salt was found to exhibit three-photon fluorescence action cross sections similar to serotonin. The application of BBI salts as fluorescent protein tags was demonstrated by conjugating bovine serum albumin to a maleimide-functionalized derivative.     

Synthesis,characterization, and biological activity of a Schiff-base Zn(II) complex

Preparation and crystal structure of {4-chloro-2-[(2-morpholinoethylimino)methyl]phenolato} methanolchlorozinc(II) are reported. The X-ray structure reveals highly distorted square pyramidal geometry around zinc, binding to one phenolate O and two imine N atoms of the Schiff base, one methanol and one chloride. The complex and its ligand were tested in vitro for antibacterial and cytotoxic activity with a wide range of bactericidal activity and significant cytotoxic activity.     

Membrane-permeable and -impermeable sensors of the Zinpyr family and their application to imaging of hippocampal zinc in vivo

Esterification of fluorescent biosensors is a common strategy used to trap probes within the cell. Zinpyr-1 (ZP1) is a fluorescein-based bright fluorescent sensor for divalent zinc that is cell permeable without prior modification. We describe here the synthesis and characterization of ZP1 sensors containing a carboxylic acid or ethyl ester functionality at the 5 or 6 position of the fluorescein. The presence of an electronegative carboxylate decreases the proton-induced background fluorescence of the probe by lowering the pKa of the benzylic amines responsible for fluorescence quenching. The charged species ZP1(6-CO2-) is membrane-impermeant, whereas the permeability of the neutral ZP1(5/6-CO2Et) is similar to that of the parent sensor. Intracranial microinfusion of ZP1(6-CO2Et) into rat hippocampus produces reduced staining of vesicular zinc in neuropil and very clear delineation of zinc-positive injured neuronal somata and dendrites as compared with ZP1.     

Three multinuclear Co(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes based on a single-armed salamo-type bisoxime: syntheses,structural characterizations and fluorescent properties

Three multinuclear complexes, [Co(L)(OAc)Co(CH₃CH₂OH)₂]·H₂O, [Zn(L)(OAc)Zn(CH₃OH)], and [{Cd(L)(OAc)Cd(CH₃OH)}₂], containing a single-armed salamo-type bisoxime H₃L have been synthesized and characterized structurally. The Co(II) complex forms a dimeric unit by intermolecular hydrogen bond interactions of neighboring dimeric molecules. The Zn(II) complex also forms a dimeric unit by intermolecular hydrogen bond interactions. Interesting features of the crystal structure include O?O short contacts. Meanwhile, self-assembling infinite 1-D, 2-D, and 3-D supramolecular structures are formed by intermolecular hydrogen bond and C–H?π interactions. The Cd(II) complex forms an infinite 2-D supramolecular structure by intermolecular hydrogen bond interactions. The photophysical properties of the Co(II), Zn(II), and Cd(II) complexes have also been discussed.     

Preface: special topic on fluorescent chemical/biological sensors and imaging

正There is currently considerable interest in the development of fluorescent molecular probes for use in sensitive sensing and imaging applications.The design,synthesis and application of fluorescent molecular probes that selectively and specifically respond to the presence of a specific analyte is a multidisciplinary research area involving numerous fields of modern science and medicine,including molecular biology,chemical biology,biophysics,clinical diagnosis and analytical/environmental chemistry,etc.For sensing application,advances in the understanding of molecular probe structure     

ZP4, an improved neuronal Zn2+ sensor of the Zinpyr family

A second-generation fluorescent sensor for Zn(2+) from the Zinpyr family, ZP4, has been synthesized and characterized. ZP4 (Zinpyr-4, 9-(o-carboxyphenyl)-2-chloro-5-[2-(bis(2-pyridylmethyl)aminomethyl)-N-methylaniline]-6-hydroxy-3-xanthanone) is prepared via a convergent synthetic strategy developed from previous studies with these compounds. ZP4, like its predecessors, has excitation and emission wavelengths in the visible range ( approximately 500 nm), a dissociation constant (K(d)) for Zn(2+) of less than 1 nM and a high quantum yields (Phi = approximately 0.4), making it well suited for biological applications. A 5-fold fluorescent enhancement is observed under simulated physiological conditions corresponding to the binding of the Zn(2+) cation to the sensor, which inhibits a photoinduced electron transfer (PET) quenching pathway. The metal-binding stereochemistry of ZP4 was evaluated through the synthesis and X-ray structural characterization of [M(BPAMP)(H(2)O)(n)](+) complexes, where BPAMP is [2-(bis(2-pyridylmethyl)aminomethyl)-N-methylaniline]-phenol and M = Mn(2+), Zn(2+) (n = 1) or Cu(2+) (n = 0).     

A near-infrared fluorescent probe for detecting copper(II) with high selectivity and sensitivity and its biological imaging applications

The first near-infrared fluorescent probe was developed toward Cu(2+). Based on the photo-induced electron transfer (PET) mechanism, the probe exhibited weak fluorescence. Upon the addition of Cu(2+), it fluoresced strongly. The probe offered this unique capability, and was successfully applied to living cells, tissues and in vivo to visualize Cu(2+).     

Synthesis,characterization and biological studies of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes with pyrral-l-histidinate

The Schiff base ligand, pyrral-l-histidinate(L) and its Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, mass, molar conductance, IR, electronic, magnetic measurements, EPR, redox properties, thermal studies, XRD and SEM. Conductance measurements indicate that the above complexes are 1:1 electrolytes. IR data show that the ligand is tridentate and the binding sites are azomethine nitrogen, imidazole nitrogen and carboxylato oxygen atoms. Electronic spectral and magnetic measurements indicate tetrahedral geometry for Co(II) and octahedral geometry for Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes, respectively. The observed anisotropic g values indicate the presence of Cu(II) in a tetragonally distorted octahedral environment. The redox properties of the ligand and its complexes have been investigated by cyclic voltammetry. Thermal decomposition profiles are consistent with the proposed formulations. The powder XRD and SEM studies show that all the complexes are nanocrystalline. The in vitro biological screening effects of the synthesized compounds were tested against the bacterial species, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus; fungal species, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans by the disc diffusion method. The results indicate that complexes exhibit more activity than the ligand. The nuclease activity of the ligand and its complexes were assayed on CT DNA using gel electrophoresis in the presence and absence of H₂O₂.     

Synthesis and characterization of new selective Zn fluorescent probes for functionalization: in vitro Cell imaging applications

Herein the synthesis and characterization of new, lipophilic highly Zn²⁺-selective fluorescent probes are reported. High affinity for zinc (K_d 1.1–8.0 nM) over other biologically relevant metals and mixtures of metals was observed. Excitation at 360 nm afforded an emission spectrum with maximum at 530 nm for the zinc bound complex. The linear relationship between fluorescence intensity and zinc concentration indicates that FZnA-probes can be used for quantification. The probes have been synthesized in 28–45% overall yield and the feasibility for further functionalization with biologically relevant side chains has been demonstrated. In vitro studies using PC12 cells and 10 μM of one of the novel probes (FZnA-Ada) visualized endogenous labile Zn²⁺ after 45 min incubation time.     

Synthesis,characterization and screening of biological activity of Zn(II), Fe(II) and Mn(II) complexes with trithiocyanuric acid

New Zn(II), Fe(II) and Mn(II) complexes with a combination of nitrogen-donor ligands and trithiocyanuric acid (ttcH₃) were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR and UV–Vis spectroscopies. The antitumor activity of the prepared complexes, together with already known Ni(II) species, were assayed in vitro against G-361 (human malignant melanoma), HOS (human osteogenic sarcoma), K-562 (human chronic myelogenous leukaemia) and MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma) tumor cell lines. The IC₅₀ values of the Fe(II) and Mn(II) compounds turned out to be lower than those of cisplatin and oxaliplatin. The antimicrobial activities were evaluated by MIC against bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis). The molecular structure of [Zn(taa)(ttcH)] · H₂O (taa = tris(2-aminoethyl)amine) was determined by X-ray diffraction. The central atom is pentacoordinated by four N atoms of taa and one N atom of the ttcH dianion.     

Zinc(II) and mercury(II) complexes with Schiff bases: syntheses,spectral, and structural characterization

Schiff bases o-vanilidene-1-aminobenzene (HL¹) and o-vanilidene-2-methyl-1-aminobenzene (HL²) lead to the formation of mono- and bis-[(Cl)Zn(L¹)] (1), [(Cl)Zn(L²)] (2), [(Cl)Hg(L¹)] (3), [(Cl)Hg(L²)] (4), [Zn(L¹)₂] (5), [Zn(L²)₂] (6), [Hg(L¹)₂] (7), and [Hg(L²)₂] (8) complexes by reactions of zinc(II) and mercury(II) chlorides in different mole ratio(s). Complexes 1–8 have been characterized by elemental analyses (Zn, Hg, C, H, Cl, and N), melting point and spectral (IR, ¹H-NMR), PXRD, molar conductivity measurement, and TGA. Conductivity measurements suggest non-electrolytes. Structural compositions have been assigned by mass spectral studies. Four-coordinate geometry may be assigned to these complexes tentatively. Structural study reveals that in 1–4 two metal centers are held together by two bridged (μ₂-Cl) chlorides, whereas 5–8 contain two bidentate Schiff-base ligands around one metal-producing monomers.     

Synthesis,characterization and biological applications of new copper(II) complexes of aryl hydrazones

On treatment of copper(II) acetate with aryl hydrazone ligands, four new solid derivatives of copper(II) were produced in appreciable yields. Various characterization techniques including infrared, UV–visible, NMR, electron paramagnetic resonance and mass spectroscopies, elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis revealed a tetra‐coordination in all the mononuclear crystalline complexes with high thermal stability. Further, significant interaction of these novel complexes with calf thymus DNA via intercalative mode of binding was revealed by electronic absorption spectroscopy. The chemical nuclease activity of the complexes on pBR322 DNA was investigated in the presence and absence of oxidizing agent (H₂O₂). A potent nuclease activity was observed only in the presence of H₂O₂. Further, antibacterial and antifungal studies of the new ligands and complexes revealed that the latter possessed comparatively better activity.     

Structurally characterized trinuclear nickel(II) and copper(II) Salamo-type complexes: syntheses,Hirshfeld analyses and fluorescent properties

Transition Metal Chemistry - Two trinuclear Ni(II) and Cu(II) coordination compounds [{Ni(L1)(C2H5OH)}2(μ-OAc)2Ni]·2C2H5OH (1) and [{Cu(L2)(CH3OH)}2(μ-OAc)2Cu]·2CH3OH (2)...     

Dinuclear Zn(II) and Hg(II) complexes of an angular dipyridyl ligand: syntheses,crystal structures,and properties

The angular polytopic dipyridyl ligand 2,6-bis(quinoline-2-carboxamido)pyridine (H₂L) was prepared. Assemblies of H₂L with ZnAc₂ and HgAc₂ resulted in two new dinuclear complexes [Zn₂(L)(Ac)₂]?·?1.5H₂O?·?0.5CH₃OH (1) and [Hg₂(L)(Ac)₂]?·?5H₂O?·?CH₃OH (2) where the doubly deprotonated L^2? bi-chelate as μ-kN,N′?:?kN″,N″′, bridging the two metal centers (Ac?=?acetate). In 1, the two Zn(II) ions are also doubly bridged by two Ac ions in a μ-kO?:?kO′ coordination, and thus each metal center adopts a distorted tetrahedral geometry. In 2, each Ac ion is only terminal to Hg(II), in a rare distorted triangular or T-shaped coordination geometry. Free H₂L, 1, and 2 emit interesting bluish-green fluorescence with strong intensities. Thermogravimetric analysis of 1 shows that the dinuclear structure of 1 is stable to 382°C.     

Synthesis,characterization, biological screening and molecular docking of Zn(II) and Cu(II) complexes of 3,5-dichlorosalicylaldehyde-N4-cyclohexylthiosemicarbazone

A 3,5-dichlorosalicylaldehyde-N⁴-cyclohexylthiosemicarbazone (C₁₄H₁₆Cl₂N₃OS) and its complexes [Zn(dsct)(phen)]·DMF ( 1 ), [Zn(dsct)(bipy)]·DMF ( 2 ), [Cu(dsct)(bipy)]·DMF ( 3 ) (phen = 1,10-phenathroline, bipy = 2,2’bipyridine) were synthesized and characterized by CHN analysis, FT-IR, UV–vis and NMR spectra. The molecular structure of the thiosemicarbazone (H₂dsct) and its complexes have been resolved using single crystal XRD studies. In the complexes, thiosemicarbazone exist in the thioiminolate form and acts as dideprotonated tridentate ligand coordinating through phenolic oxygen, thioiminolate sulfur and azomethine nitrogen. The antibacterial activity of the prepared compounds were screened against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Enterobacter aerogenes, Shigella dysentriae, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus. All the complexes showed activity against bacterial strains E.coli and Salmonella typhi. The thiosemicarbazone showed activity against three bacterial strains such as E. coli, Enterobacter aerogenes and Shigella dysentriae. Complex 2 showed very good antibacterial activity as compared to standard drug (Ampicillin) against the bacterial strain, Salmonella typhi. Finally, the thiosemicarbazone and its complexes have been used to accomplish molecular docking studies against an Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and breast cancer mutant 3hb5-oxidoreductase to determine the most preferred mode of interaction. The results confirm that the complex [Cu (dsct)(bipy)]·DMF( 3 ) showed the highest docking score as compared to other complexes under study. The [Cu(dsct)(bipy)]·DMF( 3 ) complex was evaluated for their anticancer activities against breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) and normal L929 (Mouse Fibroblast) cell line. It was found that the compound showed an LC₅₀ of 6.25 μg/mL against breast cancer cell line (MCF-7).