Heteropoly Acid/Nitrogen Functionalized Onion‐like Carbon Hybrid Catalyst for Ester Hydrolysis Reactions

A novel heteropoly acid (HPA)/nitrogen functionalized onion‐like carbon (NOLC) hybrid catalyst was synthesized through supramolecular (electrostatic and hydrogen bond) interactions between the two components. The chemical structure and acid strength of the HPA/NOLC hybrid have been fully characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, IR spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, NH₃ temperature‐programmed desorption and acid–base titration measurements. The proposed method for the fabrication of the HPA/NOLC hybrid catalyst is a universal strategy for different types of HPAs to meet various requirements of acidic or redox catalysis. The hydrophobic environment of NOLC effectively prevents the deactivation of HPA in an aqueous system, and the combination of uniformly dispersed HPA clusters and the synergistic effect between NOLC and HPA significantly promotes its activity in ester hydrolysis reactions, which is higher than that of bare PWA as homogeneous catalyst. The kinetics of the hydrolysis reactions indicate that the aggregation status of the catalyst particles has great influence on the apparent activity.     

Engineering Multifunctional Capsules through the Assembly of Metal–Phenolic Networks

Metal–organic coordination materials are of widespread interest because of the coupled benefits of inorganic and organic building blocks. These materials can be assembled into hollow capsules with a range of properties, which include selective permeability, enhanced mechanical/thermal stability, and stimuli‐responsiveness. Previous studies have primarily focused on the assembly aspects of metal‐coordination capsules; however, the engineering of metal‐specific functionality for capsule design has not been explored. A library of functional metal–phenolic network (MPN) capsules prepared from a phenolic ligand (tannic acid) and a range of metals is reported. The properties of the MPN capsules are determined by the coordinated metals, allowing for control over film thickness, disassembly characteristics, and fluorescence behavior. Furthermore, the functional properties of the MPN capsules were tailored for drug delivery, positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and catalysis. The ability to incorporate multiple metals into MPN capsules demonstrates that a diverse range of functional materials can be generated.     

A Sulfur Heterocyclic Quinone Cathode and a Multifunctional Binder for a High‐Performance Rechargeable Lithium‐Ion Battery

We report a rational design of a sulfur heterocyclic quinone (dibenzo[b,i]thianthrene‐5,7,12,14‐tetraone=DTT) used as a cathode (uptake of four lithium ions to form Li₄DTT) and a conductive polymer [poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate)=PEDOT:PSS) used as a binder for a high‐performance rechargeable lithium‐ion battery. Because of the reduced energy level of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) caused by the introduced S atoms, the initial Li‐ion intercalation potential of DTT is 2.89 V, which is 0.3 V higher than that of its carbon analog. Meanwhile, there is a noncovalent interaction between DTT and PEDOT:PSS, which remarkably suppressed the dissolution and enhanced the conductivity of DTT, thus leading to the great improvement of the electrochemical performance. The DTT cathode with the PEDOT:PSS binder displays a long‐term cycling stability (292 mAh g^?1 for the first cycle, 266 mAh g^?1 after 200 cycles at 0.1 C) and a high rate capability (220 mAh g^?1 at 1 C). This design strategy based on a noncovalent interaction is very effective for the application of small organic molecules as the cathode of rechargeable lithium‐ion batteries.     

Catalytic Conversion of CO2 to Cyclic Carbonates through Multifunctional Zinc‐Modified ZSM‐5 Zeolite

The production of fine chemicals using CO₂ as C₁ building block through inexpensive heterogeneous catalysts with high efficiency under low pressure is challenging. Herein we propose for the first time the utilization of a multifunctional heterogeneous zinc‐modified HZSM‐5 (ZnHZSM‐5) catalyst for upgrading CO₂ by incorporation into cyclic carbonates from CO₂ and epoxides. Owing to the nice surface properties such as abundant Lewis acid, Brønsted acid and Lewis base sites, large surface area, and plenty of micropores, CO₂ could be concentrated and well activated in ZnHZSM‐5 verified by CO₂‐TPD, TG‐MS, etc. Meanwhile, the epoxides were also activated through metal center and hydrogen bond. Therefore, the reaction can easily assemble at the catalyst interface and show exceptional performance, affording the aimed products with high yield of up to 99% in the presence of commercial tetra‐n‐propylammonium bromide (90% in kilogram scale with 0.004 mol% ZnHZSM‐5 and 0.015 mol% ⁿPr₄NBr).     

Synthesis of Photocrosslinkable and Amine Containing Multifunctional Nanoparticles via Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly

Photo‐crosslinkable and amine‐containing block copolymer nanoparticles are synthesized via reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization‐induced self‐assembly of a multifunctional core‐forming monomer, 2‐((3‐(4‐(diethylamino)phenyl)acryloyl)oxy)ethyl methacrylate (DEMA), using poly(2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate) macromolecular chain transfer agent as a steric stabilizer in methanol at 65 °C. By tuning the chain length of PDEMA, a range of nanoparticle morphologies (sphere, worm, and vesicle) can be obtained. Since cinnamate groups can easily undergo a [2 + 2] cycloaddition of the carbon–carbon double bonds upon UV irradiation, the as‐prepared block copolymer nanoparticles are readily stabilized by photo‐crosslinking to produce anisotropic nanoparticles. The crosslinked block copolymer nanoparticles can be used as templates for in situ formation polymer/gold hybrid nanoparticles.

     

Multifunctional Poly(2‐oxazoline) Nanoparticles for Biological Applications

New multifunctional copoly(2‐oxazoline) nanoparticles were prepared for cell studies. The polymer contains double‐bond side chains as potential reaction sites for “thio”‐click reactions as well as a fluorescein label covalently bound to the polymer backbone. Using the nanoprecipitation technique, spherical nanoparticles of 200–800 nm were obtained. Confocal laser scanning microscopy measurements revealed the cellular uptake of the nanoparticles.

     

A Multifunctional Bimetallic Molecular Device for Ultrasensitive Detection,Naked‐Eye Recognition,and Elimination of Cyanide Ions

A new bimetallic Fe^II–Cu^II complex was synthesized, characterized, and applied as a selective and sensitive sensor for cyanide detection in water. This complex is the first multifunctional device that can simultaneously detect cyanide ions in real water samples, amplify the colorimetric signal upon detection for naked‐eye recognition at the parts‐per‐million (ppb) level, and convert the toxic cyanide ion into the much safer cyanate ion in situ. The mechanism of the bimetallic complex for high‐selectivity recognition and signaling toward cyanide ions was investigated through a series of binding kinetics of the complex with different analytes, including CN^?, SO₄^2?, HCO₃^?, HPO₄^2?, N₃^?, CH₃COO^?, NCS^?, NO₃^?, and Cl^? ions. In addition, the use of the indicator/catalyst displacement assay (ICDA) is demonstrated in the present system in which one metal center acts as a receptor and inhibitor and is bridged to another metal center that is responsible for signal transduction and catalysis, thus showing a versatile approach to the design of new multifunctional devices.     

Bioactive Seed Layer for Surface‐Confined Self‐Assembly of Peptides

The design and control of molecular systems that self‐assemble spontaneously and exclusively at or near an interface represents a real scientific challenge. We present here a new concept, an active seed layer that allows to overcome this challenge. It is based on enzyme‐assisted self‐assembly. An enzyme, alkaline phosphatase, which transforms an original peptide, Fmoc‐FFY(PO₄^2?), into an efficient gelation agent by dephosphorylation, is embedded in a polyelectrolyte multilayer and constitutes the “reaction motor”. A seed layer composed of a polyelectrolyte covalently modified by anchoring hydrogelator peptides constitutes the top of the multilayer. This layer is the nucleation site for the Fmoc‐FFY peptide self‐assembly. When such a film is brought in contact with a Fmoc‐FFY(PO₄^2?) solution, a nanofiber network starts to form almost instantaneously which extents up to several micrometers into the solution after several hours. We demonstrate that the active seed layer allows convenient control over the self‐assembly kinetics and the geometric features of the fiber network simply by changing its peptide density.     

Popcorn‐Shaped Magnetic Core–Plasmonic Shell Multifunctional Nanoparticles for the Targeted Magnetic Separation and Enrichment,Label‐Free SERS Imaging,and Photothermal Destruction of Multidrug‐Resistant Bacteria

Over the last few years, one of the most important and complex problems facing our society is treating infectious diseases caused by multidrug‐resistant bacteria (MDRB), by using current market‐existing antibiotics. Driven by this need, we report for the first time the development of the multifunctional popcorn‐shaped iron magnetic core–gold plasmonic shell nanotechnology‐driven approach for targeted magnetic separation and enrichment, label‐free surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) detection, and the selective photothermal destruction of MDR Salmonella DT104. Due to the presence of the “lightning‐rod effect”, the core–shell popcorn‐shaped gold‐nanoparticle tips provided a huge field of SERS enhancement. The experimental data show that the M3038 antibody‐conjugated nanoparticles can be used for targeted separation and SERS imaging of MDR Salmonella DT104. A targeted photothermal‐lysis experiment, by using 670 nm light at 1.5 W cm^?2 for 10 min, results in selective and irreparable cellular‐damage to MDR Salmonella. We discuss the possible mechanism and operating principle for the targeted separation, label‐free SERS imaging, and photothermal destruction of MDRB by using the popcorn‐shaped magnetic/plasmonic nanotechnology.     

A Multifunctional 3D Chiral Porous Ferroelectric Metal–Organic Framework for Sensing Small Organic Molecules and Dye Uptake

A flexible aromatic multicarboxylate ligand and Cd^II ions assemble into a chiral multihelical porous metal–organic framework with second‐order nonlinear optical and ferroelectric properties. The obtained guest‐free form highly selectively senses small organic molecules and adsorbs large dye molecules.     

Biomimetic Artificial Inorganic Enzyme‐Free Self‐Propelled Microfish Robot for Selective Detection of Pb2+ in Water

The availability of drinking water is of utmost importance for the world population. Anthropogenic pollutants of water, such as heavy‐metal ions, are major problems in water contamination. The toxicity assays used range from cell assays to animal tests. Herein, we replace biological toxicity assays, which use higher organisms, with artificial inorganic self‐propelled microtubular robots. The viability and activity of these robots are negatively influenced by heavy metals, such as Pb²⁺, in a similar manner to that of live fish models. This allows the establishment of a lethal dose (LD₅₀) of heavy metal for artificial inorganic microfish robots. The self‐propelled microfish robots show specific response to Pb²⁺ compared to other heavy metals, such as Cd²⁺, and can be used for selective determination of Pb²⁺ in water. It is a first step towards replacing the biological toxicity assays with biomimetic inorganic autonomous robotic systems.     

One‐Pot Synthesis of Multifunctional Polymers by Light‐Controlled Radical Polymerization and Enzymatic Catalysis with Candida antarctica Lipase B

The preparation of multifunctional polymers and block copolymers by a straightforward one‐pot reaction process that combines enzymatic transacylation with light‐controlled polymerization is described. Functional methacrylate monomers are synthesized by enzymatic transacylation and used in situ for light‐controlled polymerization, leading to multifunctional methacrylate‐based polymers with well‐defined microstructure.

     

Selected‐Control Fabrication of Multifunctional Fluorescent–Magnetic Core–Shell and Yolk–Shell Hybrid Nanostructures

The selected‐control preparation of uniform core–shell and yolk–shell architectures, which combine the multiple functions of a superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) core and europium‐doped yttrium oxide (Y₂O₃:Eu) shell in a single material with tunable fluorescence and magnetic properties, has been successfully achieved by controlling the heat‐treatment conditions. Furthermore, the shell thickness and interior cavity of SPIO@Y₂O₃:Eu core–shell and yolk–shell nanostructures can be precisely tuned. Importantly, as‐prepared SPIO@Y₂O₃:Eu yolk–shell nanocapsules (NCs) modified with amino groups as cancer‐cell fluorescence imaging agents are also demonstrated. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the selected‐control fabrication of uniform SPIO@Y₂O₃:Eu core–shell nanoparticles and yolk–shell NCs. The combined magnetic manipulation and optical monitoring of magnetic–fluorescent SPIO@Y₂O₃:Eu yolk–shell NCs will open up many exciting opportunities in dual imaging for targeted delivery and thermal therapy.     

Optical Control of a Biological Reaction–Diffusion System

Patterns formed by reaction and diffusion are the foundation for many phenomena in biology. However, the experimental study of reaction–diffusion (R–D) systems has so far been dominated by chemical oscillators, for which many tools are available. In this work, we developed a photoswitch for the Min system of Escherichia coli, a versatile biological in vitro R–D system consisting of the antagonistic proteins MinD and MinE. A MinE‐derived peptide of 19 amino acids was covalently modified with a photoisomerizable crosslinker based on azobenzene to externally control peptide‐mediated depletion of MinD from the membrane. In addition to providing an on–off switch for pattern formation, we achieve frequency‐locked resonance with a precise 2D spatial memory, thus allowing new insights into Min protein action on the membrane. Taken together, we provide a tool to study phenomena in pattern formation using biological agents.     

Ultrafluorogenic Coumarin–Tetrazine Probes for Real‐Time Biological Imaging

We have developed a series of new ultrafluorogenic probes in the blue‐green region of the visible‐light spectrum that display fluorescence enhancement exceeding 11 000‐fold. These fluorogenic dyes integrate a coumarin fluorochrome with the bioorthogonal trans‐cyclooctene(TCO)–tetrazine chemistry platform. By exploiting highly efficient through‐bond energy transfer (TBET), these probes exhibit the highest brightness enhancements reported for any bioorthogonal fluorogenic dyes. No‐wash, fluorogenic imaging of diverse targets including cell‐surface receptors in cancer cells, mitochondria, and the actin cytoskeleton is possible within seconds, with minimal background signal and no appreciable nonspecific binding, opening the possibility for in vivo sensing.     

N‐Triazolylpropanamide – an Acrylamide‐Derived Multifunctional Ligand for the Construction of Supramolecular Hydrogen‐Bonded Networks

The synthesis and single crystal X‐ray structure of the multifunctional acrylamide‐derived ligand N‐triazolylpropanamide ( 1 , = NTPA) are reported. The title compound was prepared in 72 % yield by Michael addition of 1, 2, 4‐triazole and acrylamide in the presence of Triton B (= trimethylbenzylammonium hydroxide) as catalyst. Treatment of 1 with FeCl₃(H₂O)₆ in MeOH/MeCN led to reduction and formation of the iron(II) complex (NTPA)₂FeCl₂(MeOH)₂ ( 2 , yellow prisms, 52 % yield). Both 1 and 2 were structurally characterized by X‐ray diffraction. Surprisingly, the NTPA ligands in 2 are coordinated to iron in a monodentate fashion through a triazole ring nitrogen atom. In the crystal, both compounds form supramolecular hydrogen‐bonded networks.     

Jacket‐like structure of donor–acceptor chromophores‐based conducting polymers for photovoltaic cell applications

Through the Stille coupling polymerization, a series of soluble acceptor/donor quinoxaline/thiophene alternating conducting polymers with a hole‐transporting moiety of carbazole as a side chain ( PCPQT ) has been designed, synthesized, and investigated. The UV–vis measurement of the charge‐transferred type PCPQT s of different molecular weights with low polydispersity exhibits a red shifting of their absorption maximum from 530 to 630 nm with increasing chain length (M_n: from 1100 to 19,200). The HOMO and LUMO energy levels of PCPQT can be determined from the cyclic voltammetry measurement to be ?5.36 and ?3.59 eV, respectively. Solar cells made from PCPQT/PCBM bulk heterojunction show a high open‐circuit voltage, V_oc of ～0.75 V, which is significantly higher than that of a solar cell made from conventional poly(3‐hexyl thiophene)/ PCBM as the active polymer PCPQT has lower HOMO level. Further improvements are anticipated through a rational design of the new low band‐gap and the structurally two‐dimensional donor–acceptor conducting polymers. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 1607–1616, 2010