Multicharged and/or Water‐Soluble Fluorescent Dendrimers: Properties and Uses

The fluorescence of water‐soluble dendritic compounds can be due to the whole structure or to fluorophores used as core, as peripheral groups, or as branches. Highly sophisticated precisely defined structures with other functional groups usable for material or biological purposes have been synthesised, but many recent examples have shown that dendrimers can be used as versatile platforms for statistically linking various types of functional groups.     

Synthesis of Water‐Soluble Red‐Emitting Thienyl–BODIPYs and Bovine Serum Albumin Labeling

Thesynthesis of three red‐emitting and water‐soluble thienyl‐BODIPYs has beenachieved. The trimethyl(propargyl)ammonium group was chosen as a vector forwater solubility. One or two cationic arms were introduced either on the2‐position of the thienyl unit or on the 4‐position on the boron atom. Thesedyes have pronounced absorption around 600 nm and intense emission at 650 nmwith quantum yield of about 60% in water. Grafting of such BODIPYs via a flexible arm to BSA is veryefficient, allowing attachment of 1 to 30 labels in a controlled manner.  Very strong fluorescence (quantum yield 56%)without aggregation of the dye at a low loading ratio (1:5 BSA/label) in PBSbuffer is measured.     

Water‐Soluble Fluorescent Probes Based on Dendronized Polyfluorenes for Cell Imaging

Novel water‐soluble dendronized fluorescent polyfluorenes (DFPFs) are prepared from hydrophilic monomers and hydrophobic comonomers. Incomplete energy transfer is found to result in a two‐color emission of the DFPFs at around 410 and 650 nm. The incomplete energy transfer can be attributed to the poor compatibility between the fluorene and benzothiadiazole units. Polyethylene oxide (PEO) encapsulation of the DFPFs shows over 90% cell viability, indicating good biocompatibility. These DFPFs show differential cellular uptake. P1 with fewer PEO chains exhibits limited cellular membrane uptake and low brightness in cells. By contrast, P3 with more PEO chains is efficiently internalized by cells and accumulated in the cytoplasm. A strong fluorescence from whole cells is also observed.     

Photophysics of New Water‐Soluble Terrylenediimide Derivatives and Applications in Biology

The photophysical properties of three new water‐soluble terrylenediimide (WS‐TDI) derivatives are investigated and their utilization in biological experiments is demonstrated. Each of these dyes can be excited in the far red region of the visible spectrum, making them good candidates for in‐vivo studies. Single‐molecule techniques characterize their photophysics that is, the number of emitted photons, blinking characteristics and survival times until photobleaching takes place. All three dyes exhibit bright fluorescence, as well as an extremely high resistance against photodegradation compared to other well‐known fluorophores. Due to their different characteristics the three new WS‐TDI derivatives are suitable for specialized biological applications. WS‐TDI dodecyl forms non‐fluorescent aggregates in water which can be disrupted in a hydrophobic environment leading to a monomeric fluorescent form. Due to its high lipophilicity WS‐TDI dodecyl anchors efficiently in lipid bilayers with its alkyl chain and hence can be ideally used to image membranes and membrane‐containing compartments in living cells. In contrast, the positively charged WS‐TDI pyridoxy is a new type of chromophore in the WS‐TDI family. It is fully solubilized in water forming fluorescent monomers and is successfully used to label the envelope of herpes simplex viruses. Finally, it is shown that a WS‐TDI derivative functionalized with N‐hydroxysuccinimide ester moiety (WS‐TDI/NHS ester) provides a versatile reactive dye molecule for the specific labelling of amino groups in biomolecules such as DNA.     

A Water‐Soluble ESIPT Fluorescent Probe with High Quantum Yield and Red Emission for Ratiometric Detection of Inorganic and Organic Palladium

A novel fluorescent probe with a high quantum yield (0.41), large Stokes shifts (255 nm), and red emission (635 nm) was designed to detect all typical oxidation states of palladium species (0, +2, +4) by palladium‐mediated terminal propargyl ethers cleavage reaction in water solution without any organic media. The probe showed a high selectivity and excellent sensitivity for palladium species, with a detection as low as 57 nM (6.2 μg L^?1).     

Water‐Soluble Triarylborane Chromophores for One‐ and Two‐Photon Excited Fluorescence Imaging of Mitochondria in Cells

Three water‐soluble tetracationic quadrupolar chromophores comprising two three‐coordinate boron π‐acceptor groups bridged by thiophene‐containing moieties were synthesised for biological imaging applications. Compound 3 containing the bulkier 5‐(3,5‐Me₂C₆H₂)‐2,2′‐(C₄H₂S)₂‐5′‐(3,5‐Me₂C₆H₂) bridge is stable over a long period of time, exhibits a high fluorescence quantum yield and strong one‐ and two‐photon absorption (TPA), and has a TPA cross section of 268 GM at 800 nm in water. Confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy studies in live cells indicated localisation of the chromophore at the mitochondria; moreover, cytotoxicity measurements proved biocompatibility. Thus, chromophore 3 has excellent potential for one‐ and two‐photon‐excited fluorescence imaging of mitochondrial function in cells.     

Water‐Soluble Polymer Functionalized CdTe/ZnS Quantum Dots: A Facile Ratiometric Fluorescent Probe for Sensitive and Selective Detection of Nitroaromatic Explosives

A ratiometric fluorescent probe based on dual luminescence QD/CPL for selective sensing of the nitroaromatic explosive picric acid (PA) was constructed. The observed ratiometric fluorescence intensity change allows the quantitative detection of PA with a detection limit of 9 nM .     

Metallo‐Supramolecular Diethylene Glycol: Water‐Soluble Reversible Polymers

Bis(2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyrid‐4′‐yl) diethylene glycol was synthesized as a monomer unit and further utilized for polymerization with FeCl₂ in order to form water‐soluble coordination polymers. Viscosity measurements and film‐forming properties indicate the formation of linear coordination polymers or larger ring structures. The terpyridine/iron(II) complexes are stable up to temperatures of 210 °C, but can be uncomplexed by the addition of an excess of a strong competitive ligand (HEDTA) under mild conditions.

     

A Novel Water‐Soluble Fluorescence Probe with Wash‐Free Cellular Imaging Capacity Based on AIE Characteristics

A potential real‐time imaging water‐soluble fluorescent polymer ( P3 ) is facilely prepared via one‐pot method. For P3 , tetraphenylethene unit serves as the fluorescent unit, poly(acryloyl ethylene diamine) (a kind of polyelectrolyte) with specific degree of polymerization acts as water‐soluble part. ¹H‐NMR, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), UV‐vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL), and confocal laser scanning microscopy are undertaken to characterize the structure and property of P3 . The results of wash‐free cellular imaging show that the signal‐to‐noise ratio is high as the concentration of P3 is 50 μg mL⁻¹. In addition, the pH‐responsive and Cd²⁺‐responsive are also investigated in this paper. The results coming from pH‐responsive show that P3 solution displays significant fluorescence under near neutral. And the result from the cellular imaging shows that intracellular fluorescence intensity enhances with the augment of concentration of Cd²⁺, which reveals that P3 can give a hint to resolve the dilemma of traditional fluorescent dyes used as living cellular fluorescent probe.

     

Red Ionic Water‐Soluble Imidazolium‐Containing Polydiacetylene

Synthesis of a water‐soluble polydiacetylene has been achieved by topochemical polymerization in the solid state of the bis(N‐methylimidazolium)diacetylene monomer. Structural characterization for the monomer by X‐ray diffraction and NMR spectroscopy supports a photopolymerization initiated at the surface. Characterization of the polymer (NMR, UV and Raman spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering) is given along with a molecular modelling interpretation of the polymerization in the solid state.

     

Water‐Soluble Red‐Emitting Distyryl‐Borondipyrromethene (BODIPY) Dyes for Biolabeling

A series of water‐soluble red‐emitting distyryl‐borondipyrromethene (BODIPY) dyes were designed and synthesized by using three complementary approaches aimed at introducing water‐solubilizing groups on opposite faces of the fluorescent core to reduce or completely suppress self‐aggregation. An additional carboxylic acid functional group was introduced at the pseudo‐meso position of the BODIPY scaffold for conjugation to amine‐containing biomolecules/biopolymers. The optical properties of these dyes were evaluated under simulated physiological conditions (i.e., phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS), pH 7.5) or in pure water. The emission wavelength (λ_max) of these labels was found in the 640–660 nm range with quantum yields from modest to unprecedentedly high values (4 to 38 %). The bioconjugation of these distyryl‐BODIPY dyes with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and the monoclonal antibody (mAb) 12A5 was successfully performed under mild aqueous conditions.     

A Soluble Phosphorus‐Centered Keggin Polyoxoniobate with Bicapping Vanadyl Groups

A water‐soluble tetramethylammonium (TMA) salt of a novel Keggin‐type polyoxoniobate has been isolated as TMA₉[PV₂Nb₁₂O₄₂]?19H₂O ( 1 ). This species contains a central phosphorus site and two capping vanadyl sites. Previously only a single example of a phosphorus‐containing polyoxoniobate, [(PO₂)₃PNb₉O₃₄]^15?, was known, which is a lacunary Keggin ion decorated with three PO₂ units. However, that cluster was isolated as an insoluble structure consisting of chains linked by sodium counterions. In contrast, the [PV₂Nb₁₂O₄₂]^9? cluster in 1 is stable over a wide pH range, as evident by ³¹P and ⁵¹V NMR, UV/Vis spectroscopy, and ESI‐MS spectrometry. The ease of substitution of phosphate into the central tetrahedral position suggests that other oxoanions can be similarly substituted, promising a richer set of structures in this class.     

Stimuli‐Responsive Water‐Soluble Fullerene (C60) Polymeric Systems

This review documents the advances in stimuli‐responsive water‐soluble fullerene (C₆₀) polymeric systems. Stimuli‐responsive polymers, when grafted onto C₆₀ impart “smart” and “responsive” characteristics, and these novel materials adopt various morphologies when subjected to external stimuli, such as pH, temperature, and salt. Various synthetic approaches for producing C₆₀‐polymers are outlined and discussed. The responsive behavior, water solubility, and self‐assembly characteristics of these C₆₀‐polymers make them attractive for applications such as drug delivery, temperature sensors, and personal care.     

Water‐Soluble Conjugated Polymers for Fluorescent‐Enzyme Assays

Enzyme assays are receiving more and more research and application interest because of the rapidly increasing demands of clinical diagnosis, environmental analysis, drug discovery, and molecular biology. Water‐soluble light‐harvesting conjugated polymers (CPs) coordinate the action of a large number of absorbing units to afford an amplified fluorescence signal, which makes them useful as optical platforms in highly sensitive chemical and biological sensors. This Feature Article highlights recent developments of water‐soluble CPs for fluorescent assays of enzymes. Different signal transduction mechanisms, such as electron transfer, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), and aggregation or conformation changes of CPs, are employed in these assays according to the dissimilar nature of enzymes. Potential challenges and future research directions in these approaches based on CPs are also discussed.

     

Improved Stability and Photodynamic Activity of Water‐Soluble 5,15‐Diazaporphyrins Incorporated in β‐(1,3‐1,6)‐d‐Glucan with On‐Off Switch

5,15‐Diazaporphyrins, which have a large absorption at wavelengths over 600 nm, were dissolved in water by complex formation with β‐(1,3‐1,6)‐d ‐glucans. Aqueous solutions of these complexes were relatively stable compared with their trimethyl‐β‐cyclodextrin‐complexed analogues. β‐Glucan‐complexed diazaporphyrins showed quenched fluorescence and had low singlet‐oxygen‐generation abilities owing to random self‐aggregation. However, external stimuli, such as the presence of liposomes or intracellular uptake, restored the fluorescence and singlet‐oxygen‐generation abilities of β‐glucan‐complexed diazaporphyrins. Consequently, β‐glucan‐complexed diazaporphyrins showed very high photodynamic activities toward HeLa cells.     

A Water‐Soluble Polycarbonate With Dimethylamino Pendant Groups Prepared by Enzyme‐Catalyzed Ring‐Opening Polymerization

A water‐soluble polycarbonate with dimethylamino pendant groups, poly(2‐dimethylaminotrimethylene carbonate) (PDMATC), is synthesized and characterized. First, the six‐membered carbonate monomer, 2‐dimethylaminotrimethylene carbonate (DMATC), is prepared via the cyclization reaction of 2‐(dimethylamino)propane‐1,3‐diol with triphosgene in the presence of triethylamine. Although the attempted ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of DMATC with Sn(Oct)₂ as a catalyst fails, the ROP of DMATC is successfully carried out with Novozym‐435 as a catalyst to give water‐soluble aliphatic polycarbonate PDMATC with low cytotoxicity and good degradability.     

Environment‐Sensitive Fluorescent Probe: A Benzophosphole Oxide with an Electron‐Donating Substituent

Electron‐donating aryl groups were attached to electron‐accepting benzophosphole skeletons. Among several derivatives thus prepared, one benzophosphole oxide was particularly interesting, as it retained high fluorescence quantum yields even in polar and protic solvents. This phosphole‐based compound exhibited a drastic color change of its fluorescence spectrum as a function of the solvent polarity, while the absorption spectra remained virtually unchanged. Capitalizing on these features, this phosphole‐based compound was used to stain adipocytes, in which the polarity of subcellular compartments could then be discriminated on the basis of the color change of the fluorescence emission.     

Water‐Soluble Electrostatic Complexes of C60‐Anchored Anionic Polymers and Cationic Porphyrins

The preparation of novel highly water‐soluble electrostatic complexes from C₆₀‐anchored multi‐armed poly(acrylic acid)s and cationic porphyrin derivatives was demonstrated. The UV‐vis absorption and photoluminescence (PL) of these complexes show that the absorption of soret band exhibits a remarkable red shift and the emission of the Q band indicates an apparent quenching effect in comparison with that of the parent cationic porphyrin. These results imply a remarkable ground state and excited state interaction between the porphyrin ring and the C₆₀ moiety.