Dynamic and static light scattering studies on self-aggregation behavior of biodegradable amphiphilic poly(ethylene oxide)-poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate]-poly(ethylene oxide) triblock copolymers in aqueous solution

The self-aggregation behavior of two amphiphilic poly(ethylene oxide)-poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate]-poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO-PHB-PEO) triblock copolymer samples with nearly identical PHB block lengths but different PEO block lengths, PEO-PHB-PEO(2000-810-2000) and PEO-PHB-PEO(5000-780-5000), was studied with dynamic and static light scattering (DLS and SLS), in combination with fluorescence spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The formation of polymeric micelles by the two PEO-PHB-PEO triblock copolymers was confirmed with fluorescence technique and TEM. DLS analysis showed that the hydrodynamic radius (R(h)) of the monodistributed polymeric micelles increased with an increase in PEO block length. The relative thermostability of the triblock copolymer micelles was studied by SLS and DLS at different temperatures. The aggregation number and the ratio of the radius of gyration over hydrodynamic radius were found to be independent of temperature, probably due to the strong hydrophobicity of the PHB block. The combination of DLS and SLS studies indicated that the polymeric micelles were composed of a densely packed core of hydrophobic PHB blocks and a corona shell formed by hydrophilic PEO blocks. The aggregation numbers were found to be approximately 53 for PEO-PHB-PEO(2000-810-2000) micelles and approximately 37 for PEO-PHB-PEO(5000-780-5000) micelles. The morphology of PEO-PHB-PEO spherical micelles determined by DLS and SLS measurements was further confirmed by TEM.     

利用聚合物自组装实现绿色荧光蛋白生色团的荧光增强

根据绿色荧光蛋白的发光原理,采用聚乙二醇与聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯的两亲性两嵌段聚合物通过自组装包覆生色团的方式,模拟了绿色荧光蛋白发光,考察了组装行为对光学性能的影响,并将其用于细胞成像.通过核磁共振、高分辨质谱、傅里叶变换红外光谱、凝胶渗透色谱、紫外-可见吸收光谱及荧光光谱等表征了生色团分子和聚合物的结构及性能.生色团紫外最大吸收在371 nm,荧光最大发射峰在428 nm.聚合物和生色团进行组装后,其紫外吸收消失,而最大荧光发射峰强度大大增强,且发生了约70 nm的红移,这是因为组装使得生色团的自由旋转受到了限制,且生色团共平面性增加.动态光散射(DLS)和透射电镜(TEM)证明了纳米粒子的结构和尺寸.由于尺寸适合且具有较好的荧光性能,纳米粒子成功应用于细胞成像.这种绿色荧光蛋白生色团的简单自组装方式在生物成像领域具有良好应用前景.     

Light scattering and luminescence studies on self-aggregation behavior of amphiphilic copolymer micelles

The self-aggregation behavior of three amphiphilic graft copolymers, oligo(9,9-dihexyl)fluorence-graft-poly(ethylene oxide) (OHF-g-PEO), with different architectures was studied by dynamic and static light scattering (DLS and SLS) in combination with fluorescence spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The formation of self-assembled polymeric micelles was confirmed by SLS and TEM. DLS and SLS analyses showed that the architecture of graft copolymers has a dramatic effect on critical aggregation concentration (CAC), micelle size distribution, apparent aggregation number (Nagg app), and apparent molecular weight of polymer aggregates (Mw,agg app). An architecture-dependent excimer emission, resulting from the pi-pi stacking of the oligofluorene backbones, was also observed from the photoluminescence spectra of the micelle aqueous solutions, which indicated a strong intermolecular interaction among the polymeric molecules. The excimer emission was further investigated by time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy.     

Core-corona structure of cubic silsesquioxane-poly(ethylene oxide) in aqueous solution: fluorescence, light scattering, and TEM studies

Well-defined amphiphilic cubic silsesquioxane-poly(ethylene oxide) (CSSQ-PEO) was prepared from octakis (dimethylsiloxy)octasilsesquioxane (Q8M8(H)) and allyl-PEO through a hydrosilylation reaction. The structure of CSSQ-PEO was characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The amphiphilic properties and aggregation process of CSSQ-PEO in aqueous solution were investigated by fluorescence, dynamic and static light scattering (DLS and SLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The critical aggregation concentration (CAC) determined by fluorescence measurements was found to be 0.28 mg/mL. Combinations of DLS, SLS, and TEM studies showed the existence of core-corona micelle with hydrophobic CSSQ as the core and hydrophilic PEO as the corona in aqueous solution. The observation of two size distribution peaks from DLS measurements revealed the coexistence of small amounts of unassociated unimolecular micelles (approximately 10% of the scattered intensity) together with micellar aggregates when the CSSQ-PEO concentration was < or = 2 mg/mL. The hydrodynamic radii (R(h)) of unassociated unimolecular micelle and micellar aggregates were found to be 26 and 79 nm, respectively. A large R(g)/R(h) ratio (1.46) and the extremely small value of average chain density (4 x 10(-4) g/cm3) indicate the small hydrophobic CSSQ core was surrounded by the extended PEO coronae. The aggregation number (N(agg)) of CSSQ-PEO in aqueous solution was found to be 38 +/- 2 from SLS and 31-40 from TEM, respectively. The long PEO segments act as a spacer between the spherical aggregates, which facilitate the formation of a network-like structure at high concentration.     

Non-surface activity and micellization behavior of cationic amphiphilic block copolymer synthesized by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer process

Cationic amphiphilic diblock copolymers of poly(n-butylacrylate)-b-poly(3-(methacryloylamino)propyl)trimethylammonium chloride) (PBA-b-PMAPTAC) with various hydrophobic and hydrophilic chain lengths were synthesized by a reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) process. Their molecular characteristics such as surface activity/nonactivity were investigated by surface tension measurements and foam formation observation. Their micelle formation behavior and micelle structure were investigated by fluorescence probe technique, static and dynamic light scattering (SLS and DLS), etc., as a function of hydrophilic and hydrophobic chain lengths. The block copolymers were found to be non-surface active because the surface tension of the aqueous solutions did not change with increasing polymer concentration. Critical micelle concentration (cmc) of the polymers could be determined by fluorescence and SLS measurements, which means that these polymers form micelles in bulk solution, although they were non-surface active. Above the cmc, the large blue shift of the emission maximum of N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine (NPN) probe and the low micropolarity value of the pyrene probe in polymer solution indicate the core of the micelle is nonpolar in nature. Also, the high value of the relative intensity of the NPN probe and the fluorescence anisotropy of the 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) probe indicated that the core of the micelle is highly viscous in nature. DLS was used to measure the average hydrodynamic radii and size distribution of the copolymer micelles. The copolymer with the longest PBA block had the poorest water solubility and consequently formed micelles with larger size while having a lower cmc. The "non-surface activity" was confirmed for cationic amphiphilic diblock copolymers in addition to anionic ones studied previously, indicating the universality of non-surface activity nature.     

NRET from naphthalene labels in multilayer shell wall on melamine formaldehyde microparticles fabricated with layer-by-layer self-assembly to pyrene-labeled polyelectrolyte in solution

Core-shell colloidal particles were prepared with the core of monodisperse melamine formaldehyde particles (MF) with a diameter of 3.5 μm. The shell deposited on the core by the layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly was made with a copolymer ANp3 of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonate sodium (AMPS) and 3 mol% naphthalene label monomer and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PD). Nonradiative energy transfer (NRET) from the naphthalene labels deposited on the MF particles to pyrene labels at a polyelectrolyte APy3, a copolymer of AMPS and 3 mol% pyrene label monomer, or to an ionic pyrene probe 1-pyrenemethylamine hydrochloride (PyMeA · HCl) in water was observed. The NRET efficiency was expressed as the emission intensity ratio I/I₀ of naphthalene with and without existence of pyrene in the surrounding solution. With increasing pyrene concentration, I/I₀ decreased down to about 0.2 and the mechanism for this NRET from the inner naphthalene label to the pyrene labels in solution is still ambiguous.     

Folding versus self-assembling

Model foldable polymers with sequences of rigid hydrophobic chromophores and flexible hydrophilic tetra(ethylene glycol) were synthesized and used as a paradigm for studying molecular-folding and self-assembly phenomena. Our results demonstrate that intramolecular association or folding prevails over intermolecular interaction or self-assembling in the concentration region from 1 microM to 0.1 M. Importantly, folded polymeric nanostructures have absorption and fluorescence properties that are distinct from those of unfolded polymers or free monomers. We hypothesize that the origins of folding and self-assembly come from interactions between molecular units, and that the key parameter that regulates the on-and-off of such interactions is the distance R separating the two molecular units. Each molecular unit produces a characteristic force field, and when another molecular unit enters this field, the probability that the two units will interact increases significantly. A preliminary estimate of the radius of such a force field for the perylene tetracarboxylic diimide chromophore is about 90-120 A. As a result, phenomena associated with folding or self-assembly of molecular species are observed when these conditions are met in solution.     

Probing the interior of peptide amphiphile supramolecular aggregates

We present a study of the aqueous solvation within self-assembled structures formed from peptide amphiphiles. We have placed tryptophan and pyrene chromophores onto the peptide backbone to enable spectroscopic examinations of the interior of the resulting supramolecular objects. Self-assembly constrains the chromophores to a defined location within an aggregate, and they experience differing degrees of quencher penetration reflective of their depth within the nanostructure. Tryptophan fluorescence indicates that the interiors remain well-solvated, suggesting that the supramolecular aggregates maintain high degrees of free volume. The Stern-Volmer quenching constants and the fractional accessibility (of covalently bound pyrene) progressively increase as the chromophore is placed closer to the aggregate exterior. Furthermore, these aggregates encourage chromophore uptake from aqueous solution as evidenced by the solubilization of free pyrene chromophores. Our findings demonstrate that covalently bound fluorophores within an aggregate can interact with the external environment. Studies with small molecular probes indicate that these self-assembled architectures may represent viable vehicles to sequester hydrophobic, insoluble organic molecules (within the interior) and to present signaling protein epitopes to cells (on the periphery).     

十二烷基磺酸钠增强的吡啶锉 对芘的荧光猝灭

水溶液中三种吡啶 盐(吡啶盐酸盐, HP+;N-苄基吡啶,BP^+; 苄基紫精, BV^2^+)对芘的荧光猝灭因十二烷基磺酸钠(SLS)的引入而增强, 且猝灭常数对SLS浓度的敏感性BV^2^+>BP^+>HP^+, 电导实验表明体系中无簇集体形成。认为SLS与吡啶 的静电作用及表面活性剂分子中烷基链的绕曲是导致猝灭增强的原因。     

Polyelectrolyte effects on the quenching of pyrene fluorescence in solutions of a pyrene substituted poly(acrylic acid)

The quenching of pyrene fluorescence by nitromethane, Tl⁺, Cu²⁺, I^?, and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) in aqueous solutions of a pyrene substituted poly(acrylic acid) ( 1 ) was influenced by the “polyelectrolyte effect” of 1 . The efficiency of quenching in solutions of 1 was measured in terms of the Stern–Volmer constants for dynamic and static quenching which were obtained from comparison of the intensity and lifetime of pyrene fluorescence in solutions of 1 and a monomer model compound. The efficiency of quenching in solutions of 1 was always greater at high pH ( 9 ) in comparison to that at low pH ( 4 ). The ionization of carboxylic groups in 1 caused an expansion of the polymer mainchain and concomitant exposure of the pyrene molecules to the aqueous phase and quencher. The polyanion domain of 1 favored the condensation of cationic quenchers and could account for very efficient quenching in case of Cu²⁺ and Tl⁺. A very efficient quenching of pyrene fluorescence in solutions of 1 by DMAP at high pH was attributed to the hydrophobic interactions of DMAP and pyrene moiety. The iodide ions were less efficient quenchers of pyrene fluorescence due to electrostatic repulsion from the polyanion. The efficiency of quenching by nitromethane was not significantly affected by ionization of the carboxylic groups in 1 .     

Photoinduced electron transfer between non-native donor-acceptor moieties incorporated in synthetic polypeptide aggregates

A series of analogous photoactive polypeptides that form helical homo and hetero aggregates in aqueous media were prepared. A pyrenyl ketone (the principal chromophore and an electron acceptor) was attached to the N-termini. An electron donor, amidoethylcarbazole, was introduced as a side chain of a non-native amino acid, NCb, 14 residues away. Photoinduced electron-transfer rate constants of the order of 10(8) s(-1) between remote pyrene and carbazole were measured. [structure: see text]     

两亲性壳聚糖衍生物的制备及其包覆量子点

以天然壳聚糖为功能性高分子的骨架,通过西弗碱还原法,以正辛醛和端醛基聚乙二醇单甲基醚(mPEG aldehyde,mPEG-ald)修饰壳聚糖,制备了具有亲疏水性质的N-辛基化-N-mPEG化壳聚糖衍生物(N-octyl-N-mPEG-chitosan,OPEGC),并且以此两亲性壳聚糖衍生物包覆量子点制备了水溶性聚合物量子点纳米粒子.用FTIR、1H-NMR对壳聚糖衍生物进行了结构表征.制备的水溶性胶束,用动态光散射(DLS)测试其流体力学直径与分布,研究了烷基链接枝比率对粒径大小的影响,研究结果表明:烷基链接枝率越高,聚合物胶束粒径越小.以芘为分子探针,通过荧光光谱法测定了壳聚糖衍生物的临界胶束浓度(CMC)为2.032×10-2mg/mL,并对水溶性聚合物量子点纳米粒子进行了紫外、荧光及形貌表征,结果表明得到了荧光发射产率高的聚合物量子点纳米粒子,且尺寸均一、水溶性好.     

Fluorescence probing of the temperature-induced phase transition in a glycolipid self-assembly: hexagonal ↔ micellar and cubic ↔ lamellar

Water-driven self-assembly of lipids displays a variety of liquid crystalline phases that are crucial for membrane functions. Herein, we characterize the temperature-induced phase transitions in two compositions of an aqueous self-assembly system of the octyl β-D-glucoside (βGlcOC(8)) system, using steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence measurements. The phase transitions hexagonal ? micellar and cubic ? lamellar were investigated using tryptophan (Trp) and two of its ester derivatives (Trp-C(4) and Trp-C(8)) to probe the polar headgroup region and pyrene to probe the hydrophobic tail region. The polarity of the headgroup region was estimated to be close to that of simple alcohols (methanol and ethanol) for all phases. The pyrene fluorescence indicates that the pyrene molecules are dispersed among the tails of the hydrophobic region, yet remain in close proximity to the polar head groups. Comparing the present results with our previously reported one for βMaltoOC(12), increasing the tail length of the hexagonal phase from C(8) to C(12) leads to less interaction with pyrene, which is attributed to the more random and wobbling motion of the longer alkyl tail. We measured a reduction (more hydrophobic) in the ratio of the vibronic peak intensities of pyrene (I(1)/I(3)) for the lamellar phase compared to that of the cubic phase. The higher polarity in the cubic phase can be correlated to the nature of its interface, which curves toward the bulk water. This geometry also explains the slight reduction in polarity of the headgroup region compared to the other phases. Upon the addition of Trp-C(8), the fluorescence lifetime of pyrene is reduced by 28% in the lamellar and cubic phases, whereas the I(1)/I(3) value is only slightly reduced. The results reflect the dominant role of dynamic interaction mechanism between the C(8) chain of Trp-C(8) and pyrene. This mechanism may be important for these two phases since they participate in the process of membrane fusion. Both lipid compositions show completely reversible temperature-induced phase transitions, reflecting the thermodynamic equilibrium structures of their mesophases. Probing both regions of the different lipid phases reveals a large degree of heterogeneity and flexibility of the lipid self-assembly. These properties are crucial for carrying out different biological functions such as the ability to accommodate various molecular sizes.     

Novel bifunctional viologen-linked pyrene conjugates: Synthesis and study of their interactions with nucleosides and DNA

With the objective of developing efficient DNA oxidizing agents, a new series of viologen-linked pyrene conjugates with the general formula PYLnV(2+), having a different number of methylene spacer units (Ln) was synthesized, and their interactions with nucleosides and DNA have been investigated through photophysical and biophysical techniques. The viologen-linked pyrene derivatives PYL1V(2+) (n =equals; 1), PYL7V(2+) (n = 7), and PYL12V(2+) (n = 12) exhibited characteristic fluorescence emission of the pyrene chromophore centered around 380 nm but with significantly reduced yields when compared to those of the model compound PYL1Et(3)(+). The fluorescence quenching observed in these systems is explained through an electron-transfer mechanism based on a calculated favorable change in free energy (DeltaG(ET) = -1.59 eV), and the redox species characterized through laser flash photolysis studies. Intramolecular electron-transfer rate constants (k(ET)) were calculated from the observed fluorescence yields, and the singlet lifetimes of the model compound and are found to decrease with increasing spacer length. The DNA binding studies of these systems through photophysical, chiroptical, and viscometric techniques demonstrated that these systems effectively undergo DNA intercalation with association constants (KDNA) in the range of 1.1-2.6 x 10(4) M(-1) and exhibit 2:1 sequence selectivity for poly(dG) x poly(dC) over poly(dA) x poly(dT). Photoactivation of these systems initiates electron transfer from the singlet excited state of the pyrene chromophore to the viologen moiety followed by an electron transfer from DNA to the oxidized pyrene. This results in the formation of stable charge-separated species such as radical cations of both DNA and reduced viologen as characterized by laser flash photolysis studies and subsequently the oxidized DNA modifications. These novel systems are soluble in buffer media, stable under irradiation conditions, and oxidize DNA efficiently and selectively through a cosensitization mechanism and hence can be useful as photoactivated DNA cleaving agents.     

Synthesis and self‐association behavior of poly[bis(2‐(2‐methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)phosphazene]‐b‐poly(propyleneglycol) triblock copolymers

Amphilic triblock copolymers with varying ratios of hydrophilic poly[bis (methoxyethoxyethoxy)phosphazene] (MEEP) and relatively hydrophobic poly(propylene glycol) (PPG) blocks were synthesized via the controlled cationic‐induced living polymerization of a phosphoranimine (Cl₃P?NSiMe₃) at ambient temperature. A PPG block can function as either a classical hydrophobic block or a less hydrophobic component by varying the nature of a phosphazene block. The aqueous phase behavior of MEEP‐PPG‐MEEP block copolymers was investigated using fluorescence techniques, TEM, and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The critical micelle concentrations (cmcs) of MEEP‐PPG‐MEEP block copolymers were determined to be in the range of 3.7–16.8 mg/L. The mean diameters of MEEP‐PPG‐MEEP polymeric micelles, measured by DLS, were between 31 and 44 nm. The equilibrium constants of pyrene in these micelles ranged from 4.7 × 10⁴ to 9.6 × 10⁴. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 692–699, 2009     

Energy migration in novel pH-triggered self-assembled beta-sheet ribbons

Energy migration between tryptophan residues has been experimentally demonstrated in self-assembled peptide tapes. Each peptide contains 11 amino acids with a Trp at position 6. The peptide self-assembly is pH-sensitive and forms amphiphilic tapes, which further stack in ribbons (double tapes) and fibrils in water depending on the concentration. Fluorescence spectra, quenching, and anisotropy experiments showed that when the pH is lowered from 9 to 2, the peptide self-assembly buries the tryptophan in a hydrophobic and restricted environment in the interior of stable ribbons as expected on the basis of the peptide design. These fluorescence data support directly and for the first time the presence of such ribbons which are characterized by a highly packed and stable hydrophobic interior. In common with Trp in many proteins, fluorescence lifetimes are nonexponential, but the average lifetime is shorter at low pH, possibly due to quenching with neighboring Phe residues. Unexpectedly, time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy does not change significantly with self-assembly when in water. In highly viscous sucrose-water mixtures, the anisotropy decay at low pH was largely unchanged compared to that in water, whereas at high pH, the anisotropy decay increased significantly. We concluded that depolarization at low pH was not due to rotational diffusion but mainly due to energy migration between adjacent tryptophan residues. This was supported by a master equation kinetic model of Trp-Trp energy migration, which showed that the simulated and experimental results are in good agreement, although on average only three Trp residues were visited before emission.     

Quenching of Pyrene Fluorescence in Premiceljar Solutions

Abstract

The quenching of the fluorescence intensity of pyrene by KBr has been measured in premicellar solutions of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and polyoxyethylene 23-lauryl ether (Brij 35). The association of pyrene with premicellar aggregates is thought to bring the bromide ion closer to the fluorophore and hence results in a greater quenching effect. In 1.0 × 10^?4 M CTAB solutions there is the beginning of “protective” premicellar aggregation. At this stage, 13 times more bromide ion is needed to effect the same degree of quenching as in pure water.     

alpha-Helical polypeptide microcapsules formed by emulsion-templated self-assembly

alpha-Helical peptide microcapsules were prepared by the emulsion-templated self-assembly of amphiphilic poly(gamma-benzyl L-glutamate)s (PBLG) 1. By mixing solutions of 1 in dichloromethane (in the form of a sodium salt) with water, oil-in-water emulsions were obtained. Spontaneous stripping of the dichloromethane phase caused a decrease in the diameter of the microdroplets and finally stable microcapsules formed. The microcapsules contain an inner aqueous phase as observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Binding of hydrophobic pyrene molecules to the polypeptide shell was also demonstrated. The present polypeptide microcapsules are stable even after drying in air and they would serve as supramolecular vehicles for both hydrophobic and water-soluble molecules.     

Pyrene as chromophore and electrophore: encapsulation in a rigid polyphenylene shell

Starting from the fourfold ethynyl-substituted chromophore 1,3,6,8-tetraethynylpyrene as core, a series of polyphenylene dendrimers was prepared in high yield by combining divergent and convergent growth methods. The fluorescence quantum yields (Q(f)>0.92) of the encapsulated pyrene chromophore were independent of the size of the polyphenylene shell. Fluorescence quenching studies and temperature-dependent fluorescence spectroscopy were performed to investigate the site isolation of the core. They indicate that a second-generation dendrimer layer is needed to efficiently shield the encapsulated pyrene and prevent aggregate formation. Alkali-metal reduction of the encapsulated pyrene core was carried out to afford the corresponding pyrene radical anions, for which hampered electron transfer to the core was observed with increasing dendrimer generation, which is further proof of the site isolation due to the polyphenylene shell. To improve film formation and solubility of the material, solubilizing alkyl chains were introduced on the periphery of the spherical particles. Furthermore, highly transparent films obtained by a simple drop-casting method showed blue emission mainly from the unaggregated species. The materials presented herein combine high quantum efficiency, good solubility, and improved film-forming properties, which make them possible candidates for several applications in electronic devices.     

Pd(Ⅱ)与色氨酸、酪氨酸及苯丙氨酸相互作用的荧光光谱

当Pd(Ⅱ)与色氨酸(Trp)、酪氨酸(Tyr)及苯丙氨酸(Phe)等芳香族氨基酸相互作用时,能观察到3种氨基酸的荧光均发生猝灭. 从吸收光谱的变化,温度对猝灭作用的影响以及猝灭常数Ksv,可以判定荧光猝灭作用是由于Pd(Ⅱ)与上述氨基酸形成基态配合物而导致的静态猝灭过程. 并认为在一定浓度的Cl-存在下,Pd(Ⅱ)与氨基酸分别以N, N配位和N, O配位形成以下混配型三元配合物Pd(HR)Cl2 (Trp和Phe体系)和Pd(H2R)Cl2(Tyr体系),并推测了配合物相应的结构. 该荧光猝灭体系不仅可用于研究钯(Ⅱ)与上述芳香族氨基酸的相互作用,也可成为以氨基酸(特别是Trp)作探针高灵敏荧光猝灭法测定钯的基础.