A two-step synthesis of medicinally-important 1,8-naphthalimide peptidyls by solid phase organic synthesis

A new approach for a short synthesis of novel medicinally-important mono-, bis- and tris-1,8-naphthalimide peptidyl derivatives is described. The method generates efficiently 1,8-naphthalimides with variable spacer lengths and charged, polar or hydrophobic residues at desired positions, which can increase binding affinity, conformational stability, intracellular transport and/or biological activity. The synthetic routes reported in this work are both general and applicable, and significantly expand the scope of potential 1,8-naphthalimide anticancer candidates.     

Design and synthesis of core and peripherally functionalized with 1,8-naphthalimide units fluorescent PAMAM dendron as light harvesting antenna

This paper reports on the design, synthesis and spectral characteristics of a novel PAMAM dendron (7), core and peripherally functionalized with 1,8-naphthalimide fluorophores. The novel compound 7 was configured as light harvesting antenna where the system surface is functionalized with “donor” dyes (blue emitting 1,8-naphthalimides) that are capable of absorbing light and efficiently transferring the energy to a single “acceptor” dye (yellow-green emitting 1,8-naphthalimide) in the focal point of the dendron. The overlap between the emission of the donor and the absorbance of the acceptor was more than 95%. As a result of the energy transfer, the blue emission intensity of the periphery in the donor–acceptor system was decreased with 93%, while the yellow-green core fluorescence enhancement (λ_ex = 360 nm) of the system was more than 26 times with respect to the fluorescence intensity of the comparative yellow-green emitting 1,8-naphthalimide. This indicates efficient energy transfer between the donor and acceptor dye fragments and that the novel compound 7 would be able to act as a highly efficient light harvesting antenna.     

Sensor activity, photodegradation and photostabilisation of a PAMAM dendrimer comprising 1,8-naphthalimide functional groups in its periphery

The colouristic and fluorescent characteristics of a new composite material based on a PAMAM dendrimer of second generation whose periphery is modified with 4-N,N-dimethylaminoethylamino-1,8-naphthalimide and polyamide-6 have been investigated. This dendrimer has been investigated with regard to its application as a heterogenic sensor capable of detecting metal cations and protons in aqueous solutions. In the presence of metal cations (Ni²⁺, Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺ and Co²⁺) and protons the fluorescence intensity of the composite increases due to their coordination with dendrimer molecule. The results obtained reveal the capacity of this system to act as a sensitive sensor of environmental pollution by metal cations and protons. It has been shown that in N,N-dimethylformamide solution the metal cations inhibit the processes of photodegradation of the dendrimer.     

New synthesis of a spin-labeled peptide nucleic acid and its interactions with nucleic acids

A new combined solid-liquid phase synthesis method for a spin labeled peptide nucleic acid (PNA) is developed. The methodology involved initial preparation of a protected PNA on solid phase, followed by efficient solution phase coupling to a spin label containing a reactive carboxylic group. This strategy allows to maintain the integrity of the nitroxide moiety during the various steps of chemical synthesis assuring in the same time the fidelity of the hybridization assay. This compound can be used as a reporter molecule to investigate the binding of peptide nucleic acids to oligonucleotide sequences (DNA or RNA) by EPR spectroscopy.     

Poly(amidoamine) dendrimers peripherally modified with 4-ethylamino-1,8-naphthalimide. Synthesis and photophysical properties

New fluorescent poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers, comprising 4-ethylamino-1,8-naphthalmide units on the periphery have been synthesized. Their photophysical properties in organic solvents of different polarity have been determined. The photodegradation of the dendrimers in organic solvents has been investigated. The effect of the coordination of the dendrimer with transition metal cations in N,N-dimethylformamide solution has been discussed.     

A novel fluorescent molecule based on 1,8-naphthalimide: synthesis,spectral properties,and application in cell imaging

A novel naphthalimide molecule, 4-(2-methoxyethoxy)-N-butyl-1,8-naphthalimide (MEBN), has been synthesized and characterized. The UV–visible absorption and fluorescence emission spectral properties in n-hexane, toluene, CHCl₃, and CH₃OH were studied. Its optical properties depend on solvent polarity. The application of MEBN in cell imaging was investigated.     

Efficient synthesis of novel functionalized pyrazolo-pyranoquinoline and tetrahydrodibenzo-[1,8]naphthyridinone derivatives

The facile and efficient synthesis of 1,4-dihydropyrazolo-pyrano-[2,3-b]quinoline derivatives from the reaction of 2-chloroquinoline-3-carbaldehydes and pyrazolones is described. Moreover, a one-pot method for the development of functionalized tetrahydrodibenzo[b,g][1,8]naphthyridinone derivatives is reported by using a three-component reaction of 2-chloroquinoline 3-carbaldehydes, pyrazolone, and enaminones catalyzed by l-proline in EtOH.     

Solvent-free synthesis of polyhydroquinoline and 1,8-dioxodecahydroacridine derivatives through the Hantzsch reaction catalyzed by a natural organic acid: A green method

Solvent-free and high yielding one-pot synthesis of 1,8-dioxodecahydroacridine and polyhydroquinoline derivatives have been described through Hantzsch condensation of various aldehydes, ammonium acetate with cyclic 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds and ethyl acetoacetate in a very simple, efficient, and environmentally benign method using ascorbic acid as a nontoxic organocatalyst.     

Synthesis of a novel fluorescent probe and investigation on its interaction with nucleic acid and analytical application

A novel fluorescent probe N-(N-(2-(4-morpholinyl)ethyl)-4-acridinecarboxamide)-alpha-alanine (N-(N-(ME)-4-ACA)-alpha-ALA) was synthesized. The structure was characterized by 1H NMR, MS, elemental analysis, fluorescent and ultraviolet spectra. This new compound exhibited high binding affinity to DNA, intense fluorescence and high water solubility. Experiment indicated that the fluorescent intensity was quenched when DNA was added. A method for DNA determination based on the quenching fluorescence (lambda(ex)=258nm, lambda(em)=451nm) of N-(N-(ME)-4-ACA)-alpha-ALA was established. Under optimal conditions (pH 7.2, CN-(N-(ME)-4-ACA)-alpha-ALA)=3 x 10(-6) mol L(-1)), the linear range is 0.1-4.0 microg mL(-1) for both fish semen (fsDNA) and calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA). The corresponding determination limits are 4.6 ng mL(-1) for fsDNA and 5.1 ng mL(-1) for ct-DNA, respectively. The relative standard deviation is 1.0%. Thus this compound can be used as a DNA fluorescent probe. The experiments proved that the interaction mode between N-(N-(ME)-4-ACA)-alpha-ALA and DNA was groove binding. The modified Rosenthal's graphical method gave the binding constant of 1.0 x 10(6) L mol(-1) and a binding size of 0.31 base pairs per bound drug molecule.     

First generation poly(propyleneimine) dendrimers functionalised with 1,8-naphthalimide units as fluorescence sensors for metal cations and protons

The synthesis of two new green fluorescent poly(propyleneimine) dendrimers from first generation has been described. The new materials are comprised of a 1,8-naphthalimide fluorophore having a substituent at C-4 position. The substituent in the first case is a N,N-dimethylaminoethylamino group while in the second one it is N-methylpiperazine. The spectroscopic and photophysical characteristics of the new dendrimers determined in organic solvent of different polarity have been presented. Both dendrimers show substantial increases in their fluorescence intensity in the presence of metal cations (Zn²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Pb²⁺, Mn²⁺, Cu²⁺, Fe³⁺ and Ag⁺) and protons. The influence of the photoinduced electron transfer on their sensing properties has been discussed.     

Molecular beacons: a novel DNA probe for nucleic acid and protein studies

A new concept has been introduced for molecular beacon DNA molecules. Molecular beacons are a new class of oligonucleotides that can report the presence of specific nucleic acids in both homogeneous solutions and at the liquid-solid interface. They emit an intense fluorescent signal only when hybridized to their target DNA or RNA molecules. Biotinylated molecular beacons have been designed and used for the development of ultrasensitive DNA sensors and for DNA molecular interaction studies at a solid-liquid interface. Molecular beacons have also been used to study protein-DNA interactions. They have provided a variety of exciting opportunities in DNA/RNA/protein studies.     

Reaction of 1,8-diaminonaphthalene with some selected π-acceptors; prospective optically active non-linear cyanovinylated naphthalenes as well as synthesis of novel perimidin and pleiadene derivatives

Reactions of 1,8-diaminonaphthalene with some selected π-acceptors are reported herein. The reaction of the 1,8-diaminonaphthalene with 1,1,2,2-tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) and 7,7′,8,8′-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ), via different modes of cyanovinylation, yielded (2E)-2,3-bis-(8-aminonaphthalen-1-ylamino)-but-2-enedinitrile and 2-[4-(1H,3H-perimidin-2-ylidene)cyclohexa-2,5-dienylidene]malononitrile, respectively. On the other site, the reaction of the target molecule with 2-dicyanomethyleneindane-1,3-dione (CNIND), 2-(2,4,7-trinitro-9H-fluoren-9-ylidene)propane-dicarbonitrile (DTF) and 2,3-dichloro-4,5-dicyano(2,3,4,5-tetrachloro)-1,4-benzoquinones (DDQ and CHL-p) afforded perimidin and pleiadene derivatives.     

Photostability of novel copolymers functionalized with laser dyes based on modified rhodamine 6G and 1,8-naphthalimide

Modified rhodamine 6G molecules (Rh-Al or Rh-Aln) with polymerizable double bonds had been copolymerized with 1,8-naphthalimide derivatives. In copolymers PRNAM, naphthalimide moieties are connected to rhodamine moieties at nitrogen atom of rhodamine moiety, and in copolymers PRNM naphthalimide moieties are connected to rhodamine moieties at ester group of rhodamine moiety. We report on their photostability in liquid solution and in solid film. The photodegradation kinetics of novel copolymers functionalized with laser dyes based on modified rhodamine 6G and 1,8-naphthalimide has been studied by UV-VIS absorption spectroscopy. The results show that the rates of the photofading reactions of these novel copolymers follow quasi-first-order. The photostability of the copolymers functionalized with laser dyes in solid films is better than that in solutions. The different type of the copolymer shows the different photostability.     

Grafting of sulphamic acid on functionalized sawdust: A novel solid acid catalyst for the synthesis of 1,8-dioxo-octahydroxanthenes

Research on Chemical Intermediates - A solid acid catalyst bearing sulphamic acid on sawdust (SA@Sawdust) was designed as a novel heterogeneous catalyst. The structure of prepared catalyst was...     

A versatile amino acid analogue of the solvatochromic fluorophore 4-N,N-dimethylamino-1,8-naphthalimide: a powerful tool for the study of dynamic protein interactions

We have developed a new unnatural amino acid based on the solvatochromic fluorophore 4-N,N-dimethylamino-1,8-naphthalimide (4-DMN) for application in the study of protein-protein interactions. The fluorescence quantum yield of this chromophore is highly sensitive to changes in the local solvent environment, demonstrating "switch-like" emission properties characteristic of the dimethylaminophthalimide family of fluorophores. In particular, this new species possesses a number of significant advantages over related fluorophores, including greater chemical stability under a wide range of conditions, a longer wavelength of excitation (408 nm), and improved synthetic accessibility. This amino acid has been prepared as an Fmoc-protected building block and may readily be incorporated into peptides via standard solid-phase peptide synthesis. A series of comparative studies are presented to demonstrate the advantageous properties of the 4-DMN amino acid relative to those of the previously reported 4-N,N-dimethylaminophthalimidoalanine and 6-N,N-dimethylamino-2,3-naphthalimidoalanine amino acids. Other commercially available solvatochromic fluorophores are also include in these studies. The potential of this new probe as a tool for the study of protein-protein interactions is demonstrated by introducing it into a peptide that is recognized by calcium-activated calmodulin. The binding interaction between these two components yields an increase in fluorescence emission greater than 900-fold.     

A novel adenosine-based molecular beacon probe for room temperature nucleic acid rapid detection in cotton thread device

We used cotton thread as substrate to develop a novel room temperature DNA detection device for low-cost, sensitive and rapid detection of a human genetic disease, hereditary tyrosinemia type I related DNA sequences. A novel adenosine based molecular beacon (ABMB) probe modified on gold nanoparticle was used as reporter probe. In the presence of coralyne, a small molecule which can react with adenosines, the ABMB would form a hairpin structure just like traditional molecular beacon used extensively. In the presence of target DNA sequences, the hairpin structure of ABMB modified on gold nanoparticles will be opened and the biotin group modified at one end of the DNA probes will be released and react with the streptavidin immobilized on the test zone of the cotton thread. The response of the thread based DNA test device is linear over the range of 2.5–100 nM complementary DNA. The ability of our developed device for discriminating the single base mismatched DNA related to a human genetic disease, hereditary tyrosinemia type I, was improved comparing with previous report. It is worth mentioning that the whole assay procedure for DNA test is performed under room temperature which simplified the assay procedures greatly.     

Synthesis and tunable emission of novel polyfluorene co-polymers with 1,8-naphthalimide pendant groups and application in a single layer-single component white emitting device

New luminescent polymers containing two individual emission species-poly(fluorene-alt-phenylene) as a blue host and variable amounts of 1,8-naphthalimide as red dopant have been designed and synthesized. Optical studies (optical absorption (OA) and steady-state photoluminescence emission (PL)) in diluted solutions and thin solid films reveal that the emission spectrum can be tuned by varying the content of 1,8-naphthalimide moieties. Although no significant interaction can be observed between both moieties in the ground state, after photoexcitation an efficient energy transfer takes place from the PFP backbone to the red chromophore, indeed, by adjusting the polymer/naphthalimide ratio it is possible to obtain single polymers which emit white light to the human eye in solid state. Energy transfer is more effective in the co-polymers than in physical mixtures of the two chromophores. We prepared single-layer electroluminescent simple devices with structure: ITO/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)/active layer/Ba/Al. With this single layer-single component device structure, white light with Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage (CIE) color coordinates (0.3, 0.42) is obtained for the electroluminescence (EL) emission with an efficiency of 22.62 Cd/A.