Siderophores and Iron‐Transport in Microorganisms

Iron is an essential element in many biological systems, and in spite of its abundance (5% of the earth crust), its availability is dramatically limited by the very high insolubility of iron(III) at physiological pHs where the concentration of free iron(III) is less than 10^?17 M, a value which is much too low to allow any possible growth to aerobic microorganisms. Iron metabolization by the microorganisms necessitates generally the biosynthesis of low molecular weight compounds (300 to 2000 Da) called siderophores. These molecules which are generally excreted into the culture medium, chelate very strongly iron(III), solubilize it and transport it into the cells using an ATP‐dependent high affinity transport system. For nearly fourty years, the structural studies on siderophores have shown a great diversity of structures for these iron‐chelating molecules synthesized by microorganisms. These structures are characterized by the presence of one, two and in most cases, three bidentate chelating groups, generally oxygenated, necessary for the formation of very stable hexacoordinated octahedric complexes between the siderophores and iron(III). These groups are generally either catecholates, or hydroxamates or hydroxyacids, but can be any other bidentate groups In what follows several typical examples of siderophores belonging to each of these categories are given. It is clear that considering the very high number of siderophores having so many different structures so far isolated and characterized (more than 200), we have restricted this report to the most representative structures of each category, with a special emphasis to pyoverdins, the fluorescent peptidic siderophores of the fluorescent pseudomonads. Similarly the siderophore‐mediated iron‐transport mechanisms of Gram‐negative bacteria described therafter will report mainly on those of Escherichia coli with a special emphasis to Pseudomonas when information is available. The pyoverdin‐mediated iron‐transport in fluorescent pseudomonads implies biochemical mechanisms which involve signal and energy exchanges between the two membranes across the periplasmic space. The energy transduction mechanism in the case of the pyoverdin‐mediated active transport in P. aeruginosa has not been completely elucidated so far. Nevertheless from the data obtained for ferric enterobactin and ferrichrome in E. coli, it is plausible that a common mechanism of transport can take place for all the enterobacteria. The key element of this mechanism is protein TonB in E. coli, head of a series of TonB proteins having a very close structure and characterized in P. putida WCS358 and P. aeruginosa ATCC 156942. The striking similarities existing between the various iron‐transport steps in these different bacterial species is highly in favour of a common energy‐dependent siderophore‐mediated iron‐transport mechanism in microorganisms.     

(Dibenzoylmethanato)boron Difluoride Derivatives Containing Triphenylamine Moieties: A New Type of Electron‐Donor/π‐Acceptor System for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells

(Dibenzoylmethanato)boron difluoride derivatives containing triphenylamine moieties were synthesized as a new type of electron‐donor/π‐acceptor system. These new compounds exhibited long‐wavelength absorptions in the UV/Vis spectra, and reversible oxidation and reduction waves in cyclic voltammetry experiments. Their amphoteric redox properties are based on their resonance hybrid forms, in which a positive charge is delocalized on the triphenylamine moieties and a negative charge is localized on the boron atoms. Molecular orbital (MO) calculations indicate that their HOMO and LUMO energies vary with the number of phenylene rings connected to the difluoroboron‐chelating ring. This is useful for optimizing the HOMO and LUMO levels to an iodine redox (I^?/I₃^?) potential and a titanium dioxide conduction band, respectively. Dye‐sensitized solar cells fabricated by using these compounds as dye sensitizers exhibited solar‐to‐electric power conversion efficiencies of 2.7–4.4 % under AM 1.5 solar light.     

Synthesis and characterization of new complexes of the type [Ru(CO)2Cl2 (2‐phenyl‐1,8‐naphthyridine‐kN) (2‐phenyl‐1,8‐naphthyridine‐kN′)]. Preliminary applications in homogeneous catalysis

Novel ruthenium (II) complexes were prepared containing 2‐phenyl‐1,8‐naphthyridine derivatives. The coordination modes of these ligands were modified by addition of coordinating solvents such as water into the ethanolic reaction media. Under these conditions 1,8‐naphthyridine (napy) moieties act as monodentade ligands forming unusual [Ru(CO)₂Cl₂(η¹‐2‐phenyl‐1,8‐naphthyridine‐ kN )(η¹‐2‐phenyl‐1,8‐naphthyridine‐kN′)] complexes. The reaction was reproducible when different 2‐phenyl‐1,8‐naphthyridine derivatives were used. On the other hand, when dry ethanol was used as the solvent we obtained complexes with napy moieties acting as a chelating ligand. The structures proposed for these complexes were supported by NMR spectra, and the presence of two ligands in the [Ru(CO)₂Cl₂(η¹‐2‐phenyl‐1,8‐naphthyridine‐ kN )(η¹‐2‐phenyl‐1,8‐naphthyridine‐kN′)] type complexes was confirmed using elemental analysis. All complexes were tested as catalysts in the hydroformylation of styrene showing moderate activity in N,N′‐dimethylformamide. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The Solid‐Phase Synthesis of an Fe‐N‐C Electrocatalyst for High‐Power Proton‐Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

The environmentally friendly synthesis of highly active Fe‐N‐C electrocatalysts for proton‐exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) is desirable but remains challenging. A simple and scalable method is presented to fabricate Fe^II‐doped ZIF‐8, which can be further pyrolyzed into Fe‐N‐C with 3 wt % of Fe exclusively in Fe‐N₄ active moieties. Significantly, this Fe‐N‐C derived acidic PEMFC exhibits an unprecedented current density of 1.65 A cm^?2 at 0.6 V and the highest power density of 1.14 W cm^?2 compared with previously reported NPMCs. The excellent PEMFC performance can be attributed to the densely and atomically dispersed Fe‐N₄ active moieties on the small and uniform catalyst nanoparticles.     

Ultrasound Assisted Emulsification Microextraction Based on dimetyl (E)‐2‐[(Z)‐1‐acetyl)‐2‐hydroxy‐1‐propenyl]‐2‐butenedioate for Determination of Total Amount of Iron in Water and Tea Samples

An ultrasound assisted emulsification microextraction (USAEME) is successfully used for extraction and determination of trace amount of iron in water and tea samples, followed by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS). In this approach, a new synthetic ligand dimetyl (E)‐2‐[(Z)‐1‐acetyl)‐2‐hydroxy‐1‐propenyl]‐2‐butenedioate (DAHPB) is used as chelating agent and chloroform is selected as an extraction solvent. The factors influencing the complex formation and extraction by USAEME method are optimized. These factors are extraction solvent type as well as extraction volume, time, temperature, pH, and the amount of chelating agent. Under optimum conditions, an enrichment factor of 202.9 is obtained from only 7.1 mL of aqueous phase. The calibration graph using the preconcentration system for iron is linear between 40.0 and 800.0 μg L^?1 with a detection limit of 7.4 μg L^?1. The relative standard deviation (R.S.D) for ten replicate measurements of 500.0 μg L^?1 of iron is 2.5%.     

Cationic organoiron polyelectrolyte three‐arm stars

With nucleophilic aromatic substitution and ester condensation reactions, several new first‐generation dendrimers and star‐shaped molecules containing cationic cyclopentadienyl iron moieties were prepared. Although the solubility of the organoiron star‐shaped molecules with ether bridges in polar solvents was found to decrease with an increase in the size of the molecule, the addition of ester linkages resulted in a sharp decrease in the solubility, regardless of the size. The thermal behavior of these molecules was examined with differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The glass‐transition temperatures (T_g's) of these star‐shaped molecules ranged from 123 to 170 °C. However, the addition of the ester functionality allowed for an increase in the T_g's to 151–194 °C. The star‐shaped molecules were thermally stable up to 200 °C, above which a loss of the cationic cyclopentadienyl iron moieties occurred. Degradation of the ester chains started at 321 °C, and degradation of the ether chains started at 408 °C. Electrochemical studies of the ether star‐shaped molecules showed a reduction of the 18‐electron iron centers to 19‐electron centers. This redox system was reversible at low temperatures, whereas it was irreversible at room temperature. Moreover, an increase in the number of metal moieties caused an overlap and broadening of the redox wave. Viscosity studies showed a polyelectrolyte effect for the organoiron star‐shaped molecules. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 1382–1396, 2005     

Electrodeposition and Magnetic Characterization of Iron and Iron–Silicon Alloys from the Ionic Liquid 1‐Butyl‐1‐methylpyrrolidinium Trifluoromethylsulfonate

The electrodeposition of soft magnetic iron and iron–silicon alloys for magnetic measurements is presented. The preparation of these materials in 1‐butyl‐1‐methylpyrrolidinium trifluoromethylsulfonate, [Py_1,4]TfO, at 100 °C with FeCl₂ and FeCl₂+SiCl₄ was studied by using cyclic voltammetry. Constant‐potential electrolysis was carried out to deposit either Fe or FeSi, and deposits of approximately 10 μm thicknesses were obtained. By using scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction, the microstructure and crystallinity of the deposits were investigated. Grain sizes in the nanometer regime (50–80 nm) were found and the presence of iron–silicon alloys was verified. Frequency‐dependent magnetic polarizations, coercive forces, and power losses of some deposits were determined by using a digital hysteresis recorder. Corresponding to the small grain sizes, the coercive forces are around 950–1150 A m^?1 and the power losses were at 6000 J m^?3, which is much higher than in commercial Fe(3.2 wt %)Si electrical steel. Below a polarization of 1.8 T, the power losses are mainly caused by domain wall movements and, above 1.8 T, by rotation of magnetic moments as well as domain wall annihilation and recreation.     

Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework (ZIF)‐Derived,Hollow‐Core,Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanostructures for Oxygen‐Reduction Reactions in PEFCs

The facile synthesis of a porous carbon material that is doped with iron‐coordinated nitrogen active sites (FeNC‐70) is demonstrated by following an inexpensive synthetic pathway with a zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF‐70) as a template. To emphasize the possibility of tuning the porosity and surface area of the resulting carbon materials based on the structure of the parent ZIF, two other ZIFs, that is, ZIF‐68 and ZIF‐69, are also synthesized. The resulting active carbon material that is derived from ZIF‐70, that is, FeNC‐70, exhibits the highest BET surface area of 262 m² g^?1 compared to the active carbon materials that are derived from ZIF‐68 and ZIF‐69. The HR‐TEM images of FeNC‐70 show that the carbon particles have a bimodal structure that is composed of a spherical macroscopic pore (about 200 nm) and a mesoporous shell. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) reveals the presence of Fe‐N‐C moieties, which are the primary active sites for the oxygen‐reduction reaction (ORR). Quantitative estimation by using EDAX analysis reveals a nitrogen content of 14.5 wt. %, along with trace amounts of iron (0.1 wt. %), in the active FeNC‐70 catalyst. This active porous carbon material, which is enriched with Fe‐N‐C moieties, reduces the oxygen molecule with an onset potential at 0.80 V versus NHE through a pathway that involves 3.3–3.8 e^? under acidic conditions, which is much closer to the favored 4 e^? pathway for the ORR. The onset potential of FeNC‐70 is significantly higher than those of its counterparts (FeNC‐68 and FeNC‐69) and of other reported systems. The FeNC‐based systems also exhibit much‐higher tolerance towards MeOH oxidation and electrochemical stability during an accelerated durability test (ADT). Electrochemical analysis and structural characterizations predict that the active sites for the ORR are most likely to be the in situ generated N? FeN₂₊₂/C moieties, which are distributed along the carbon framework.     

Genomics‐Driven Discovery of NO‐Donating Diazeniumdiolate Siderophores in Diverse Plant‐Associated Bacteria

Siderophores are key players in bacteria–host interactions, with the main function to provide soluble iron for their producers. Gramibactin from rhizosphere bacteria expands siderophore function and diversity as it delivers iron to the host plant and features an unusual diazeniumdiolate moiety for iron chelation. By mutational analysis of the grb gene cluster, we identified genes (grbD and grbE) necessary for diazeniumdiolate formation. Genome mining using a GrbD‐based network revealed a broad range of orthologous gene clusters in mainly plant‐associated Burkholderia/Paraburkholderia species. Two new types of diazeniumdiolate siderophores, megapolibactins and plantaribactin were fully characterized. In vitro assays and in vivo monitoring experiments revealed that the iron chelators also liberate nitric oxide (NO) in plant roots. This finding is important since NO donors are considered as biofertilizers that maintain iron homeostasis and increase overall plant fitness.     

Protecting‐Group‐Controlled Enzymatic Glycosylation of Oligo‐N‐Acetyllactosamine Derivatives

We describe a chemoenzymatic strategy that can give a library of differentially fucosylated and sialylated oligosaccharides starting from a single chemically synthesized tri‐N‐acetyllactosamine derivative. The common precursor could easily be converted into 6 different hexasaccharides in which the glucosamine moieties are either acetylated (GlcNAc) or modified as a free amine (GlcNH₂) or Boc (GlcNHBoc). Fucosylation of the resulting compounds by a recombinant fucosyl transferase resulted in only modification of the natural GlcNAc moieties, providing access to 6 selectively mono‐ and bis‐fucosylated oligosaccharides. Conversion of the GlcNH₂ or GlcNHBoc moieties into the natural GlcNAc, followed by sialylation by sialyl transferases gave 12 differently fucosylated and sialylated compounds. The oligosaccharides were printed as a microarray that was probed by several glycan‐binding proteins, demonstrating that complex patterns of fucosylation can modulate glycan recognition.     

Aqua­(thio­sulfato‐κ2O,S)[2,4,6‐tri‐2‐pyridyl‐1,3,5‐triazine‐κ3N2,N1,N6]zinc(II) hemihydrate

The title compound, [Zn(S₂O₃)(C₁₈H₁₂N₆)(H₂O)]·0.5H₂O, contains two almost identical independent monomeric moieties composed of an octa­hedral Zn centre coordinated by a tridentate 2,4,6‐tri‐­2‐pyridyl‐1,3,5‐triazine (tpt) ligand, one aqua ligand and an O,S‐chelating thio­sulfate anion. The structure is stabilized by a solvent water mol­ecule. Multiple strong hydrogen bonds with additional weaker π–π inter­actions between tpt groups define a multiple column spatial organization.     

A new two‐dimensional manganese(II) coordination polymer based on thiophene‐3,4‐dicarboxylic acid

A novel manganese coordination polymer, poly[(μ₅‐thiophene‐3,4‐dicarboxylato)manganese(II)], [Mn(C₆H₂O₄S)]_n, was synthesized hydrothermally using 3,4‐thiophenedicarboxylate (3,4‐tdc²⁻) as the organic linker. The asymmetric unit of the complex contains an Mn²⁺ cation and one half of a deprotonated 3,4‐tdc²⁻ anion, both residing on a twofold axis. Each Mn²⁺ centre is six‐coordinated by O atoms of bridging/chelating carboxylate groups from five 3,4‐tdc²⁻ anions, forming a slightly distorted octahedron. The Mn²⁺ centres are bridged by 3,4‐tdc²⁻ anions to give an infinite two‐dimensional layer which incorporates one‐dimensional Mn–O gridlike chains, and in which the 3,4‐tdc²⁻ anion adopts a novel hexadentate chelating and μ₅‐bridging coordination mode. The fully deprotonated 3,4‐tdc²⁻ anion exhibits unexpected efficiency as a ligand towards the Mn²⁺ centres, which it coordinates through all of its carboxylate O atoms to provide the novel coordination mode. The IR spectrum of the complex is also reported.     

A Molecularly Defined Iron‐Catalyst for the Selective Hydrogenation of α,β‐Unsaturated Aldehydes

A selective iron‐based catalyst system for the hydrogenation of α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes to allylic alcohols is presented. Applying the defined iron–tetraphos complex [FeF(L)][BF₄] (L=P(PhPPh₂)₃) in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid a broad range of aldehydes are reduced in high yields using low catalyst loadings (0.05–1 mol %). Excellent chemoselectivity for the reduction of aldehydes in the presence of other reducible moieties, for example, ketones, olefins, esters, etc. is achieved. Based on the in situ detected hydride species [FeH(H₂)(L)]⁺ a catalytic cycle is proposed that is supported by computational calculations.     

Polymeric dopant effects of bent‐core covalent‐bonded and hydrogen‐bonded structures on banana‐shaped liquid crystalline complexes

Two series of banana‐shaped liquid crystalline (LC) H‐bonded complexes HP_m / CB_n (i.e., bent‐core H‐bonded side‐chain homopolymer HP mixed with bent‐core covalent‐bonded small molecule CB ) and CP_m / HB_n (i.e., bent‐core covalent‐bonded side‐chain homopolymer CP mixed with bent‐core H‐bonded small molecular complex HB ) with various m/n molar ratios were developed. The bent‐core covalent‐ and H‐bonded structural moieties were homopolymerized in the banana‐shaped LC H‐bonded complexes HP_m / CB_n and CP_m / HB_n , respectively. The influences of m/n molar ratios (polymeric moieties vs. small molecular moieties) on the mesomorphic and electro‐optical properties of both banana‐shaped LC H‐bonded complexes HP_m / CB_n and CP_m / HB_n were investigated. The polar smectic phases could be achieved and stabilized by smaller contents of polymeric dopants in banana‐shaped LC H‐bonded complexes, such as HP1/CB10 , HP1/CB15 , CP1/HB10 , and CP1/HB15 , which possessed tunable spontaneous polarization (Ps) values according to the molar ratios of m/n , that is, lower Ps values obtained in H‐bonded complexes HP_m /CB_n and CP_m / HB_n with higher ratios of H‐bonded moieties (larger m/n molar ratios), respectively. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 764–774, 2010     

Synthesis and Characterization of Acetylene‐Linked Bisphenalenyl and Metallic‐Like Behavior in Its Charge‐Transfer Complex

We prepared and isolated a phenalenyl‐based neutral hydrocarbon ( 1 b ) with a biradical index of 14 %, as well as its charge‐transfer (CT) complex 1 b –F₄‐TCNQ. The crystal structure and the small HOMO–LUMO gap assessed by electrochemical and optical methods support the singlet‐biradical contribution to the ground state of the neutral 1 b . This biradical character suggests that 1 b has the electronic structure of phenalenyl radicals coupled weakly through an acetylene linker, that is, some independence of the two phenalenyl moieties. The monocationic species 1 b^{. +} was obtained by reaction with the organic electron acceptor F₄‐TCNQ. The cationic species has a small disproportionation energy ΔE for the reaction 2× 1 b^{. +}? 1 b + 1 b ²⁺, which presumably originates from the independence of the phenalenyl moieties. The small ΔE led to a small on‐site Coulombic repulsion U_eff=0.61 eV in the CT complex. Moreover, a very effective orbital overlap of the phenalenyl rings between molecules afforded a relatively large transfer integral t=0.09 eV. The small U_eff/4t ratio (=1.7) resulted in a metallic‐like conductive behavior at around room temperature. Below 280 K, the CT complex showed a transition into a semiconductive state as a result of bond formation between phenalenyl and F₄‐TCNQ carbon atoms.     

Star‐Shaped Polyaromatic Ethers Coordinated to Redox‐Active Cyclopentadienyliron Moieties

This communication is focused on the controlled design of star‐shaped aromatic ethers with pendent cyclopentadienyliron moieties. A trimetallic core was prepared, which was then reacted with a number of oligomeric ether complexes to give star‐shaped polymers with six, nine, twelve and fifteen pendent cationic cyclopentadienyliron moieties. Cyclic voltammetric studies showed reduction of the iron centers between –0.99 and –1.41 V. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that loss of the metallic moieties occurred between 225 and 284°C.     

A diaryl‐terminated hexa‐1,5‐diyne‐3,4‐dione

The structure of bis­(4‐tert‐butyl‐2,6‐dimethyl­phenyl)hexa‐1,5‐diyne‐3,4‐dione, C₃₀H₃₄O₂, has been determined, revealing an extended s‐trans conformation of the dione and the two ynone moieties, which are shielded by the flanking methyl substituents. The structural parameters and the packing arrangement suggest little electronic delocalization between the two ynone moieties.     

Carbonic Anhydrase‐Mimetic Bolaamphiphile Self‐Assembly for CO2 Hydration and Sequestration

A biomimetic catalyst was prepared through the self‐assembly of a bolaamphiphilic molecule with histidine moieties for the sequestration of carbon dioxide. The histidyl bolaamphiphilic molecule bis(N‐α‐amidohistidine)‐1,7‐heptane dicarboxylate has been synthesized and self‐assembled to produce analogues of the active sites of carbonic anhydrase (CA) after association with Zn²⁺ ions. Spectroscopic analysis demonstrated the coordination of the Zn²⁺ ions with histidine imidazole moieties, which is the core conformation of CA active sites. The Zn‐associated self‐assembly worked as a CA‐mimetic catalyst that shows catalytic activity for CO₂ hydration. Evaluation of the kinetics of using para‐nitrophenylacetate revealed that the kinetic parameters of the CA‐mimetic catalyst were maximized at the optimal Zn concentration and that excess Zn ions resulted in deteriorated catalytic activity. The performance of the CA‐mimetic catalyst was enhanced by changing the pH value and temperature of the reaction, which implies that the hydrolysis of the substrate is the rate‐determining step. The catalyst‐assisted sequestration of CO₂ was demonstrated by CaCO₃ precipitation upon the addition of Ca²⁺ ions. This study offers an easy way to prepare enzyme analogues for CO₂ sequestration through the self‐assembly of bolaamphiphile molecules with designer biochemical moieties.     

Bis(2‐amino‐1H‐benzimidazol‐3‐ium) tetrakis(μ‐but‐2‐enoato)‐κ4O:O′;κ3O,O′:O;κ3O:O,O′‐bis[bis(but‐2‐enoato‐κ2O,O′)holmium(III)]

The title ionic compound, (C₇H₈N₃)₂[Ho₂(C₄H₅O₂)₈], is constructed from two almost identical independent centrosymmetric anionic dimers balanced by two independent 2‐amino‐1H‐benzimidazol‐3‐ium (Habim⁺) cations. The asymmetric part of each dimer is made up of one Ho^III cation and four crotonate (crot or but‐2‐enoate) anions, two of them acting in a simple η²‐chelating mode and the remaining two acting in two different μ₂:η² fashions, viz. purely bridging and bridging–chelating. Symmetry‐related Ho^III cations are linked by two Ho—O—Ho and two Ho—O—C—O—Ho bridges which lead to rather short intracationic Ho...Ho distances [3.8418 (3) and 3.8246 (3) Å]. In addition to the obvious Coulombic interactions linking the cations and anions, the isolated [Ho₂(crot)₈]²⁻ and Habim⁺ ions are linked by a number of N—H...O hydrogen bonds, in which all N—H groups of the cation are involved as donors and all (simple chelating) crot O atoms are involved as acceptors. These interactions result in compact two‐dimensional structures parallel to (110), which are linked to each other by weaker π–π contacts between Habim⁺ benzene groups.     

Crystal Structure,Magnetic Exchange Interaction,and DFT Study of 2,2′‐(1‐Oxidopyridine‐2,6‐diyl)bis[4,5‐dihydro‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethyl‐3‐oxido‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐oxyl] Hydrate

The structure of a novel oxido‐aminoxyl (=`nitronyl nitroxide') biradical, 2,2′‐(1‐oxidopyridine‐2,6‐diyl)bis[4,5‐dihydro‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethyl‐3‐oxido‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐oxyl] hydrate ( 1 ⋅H₂O) was established by X‐ray analysis in the solid state: monoclinic, space group P2₁/c, Z=4 with a=12.621(4), b=15.704(5), and c=13.001(4) Å, and β=115.202(6)°. Variable‐temperature magnetic susceptibilities show a weak antiferromagnetic interaction between the two oxido‐substituted aminoxyl moieties of 1 , indicative of a singlet ground state. AM1 Calculations located minima for the possible structure based on the X‐ray crystal structure. A hybride density‐functional‐theory calculation with the UB3LYP method from the X‐ray crystal structure establishes the same spin sign in the two aminoxyl moieties and shows that a small spin density is localized at the C‐atoms of the pyridine moiety. These theoretic results are in good agreement with the determined weak antiferromagnetic interaction of 1 .