Design of a 1,8-naphthalimide-based OFF-ON type bioorthogonal reagent for fluorescent imaging in live cells

A novel 1,8-naphthalimide-based OFF-ON type fluorogenic sydnone (Naph-Syd) is designed as bioorthogonal probe for imaging. Sydnone moiety efficiently quenches the native fluorescence of 1,8-naphthalimide, which can be restored with the enhancement of about 300-fold, after reacting with strained cyclooctynes to form pyrazole products (Naph-Pyr). The second-order rate constant of this bioorthogonal cycloaddition can be up to 2.5 L mol^?1 s^?1, which benefits imaging of biomolecules at low concentrations in cellular environment.     

Synthesis and fluorescence of N-substituted-1,8-naphthalimides

A number of novel N-substituted-1,8-naphthalimides have been prepared and their fluorescence yields measured in water at pH 7.4. The type of substitutent and the substitution pattern on the naphthalimide nucleus produce markedly different fluorescence yields, (quantum efficiencies, ø varying from ø = 0-0037 for N-(3-N'-morpholino-1-propyl)-4-amino-3-methoxy-1,8-naphthalirnide (7) to ø = 0–77 for N-(3-bromopropyl)-4-acetamido-1,8-naphthalimide (31).     

Fabrication of Double Emission Enhancement Fluorescent Nanoparticles with Combined PET and AIEE Effects

The major challenge in the fabrication of fluorescent silica nanoparticles (FSNs) based on dye-doped silica nanoparticles (DDSNs) is aggregation-caused fluorescence quenching. Here, we constructed an FSN based on a double emission enhancement (DEE) platform. A thio-reactive fluorescence turn-on molecule, N-butyl-4-(4-maleimidostyryl)-1,8-naphthalimide (CS), was bound to a silane coupling agent, (3-mercaptopropyl)-trimethoxysilane (MPTMS), and the product N-butyl-4-(3-(trimethoxysilyl-propylthio)styryl)-1,8-naphthalimide (CSP) was further used to fabricate a core–shell nanoparticle through the Stöber method. We concluded that the turn-on emission by CSP originated from the photoinduced electron transfer (PET) between the maleimide moiety and the CSP core scaffold, and the second emission enhancement was attributed to the aggregation-induced emission enhancement (AIEE) in CSP when encapsulated inside a core–shell nanoparticle. Thus, FSNs could be obtained through DEE based on a combination of PET and AIEE effects. Systematic investigations verified that the resulting FSNs showed the traditional solvent-independent and photostable optical properties. The results implied that the novel FSNs are suitable as biomarkers in living cells and function as fluorescent visualizing agents for intracellular imaging and drug carriers.     

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.     

Design of a 1,8-naphthalimide-based OFF-ON type bioorthogonal reagent for fluorescent imaging in live cells

A novel 1,8-naphthalimide-based OFF-ON type fluorogenic sydnone (Naph-Syd) as bioorthogonal probe has been developed, which can be triggered by fast cycloaddition reactions with strained alkynes for imaging of biomolecules in cellular environment.     

A novel 1,8-naphthalimide probe: synthesis and interactions with nucleic acid and its precursor

Three novel, water-soluble N-substituted 1,8-naphthalimides as the spectroscopic probes of nucleic acid, N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1,8-naphthalimide (NI1), 1,8-naphthalimide-N-acetic acid (NI2) and 1,8-naphthalimide-N-caproic acid (NI3), were synthesized and photophysically characterized. The steady-state fluorescence quenching of the NI probes with nucleic acids (NA) and their precursors (nucleobases and nucleosides) were studied by Stern–Volmer correlation. The rate constants for bimolecular quenching were obtained in Tris buffer solution. The transient absorption spectroscopy by nanosecond laser flash photolysis were explored to identify the transient species and to determine the kinetics. The dynamic interaction mechanism was attributed to electron transfer (ET) and energy transfer via ³NI.     

N-Amino-1,8-Naphthalimide is a Regenerated Protecting Group for Selective Synthesis of Mono-N-Substituted Hydrazines and Hydrazides

A new route to synthesis of various mono-N-substituted hydrazines and hydrazides by involving in a new C−N bond formation by using N-amino-1,8-naphthalimide as a regenerated precursor was invented. Aniline and phenylhydrazines are reproduced upon reacting these individually with 1,8-naphthalic anhydride followed by hydrazinolysis. The practicality and simplicity of this C−N dihalo alkanes; developed a synthon for bond formation protocol was exemplified to various hydrazines and hydrazides. N-amino-1,8-naphthalimide is suitable synthon for transformation for selective formation of mono-substituted hydrazine and hydrazide derivatives. Those are selective mono - amidation of hydrazine with acid halides; mono-N-substituted hydrazones from aldehydes; synthesis of N-aminoazacycloalkanes from acetohydrazide scaffold and inserted to hydroxy derivatives; distinct synthesis of N,N-dibenzylhydrazines and N-benzylhydrazines from benzyl halides; synthesis of N-amino-amino acids from α-halo esters. Ecofriendly reagent N-amino-1,8-naphthalimide was regenerated with good yields by the hydrazinolysis in all procedures.     

Structural organization of a {ruthenium[tris(bipyridyl)]} complex by strong π–π stacking of a tethered 1,8-naphthalimide synthon: Impact on electrochemical and spectral properties

The new ligand N-(5-methyl-2,2′-bipyridyl)-1,8-naphthalimide has been prepared by the reaction of 1,8-naphthalimide, 5-(bromomethyl)-2,2′-bipyridine and potassium carbonate in refluxing acetone. Reaction of this ligand and bis(bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) dichloride in refluxing ethanol followed by anion exchange with ammonium hexafluorophosphate produces {ruthenium[bis(bipyridyl)][N-(5-methyl-2,2′-bipyridyl)-1,8-naphthalimide]}(PF₆)₂ (1). In both the solid state (X-ray analysis) and in solution (shown by PGSE-NMR analysis), the 1,8-naphthalimide synthon organizes the cationic metal units into dimers with a strong, directionally oriented (head to tail) π–π stacking interaction. UV–VIS, fluorescence spectroscopy and electrochemical studies indicate that even with the strong interactions of the 1,8-naphthalimide groups, it does not have a significant influence on the properties of the [Ru(bipy)₃]²⁺ core.     

New green fluorescent polymer sensors for metal cations and protons

A new 4-(N-methylpiperazine)-N-allyl-1,8-naphthalimide with intense yellow-green fluorescence has been synthesized. Then it has been copolymerized with styrene and methylmetacrylate. The photophysical characteristics of the fluorescent dye and its copolymers (poly(St-co-NI) and poly(MAA-co-NI)) have been determined viewing their sensor properties for protons and transition metal cations (Cu²⁺, Fe³⁺ and Zn²⁺). Fluorescence enhancement is the photophysical response of the 4-(N-methylpiperazine)-N-allyl-1,8-naphthalimide to the presence of metal cations and protons, while fluorescence quenching is observed for both copolymers.     

A Dansyl Amide N-Oxide Fluorogenic Probe Based on a Bioorthogonal Decaging Reaction

A smart fluorescence “turn-on” probe which contained a dansyl amide fluorophore and an N-oxide group was designed based on the bioorthogonal decaging reaction between N-oxide and the boron reagent. The reaction proceeds in a rapid kinetics (k₂=57.1±2.5 m ⁻¹ s⁻¹), and the resulting reduction product showcases prominent fluorescence enhancement (up to 72-fold). Time dependent density functional theoretical (TD-DFT) calculation revealed that the process of photoinduced electron transfer (PET) from the N-oxide moiety to the dansyl amide fluorophore accounts for the quenching mechanism of N-oxide. This probe also showed high selectivity over various nucleophilic amino acids and good biocompatibility in physiological conditions. The successful application of the probe in HaloTag protein labeling and HepG2 live-cell imaging proves it a valuable tool for visualization of biomolecules.     

Synthesis of a Naphthalimide Functionalized Calix[4]arene; A Host Type Fluorophore for Inclusion Compounds in Organic Medium

This article reports the synthesis and the properties of 5,11,17,23-tetra(t-butyl)-25,27-bis-(ethoxy-1,8-naphthalimide)-26,28-hidroxy-calix[4]arene and the formation of an inclusion compound in organic medium. This functionalized calix[4]arene was conceived as the association of a potential host species with a good fluorophore for optical sensoring purposes. Calix[4]-NI as we will call it, maintains its ‘cone-pinched’ configuration and exhibits typical naphthalimide fluorescence bands in non-polar solvents. Its ability to interact with guest species via hydrogen bonding in its endo-hydrophilic cavity to form inclusion compounds was verified with absorption and fluorescence measurements using N-ethanol-1,8-naphthalimide as guest species, which was projected to fit exactly the host cavity and to interact with its naphthalimide π electrons. For this reason, it was possible to follow the formation of the inclusion compound with electronic spectroscopy.     

Synthesis,crystal structures,and biological properties of a new naphthalimide Schiff base and its copper(II) complex

A new naphthalimide Schiff base N-allylamine-4-(ethylenediamine-3-methoxysalicylidene)-1,8-naphthalimide (HL) and its copper(II) complex {N-allylamine-4-(ethylenediamine-3-methoxysalicylidene)-1,8-naphthalimide copper(II)} (CuL₂) have been synthesized and characterized. The crystal structure of CuL₂ has been determined by X-ray single crystal diffraction. The central Cu(II) ion is four-coordinate with an N₂O₂ donor set which is afforded by two L ligands, forming a slightly distorted square planar geometry. The interactions of HL and CuL₂ with calf thymus DNA were investigated using electronic absorption titration, fluorescence titration, and viscosity measurements. The results indicate that free HL and CuL₂ bind to DNA in an intercalation mode, and their binding affinity for DNA takes the order CuL₂ > HL. Moreover, the antioxidant assay in vitro also shows that HL and CuL₂ possess significant antioxidant activities and CuL₂ is more effective than free HL.     

Synthesis of <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,8-naphthalimide and its derivatization at the hydroxy group

The reaction of 1,8-naphthalic anhydride with 2-aminophenol afforded N-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,8-naphthalimide, which was then derivatized at the hydroxy group.     

Vinyl monomers bearing chromophore moieties and their polymers. V. Synthesis and fluorescence behavior of a vinyloxy monomer bearing electron-accepting chromophore moiety,N-(2-(vinyloxy)ethyl)-1,8-naphthalimide,and its polymer

A vinyloxy monomer bearing electron-accepting chromophore, N-(2-(vinyloxy)ethyl)-1,8-naphthalimide (VOENI), was synthesized by reaction of potassium 1,8-naphthalimide with 2-chloroethyl vinyl ether. VOENI can be homopolymerized by cationic initiation and copolymerized with maleic anhydride (MAn) under radical initiation. The fluorescence behaviors of VOENI and its polymers were investigated. It has been found that the fluorescence intensity of the VOENI monomer is much lower than that of its polymers at the same chromophore concentration. This means that a “structural self-quenching effect” (SSQE) has been also observed in the vinyloxy monomer consisting of an electron-accepting chromophore, which has opposite electronic structure in comparison with acrylates bearing electron-donating chromophores as we have reported previously. The SSQE is attributed to the charge-transfer interaction between the electron-accepting chromophore and the electron-donating double bond in the same molecule. The fluorescence quenching of 1,8-naphthalic anhydride and P(VOENI-co-MAn) by ethyl vinyl ether (EVE), dihydrofuran, triethylamine (TEA), etc. evidences that the electron-rich vinyloxy group does act as an important role in the SSQE of VOENI. C₆₀ can also quench the fluorescence of the polymers, and an upward deviation from the linearity of the Stern–Volmer plot was observed showing that C₆₀ acted as a powerful electron donor to quench the fluorescence of the copolymer. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 36: 1111–1116, 1998     

Synthesis of a Naphthalimide Functionalized Calix[4]arene; A Host Type Fluorophore for Inclusion Compounds in Organic Medium

This article reports the synthesis and the properties of 5,11,17,23-tetra(t-butyl)-25,27-bis-(ethoxy-1,8-naphthalimide)-26,28-hidroxy-calix[4]arene and the formation of an inclusion compound in organic medium. This functionalized calix[4]arene was conceived as the association of a potential host species with a good fluorophore for optical sensoring purposes. Calix[4]-NI as we will call it, maintains its ‘cone-pinched’ configuration and exhibits typical naphthalimide fluorescence bands in non-polar solvents. Its ability to interact with guest species via hydrogen bonding in its endo-hydrophilic cavity to form inclusion compounds was verified with absorption and fluorescence measurements using N-ethanol-1,8-naphthalimide as guest species, which was projected to fit exactly the host cavity and to interact with its naphthalimide π electrons. For this reason, it was possible to follow the formation of the inclusion compound with electronic spectroscopy.in final form: 17 November 2004.This revised version was published online in July 2005 with a corrected issue number.     

Two 1,8-naphthalimide-based proton-receptor fluorescent probes for pH determination

Two newly synthesised 1,8-naphthalimide-based proton-receptor fluorescent probes N-allyl-4-(4’-N,N-diethylpropionamide-acetamido-piperazinyl)-1,8-naphthalimide I and N-(N,N-dibenzylpro- pionamide-acetamido)-4-allyl-1-piperazinyl-1,8-naphthalimide II were synthesised to monitor the change in pH in such a way that the presence of protons can increase the fluorescence intensity of these compounds. Unlike most of the other pH-sensitive probes reported, the probes possess the obvious advantage of being able to detect stronger acids at pH ≈ 2 and a combination of the two probes could detect a wider pH scale from 1.98 to 6.59; this should be very useful for monitoring the pH of the environment.     

新型双发色团固体激光染料薄膜的光稳定性研究

利用UV-Vis吸收光谱仪和光化学反应器研究了新型双发色团固体激光染料薄膜的光降解动力学.研究结果表明:双发色团固体激光染料薄膜的光褪色反应遵循假一级动力学衰减.在PRNAM系列共聚物(N-烯丙基-若丹明1、N-[(2-丙烯酸基)乙基]-1,8-萘酰亚胺和甲基丙烯酸甲酯的共聚物)中萘酰亚胺基团通过聚合物碳链与若丹明基团的氮原子相连;而在PRNM系列共聚物(若丹明1的烯丙基酯、N-[(2-丙烯酸基)乙基]-1,8-萘酰亚胺和甲基丙烯酸甲酯的共聚物)中则是与若丹明基团的酯基相连.PRNAM系列共聚物的光稳定性优于PRNM和PRM(若丹明1的烯丙基酯和甲基丙烯酸甲酯的共聚物)系列的光稳定性.     

基于1,8-萘酰亚胺与罗丹明B间荧光共振能量转移的高选择性Hg2+比率荧光探针

以罗丹明B与1,8-萘二甲酰亚胺反应合成了1个高选择性Hg²⁺比率荧光探针(RN). 在甲醇/乙腈/4-羟基哌嗪乙磺酸缓冲溶液(pH=7.2, 体积比8:1:1)中, RN对Hg²⁺具有比色和比率荧光双重响应. 加入Hg²⁺后, RN的紫外-可见光谱在约556 nm处产生强吸收, 溶液由浅绿色变为橙色, 其它金属离子对RN的紫外-可见光谱几乎无影响. 无Hg²⁺存在时, RN的荧光光谱在540 nm处出现萘二甲酰亚胺荧光团的特征峰; 加入Hg²⁺后, 540 nm处的发射带逐渐消失, 同时在580 nm附近产生强荧光, 荧光颜色从绿色变为橙色. 这归因于从萘酰亚胺到开环罗丹明B的荧光共振能量转移(FRET), 探针RN对Hg²⁺的比率荧光响应具有高选择性, 不受其它共存金属离子的干扰.     

一种1,8-萘酰亚胺衍生物检测半胱氨酸荧光探针 的合成及其在活细胞和秀丽隐杆线虫中成像中的运用

基于1,8-萘酰亚胺衍生物,构建了一种检测半胱氨酸(Cys)的新型荧光探针TPFC-Acryloyl。光谱研究表明该探针能有效识别Cys且能够在1min内实现快速响应。探针对Cys的检测表现出高选择性,检测限为2.13μmol/L。经荧光光谱和质谱实验确证其检测机理为：Cys与TPFC-Acryloyl分子中的丙烯酸酯发生共轭加成-环化反应,进而羟基裸露的同时释放出黄色荧光。细胞毒性测试表明探针TPFC-Acryloyl的细胞毒性低。此外,该探针还被成功应用于活细胞和秀丽隐杆线虫中Cys的荧光成像。     

Strategic engineering of alkyl spacer length for a pH-tolerant lysosome marker and dual organelle localization

Long-term visualization of lysosomal properties is extremely crucial to evaluate diseases related to their dysfunction. However, many of the reported lysotrackers are less conducive to imaging lysosomes precisely because they suffer from fluorescence quenching and other inherent drawbacks such as pH-sensitivity, polarity insensitivity, water insolubility, slow diffusibility, and poor photostability. To overcome these limitations, we have utilized an alkyl chain length engineering strategy and synthesized a series of lysosome targeting fluorescent derivatives namely NIMCs by attaching a morpholine moiety at the peri position of the 1,8-naphthalimide (NI) ring through varying alkyl spacers between morpholine and 1,8-naphthalimide. The structural and optical properties of the synthesized NIMCs were explored by ¹H-NMR, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, UV-Vis, and fluorescence spectroscopy. Afterward, optical spectroscopic measurements were carefully performed to identify a pH-tolerant, polarity sensitive, and highly photostable fluoroprobes for further live-cell imaging applications. NIMC6 displayed excellent pH-tolerant and polarity-sensitive properties. Consequently, all NIMCs were employed in kidney fibroblast cells (BHK-21) to investigate their applicability for lysosome targeting and probing lysosomal micropolarity. Interestingly, a switching of localization from lysosomes to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) was also achieved by controlling the linker length and this phenomenon was subsequently applied in determining ER micropolarity. Additionally, the selected probe NIMC6 was also employed in BHK-21 cells for 3-D spheroid imaging and in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) for in vivo imaging, to evaluate its efficacy for imaging animal models.

A series naphthalimide-based fluorophores were designed by alkyl spacer length engineering to discover a pH-tolerant lysosomal marker. This approach also allows to probe lysosome-related organelles in C. elegans and communication between organelles.