Selective calcium ion sensing with a bichromophoric squaraine foldamer

Several squaraine tethered bichromophoric podand systems 1a-d and a monochromophoric analogue 2 were prepared and characterized. Among these, the bichromophore, 1b, containing five oxygen atoms in the flexible podand moiety was found to specifically bind Ca(2+) in the presence of other metal ions such as K(+), Na(+), and Mg(2+). The selective binding of Ca(2+) is clear from the absorption and emission spectral changes as well as by the visual color change of 1b from light-blue to an intense purple-blue. Benesi-Hildebrand and Job plots confirmed a 1:1 binding between 1b and Ca(2+). Signaling of the binding event is achieved by the cation-induced folding of the bichromophore and the resultant exciton coupling between the squaraine chromophores. The monochromophoric squaraine dye 2 failed to give optical signals upon Ca(2+) binding, due to the absence of exciton interaction in the bound complex. Titration of the folded complex 9 with EDTA released the metal ion from the complex, thereby regaining the original absorption and emission properties of the bichromophore. The squaraine foldamer 1b reported here is the first example of a selective chromogenic Ca(2+) sensor, which works on the principle of exciton interaction in the folded Ca(2+) complex of a bichromophore, the optical properties of which are similar to those of the "H"-type aggregates of analogous squaraine dyes.     

Dual-mode unsymmetrical squaraine-based sensor for selective detection of Hg2+ in aqueous media

A novel chemosensor based on unsymmetrical squaraine dye (USQ-1) for the selective detection of Hg(2+) in aqueous media is described. USQ-1 in combination with metal ions shows dual chromogenic and "turn-on" fluorogenic response selectivity toward Hg(2+) as compared to Li(+), Na(+), K(+), Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Ba(2+), Al(3+), Cu(2+), Cd(2+), Mn(2+), Fe(3+), Ag(+), Pb(2+), Zn(2+), Ni(2+) and Co(2+) due to the Hg(2+)-induced deaggregation of the dye molecule. A recognition mechanism based on the binding mode is proposed based on the absorption and fluorescence changes, (1)H NMR titration experiments, ESI-MS study, and theoretical calculations.     

How to synthesize macrocycles efficiently by using virtual combinatorial libraries

The selection of different diimines 4 a-c by alkaline earth ions from a virtual combinatorial library (VCL) is described. The products were stabilized by reduction to the diamines 6 a-c; this allowed easy analysis. The library can be directed toward different target molecules 6 a-c upon addition of alkaline earth ions with different radii. Competition experiments show the possibility of synthesizing the macrocycles 6 a, 6 b, and 6 c simultaneously when using Mg(2+), Ca(2+), and Ba(2+) as template ions. The scope of this thermodynamically controlled, reversible approach for macrocycle syntheses is illustrated.     

A squaraine-based colorimetric and "turn on" fluorescent sensor for selective detection of Hg2+ in an aqueous medium

A novel squaraine-based chemosensor SQ-1 has been synthesized, and its sensing behavior toward various metal ions was investigated by UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopies. In AcOH-H(2)O (40:60, v/v) solution, Hg(2+) ions coordinate with SQ-1 causing a deaggregation which induces a visual color and absorption spectral changes as well as strong fluorescence. In contrast, the addition of other metals (e.g., Pb(2+), Cd(2+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Al(3+), Ni(2+), Co(2+), Fe(3+), Ca(2+), K(+), Mg(2+), Na(+), and Ag(+)) does not induce these changes at all. Thus SQ-1 is a specific Hg(2+) sensing agent due to the inducing deaggregation of the dye molecule by Hg(2+).     

Synthesis and Properties of 5-Chloro-8-hydroxyquinoline-Substituted Azacrown Ethers: A New Family of Highly Metal Ion-Selective Lariat Ethers

New 5-chloro-8-hydroxyquinoline (CHQ)-substituted aza-18-crown-6 (4), diaza-18-crown-6 (1), diaza-21-crown-7 (2), and diaza-24-crown-8 (3) ligands, where CHQ was attached through the 7-position, and aza-18-crown-6 (11) and diaza-18-crown-6 (10) macrocycles, where CHQ was attached through the 2-position, were prepared. Thermodynamic quantities for complexation of these CHQ-substituted macrocycles with alkali, alkaline earth, and transition metal ions were determined in absolute methanol at 25.0 degrees C by calorimetric titration. Two isomers, 1 and 10, which are different only in the attachment positions of the CHQ to the parent macroring, exhibit remarkable differences in their affinities toward the metal ions. Compound 1 forms very stable complexes with Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Cu(2+), and Ni(2+) (log K = 6.82, 5.31, 10.1, and 11.4, respectively), but not with the alkali metal ions. Ligand 10 displays strong complexation with K(+) and Ba(2+) (log K = 6.61 and 12.2, respectively) but not with Mg(2+) or Cu(2+). The new macrocycles and their complexes have been characterized by means of UV-visible and (1)H NMR spectra and X-ray crystallography. New peaks in the UV spectrum of the Mg(2+)-1 complex could allow an analytical determination of Mg(2+) in very dilute solutions in the presence of other alkali and alkaline earth metal cations. (1)H NMR spectral and X-ray crystallographic studies indicate that ligand 10 forms a cryptate-like structure when coordinated with K(+) and Ba(2+), which induces an efficient overlap of the two hydroxyquinoline rings. Such overlapping forms a pseudo second macroring that results in a significant increase in both complex stability and cation selectivity.     

Oxidative cyclization of thiosemicarbazone: an optical and turn-on fluorescent chemodosimeter for Cu(II)

A weakly fluorescent thiosemicabazone (L(1)H) was found to be a selective optical and "turn-on" fluorescent chemodosimeter for Cu(2+) ion in aqueous medium. A significant fluorescence enhancement along with change in color was only observed for Cu(2+) ion; among the other tested metal ions (viz. Na(+), K(+), Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Cr(3+), Zn(2+), Cd(2+), Hg(2+), Pb(2+), Ag(+), Ni(2+), Co(2+), Fe(3+) and Mn(2+)). The Cu(2+) selectivity resulted from an oxidative cyclization of the weak fluorescent L(1)H into highly fluorescent rigid 4,5-dihydro-5,5-dimethyl-4-(naphthalen-5-yl)-1,2,4-triazole-3-thione (L(2)). The signaling mechanism has been confirmed by independent synthesis with detail characterization of L(2).     

Complexes of bivalent metal cations in electrospray mass spectra of common organic compounds

In the standard electrospray ionization mass spectra of many common, low molecular mass organic compounds dissolved in methanol, peaks corresponding to ions with formula [3M + Met](2+) (M = organic molecule, Met = bivalent metal cation) are observed, sometimes with significant abundances. The most common are ions containing Mg(2+), Ca(2+) and Fe(2+). Their presence can be easily rationalized on the basis of typical organic reaction work-up procedures. The formation of [3M + Met](2+) ions has been studied using N-FMOC-proline methyl ester as a model organic ligand and Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Sr(2+), Ba(2+), Fe(2+), Ni(2+), Mn(2+), Co(2+) and Zn(2+) chlorides or acetates as the sources of bivalent cation. It was found that all ions studied form [3M + Met](2+) complexes with N-FMOC-proline methyl ester, some of them at very low concentrations. Transition metal cations generally show higher complexation activity in comparison with alkaline earth metal cations. They are also more specific in the formation of [3M + Met](2+) complexes. In the case of alkaline earth metal cations [2M + Met](2+) and [4M + Met](2+) complex ions are also observed. It has been found that [3M + Met](2+) complex ions undergo specific fragmentation at relatively low energy, yielding fluorenylmethyl cation as a major product. [M + Na](+) ions are much more stable and their fragmentation is not as specific.     

Incorporation of triazole into a quinoline-rhodamine conjugate imparts iron(iii) selective complexation permitting detection at nanomolar levels

Two new rhodamine based probes 1 and 2 for the detection of Fe(3+) were synthesized and their selectivity towards Fe(3+) ions in the presence of other competitive metal ions tested. The probe 1 formed a coloured complex with Fe(3+) as well as Cu(2+) ions and revealed the lack of adequate number of coordination sites for selective complexation with Fe(3+). Incorporation of a triazole unit to the chelating moiety of 1 resulted in the probe 2, that displayed Fe(3+) selective complex formation even in the presence of other competitive metal ions like Li(+), Na(+), K(+), Cu(2+), Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Sr(2+), Cr(3+), Mn(2+), Fe(2+), Co(2+), Ni(2+), Zn(2+), Cd(2+), Hg(2+) and Pb(2+). The observed limit of detection of Fe(3+) ions (5 × 10(-8) M) confirmed the very high sensitivity of 2. The excellent stability of 2 in physiological pH conditions, non-interference of amino acids, blood serum and bovine serum albumin (BSA) in the detection process, and the remarkable selectivity for Fe(3+) ions permitted the use of 2 in the imaging of live fibroblast cells treated with Fe(3+) ions.     

Salicylimine-based fluorescent chemosensor for aluminum ions and application to bioimaging

In this study, an assay to quantify the presence of aluminum ions using a salicylimine-based receptor was developed utilizing turn-on fluorescence enhancement. Upon treatment with aluminum ions, the fluorescence of the sensor was enhanced at 510 nm due to formation of a 1:1 complex between the chemosensor and the aluminum ions at room temperature. As the concentration of Al(3+) was increased, the fluorescence gradually increased. Other metal ions, such as Na(+), Ag(+), K(+), Ca(2+), Mg(2+), Hg(2+), Mn(2+), Co(2+), Ni(2+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Cd(2+), Pb(2+), Cr(3+), Fe(3+), and In(3+), had no such significant effect on the fluorescence. In addition, we show that the probe could be used to map intracellular Al(3+) distribution in live cells by confocal microscopy.     

Response of a benzoxainone derivative linked to monoaza-15-crown-5 with divalent heavy metals

The response of a monoaza-15-crown-5 with an optically active aminobenzoxazinone moiety to divalent cations was investigated. The crown ether was found to undergo a strong emission shift to the blue when complexed with specific divalent metals that have ionic diameters between 1.9-2.4 A. Consequently the photoactive macrocycle is responsive to Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Ba(2+), Sr(2+), Cd(2+), and particularly responsive to Hg(2+)and Pb(2+). Macrocycle emission spectra are shown to be a function of cation concentration. Alkaline metal cations and smaller transition metals ions such as Ni(2+), Co(2+)and Zn(2+)do not cause significant changes in the macrocycle emission spectra. Emission, absorption, and complex stability constants are determined. Mechanisms of cation selectivity and spectral emission shifts are discussed. Challenges involving immobilization of the macrocycle while preserving its spectral response to cations are explored.     

Aqueous divalent metal-nitrate interactions: hydration versus ion pairing

Nitrate aqueous solutions, Mg(NO(3))(2), Ca(NO(3))(2), Sr(NO(3))(2), and Pb(NO(3))(2), are investigated using Raman spectroscopy and free energy profiles from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Analysis of the in-plane deformation, symmetric stretch, and asymmetric stretch vibrational modes of the nitrate ions reveal perturbation caused by the metal cations and hydrating water molecules. Results show that Pb(2+) has a strong tendency to form contact ion pairs with nitrate relative to Sr(2+), Ca(2+), and Mg(2+), and contact ion pair formation decreases with decreasing cation size and increasing cation charge density: Pb(2+) > Sr(2+) > Ca(2+) > Mg(2+). In the case of Mg(2+), the Mg(2+)-OH(2) intermolecular modes indicate strong hydration by water molecules and no contact ion pairing with nitrate. Free energy profiles provide evidence for the experimentally observed trend and clarification between solvent-separated, solvent-shared, and contact ion pairs, particularly for Mg(2+) relative to other cations.     

A new ion sensor based on fiber optics

A fluorimetric ion sensor based on fiber optics has been developed that employs Rhodamine 6G hydrophobically and electrostatically "trapped" on a Nafion film. The sensor is based on the measurement of quenching or enhancement of the Rhodamine 6G fluorescence by various ions. It was found that ions such as Co(2+), Cr(3+), Fe(2+), Fe(3+), Cu(2+), Ni(2+) and NH(+)(4) rapidly quench the Rhodamine 6G fluorescence at an initial rate that depends on the concentration of the ion. This quenching is then readily reversed by the addition of "reverser" ions such as H(+), Li(+), Na(+), K(+), Ba(2+), Ca(2+), Mn(2+), Zn(2+) and Mg(2+). Again, the initial rate for the attainment of the original fluorescence was found to depend on the concentration of the reverser ion. Therefore, by monitoring the quenching directly the concentration of quencher ions can be determined. In addition, by loading the film with quencher and monitoring the initial rate of return towards the original baseline signal, it is possible to determine non-quenching ions.     

Interactions of metal ions with monoaza crown ethers A15C5 and A18C6 carrying dansyl fluorophore as pendant in acetonitrile solution

The influence of metal cations Li(+), Na(+), K(+), Cs(+), Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Sr(2+), Ba(2+), Co(2+), Ni(2+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Pb(2+) and Al(3+) on the spectroscopic properties of the dansyl (1-dimethylaminonaphthalene-5-sulfonyl) group covalently linked to monoaza crown ethers 1-aza-15-crown-5 (1,4,7,10,-tetraoxa-13-azacyclopentadecane) (A15C5) and 1-aza-crown-6 (1,4,7,10,13-pentaoxa-16-azacyclooctadecane) (A18C6) was investigated by means of absorption and emission spectrophotometry. Interaction of the alkali metal ions with both fluoroionophores is weak, while alkaline earth metal ions interact strongly causing 50 and 85% quenching of dansyl fluorescence of N-(5-dimethylamine-1-naphthalenesulfonylo)-1,4,7,10,-tetraoxa-13-azacyclopentadecane (A15C5-Dns) and N-(5-dimethylamine-1-naphthalenesulfonylo)-1,4,7,10,13-pentaoxa-16-azacyclooctadecane (A18C6-Dns), respectively. The Cu(2+), Pb(2+) and Al(3+) cations interact very strongly with dansyl chromophore, causing a major change in absorption spectrum of the chromophore and forming non-fluorescent complexes. The Co(2+), Ni(2+), Zn(2+), Mg(2+) cations interact moderately with both fluoroionophores causing quenching of dansyl fluorescence by several percent only.     

Sequence diversity, metal specificity, and catalytic proficiency of metal-dependent phosphorylating DNA enzymes

Although DNA has not been found responsible for biological catalysis, many artificial DNA enzymes have been created by "in vitro selection." Here we describe a new selection approach to assess the influence of four common divalent metal ions (Ca(2+), Cu(2+), Mg(2+), and Mn(2+)) on sequence diversity, metal specificity, and catalytic proficiency of self-phosphorylating deoxyribozymes. Numerous autocatalytic DNA sequences were isolated, a majority of which were selected using Cu(2+) or Mn(2+) as the divalent metal cofactor. We found that Cu(2+)- and Mn(2+)-derived deoxyribozymes were strictly metal specific, while those selected by Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) were less specific. Further optimization by in vitro evolution resulted in a Mn(2+)-dependent deoxyribozyme with a k(cat) of 2.8 min(-1). Our findings suggest that DNA has sufficient structural diversity to facilitate efficient catalysis using a broad scope of metal cofactor utilizing mechanisms.     

Development and applications of fluorescent indicators for Mg2+ and Zn2+

In a study of the spectroscopic behavior of two Schiff base derivatives, salicylaldehyde salicylhydrazone (1) and salicylaldehyde benzoylhydrazone (2), Schiff base 1 has high selectivity for Zn(2+) ion not only in abiotic systems but also in living cells. The ion selectivity of 1 for Zn(2+) can be switched for Mg(2+) by swapping the solvent from ethanol-water to DMF (N,N-dimethylformamide)-water mixtures. Imine 2 is a good fluorescent probe for Zn(2+) in ethanol-water media. Many other ions tested, such as Li(+), Na(+), Al(3+), K(+), Ca(2+), Cr(3+), Mn(2+), Fe(3+), Co(2+), Ni(2+), Cu(2+), Ag(+), Cd(2+), Sn(2+), Ba(2+), Hg(2+), and Pb(2+), failed to induce any spectral change in various solvents. The selectivity mechanism of 1 and 2 for metal ions is based on a combinational effect of proton transfer (ESPT), C═N isomerization, and chelation-enhanced fluorescence (CHEF). The coordination modes of the complexes were investigated.     

A naphthalene-based Al3+ selective fluorescent sensor for living cell imaging

An efficient fluorescent Al(3+) receptor, N-(2-hydroxy-1-naphthalene)-N'-(2-(2-hydroxy-1-naphthalene)amino-ethyl)-ethane-1,2-diamine (L) has been synthesized by the condensation reaction between 2-hydroxy naphthaldehyde and diethylenetriamine. High selectivity and affinity of L towards Al(3+) in ethanol (EtOH) as well as in HEPES buffer at pH 7.4, makes it suitable to detect intracellular Al(3+) with fluorescence microscopy. Metal ions, viz. Li(+), Na(+), K(+), Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Mn(2+), Co(2+), Ni(2+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Ag(+), Cd(2+), Hg(2+) and Pb(2+) do not interfere. The lowest detection limit for Al(3+) is 3.0 × 10(-7) M and 1.0 × 10(-7) M in EtOH and HEPES buffer respectively.     

Phase transition from hexagonal LnF3 (Ln = La, Ce, Pr) to cubic Ln0.8M0.2F2.8 (M = Ca, Sr, Ba) nanocrystals with enhanced upconversion induced by alkaline-earth doping

Complete phase transition from hexagonal LnF(3) (Ln(3+) = La(3+), Ce(3+), Pr(3+)) to monodisperse ultrasmall (～7 nm) cubic Ln(0.8)M(0.2)F(2.8) (M(2+) = Ca(2+), Sr(2+), Ba(2+)) disordered solid solution nanocubes was successfully achieved through alkaline-earth doping, which induced great intensification of the near-infrared to visible upconversion emissions of the optically active rare earth ions.     

Evaluation of the metal binding properties of a histidine-rich fusogenic peptide by electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry

Electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI-FTICRMS) was used to investigate metal ion interactions of the 18 amino acid peptide fragment B18 (LGLLLRHLRHHSNLLANI), derived from the membrane-associated protein bindin. The peptide sequence B18 represents the minimal membrane-binding motif of bindin and resembles a putative fusion peptide. The histidine-rich peptide has been shown to self-associate into distinct supramolecular structures, depending on the presence of Zn(2+) and Cu(2+). We examined the binding of B18 to the metal ions Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Mn(2+) and La(3+). For Cu(2+), we compared the metal binding affinities of the wild-type B18 peptide with those of its mutants in which one, two or three histidine residues have been replaced by serines. Upon titration of B18 with Cu(2+) ions, we found sequential binding of two Cu(2+) ions with dissociation constants of approximately 34 and approximately 725 micro M. Mutants of B18, in which one histidine residue is replaced by serine, still exhibit sequential binding of two copper ions with affinities for the first Cu(2+) ion comparable to that of wild-type B18 peptide, but with a greatly reduced affinity for the second Cu(2+) ion in mutants H112S and H113S. For mutants in which two histidines are replaced by serines, the affinity for the first Cu(2+) ion is reduced approximately 3-10 times in comparison with B18. The mutant in which all three histidine residues are replaced by serines exhibits an approximately 14-fold lower binding for the first Cu(2+) ion compared with B18. For the other metal ions under investigation (Zn(2+), Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Mn(2+) and La(3+)), a modest affinity to B18 was detected binding to the peptide in a 1 : 1 stoichiometry. Our results show a high affinity of the wild-type fusogenic peptide B18 for Cu(2+) ions whereas the Zn(2+) affinity was found to be comparable to that of other di- and trivalent metal ions.     

Structure-related variable responses of calcium sensitive MRI probes

A new series of Gd(3+) complexes based on DO3A (GdL(1)-GdL(4)) was synthesized and investigated. They possess side chains with different structures which determine their varying binding properties and response towards endogenous metal ions, measured by changes in the longitudinal relaxivity (r(1)). GdL(4) exhibits the highest selectivity toward Ca(2+) in comparison to the other complexes, with up to a 63% increase of the r(1). GdL(2) and GdL(3) also respond to different Ca(2+) concentration ranges, however with a lower selectivity since the r(1) changes are also observed in the presence of other cations such as Mg(2+), Zn(2+) or Cu(2+). Assessment of the hydration number (q) via luminescence lifetime measurements confirmed that the change in q is responsible for the r(1) response for all the complexes.     

A BODIPY-based colorimetric and fluorometric chemosensor for Hg(II) ions and its application to living cell imaging

A new monostyryl boron dipyrromethene derivative (MS1) appended with two triazole units indicates the presence of Hg(2+) among other metal ions with high selectivity by color change and red emission. Upon Hg(2+) binding, the absorption band of MS1 is blue-shifted by 29 nm due to the inhibition of the intramolecular charge transfer from the nitrogen to the BODIPY, resulting in a color change from blue to purple. Significant fluorescence enhancement is observed with MS1 in the presence of Hg(2+); the metal ions Ag(+), Ca(2+), Cd(2+), Co(2+), Cu(2+), Fe(2+), Fe(3+), K(+), Mg(2+), Mn(2+), Ni(2+), Pb(2+), and Zn(2+) cause only minor changes in the fluorescence of the system. The apparent association constant (K(a)) of Hg(2+) binding in MS1 is found to be 1.864 × 10(5) M(-1). In addition, fluorescence microscopy experiments show that MS1 can be used as a fluorescent probe for detecting Hg(2+) in living cells.