Photo-isomerization of the Cyanine Dye Alexa-Fluor 647 (AF-647) in the Context of dSTORM Super-Resolution Microscopy

Cyanine dyes, as used in super-resolution fluorescence microscopy, undergo light-induced “blinking”, enabling localization of fluorophores with spatial resolution beyond the optical diffraction limit. Despite a plethora of studies, the molecular origins of this blinking are not well understood. Here, we examine the photophysical properties of a bio-conjugate cyanine dye (AF-647), used extensively in dSTORM imaging. In the absence of a potent sacrificial reductant, light-induced electron transfer and intermediates formed via the metastable, triplet excited state are considered unlikely to play a significant role in the blinking events. Instead, it is found that, under conditions appropriate to dSTORM microscopy, AF-647 undergoes reversible photo-induced isomerization to at least two long-lived dark species. These photo-isomers are characterized spectroscopically and their interconversion probed by computational means. The first-formed isomer is light sensitive and transforms to a longer-lived species in modest yield that could be involved in dSTORM related blinking. Permanent photobleaching of AF-647 occurs with very low quantum yield and is partially suppressed by the anaerobic redox buffer.     

An Aromatic Dyad Motif in Dye Decolourising Peroxidases Has Implications for Free Radical Formation and Catalysis

Dye decolouring peroxidases (DyPs) are the most recent class of heme peroxidase to be discovered. On reacting with H₂O₂, DyPs form a high-valent iron(IV)-oxo species and a porphyrin radical (Compound I) followed by stepwise oxidation of an organic substrate. In the absence of substrate, the ferryl species decays to form transient protein-bound radicals on redox active amino acids. Identification of radical sites in DyPs has implications for their oxidative mechanism with substrate. Using a DyP from Streptomyces lividans, referred to as DtpA, which displays low reactivity towards synthetic dyes, activation with H₂O₂ was explored. A Compound I EPR spectrum was detected, which in the absence of substrate decays to a protein-bound radical EPR signal. Using a newly developed version of the Tyrosyl Radical Spectra Simulation Algorithm, the radical EPR signal was shown to arise from a pristine tyrosyl radical and not a mixed Trp/Tyr radical that has been widely reported in DyP members exhibiting high activity with synthetic dyes. The radical site was identified as Tyr374, with kinetic studies inferring that although Tyr374 is not on the electron-transfer pathway from the dye RB19, its replacement with a Phe does severely compromise activity with other organic substrates. These findings hint at the possibility that alternative electron-transfer pathways for substrate oxidation are operative within the DyP family. In this context, a role for a highly conserved aromatic dyad motif is discussed.     

Debugging Eukaryotic Genetic Code Expansion for Site‐Specific Click‐PAINT Super‐Resolution Microscopy

Super‐resolution microscopy (SRM) greatly benefits from the ability to install small photostable fluorescent labels into proteins. Genetic code expansion (GCE) technology addresses this demand, allowing the introduction of small labeling sites, in the form of uniquely reactive noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs), at any residue in a target protein. However, low incorporation efficiency of ncAAs and high background fluorescence limit its current SRM applications. Redirecting the subcellular localization of the pyrrolysine‐based GCE system for click chemistry, combined with DNA‐PAINT microscopy, enables the visualization of even low‐abundance proteins inside mammalian cells. This approach links a versatile, biocompatible, and potentially unbleachable labeling method with residue‐specific precision. Moreover, our reengineered GCE system eliminates untargeted background fluorescence and substantially boosts the expression yield, which is of general interest for enhanced protein engineering in eukaryotes using GCE.     

有机染料及其在染料敏化太阳电池中的应用

在染料敏化太阳电池中,染料敏化剂分成无机染料与有机染料两大类。无机染料受稀有金属钌的制约而成本较高,开发有机染料是降低染料敏化太阳电池成本的有效手段,成为目前研究的热点。本文从有机染料敏化剂的分子设计入手,简述了染料敏化太阳电池中有机染料敏化剂的基本结构,将有机染料敏化剂分为吲哚啉类染料、香豆素类染料、三苯胺类染料、菁...     

Recognizing Hybrid/Mixed G-quadruplex in Human Telomeres by Using a Cyanine Dye Supramolecule with Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy

Single‐stranded telomeric DNA tends to form a four‐base‐paired planar structure termed G‐quadruplex. Although kinds of G‐quadruplex structures in vitro have been documented in the presence of potassium or sodium, recognition of these DNA motifs (both in vitro and in vivo) is still an important issue in understanding the biological function of the G‐quadruplex structures in telomeres as well as developing anticancer agents. Herein we address this important question through the distinctive properties of a supramolecular system of cyanine dye 3,3′‐di(3‐sulfopropyl)‐4,5,4′,5′‐dibenzo‐9‐methyl‐thiacarbocyanine triethylammonium salt (MTC) upon binding to different DNA motifs. Interaction of MTC with hybrid/mixed G‐quadruplex results in a set of unique spectrophotometric signatures which are completely different from those arising from binding to other DNA motifs. Furthermore, such feature could be extended to map the locations of DNAs on interface. Linear duplex and mixed G‐quadruplex in human telomeres assembled on Au film and stained by MTC were directly recognized by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). All results suggested that MTC supramolecular system may be a good probe of specific G‐quadruplex structure.     

A Phosphole Oxide Based Fluorescent Dye with Exceptional Resistance to Photobleaching: A Practical Tool for Continuous Imaging in STED Microscopy

The development of stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy represented a major breakthrough in cellular and molecular biology. However, the intense laser beams required for both excitation and STED usually provoke rapid photobleaching of fluorescent molecular probes, which significantly limits the performance and practical utility of STED microscopy. We herein developed a photoresistant fluorescent dye C‐Naphox as a practical tool for STED imaging. With excitation using either a λ=405 or 488 nm laser in protic solvents, C‐Naphox exhibited an intense red/orange fluorescence (quantum yield Φ_F>0.7) with a large Stokes shift (circa 5900 cm^?1). Even after irradiation with a Xe lamp (300 W, λ_ex=460 nm, full width at half maximum (FWHM)=11 nm) for 12 hours, 99.5 % of C‐Naphox remained intact. The high photoresistance of C‐Naphox allowed repeated STED imaging of HeLa cells. Even after recording 50 STED images, 83 % of the initial fluorescence intensity persisted.     

Crystallographic Observation of Dynamic Gas Adsorption Sites and Thermal Expansion in a Breathable Fluorous Metal–Organic Framework

Playing accordion : Cooling a single crystal of a microporous fluorous metal–organic framework under ambient atmosphere leads to very large breathing upon gas adsorption, during which multiple N₂ molecules are filled into channels and cages (see picture). While the framework exhibits remarkable positive thermal expansion under vacuum, a gigantic apparent negative thermal expansion takes place when the crystal is exposed to N₂ at ambient pressure.

     

Scanning Electrochemical Cell Microscopy Investigation of Single ZIF‐Derived Nanocomposite Particles as Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Evolution in Alkaline Media

“Single entity” measurements are central for an improved understanding of the function of nanoparticle‐based electrocatalysts without interference arising from mass transfer limitations and local changes of educt concentration or the pH value. We report a scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) investigation of zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF‐67)‐derived Co?N‐doped C composite particles with respect to the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Surmounting the surface wetting issues as well as the potential drift through the use of a non‐interfering Os complex as free‐diffusing internal redox potential standard, SECCM could be successfully applied in alkaline media. SECCM mapping reveals activity differences relative to the number of particles in the wetted area of the droplet landing zone. The turnover frequency (TOF) is 0.25 to 1.5 s^?1 at potentials between 1.7 and 1.8 V vs. RHE, respectively, based on the number of Co atoms in each particle. Consistent values at locations with varying number of particles demonstrates OER performance devoid of macroscopic film effects.     

Phase Transitions,Prominent Dielectric Anomalies,and Negative Thermal Expansion in Three High Thermally Stable Ammonium Magnesium–Formate Frameworks

We present three Mg–formate frameworks, incorporating three different ammoniums: [NH₄][Mg(HCOO)₃] ( 1 ), [CH₃CH₂NH₃][Mg(HCOO)₃] ( 2 ) and [NH₃(CH₂)₄NH₃][Mg₂(HCOO)₆] ( 3 ). They display structural phase transitions accompanied by prominent dielectric anomalies and anisotropic and negative thermal expansion. The temperature‐dependent structures, covering the whole temperature region in which the phase transitions occur, reveal detailed structural changes, and structure–property relationships are established. Compound 1 is a chiral Mg–formate framework with the NH₄⁺ cations located in the channels. Above 255 K, the NH₄⁺ cation vibrates quickly between two positions of shallow energy minima. Below 255 K, the cations undergo two steps of freezing of their vibrations, caused by the different inner profiles of the channels, producing non‐compensated antipolarization. These lead to significant negative thermal expansion and a relaxor‐like dielectric response. In perovskite 2 , the orthorhombic phase below 374 K possesses ordered CH₃CH₂NH₃⁺ cations in the cubic cavities of the Mg–formate framework. Above 374 K, the structure becomes trigonal, with trigonally disordered cations, and above 426 K, another phase transition occurs and the cation changes to a two‐fold disordered state. The two transitions are accompanied by prominent dielectric anomalies and negative and positive thermal expansion, contributing to the large regulation of the framework coupled the order–disorder transition of CH₃CH₂NH₃⁺. For niccolite 3 , the gradually enhanced flipping movement of the middle ethylene of [NH₃(CH₂)₄NH₃]²⁺ in the elongated framework cavity finally leads to the phase transition with a critical temperature of 412 K, and the trigonally disordered cations and relevant framework change, providing the basis for the very strong dielectric dispersion, high dielectric constant (comparable to inorganic oxides), and large negative thermal expansion. The spontaneous polarizations for the low‐temperature polar phases are 1.15, 3.43 and 1.51 μC cm^?2 for 1 , 2 and 3 , respectively, as estimated by the shifts of the cations related to the anionic frameworks. Thermal and variable‐temperature powder X‐ray diffraction studies confirm the phase transitions, and the materials are all found to be thermally stable up to 470 K.     

Interpenetration as a Mechanism for Negative Thermal Expansion in the Metal–Organic Framework Cu3(btb)2 (MOF‐14)

Metal–organic framework materials (MOFs) have recently been shown in some cases to exhibit strong negative thermal expansion (NTE) behavior, while framework interpenetration has been found to reduce NTE in many materials. Using powder and single‐crystal diffraction methods we investigate the thermal expansion behavior of interpenetrated Cu₃(btb)₂ (MOF‐14) and find that it exhibits an anomalously large NTE effect. Temperature‐dependent structural analysis shows that, contrary to other interpenetrated materials, in MOF‐14 the large positive thermal expansion of weak interactions that hold the interpenetrating networks together results in a low‐energy contractive distortion of the overall framework structure, demonstrating a new mechanism for NTE.     

Signal enhancement in laser diode thermal desorption‐triple quadrupole mass spectrometry analysis using microwell surface coatings

Laser‐diode thermal desorption (LDTD) is an ionization source usually coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (QqQMS) and specifically designed for laboratories requiring high‐throughput analysis. It has been observed that surface coatings on LDTD microwell plates can improve the sensitivity of the analysis of small polar molecules. The objective of the present study is to understand and quantify the effect of microwell surface coatings on signal intensity of small organic molecules of clinical, environmental, and forensic interest. Experiments showed that the peak areas of diclofenac, chloramphenicol, salicylic acid, and 11‐nor‐9‐carboxy‐Δ⁹‐tetrahydrocannabinol obtained by LDTD‐QqQMS increased by up to 3 orders of magnitude when using microwells coated with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Tests with different chelating agents and polytetrafluoroethylene as microwell surface coatings showed that nitrilotriacetic acid gave significantly higher peak areas for five out of the nine compounds that showed signal enhancement using chelating agents as coatings. Scanning electron microscopy studies of EDTA‐coated and uncoated microwells showed that analytes deposited in the former formed more uniform and thinner films than in the latter. The enhancement effect of surface coatings in LDTD‐QqQMS was explained mainly by the formation of homogenous and thinner layers of nanocrystals of analytes that are easier to desorb thermally than the layers formed when the analytes dry in direct contact with the bare stainless‐steel surface. Chemisorption of some analytes to the stainless‐steel surface of the microwell plate appeared to be a minor factor. Surface coatings widen the number of compounds analyzable by LDTD‐QqQMS and can also improve sensitivity and limits of detection.     

Further studies on the signal enhancement effect in laser diode thermal desorption‐triple quadrupole mass spectrometry using microwell surface coatings

The laser diode thermal desorption (LDTD) ionization source allows ultrafast and sensitive analysis of small molecules by mass spectrometry. Signal enhancement in LDTD has been observed when coating the surface of sample microwells with a solution of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or nitrilotriacetic acid. Here we present a quantitative analysis of signal enhancement using solutions of diverse commercial proteins (lysozyme, immunoglobulin G, albumin, and fibrinogen) as coatings. Results showed that compounds with polar chemical functions such as carboxylic acid, sulfonyl, and nitro had signal enhancement factors, in most cases higher than 10, when using any of the tested proteins as coating agent. Analysis of variance revealed that immunoglobulin G and fibrinogen gave the best results. However, the signal enhancement factors obtained with these proteins were not superior to those observed with EDTA. To explain the signal enhancement effect of proteins, analysis by scanning electron microscopy of dried samples on the microwell sample plates was carried out. Images showed that salicylic acid, one of the compounds with the highest observed signal enhancement, formed a thick layer when applied directly on the uncoated surface, but it formed small crystals (<1 μm) in the presence of protein or EDTA coatings. Further crystallographic studies using powder X‐ray diffraction showed that the crystalline form of salicylic acid is modified in the presence of EDTA. Salicylic acid when mixed with EDTA had a higher percentage of amorphous phase (38.1%) than without EDTA (23.1%). These results appear to confirm that the diminution of crystal size of analytes and the increase of amorphous phase are implicated in signal enhancement effect observed in LDTD using microwell surface coatings. To design better coatings and completely elucidate the signal enhancement effect in LDTD, more studies are necessary to understand the effects of coatings on the ionization of analytes.     

Photoelectron Properties and Organic Molecules Photodegradation Activity of Titania Nanotubes with CuxO Nanoparticles Heat Treated in Air and Argon

Titania is very famous photocatalyst for decomposition of organic pollutants. Its photocatalytic properties significantly depend on the morphology and chemical composition of the samples. Herein, the TiO₂ nanotubes/Cu_xO nanoheterostructures have been synthesized and the effect of heat treatment performed in molecular atmospheres of air and argon on their photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic properties has been studied. The prepared samples have a higher reaction rate constant compared to TiO₂ nanotubes in the decomposition reaction of methylene blue molecules. It is established that in argon treated nanoheterostructures, the copper oxide is present in two phases, CuO and Cu₂O, while in air treated ones there is only CuO. In the TiO₂ nanotubes/Cu_xO samples, Cu²⁺ ions and molecular O₂⁻ radicals were detected while in TiO₂ nanotubes only carbon dangling bond defects are present. The dynamics of O₂⁻ radicals under illumination are discussed. It was shown that the TiO₂ nanotubes do not exhibit photocatalytic activity under visible light. The mechanism of the photocatalytic reaction on the surface of the TiO₂ nanotubes/Cu_xO samples was proposed. It is assumed that a photocatalytic decomposition of organic molecules under visible light at the surface of the nanoheterostructures under investigation is realized mainly by the reaction of these molecules with photogenerated O₂⁻ radicals. The results obtained are completely original and indicate the high promise of the prepared photocatalysts.