Theory and experiment: The synthesis and drug application of "ON-OFF-ON" fluorescent probes for copper and biothiols detection.

Abnormal copper ions (Cu2+) and biothiols have potential impacts on environmental pollution and human health, so the detection of these substances with high selectivity and sensitivity has become an important research topic. In this study, we designed and synthesized two fluorescent probes (L1 and L2) based on naphthalene and anthracene derivatives that could specifically detect Cu2+ and biothiols. Owing to the paramagnetic effect of Cu2+, the strong fluorescent intensity was quenched after the addition of Cu2+. When biothiols were added to the solution (L-Cu2+), the fluorescence intensity was significantly enhanced and recovered. So, the interaction process was accompanied with "ON-OFF-ON" phenomenon in fluorescent intensity. Two complexes (L-Cu2+) showed low limit of detection for biothiols (Cys was 3.4 ×10-5 M and GSH was 2.0 ×10-5 M) and weak cytotoxicity (< 150 µg/mL). Theoretical investigation analysis revealed that the intramolecular hydrogen bond existed in the structure of probes and the roles of molecular frontier orbitals in molecular interplay. In addition, two probes also showed good applicability in actual drug Atomolan. The GSH content in the tested Atomolan reached over 99.9% of the labeling which was accord with the percentage of pharmacopoeia. Therefore, two probes have the real application value in the detection of Cu2+, biothiols and drug efficacy in various environments.

Difunctional Fluorescent Probes for Iron and Hydrogen Sulfide Detection Based on Diphenyl Derivative.

In order to better monitor the content of Fe3+ and H2S in the biological environment, two new fluorescent probes were designed and synthesized. With the addition of Fe3+, the strong fluorescence emission of two probes was significantly quenched due to the paramagnetic effect of Fe3+. With the further addition of S2-, the fluorescence intensity was quickly restored. Two probes showed high selectivity and strong sensitivity for the detection of Fe3+ and S2-, and the fluorescence intensity "ON-OFF-ON" was accompanied with the interaction process. At the same time, two probes displayed good anti-interference ability which was not interfered by the existence of other ions. In addition, two probes illustrated fast response time to Fe3+, S2- and small cytotoxicity to cells. Therefore, two probes can provide a potential ideal tool for detecting Fe3+ and H2S in organisms and the environment.

Low-Cytotoxicity Fluorescent Probes Based on Anthracene Derivatives for Hydrogen Sulfide Detection.

Owing to the role of H2S in various biochemical processes and diseases, its accurate detection is a major research goal. Three artificial fluorescent probes based on 9-anthracenecarboxaldehyde derivatives were designed and synthesized. Their anion binding capacity was assessed by UV-Vis titration, fluorescence spectroscopy, HRMS, 1HNMR titration, and theoretical investigations. Although the anion-binding ability of compound 1 was insignificant, two compounds 2 and 3, containing benzene rings, were highly sensitive fluorescent probes for HS- among the various anions studied (HS-, F-, Cl-, Br-, I-, AcO-, H2PO4- , SO32- , Cys, GSH, and Hcy). This may be explained by the nucleophilic reaction between HS- and the electron-poor C=C double bond. Due to the presence of a nitro group, compound 3, with a nitrobenzene ring, showed stronger anion binding ability than that of compound 2. In addition, compound 1 had a proliferative effect on cells, and compounds 2 and 3 showed low cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells in the concentration range of 0-150 µg·mL-1. Thus, compounds 2 and 3 can be used as biosensors for the detection of H2S in vivo and may be valuable for future applications.

Synthesis, binding ability, and cell cytotoxicity of fluorescent probes for l-arginine detection based on naphthalene derivatives: Experiment and theory.

Inspired by biological related parts, Schiff base derivatives and functional groups of chemical modification can provide efficient detection method of amino acids. Therefore, we have designed and prepared 4 compounds based on Schiff base derivatives involving ─NO2 , ─OH, and naphthyl group. Results indicated that compound 4 containing 2 nitro groups showed strong sensitivity and high selectivity for arginine (Arg) among normal 18 kinds of standard amino acids (alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, methionine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, arginine, glycine, serine, asparagine, phenylalanine, histidine, tryptophan, proline, lysine, glutamine, and cysteine). Theoretical investigation also approved the strong binding ability of compound 4 for Arg. In addition, compound 4 displayed high combining ability of Arg and low cytotoxicity of MCF-7 cell in the 0 to 150 µg mL-1 of concentration range; it can be used for Arg in vivo detection of fluorescent probe.

Synthesis and cytotoxicity of azo nano-materials as new biosensors for L-Arginine determination.

Inspired from biological counterparts, chemical modification of azo derivatives with function groups may provide a highly efficient method to detect amino acid. Herein, we have designed and prepared a series of azo nano-materials involving -NO2, -COOH, -SO3H and naphthyl group, which showed high response for Arginine (Arg) among normal twenty kinds of (Alanine, Valine, Leucine, Isoleucine, Methionine, Aspartic acid, Glutamic acid, Arginine, Glycine, Serine, Threonine, Asparagine, Phenylalanine, Histidine, Tryptophan, Proline, Lysine, Glutamine, Tyrosine and Cysteine). Furthermore, theoretical investigation further illustrated the possible binding mode in the host-guest interaction and the roles of molecular frontier orbitals in molecular interplay. In addition, nano-material 3 exhibited high binding ability for Arg and low cytotoxicity to KYSE450 cells over a concentration range of 5-50µmol·L(-1) which may be used a biosensor for the Arg detection in vivo.