A benzocoumarin-based fluorescent probe for ultra-sensitive and fast detection of endogenous/exogenous hypochlorous acid and its applications.

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is widely used in daily production and life because of its green and strongly oxidizing properties. Additionally, as a vital reactive oxygen species (ROS), it is an innate immune system weapon and performs a critical function in many pathophysiology processes. In this paper, a novel water-soluble fluorescent probe, BMH, with excellent performance is designed and synthesized by simple condensation of benzocoumarin and 2-mercaptoethanol. BMH has specific selectivity, excellent sensitivity, ultra-fast response (<3 s), and a wide pH detection range. The fluorescence intensity of BMH has an excellent linear correlation with the concentration of HOCl in the scope of 0-10 µM, and the calculated detection limit (DL) is 2.45 nM. The intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) sensing mechanism of BL has been verified by fluorescence, UV, and MS studies as well as density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Furthermore, BMH can be incorporated into a solid-state visual sensor to detect HOCl conveniently. BMH was applied to detect HOCl-spiked actual water samples and achieved satisfying recovery rates. Also, the low-toxicity BMH can be successfully used to track changes in endogenous/exogenous HOCl in living cells. In short, BL provides a robust and reliable monitoring tool to reveal the biological functions of HOCl and ensure its safe use.

A Novel Chromone Schiff-Base Fluorescent Chemosensor for Cd(II) Based on C=N Isomerization.

A new chromone Schiff-base fluorescent probe 7'-methoxychromone-3'-methylidene-1,2,4-triazole-3-imine (L) was designed and synthesized for selective recognition Cd(2+). With the fluorescence titration and the ESI-MS data, we reach the conclusion that the binding mode of the ligand-metal (L-Cd (2+) ) complex is 1:1. The sensor showed a strong fluorescence enhancement in ethanol system of Cd(2+) (excitation 409 nm and emission 462 nm) and the sensing mechanism based on the fact that C=N isomerization can be used to explain this phenomenon.

A Chromone-Derived Schiff-Base Ligand as Al(3+) "Turn on" Fluorescent Sensor: Synthesis and Spectroscopic Properties.

In this study, a novel chromone-derived Schiff-base ligand called 6-Hydroxy-3-formylchromone (2'-furan formyl) hydrazone (HCFH) has been designed and synthesized as a "turn on" fluorescent sensor for Al(3+). This sensor HCFH showed high selectivity and sensitivity towards Al(3+) over other metal ions investigated, and most metal ions had nearly no influences on the fluorescence response of HCFH to Al(3+). Additionally, the significant enhancement by about 171-fold in fluorescence emission intensity at 502 nm was observed in the presence of Al(3+) in ethanol, and it was due to the chelation-enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) effect upon complexation of HCFH with Al(3+) which inhibited the photoinduced electron transfer (PET) phenomenon from the Schiff-base nitrogen atom to chromone group. Moreover, this sensor formed a 1 : 1 complex with Al(3+) and the fluorescence response of HCFH to Al(3+) was nearly completed within 1 min. Thus, this sensor HCFH could be used to detect and recognize Al(3+) for real-time detection.

Triple-Emitting Dumbbell Fluorescent Nanoprobe for Multicolor Detection and Imaging Applications.

The combination of different fluorescent species into one nanostructure to develop fluorescent nanoparticles with multiple emission signatures by a single wavelength excitation has become a very popular research area in the field of multiplex bioanalysis, diagnostics, and multicolor imaging. However, these novel hybrids must be elaborately designed to ensure that the unique properties of each component are conveyed, i.e., fluorescent species and nanoparticles, and are maximized without serious interactions with each other. Herein, a first triple-fluorescence dumbbell nanoprobe with large Stokes shift based on incorporating fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and lanthanide complexes onto Au-Fe3O4 NPs was synthesized. This hybrid displays well-resolved triple fluorescence emission, with FITC at 515 nm, Tb(III) complex at 545 nm, and Eu(III) complex at 616 nm under a single-excitation wavelength and is used for highly selective and sensitive colorimetric detection of Cu(2+) with a detection limit of 30 nM. Under different Cu(2+) concentrations, this hybrid exhibited distinguishable multiple colors under UV light, and the color could change in the presence of different concentrations of Cu(2+). This sensor for ratio/multianalyte microscopic imaging of Cu(2+) in HeLa cells and BHK cells was also demonstrated. Target molecules, such as folic acid, can be covalently attached to the fluorescent nanoparticle surface to serve as an effective probe for simultaneous multicolor imaging folate receptor-overexpressing HeLa cell lines in vitro.

Palladium nanoparticles bonded to two-dimensional iron oxide graphene nanosheets: a synergistic and highly reusable catalyst for the Tsuji-Trost reaction in water and air.

Low cost, high activity and selectivity, convenient separation, and increased reusability are the main requirements for noble-metal-nanocatalyst-catalyzed reactions. Despite tremendous efforts, developing noble-metal nanocatalysts to meet the above requirements remains a significant challenge. Here we present a general strategy for the preparation of strongly coupled Fe(3)O(4) and palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) to graphene sheets by employing polyethyleneimine as the coupling linker. Transmission electron microscopic images show that Pd and Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles are highly dispersed on the graphene surface, and the mean particle size of Pd is around 3 nm. This nanocatalyst exhibits synergistic catalysis by Pd nanoparticles supported on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and a tertiary amine of polyethyleneimine (Pd/Fe(3)O(4)/PEI/rGO) for the Tsuji-Trost reaction in water and air. For example, the reaction of ethyl acetoacetate with allyl ethyl carbonate afforded the allylated product in more than 99 % isolated yield, and the turnover frequency reached 2200 h(-1). The yield of allylated products was 66 % for Pd/rGO without polyethyleneimine. The catalyst could be readily recycled by a magnet and reused more than 30 times without appreciable loss of activity. In addition, only about 7.5 % of Pd species leached off after 20 cycles, thus rendering this catalyst safer for the environment.

A highly selective turn-on fluorescent chemosensor for zinc ion in aqueous media.

In the paper, a novel rhodamine6G based fluorescent chemosensor bearing 3-carbaldehyde chromone was designed and synthesized. According to the fluorescence behavior toward several metal ions, it showed highly selectivity and sensitivity to Zn(II) over other commonly coexistent metal ions (Cu(II), Cd(II), Hg(II), Mg(II), K(I), Pb(II), Fe(III) and Cr(III)) in aqueous environment (pH = 7.4). Meanwhile the binding constant between Zn(II) and chemosensor achieved 6.21 × 10(11) M(-1) in aqueous media. Moreover, according to the Job plot, 1:1 stoichiometry between Zn(II) and sensor was deduced in aqueous media (pH = 7.4). The good selectivity and sensitivity in aqueous media effectively enhanced the application value of the fluorescent chemosensor for Zn(II).

Synthesis, characterization, DNA binding properties and antioxidant activity of Ln(III) complexes with Schiff base ligand derived from 3-carbaldehyde chromone and aminophenazone.

A novel Schiff base ligand, chromone-3-carbaldehyde-aminophenazone (L) and its Ln(III) (Ln = La, Yb) complexes were synthesized and characterized by physicochemical methods. The interaction between the ligand, Ln(III) complexes and calf thymus DNA in physiological buffer (pH=7.10) was investigated by using UV-vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectra, ethidium bromide experiments and viscosity measurements, indicating that the studied compounds can all bind to DNA via an intercalation binding mode and the complexes have stronger binding affinity than the free ligand alone. Furthermore, antioxidant activity of the ligand and its complexes was determined by superoxide and hydroxyl radical scavenging methods in vitro, suggesting that Ln(III) complexes inhibit stronger antioxidant activity than the ligand alone and some standard antioxidants, such as mannitol and vitamin C.

Rare earth complexes with 3-carbaldehyde chromone-(benzoyl) hydrazone: synthesis, characterization, DNA binding studies and antioxidant activity.

A new ligand, 3-carbaldehyde chromone-(benzoyl) hydrazone (L), was prepared by condensation of 3-carbaldehyde chromone with benzoyl hydrazine. Its four rare earth complexes have been prepared and characterized on the basis of elemental analyses, molar conductivities, mass spectra, (1)H NMR spectra, UV-vis spectra, fluorescence studies and IR spectra. The Sm(III) complex exhibits red fluorescence under UV light and the fluorescent properties of Sm(III) complex in solid state and different solutions were investigated. In addition, the DNA binding properties of the ligand and its complexes have been investigated by electronic absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectra, ethidium bromide displacement experiments, iodide quenching experiments, salt effect and viscosity measurements. Experimental results suggest that all the compounds can bind to DNA via an intercalation binding mode. Furthermore, the antioxidant activities of the ligand and its complexes were determined by superoxide and hydroxyl radical scavenging methods in vitro. The rare earth complexes were found to possess potent antioxidant activities that are better than those of the ligand alone.

Synthesis, characterization, DNA binding properties, fluorescence studies and antioxidant activity of transition metal complexes with hesperetin-2-hydroxy benzoyl hydrazone.

A novel Schiff-base ligand (H(5)L), hesperetin-2-hydroxy benzoyl hydrazone, and its copper (II), zinc (II) and nickel (II) complexes (M.H(3)L) [M(II) = Cu, Zn, Ni], have been synthesized and characterized. The ligand and Zn (II) complex exhibit green and blue fluorescence under UV light and the fluorescent properties of the ligand and Zn (II) complex in solid state and different solutions were investigated. In addition, DNA binding properties of the ligand and its metal complexes have been investigated by electronic absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectra, ethidium bromide displacement experiments, iodide quenching experiments, salt effect and viscosity measurements. Results suggest that all the compounds bind to DNA via an intercalation binding mode. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of the ligand and its metal complexes was determined by superoxide and hydroxyl radical scavenging methods in vitro. The metal complexes were found to possess potent antioxidant activity and be better than the free ligand alone and some standard antioxidants like vitamin C and mannitol.

Two similar Schiff-base receptor based quinoline derivate: Highly selective fluorescent probe for Zn(II).

As is known, Zn2+ plays a vital role in a variety of biological processes but excessive exposure of Zn2+ to human beings can cause toxicity, inducing a series of overt poisoning symptoms and neurodegenerative disorders. Thus, we designed and synthesized two quinoline-derived Schiff-bases HL1 and HL2, and investigated the fluorescence emission responses of these two Schiff-bases to various metal ions. A significant enhancement in fluorescence emission band centered at 450 nm was observed in the ethanolic solution of HL1 with addition of Zn2+, while remarkably lower fluorescence emission enhancement was obtained in the case of HL2 in which one methyl group was introduced to the azomethine carbon. In addition, HL1 showed good selectivity and high sensitivity towards Zn2+ in the existence of other various interfering metal ions, and the reversibility and regeneration of HL1 were also perfect for extending its applications in environmental and biological systems. Therefore, HL1 could be identified as a fluorescent probe for sensing Zn2+ environmentally and biologically.

Study on synthesis and fluorescence property of rhodamine-naphthalene conjugate.

In this study, a novel ligand (HL) consisting of 2-methyl quinoline-4-carboxylic acid, rhodamine and naphthalene moiety, was designed and synthesized, it could be developed a ratiometric fluorescent sensor for selective detection of Al3+ via fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) from naphthalimide moiety to rhodamine moiety. The addition of Al3+ trigger the significant fluorescence enhancement of HL at 550 nm at the expense of the fluorescent emission of HL centered at 524 nm.

Synthesis, characterization and DNA-binding properties of Ln(III) complexes with 6-ethoxy chromone-3-carbaldehyde benzoyl hydrazone.

A novel 6-ethoxy chromone-3-carbaldehyde benzoyl hydrazone (L) and its Ln(III) complexes, [Ln = Sm (1), Eu (2), Gd (3), Tb (4)], have been synthesized and characterized. The fluorescence properties of the Eu(III) and Sm(III) complexes in solid state and Eu(III) complex in different solutions (DMF, DMSO, methanol and acetonitrile) were investigated. At the same time, the DNA-binding properties of the two complexes are investigated using UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, viscosity measurement. All the experimental evidences indicate that the two complexes can bind to CT-DNA via an intercalation mechanism. Furthermore, antioxidant activity tests in vitro showed that the complexes have significant antioxidative activity against hydroxyl free radicals from the Fenton reaction.

Fluorescence and biological evaluation of the La(III) and Eu(III) complexes with 7-methoxychromone-3-carbaldehyde benzoyl hydrazone Schiff base.

A novel Schiff base ligand (L = 7-methoxychromone-3-carbaldehyde benzoyl hydrazone) and its La(III) and Eu(III) complexes have been successfully prepared. The crystal structure of [LaL(2)(NO(3))(3)].H(2)O was characterized by X-ray crystallography. It crystallizes in monoclinic, space group C2/c with crystallographic data: a = 27.7173(17) A, b = 10.0002(6) A, c = 14.7884(9) A, beta = 102.6870(10) degrees and Z = 4. In the structure, the La(III) ion satisfies 12 coordination and three nitrate coordinate as bidentate ligand. The biological experiments show that the ligand and its two complexes can strongly bind to DNA through intercalation mode, and the three compounds also exhibit good antioxidant activities against OH(*) and O(2) (-*). Moreover, it is found that the Eu(III) complex exhibits characteristic fluorescence of europium ion in different organic solvent.

Crystal structures, antioxidation and DNA binding properties of Yb(III) complexes with Schiff-base ligands derived from 8-hydroxyquinoline-2-carbaldehyde and four aroylhydrazines.

X-ray crystal and other structural analyses indicate that Yb(III) and all four newly synthesized ligands can form a binuclear Yb(III) complex with a 1:1 metal to ligand stoichiometry by octacoordination at the Yb(III) center. Investigations of DNA binding properties show that all the ligands and Yb(III) complexes can bind to Calf thymus DNA through intercalations with the binding constants at the order of magnitude 10(5)-10(7) M(-1), but Yb(III) complexes present stronger affinities to DNA than ligands. All the ligands and Yb(III) complexes may be used as potential anticancer drugs. Investigations of antioxidation properties show that all the ligands and Yb(III) complexes have strong scavenging effects for hydroxyl radicals and superoxide radicals but Yb(III) complexes show stronger scavenging effects for hydroxyl radicals than ligands.

Crystal structures, DNA-binding studies and antioxidant activities of the Ln(III) complexes with 7-methoxychromone- 3-carbaldehyde-isonicotinoyl hydrazone.

The neutral mononuclear Ln(III) complexes (Ln = La, Sm) with 7-methoxychrom-one-3-carbaldehyde-isonicotinoyl hydrazone ligand (L) have been synthesized, characterized and investigated their interactions with calf-thymus DNA. The results show that the binding affinity of the La(III) complex is stronger than that of the Sm(III) complex and that of the ligand (L). Furthermore, the antioxidant activities of the ligand (L) and its Ln(III) complexes (Ln = La, Sm) were studied in detail.

A Schiff-base receptor based chromone derivate: Highly selective fluorescent and colorimetric probe for Al(III).

Upon excitation of the visible light, probes show colorimetric and fluorescent responses to the specific metal ion, which can be easily detected by the naked eye. Owing to the excitation of the visible light at 423 nm, a novel and simple Schiff-base receptor based chromone derivative called 7-methoxychromone-3-carbaldehyde-(indole-3-formyl) hydrazone (MCIH2) had been investigated as a selective and sensitive probe for Al3+ with colorimetric and fluorescent responses. Upon addition of Al3+ to compound MCIH2 solution, compound MCIH2 could respond to Al3+ with a good selective colorimetric signal, which was easily observed from colorless to yellow-green by the naked eye. Furthermore, a remarkable fluorescence emission enhancement with an "OFF-ON" signal by over 700-fold was triggered, but other various metal ions had no such significant effects on the fluorescence emission. In addition, the detection limit of compound MCIH2 for recognizing Al3+ was evaluated to be as low as 1 × 10-7 M level, which was sufficiently low for sensing Al3+ widely distributed in various environmental and biological systems.

pH controlled release of chromone from chromone-Fe3O4 nanoparticles.

We report a new strategy for coupling chromone to Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The chromone-Fe3O4 NP conjugate shows a dramatic increase in chromone solubility in cell culture medium from less than 2.5 to 633 microg/ml, leading to the enhanced chromone uptake by HeLa cells. Chromone can be released at low pH and as a result, the chromone-Fe3O4 conjugate is much more efficient in inhibiting the HeLa cell proliferation. Such chromone-Fe3O4 NPs are promising as a powerful multifunctional delivery system for both chromone-based diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Interaction of curcumin with intravenous immunoglobulin: a fluorescence quenching and Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy study.

The interaction of curcumin with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) mainly composed of immune gamma globulin (IgG) was studied in vitro by spectroscopic methods including fluorescence spectroscopy and Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Docking was used to calculate the interaction mode between curcumin and IVIG. The binding parameters for the reaction were calculated according to the Sips equation, which suggested that the binding of IVIG to curcumin was characterized by two binding sites with the average affinity constant K(o) at 1.170 x 10(4) M(-1) (296 K), and it was a non-specific and weak drug-protein interaction. The secondary structure compositions of free IVIG and its curcumin complexes were calculated by the FTIR difference spectra, self-deconvolution, second derivative resolution enhancement and the curve-fitting procedures of amide I band. The observed spectral changes indicate a partial unfolding of the protein structure, but the typical beta structural conformation of IVIG is still retained. The average binding distance between curcumin and the chromophore of IVIG (5.57 nm) was obtained using the theory of Förster energy transfer. IVIG can serve as transport protein (carrier) for curcumin.

Interaction of Taxol with intravenous immunoglobulin: an inhibition of Taxol from crystallizing in aqueous solution.

The interaction of anti-cancer drug Taxol (paclitaxel) with human intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) was studied under simulated physiological conditions in vitro by spectroscopic methods including fluorescence spectra and Fourier transformation infrared (FT-IR) difference spectra. Docking was used to calculate the interaction modes between Taxol with IVIG. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) experiments were carried out to investigate the formation of aggregate and crystal of Taxol in aqueous solution. The binding parameters were calculated according to the Sips procedure. The Taxol-IVIG complexes showed two types of binding with the average affinity constant of 1.776 x 10(4)+/-1.16 M(-1) (n=2, 296 K) and 0.7386 x 10(4)+/-1.18 M(-1) (n=4, 296 K). The molecules of Taxol were mainly located in CDR of Fab regions and Fc regions of IgG. The interaction of IVIG with Taxol was of non-specific and weak drug-protein binding, and it could inhibit Taxol from crystallizing in aqueous solution when the molar concentration ratio of Taxol to IVIG did not exceed 15:1. The content of secondary structure compositions of free IVIG and its Taxol complexes were calculated by the FT-IR difference spectra with its self-deconvolution, second derivative resolution enhancement and the curve-fitting procedures of amide I band. The observed FT-IR spectral changes indicated a partial unfolding of the protein structure in the presence of Taxol in aqueous solution. IVIG can serve as a transport protein (carrier) for Taxol.

Synthesis, characterization and DNA-binding properties of four Zn(II) complexes with bis(pyrrol-2-yl-methyleneamine) ligands.

A novel series of bis(pyrrol-2-yl-methyleneamine) ligands H2L(n) (n = 1-4) were synthesized via condensation of diamines with two equivalents of 2-formyl-pyrrole (2). Their Zn(II) complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, mass spectra and IR spectra. The crystal structures of [ZnL(1)]2 and [ZnL(4)]2 obtained from ethanol solution was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis, each of them possesses a double-stranded helical geometry. In addition, the DNA-binding properties of the compounds have been fully investigated by absorption, fluorescence and viscosity measurements.