Functional chromophores synthesized via multicomponent Reactions: A review on their use as cell-imaging probes.

This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of recent advancements and applications of fluorescence imaging probes synthesized via MCRs (multicomponent reactions). These probes, also known as functional chromophores, belong to a currently investigated class of fluorophores that are presently being successfully applied in bioimaging experiments, especially in various living cell lineages. We describe some of the MCRs that have been employed in the synthesis of these probes and explore their applications in biological imaging, with an emphasis on cellular imaging. The review also discusses the challenges and future perspectives in the field, particularly considering the potential impact of MCR-based fluorescence imaging probes on advancing this field of research in the coming years. Considering that this area of research is relatively new and nearly a decade has passed since the first publication, this review also provides a historical perspective on this class of fluorophores, highlighting the pioneering works published between 2011 and 2016.

Charge-tagged acetate ligands as mass spectrometry probes for metal complexes investigations: applications in Suzuki and Heck phosphine-free reactions.

An acetate anion bearing an imidazolium cation as its charge tag was reacted with M(OAc)(2) complexes (where M = Ni, Cu, and Pd; in situ reaction) to form members of a new class of charge-tagged metal complexes. The formation of these unprecedented precatalysts with potential for cross-coupling reactions was confirmed by electrospray ionization (and tandem) mass spectrometry. The catalytic performance of the palladium complex was tested in Heck and Suzuki cross-coupling reactions, often with superior activity and yields as compared with Pd(OAc)(2).

On the use of 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole derivatives as selective live cell fluorescence imaging probes.

Newly designed 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole-containing fluorescent probes with four excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) sites were successfully tested in live cell-imaging assays using a confluent monolayer of human stem-cells (tissue). All tested dyes were compared with the commercially available DAPI and gave far better results.

On the selective detection of duplex deoxyribonucleic acids by 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole fluorophores.

A series of 4,7-pi-extended 2,1,3-benzothiadiazoles (BTDs) with different molecular architectures, in particular, the organic dyes based on the 4-(arylethynyl)-7-(4-methoxy)-2,1,3-benzothiazole skeleton, can be used at very low concentrations (down to 10 microM) to detect DNA at 1 ppm in phosphate buffer solutions. Upon binding to DNA, these dyes showed an exponential increase in the fluorescence intensity (hyperchromic effect) and a red shift (1-5 nm) in the long-wavelength emission maxima. Pre-steady state kinetic experiments (stopped-flow) demonstrated the fast dye interaction with the biomacromolecules of DNA with an increase in fluorescence, especially with non-symmetrical BTDs containing an ethynyl spacer. An intercalation model could be proposed based on the photophysical properties, X-ray analysis, and theoretical calculations (ab initio). In this model, the intercalation occurs on the ethynyl side of the BTD, and as a consequence, the PhOMe portion is free to perform the ICT process with the BTD core and stabilizes it in the excited state.

Recent developments in the chemistry of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) intercalators: principles, design, synthesis, applications and trends.

In the present overview, we describe the bases of intercalation of small molecules (cationic and polar neutral compounds) in DNA. We briefly describe the importance of DNA structure and principles of intercalation. Selected syntheses, possibilities and applications are shown to exemplify the importance, drawbacks and challenges in this pertinent, new, and exciting research area. Additionally, some clinical applications (molecular processes, cancer therapy and others) and trends are described.

Steady-state kinetics of indole-3-glycerol phosphate synthase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Indole-3-glycerol phosphate synthase (IGPS) catalyzes the irreversible ring closure of 1-(o-carboxyphenylamino)-1-deoxyribulose 5-phosphate (CdRP), through decarboxylation and dehydration steps, releasing indole-3-glycerol phosphate (IGP), the fourth step in the biosynthesis of tryptophan. This pathway is essential for Mycobacterium tuberculosis virulence. Here we describe the cloning, expression, purification, and kinetic characterization of IGPS from M. tuberculosis. To perform kinetic studies, CdRP was chemically synthesized, purified, and spectroscopically and spectrometrically characterized. CdRP fluorescence was pH-dependent, probably owing to excited-state intramolecular proton transfer. The activation energy was calculated, and solvent isotope effects and proton inventory studies were performed. pH-rate profiles were carried out to probe for acid/base catalysis, showing that a deprotonated residue is necessary for CdRP binding and conversion to IGP. A model to describe a steady-state kinetic sequence for MtIGPS-catalized chemical reaction is proposed.

Ionic liquid supported acid/base-catalyzed production of biodiesel.

The transesterification (alcoholysis) reaction was successfully applied to synthesize biodiesel from vegetable oils using imidazolium-based ionic liquids under multiphase acidic and basic conditions. Under basic conditions, the combination of the ionic liquid 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (BMINTf2), alcohols, and K2CO3 (40 mol %) results in the production of biodiesel from soybean oil in high yields (>98%) and purity. H2SO4 immobilized in BMINTf2 efficiently promotes the transesterification reaction of soybean oil and various primary and secondary alcohols. In this multiphase process the acid is almost completely retained in the ionic liquid phase, while the biodiesel forms a separate phase. The recovered ionic liquid containing the acid could be reused at least six times without any significant loss in the biodiesel yield or selectivity. In both catalytic processes (acid and base), the reactions proceed as typical multiphasic systems in which the formed biodiesel accumulates as the upper phase and the glycerol by-product is selectively captured by the alcohol-ionic liquid-acid/base phase. Classical ionic liquids such as 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate and hexafluorophosphate are not stable under these acidic or basic conditions and decompose.

New sensitive fluorophores for selective DNA detection.

4,7-Disubstituted benzothiadiazoles containing 1-arylethynyl and 4-methoxyphenyl groups are selective photoluminescent "light up" probes to duplex DNA with unprecedented sensibility in both spectrophotometric and spectrofluorimetric measurements.