Selective Detection of Mg2+ for Sensing Applications in Drinking Water.

A new series of ligands containing the 2-(2-hydroxy-3- naphthyl)-4-methylbenzoxazole (HNBO) fluorophore showed selectivity for Mg2+ ions, without the interference of Ca2+ . The most promising representative L3 resulted the best performing sensor for Mg2+ both in solution and embedded in an all-solid-state optode, especially towards real samples of drinkable water.

Synthesis and biological characterization of a new fluorescent probe for vesicular trafficking based on polyazamacrocycle derivative.

The fluorescent probes represent an important tool in the biological study, in fact characterization of cellular structures and organelles are an important tool-target for understanding the mechanisms regulating most biological processes. Recently, a series of polyamino-macrocycles based on 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane was synthesized, bearing one or two NBD units (AJ2NBD·4HCl) useful as sensors for metal cations and halides able to target and to detect apolar environment, as lipid membranes. In this paper, we firstly illustrate the chemical synthesis of the AJ2NBD probe, its electronic absorption spectra and its behavior regarding pH of the environment. Lack of any cellular toxicity and an efficient labelling on fresh, living cells was demonstrated, allowing the use of AJ2NBD in biological studies. In particular, this green fluorescent probe may represent a potential dye for the compartments involved in the endosomal/autophagic pathway. This research's field should benefit from the use of AJ2NBD as a vesicular tracer, however, to ensure the precise nature of vesicles/vacuoles traced by this new probe, other more specific tests are needed.

A Metal-Based Receptor for Selective Coordination and Fluorescent Sensing of Chloride.

A scorpionate Zn2+ complex, constituted by a macrocyclic pyridinophane core attached to a pendant arm containing a fluorescent pyridyl-oxadiazole-phenyl unit (PyPD), has been shown to selectively recognize chloride anions, giving rise to changes in fluorescence emission that are clearly visible under a 365 nm UV lamp. This recognition event has been studied by means of absorption, fluorescence, and NMR spectroscopy, and it involves the intramolecular displacement of the PyPD unit by chloride anions. Moreover, since the chromophore is not removed from the system after the recognition event, the fluorescence can readily be restored by elimination of the bound chloride anion.

Elaborated study of Cu(II) carbosilane metallodendrimers bearing substituted iminopyridine moieties as antitumor agents.

Iminopyridine-decorated carbosilane metallodendrimers have recently emerged as a promising strategy in the treatment of cancer diseases. Their unique features such as the nanometric size, the multivalent nature and the structural perfection offer an extraordinary platform to explore structure-to-property relationships. Herein, we showcase the outstanding impact on the antitumor activity of a parameter not explored before: the iminopyridine substituents in meta position. New Cu(II) carbosilane metallodendrimers, bearing methyl or methoxy substituents in the pyridine ring, were synthesized and thoroughly characterized. Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) was exploited to unveil the properties of the metallodendrimers. This study confirmed the presence of different coordination modes of the Cu(II) ion (Cu-N2O2, Cu-N4 and Cu-O4), whose ratios were determined by the structural features of the dendritic molecules. These metallodendrimers exhibited IC50 values in the low micromolar range (<6 µM) in tumor cell lines such as HeLa and MCF-7. The subsequent in vitro assays on both healthy (PBMC) and tumor (U937) myeloid cells revealed two key facts which improved the cytotoxicity and selectivity of the metallodrug: First, maximizing the Cu-N2O2 coordination mode; second, adequately selecting the pair ring-substituent/metal-counterion. The most promising candidates, G1(-CH3)Cl (8) and G1(-OCH3)NO3(17), exhibited a substantial increase in the antitumor activity in U937 tumor cells, compared to the non-substituted counterparts, probably through two different ROS-production pathways.

Zn(ii) detection and biological activity of a macrocycle containing a bis(oxadiazole)pyridine derivative as fluorophore.

The synthesis, photochemical properties, biological effects and the X-ray crystal structure of a fluorescent polyamine macrocycle L are reported. L is a polyamine cyclophane macrocycle in which 2,6-bis(5-(2-methylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)pyridine (POXAPy) acts as a fluorescent sensor and the polyamine as a metal ion binding unit. L performs as a PET-mediated chemosensor, with a maximum emission wavelength close to 360 nm. This gives rise to a signal that is visible to the naked eye in the blue visible range. L is able to detect the Zn(ii) and Cd(ii) metal ions in an aqueous solution at pH = 7, with the coordination of the ions switching the emission ON through a CHEF effect. In contrast, paramagnetic metal ions like Cu(ii) and Ni(ii) completely quench the already low emission of L at this pH value. L affects the cell survival of a leukemic cellular model (U937) at micromolar concentrations with cell death starting after only 24 h of exposure; starting from a final concentration of 5 µM, L almost completely abrogates the survival of the leukemic cells over 72 h, with a mechanism that is compatible with a genomic DNA interaction.

Development of long circulating magnetic particle imaging tracers: use of novel magnetic nanoparticles and entrapment into human erythrocytes.

Aim: Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) is highly promising for biomedical applications, but optimal tracers for MPI, namely superparamagnetic iron oxide-based contrast agents, are still lacking. Materials & methods: The encapsulation of commercially available nanoparticles, specifically synomag®-D and perimag®, into human red blood cells (RBCs) was performed by a hypotonic dialysis and isotonic resealing procedure. The amounts of superparamagnetic iron oxide incorporated into RBCs were determined by Fe quantification using nuclear magnetic resonance and magnetic particle spectroscopy. Results: Perimag-COOH nanoparticles were identified as the best nanomaterial for encapsulation in RBCs. Perimag-COOH-loaded RBCs proved to be viable cells showing a good magnetic particle spectroscopy performance, while the magnetic signal of synomag-D-COOH-loaded RBCs dropped sharply. Conclusion: Perimag-COOH-loaded RBCs could be a potential tool for MPI diagnostic applications.

Playing with Structural Parameters: Synthesis and Characterization of Two New Maltol-Based Ligands with Binding and Antineoplastic Properties.

Two maltol-based ligands, N,N'-bis((3-hydroxy-4-pyron-2-yl)methyl)-1,4-piperazine (L1) and N,N',N'-tris((3-hydroxy-4-pyron-2-yl)methyl)-N-methylethylendiamine (L2), were synthesized and characterized. L1 and L2, containing, respectively, two and three maltol units spaced by a diamine fragment, were designed to evaluate how biological and binding features are affected by structural modifications of the parent compound malten. The acid-base behavior and the binding properties towards transition, alkaline-earth (AE) and rare-earth (RE) cations in aqueous solution, studied by potentiometric, UV-Vis and NMR analysis, are reported along with biological studies on DNA and leukemia cells. Both ligands form stable complexes with Cu(II), Zn(II) and Co(II) that were studied as metallo-receptors for AE and RE at neutral pH. L1 complexes are more affected than L2 ones by hard cations, the L1-Cu(II) system being deeply affected by RE. The structural modifications altered the mechanism of action: L1 partially maintains the ability to induce structural alterations of DNA, while L2 provokes single strand (nicks) and to a lesser extent double strand breaks of DNA.

Zn2+ and Cu2+ complexes of a fluorescent scorpiand-type oxadiazole azamacrocyclic ligand: crystal structures, solution studies and optical properties.

A ligand comprised of a macrocyclic pyridinophane core having a pendant arm containing a secondary amine group linked through a methylene spacer to a pyridyl-oxadiazole-phenyl (PyPD) fluorescent system has been prepared (L). The crystal structures of [ZnL](ClO4)2 and [CuL](ClO4)2 show that M2+ is coordinated to all the nitrogen atoms of the macrocyclic core, the secondary amine of the pendant arm and the nitrogen atom of the pyridine group of the fluorescent moiety, the latter bond being clearly weaker than the one with the pyridine of the macrocycle. Solution studies showed the formation of a highly stable Cu2+ complex with 1 : 1 stoichiometry, whereas with Zn2+ least stable complexes were formed and, given the right conditions, a [Zn3L2]6+ species was also detected, but it was not possible to isolate this species in the solid state. Following Zn2+ coordination, a strong chelation-induced enhancement of fluorescence was observed, a behaviour that was not observed with any of the other metal cations tested.

A Biphenol-Based Chemosensor for Zn(II) and Cd(II) Metal Ions: Synthesis, Potentiometric Studies, and Crystal Structures.

We synthesized and characterized the ligand N,N'-bis[(2,2'-dihydroxybiphen-3-yl)methyl]-N,N'-dimethylethylenediamine (L), which contains two biphenol moieties linked as side arms to an N,N'-dimethylethylenediamine scaffold. The ligand is highly soluble in a 50/50 (v/v) water/ethanol mixture and, in its deprotonated form H-2L(2-), is able to coordinate transition-metal ions such as Ni(II), Zn(II), Cu(II), Cd(II), and Pd(II). The crystal structures of [Ni(H-2L)·2n-BuOH], [Ni(H-2L)·2MeOH], [Cd(H-2L)·2DMF], [Cu(H-2L)(DMF)], and [Pd(H-2L)(DMF)] were also determined and described. Potentiometric titrations were carried out in a mixed solvent with Zn(II), Cu(II), and Ni(II) metal ions to determine the acid-base and stability constants. L was highly fluorescent in the visible range (400 nm). Moreover, its emission intensity increased upon the addition of Zn(II) or Cd(II) ions in an ethanol/water solution and behaved as a chemosensor for the presence of these ions in the solution.

PdII and PtII complexes with a thio-aza macrocycle ligand containing an intercalating fragment: Structural and antitumor activity studies.

Two new PtII and PdII complexes of formula [LMCl2] (M=Pt, Pd) were synthesized and characterized both in solution and solid state. They were obtained using the thio-aza macrocycle 9,18-dimethyl-12,17dithia-9,18,27,28-tetraaaza-29-oxatetracyclo[24.2.1.02,7.020,25]enneicosa-2,4,6,20,22,24,26,281-octaene (L) containing the 2,5-diphenyl [1, 3, 4]oxadiazole as intercalating fragment. MII is coordinated in cis-position by the two S atoms of L. The two crystal structures of [LPtCl2] and [LPdCl2] complexes showed that the MII ion is located outside the macrocyclic cavity. The square planar coordination sphere is fulfilled by two chloride anions in a cisplatin-like arrangement with the chloride leaving groups exposed to the environment. The biological activity of both [LPtCl2] and [LPdCl2], monitored towards a leukemic cellular model (U937), is coherent with their ability to interfere, at different levels, with the DNA structure.

A preorganized metalloreceptor for alkaline earth ions showing calcium versus magnesium selectivity in water: biological activity of selected metal complexes.

The N,N'-bis[(3-hydroxy-4-pyron-2-yl)methyl]-N,N'-dimethylethylendiamine (Malten = L) forms the highly stable [CuH(-2)L] species in water, in which the converging maltol oxygen atoms form an electron-rich area able to host hard metal ions. When considering the alkaline earth series (AE), the [Cu(H(-2)L)] species binds all metal ions, with the exception of Mg(2+), exhibiting the relevant property to discriminate Ca(2+) versus Mg(2+) at physiological pH 7.4; the binding of the AE metal is visible to the naked eye. The stability constant values of the trinuclear [AE{Cu(H(-2)L)}2](2+) species formed reach the maximum for Ca(2+) (log K=7.7). Ca(2+) also forms a tetranuclear [Ca{Cu(H(-2)L)}]2(4+) species at a high Ca(2+) concentration. Tri- and tetranuclear calcium complexes show blue- and pink-colored crystals, respectively. [Cu(H(-2)L)] is the most active species in inducing DNA alterations. The DNA damages are compatible with its hydrolytic cleavages.

Modulating the sensor response to halide using NBD-based azamacrocycles.

Ligand L (2,6-bis{[7-(7-nitrobenzo[1,2,5]oxadiazole-4-yl)-3,10-dimethyl-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododeca-1-yl]methyl}phenol) is a fluorescent sensor that is useful for detecting Cu(II), Zn(II), and Cd(II). Some of the complexes formed are able to sense the presence of halides in solution. L passes through the cellular membrane, becoming fluorescent inside cells. The H(-1)L- species is able to form dinuclear complexes with [M(2)H(-1)L]3+ stoichiometry with Cu(II), Zn(II), and Cd(II) ions, experiencing a CHEF effect upon metal coordination in an acetonitrile/water 95:5 (v/v) solution. In all three of the complexes investigated, the metal cations are coordinatively unsaturated and can therefore bind secondary ligands as anionic species. The crystal structure of [Cd(2)(H(-1)L)Cl(2)](ClO(4))·4H(2)O is discussed. The Zn(II) complex behaves as an OFF-ON sensor for fluoride and chloride anions.

Multi-use NBD-based tetra-amino macrocycle: fluorescent probe for metals and anions and live cell marker.

Ligand L (4-(7-nitrobenzo[1,2,5]oxadiazole-4-yl)-1,7-dimethyl-1,4,7,10-tetra-azacyclododecane) is a versatile fluorescent sensor useful for Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) metal detection, as a building block of fluorescent metallo-receptor for halide detection, and as an organelle marker inside live cells. Ligand L undergoes a chelation-enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) effect upon metal coordination in acetonitrile solution. In all three complexes investigated the metal cation is coordinatively unsaturated; thus, it can bind secondary ligands as anionic species. The crystal structure of [ZnLCl](ClO(4)) is discussed. Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes are quenched upon halide interaction, whereas the [CdL](2+) species behaves as an OFF-ON sensor for halide anions in acetonitrile solution. The mechanism of the fluorescence response in the presence of the anion depends on the nature of the metal ion employed and has been studied by spectroscopic methods, such as NMR spectroscopy, UV/Vis and fluorescence techniques and by computational methods. Subcellular localization experiments performed on HeLa cells show that L mainly localizes in spot-like structures in a polarized portion of the cytosol that is occupied by the Golgi apparatus to give a green fluorescence signal.

Synthesis, basicity, structural characterization, and biochemical properties of two [(3-hydroxy-4-pyron-2-yl)methyl]amine derivatives showing antineoplastic features.

The N,N'-bis[(3-hydroxy-4-pyron-2-yl)methyl]-N,N'-dimethylethylendiamine (malten) and 4,10-bis[(3-hydroxy-4-pyron-2-yl)methyl]-1,7-dimethyl-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (maltonis) were synthesized and characterized. The acid-base behavior, structural characterizations, and biochemical studies in aqueous solution were reported. Each compound contains two 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4-pyrone units (maltol) symmetrically spaced by a polyamine fragment, the 1,4-dimethylethylendiamine (malten), or the 1,7-dimethyl-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (maltonis). They are present at physiological pH 7.4 in the form of differently charged species: neutral but in a zwitterion form for malten and monopositive with an internal separation of charges for maltonis. Malten and maltonis are both able to alter the chromatin structure inducing the covalent binding of genomic DNA with proteins, a feature consistent with the known antiproliferative activity exerted by this class of molecules. Solid-state results and MD simulations in water show that malten, because of its molecular topology, should be more prone than maltonis to act as a donor of H-bonds in intermolecular contacts, thus it should give a better noncovalent approach with the negatively charged DNA. Crystal structures of [H(2)malten](2+) and [H(2)maltonis](2+) cations were also reported.

DNA binding and antiproliferative activity toward human carcinoma cells of copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes of a 2,5-diphenyl[1,3,4]oxadiazole derivative.

The interaction of calf thymus DNA with [CuL(ClO(4))]ClO(4)·H(2)O (1) and [ZnLBr]Br·H(2)O (2) (L = 9,12,15,18,27,28-hexaaza-29-oxatetracyclo[24.2.1.0(2,7).0(20,25)]enneicosa-2,4,6,20,22,24,26,28(1)-octaene) dicationic complexes in aqueous solution at neutral pH, was investigated by variable-temperature UV-vis absorption, circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy. The values of the DNA-binding constants of these complexes, determined by competitive binding spectrofluorimetric titrations of ethidium bromide (EB)-DNA solutions, are (6.7 ± 0.5) × 10(6) M(-1) for CuL(2+) and (4.7 ± 0.5) × 10(5) M(-1) for ZnL(2+). These data together with a through analysis of the spectroscopic behaviour consistently suggest that both compounds are effective DNA binders. Interestingly, the DNA-binding strength of these complexes has been found to be correlated to their in vitro cytotoxic activity toward human breast carcinoma cells, although the complex with lower DNA-binding affinity is more active. In fact, biological studies showed that when the compounds are delivered through the cell membrane by a lipidic carrier, the cell survival is sensibly reduced, up to 58% with 1 and to 31% with 2.

A macrocyclic ligand as receptor and Zn(II)-complex receptor for anions in water: binding properties and crystal structures.

Binding properties of 24,29-dimethyl-6,7,15,16-tetraoxotetracyclo[19.5.5.0(5,8).0(14,17)]-1,4,9,13,18,21,24,29-octaazaenatriaconta-Δ(5,8),Δ(14,17)-diene ligand L towards Zn(II) and anions, such as the halide series and inorganic oxoanions (phosphate (Pi), sulfate, pyrophosphate (PPi), and others), were investigated in aqueous solution; in addition, the Zn(II)/L system was tested as a metal-ion-based receptor for the halide series. Ligand L is a cryptand receptor incorporating two squaramide functions in an over-structured chain that connects two opposite nitrogen atoms of the Me(2)[12]aneN(4) polyaza macrocyclic base. It binds Zn(II) to form mononuclear species in which the metal ion, coordinated by the Me(2)[12]aneN(4) moiety, lodges inside the three-dimensional cavity. Zn(II)-containing species are able to bind chloride and fluoride at the physiologically important pH value of 7.4; the anion is coordinated to the metal center but the squaramide units play the key role in stabilizing the anion through a hydrogen-bonding network; two crystal structures reported here clearly show this aspect. Free L is able to bind fluoride, chloride, bromide, sulfate, Pi, and PPi in aqueous solution. The halides are bound at acidic pH, whereas the oxoanions are bound in a wide range of pH values ranging from acidic to basic. The cryptand cavity, abundant in hydrogen-bonding sites at all pH values, allows excellent selectivity towards Pi to be achieved mainly at physiological pH 7.4. By joining amine and squaramide moieties and using this preorganized topology, it was possible, with preservation of the solubility of the receptor, to achieve a very wide pH range in which oxoanions can be bound. The good selectivity towards Pi allows its discrimination in a manner not easily obtainable with nonmetallic systems in aqueous environment.

Efficient fluorescent sensors based on 2,5-diphenyl[1,3,4]oxadiazole: a case of specific response to Zn(II) at physiological pH.

The coordination properties and photochemical responses of three fluorescent polyamine macrocycles, 9,12,15,24,25-pentaaza-26-oxatetracyclo[21.2.1.0(2,7).0(17,22)]hexaicosa-2,4,6,17,19,21,23,25(1)-octaene (L1), 9,12,15,18,27,28-hexaaza-29-oxatetracyclo[24.2.1.0(2,7).0(20,25)]enneicosa-2,4,6,20,22,24,26,28(1)-octaene (L2), and 9,12,15,18,21,30,31-heptaaza-32-oxatetracyclo[27.2.1.0(2,7).0(23,28)]diatriconta-2,4,6,23,25,27,29,31(1)-octaene (L3), toward Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II) are reported. Each ligand contains the 2,5-diphenyl[1,3,4]oxadiazole (PPD) moiety inserted in a polyamine macrocycle skeleton. The stability constants were determined by means of potentiometric measurements in aqueous solution. L1 forms mononuclear complexes only with Cu(II). L2 and L3 form stable mononuclear species with all of the metals, while L3 is able to form dinuclear Cu(II) species. The fluorescence of all ligands was totally quenched by the presence of Cu(II). L2 behaves as an OFF-ON sensor for Zn(II) under physiological conditions, even in the presence of interfering species such as Cd(II) and Pb(II). This ligand combines selective binding of Zn(II) with a highly specific fluorescent response to Zn(II) due to the chelating enhancement of fluorescence (CHEF) effect. The interaction of Zn(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II) with L3 does not produce an appreciable enhancement of fluorescence at the same pH. The different behavior is attributed to the cavity size of the macrocycle and to the number of amine functions. L2 possesses the best arrangement of these two characteristics, allowing a full participation of all of the amine functions in metal coordination, as shown by the crystal structures of [CuL2(ClO(4))](ClO(4))·H(2)O and [ZnL2Br]Br·H(2)O species; this prevents the PET effect and supplies the higher CHEF effect. The interaction between L2 and Zn(II) can also be observed with the naked eye as an intense sky blue emission.

Oxidized ultrashort nanotubes as carbon scaffolds for the construction of cell-penetrating NF-kappaB decoy molecules.

Oligonucleotide (ODN) decoys are synthetic ODNs containing the DNA binding sequence of a transcription factor. When delivered to cells, these molecules can compete with endogenous sequences for binding the transcription factor, thus inhibiting its ability to activate the expression of target genes. Modulation of gene expression by decoy ODNs against nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), a transcription factor regulating many genes involved in immunity, has been achieved in a variety of immune/inflammatory disorders. However, the successful use of transcription factor decoys depends on an efficient means to bring the synthetic DNA to target cells. It is known that single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), under certain conditions, are able to cross the cell membrane. Thus, we have evaluated the possibility to functionalize SWCNTs with decoy ODNs against NF-kappaB in order to improve their intracellular delivery. To couple ODNs to CNTs, we have exploited the carbodiimide chemistry which allows covalent binding of amino-modified ODNs to carboxyl groups introduced onto SWCNTs through oxidation. The effective binding of ODNs to nanotubes has been demonstrated by a combination of microscopic, spectroscopic, and electrophoretic techniques. The uptake and subcellular distribution of ODN decoys bound to SWCNTs was analyzed by fluorescence microscopy. ODNs were internalized into macrophages and accumulated in the cytosol. Moreover, no cytotoxicity associated with SWCNT administration was observed. Finally, NF-kappaB-dependent gene expression was significantly reduced in cells receiving nanomolar concentrations of SWCNT-NF-kappaB decoys compared to cells receiving SWCNTs or SWCNTs functionalized with a nonspecific ODN sequence, demonstrating both efficacy and specificity of the approach.

New family of polyamine macrocycles containing 2,5-diphenyl[1,3,4]oxadiazole as a signaling unit. Synthesis, acid-base and spectrophotometric properties.

Synthesis and acid-base properties for three fluorescent polyamine macrocycles 9,12,15,24,25-pentaaza-26-oxatetracyclo[21.2.1.0(2,7).0(17,22)]hexaicosa-2,4,6,17,19,21,23,25(1)-octaene (L1), 9,12,15,18,27,28-hexaaza-29-oxatetracyclo[24.2.1.0(2,7).0(20,25)]enneicosa-2,4,6,20,22,24,26,28(1)-octaene (L2) and 9,12,15,18,21,30,31-heptaaza-32-oxatetracyclo[27.2.1.0(2,7).0(23,28)]diatriconta-2,4,6,23,25,27,29,31(1)-octaene (L3) are reported. Each ligand contains the 2,5-diphenyl[1,3,4]oxadiazole (PPD) unit incorporated in the polyamine macrocycle. The protonation constants of L1-L3 were determined by means of potentiometric measurements in 0.15 mol dm(-3) NaCl aqueous solution at 298.1 K. All the ligands are highly fluorescent in aqueous solution under acidic conditions (pH < 2) and their emission drastically decreases when the pH is increased. At pH > 8, a total quenching of fluorescence is observable in all the ligands. The fluorescence is given by the PPD unit, while the behavior as a function of pH can be rationalized on the basis of photoinduced intramolecular electron transfer (PET) from the HOMO of the donor macrocycle nitrogen atoms to the excited fluorophore unit. The insertion of PPD in a polyamine skeleton strongly improves the fluorescence quantum yield of this class of ligands with respect to those already known.

A new versatile solvatochromic amino-macrocycle. From metal ions to cell sensing in solution and in the solid state.

A new fluorescent NBD-polyaza-macrocycle sensor (L) was synthesized. The coordination of Cu(ii) and Zn(ii) in acetonitrile switches on the fluorescence with different emission wavelengths. Cu(ii) complexes showed solid-state fluorescence. Both L and Cu-complex interact with human cell line (U937) highlighting the cell membrane by fluorescence microscopy.