Ligand effects, solvent cooperation, and large kinetic solvent deuterium isotope effects in gold(I)-catalyzed intramolecular alkene hydroamination.

Kinetic studies on the intramolecular hydroamination of protected variants of 2,2-diphenylpent-4-en-1-amine were carried out under a variety of conditions with cationic gold catalysts supported by phosphine ligands. The impact of ligand on gold, protecting group on nitrogen, and solvent and additive on reaction rates was determined. The most effective reactions utilized more Lewis basic ureas, and more electron-withdrawing phosphines. A DCM/alcohol cooperative effect was quantified, and a continuum of isotope effects was measured with low KIE's in the absence of deuterated alcoholic solvent, increasing to large solvent KIE's when comparing reactions in pure MeOH to those in pure MeOH-d4. The effects are interpreted both within the context of a classic gold π-activation/protodeauration mechanism and a general acid-catalyzed mechanism without intermediate gold alkyls.

Development of Prodrug-Payloads for Targeted Therapeutic Applications of Platinum-Acridine Anticancer Agents.

A synthetic platform has been developed that provides access to platinum(IV) prodrugs of highly cytotoxic platinum-acridine anticancer agents and allows them to be incorporated into conjugation-ready prodrug-payloads (PPLs). The PPLs can be conveniently assembled in highly efficient microscale reactions utilizing strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition chemistry. Model reactions were performed to study the stability of the PPLs in buffers and media and to assess their compatibility with cysteine-maleimide Michael addition chemistry. Amide coupling was a successful strategy to generate a conjugate containing integrin-targeted cyclo[RGDfK] peptide. Reactions with ascorbate were performed to mimic the reductive activation of the PPLs and the latter conjugate, and a cyanine (Cy5) fluorophore-labeled PPL was used to probe the reduction of platinum(IV) in cancer cells by confocal microscopy. The PPL concept introduced here should be evaluated for treating solid tumors with PAs using cancer-targeting vehicles, such as antibody-drug conjugates.

Platinum-Acridine Agents with High Activity in Cancers Expressing the Solute Carrier MATE1 (SLC47A1).

Platinum-acridine anticancer agents (PAs) containing acyclic (1 and 3) and heterocyclic (R)-3-aminopiperidine (2) and 2-iminopyrrolidine (4) based linker moieties were studied. Similar to 1, rigidified 2 shows a strong positive correlation between potency and SLC47A1 (multidrug and toxin extrusion protein 1, MATE1) gene expression levels across the NCI-60 panel of cancer cell lines. All derivatives show nanomolar activity in HepG2 (liver), NCI-H460 (lung), and MDA-MB-436 (breast), which express high levels of SLC47A1 (Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia, CCLE). The PAs are up to 350-fold more potent than cisplatin. In a MATE1 inhibition assay, a significant reduction in activity is observed in the three cancer cell lines (4000-fold lower for HepG2). Molecular docking experiments provide insight into the compatibility of the structurally diverse set of PAs with MATE1-mediated transport. MATE1 is a predictive marker and actionable target that sensitizes cancer cells regardless of the tissue of origin to PAs.

Vanadyl as a Spectroscopic Probe of Tunable Ligand Donor Strength in Bimetallic Complexes.

Incorporation of secondary metal ions into heterobimetallic complexes has emerged as an attractive strategy for rational tuning of compounds' properties and reactivity, but direct solution-phase spectroscopic interrogation of tuning effects has received less attention than it deserves. Here, we report the assembly and study of a series of heterobimetallic complexes containing the vanadyl ion, [VO]2+, paired with monovalent cations (Cs+, Rb+, K+, Na+, and Li+) and a divalent cation (Ca2+). These complexes, which can be isolated in pure form or generated in situ from a common monometallic vanadyl-containing precursor, enable experimental spectroscopic and electrochemical quantification of the influence of the incorporated cations on the properties of the vanadyl moiety. The data reveal systematic shifts in the V-O stretching frequency, isotropic hyperfine coupling constant for the vanadium center, and V(V)/V(IV) reduction potential in the complexes. These shifts can be interpreted as charge density effects parametrized through the Lewis acidities of the cations, suggesting broad potential for the vanadyl ion to serve as a spectroscopic probe in multimetallic species.

Synthesis and Optical Characterization of a Rhodamine B Spirolactam Dimer.

Amide derivatives of xanthene dyes such as rhodamine B are useful in a variety of sensing applications due to their colorimetric responses to stimuli such as acidity changes and UV light. The optical properties of these molecules can be influenced by intermolecular associations into dimeric structures, but the exact impact can be hard to predict. We have designed a covalently linked intramolecular dimer of the dye rhodamine B utilizing p-phenylenediamine to link the two dyes via amide bonds. The doubly closed spirolactam version of this dimer, RSL2, is isolated as a colorless solid. Under acidic conditions or UV exposure, RSL2 solutions develop a pink color that is expected for the ring-opened form of the molecule. However, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and single-crystal diffraction data show that the equilibrium still prefers the closed dimer state. Interestingly, the emission profile of RSL2 shows solvatochromic blue fluorescence. Control studies of model compounds with similar structural motifs do not display similar blue fluorescence, indicating that this optical behavior is unique to the dimeric form. This behavior may lend itself to applications of such xanthene dimers to more sophisticated sensors beyond those with traditional binary on/off fluorescence profiles.

Arylselenyl Radical-Mediated Cyclization of N-(2-Alkynyl)anilines: Access to 3-Selenylquinolines.

An efficient and novel approach to accessing 3-selenylquinolines from diaryl diselenides and acyclic, selenium-free substrates is described. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicate that the combination of CuCl2 and air affords an appropriate environment for producing arylselenyl radicals that initiate the cascade cyclization of N-(2-alkynyl)anilines, forming key Se-C and C-C bonds in a single step. Using this chemistry, a wide variety of 3-selenylquinolines were produced in moderate to excellent yield under mild conditions, highlighting the versatility and usefulness of this new method.

Photocurrent in Metal-Halide Perovskite/Organic Semiconductor Heterostructures: Impact of Microstructure on Charge Generation Efficiency.

Hybrid organic-inorganic metal-halide perovskites have emerged as versatile materials for enabling low-cost, mechanically flexible optoelectronic applications. The progress has been commendable; however, technological breakthroughs have outgrown the basic understanding of processes occurring in bulk and at device interfaces. Here, we investigated the photocurrent at perovskite/organic semiconductor interfaces in relation to the microstructure of electronically active layers. We found that the photocurrent response is significantly enhanced in the bilayer structure as a result of a more efficient dissociation of the photogenerated excitons and trions in the perovskite layer. The increase in the grain size within the organic semiconductor layer results in reduced trapping and further enhances the photocurrent by extending the photocarriers' lifetime. The photodetector responsivity and detectivity have improved by 1 order of magnitude in the optimized samples, reaching values of 6.1 ± 1.1 A W-1, and 1.5 × 1011 ± 4.7 × 1010 Jones, respectively, and the current-voltage hysteresis has been eliminated. Our results highlight the importance of fine-tuning film microstructure in reducing the loss processes in thin-film optoelectronics based on metal-halide semiconductors and provide a powerful interfacial design method to consistently achieve high-performance photodetectors.

Polyazamacrocycle Ligands Facilitate 89Zr Radiochemistry and Yield 89Zr Complexes with Remarkable Stability.

Over the last three decades, the chemistry of zirconium has facilitated antibody development and the clinical management of disease in the precision medicine era. Scientists have harnessed its reactivity, coordination chemistry, and nuclear chemistry to develop antibody-based radiopharmaceuticals incorporating zirconium-89 (89Zr: t1/2 = 78.4 h, ß+: 22.8%, Eß+max = 901 keV; EC: 77%, Eγ = 909 keV) to improve disease detection, identify patients for individualized therapeutic interventions. and monitor their response to those interventions. However, release of the 89Zr4+ ion from the radiopharmaceutical remains a concern, since it may confound the interpretation of clinical imaging data, negatively affect dosimetric calculations, and hinder treatment planning. In this report, we relate our novel observations involving the use of polyazamacrocycles as zirconium-89 chelators. We describe the synthesis and complete characterization of zirconium 2,2',2″,2‴-(1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclotridecane-1,4,7,10-tetrayl)tetraacetic acid (Zr-TRITA), zirconium 3,6,9,15-Tetraazabicyclo[9.3.1] pentadeca-1(15),11,13-triene-3,6,9-triacetic acid (Zr-PCTA), and zirconium 2,2',2″-(1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triyl)triacetic acid (Zr-NOTA). In addition, we elucidate the solid-state structure of each complex using single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Finally, we found that [89Zr]Zr-PCTA and [89Zr]Zr-NOTA demonstrate excellent stability in vitro and in vivo and provide a rationale for these observations. These innovative findings have the potential to guide the development of safer and more robust immuno-PET agents to improve precision medicine applications.

Discovery of a Chiral DNA-Targeted Platinum-Acridine Agent with Potent Enantioselective Anticancer Activity.

A structure-activity relationship study was performed for a set of rigidified platinum-acridine anticancer agents containing linkers derived from chiral pyrrolidine and piperidine scaffolds. Screening a library of microscale reactions and selected resynthesized compounds in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells showed that cytotoxicities varied by more than three orders of magnitude. A potent hit compound was discovered containing a (R)-N-(piperidin-3-yl) linker (P2-6R), which killed NCI-H460 and A549 lung cancer cells 100 times more effectively than the S enantiomer (P2-6S). P2-6R accumulated in A549 cells significantly faster and produced 50-fold higher DNA adduct levels than P2-6S. Ligand similarity analysis suggests that only module 6R may be compatible with strainless monofunctional intercalative binding. NCI-60 screening and COMPARE analysis highlights the spectrum of activity and potential utility of P2-6R for treating NSCLC and other solid tumors.

Prenylated Diresorcinols Inhibit Bacterial Quorum Sensing.

Current treatment options for bacterial infections are dependent on antibiotics that inhibit microbial growth and viability. These approaches result in the evolution of drug-resistant strains of bacteria. An anti-infective strategy that is less likely to lead to the development of resistance is the disruption of quorum sensing mechanisms, which are involved in promoting virulence. The goal of this study was to identify fungal metabolites effective as quorum sensing inhibitors. Three new prenylated diresorcinols (1-3), along with two known compounds, (4 R) -regiolone and decarboxycitrinone, were isolated from a freshwater fungus (Helotiales sp.) from North Carolina. Their structures were assigned on the basis of HRESIMS and NMR experiments. The structure of compound 1 was confirmed via X-ray diffraction analysis, and its absolute configuration was established by TDDFT-ECD and optical rotation calculations. Compounds 1-3 suppressed quorum sensing in a clinical isolate of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), with IC50 values ranging from 0.3 to 12.5 µM. These compounds represent potential leads in the development of antivirulence therapeutics.

Crossover from band-like to thermally activated charge transport in organic transistors due to strain-induced traps.

The temperature dependence of the charge-carrier mobility provides essential insight into the charge transport mechanisms in organic semiconductors. Such knowledge imparts critical understanding of the electrical properties of these materials, leading to better design of high-performance materials for consumer applications. Here, we present experimental results that suggest that the inhomogeneous strain induced in organic semiconductor layers by the mismatch between the coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) of the consecutive device layers of field-effect transistors generates trapping states that localize charge carriers. We observe a universal scaling between the activation energy of the transistors and the interfacial thermal expansion mismatch, in which band-like transport is observed for similar CTEs, and activated transport otherwise. Our results provide evidence that a high-quality semiconductor layer is necessary, but not sufficient, to obtain efficient charge-carrier transport in devices, and underline the importance of holistic device design to achieve the intrinsic performance limits of a given organic semiconductor. We go on to show that insertion of an ultrathin CTE buffer layer mitigates this problem and can help achieve band-like transport on a wide range of substrate platforms.

Human Serum Albumin-Delivered [Au(PEt3)]+ Is a Potent Inhibitor of T Cell Proliferation.

Using a modular library format in conjunction with cell viability (MTS) and flow cytometry assays, 90 cationic complexes [AuPL] n+ (P = phosphine ligand; L = thiourea derivative or chloride) were studied for their antiproliferative activity in CD8+ T lymphocyte cells. The activity of the compounds correlates with the steric bulk of the phosphine ligands. Thiourea serves as a leaving group that is readily replaced by cysteine thiol (NMR, ESI-MS). Taking advantage of selective thiourea ligand exchange, the fragments [Au(PEt3)]+ and [Au(JohnPhos)]+ (JohnPhos = 1,1'-biphenyl-2-yl)di-tert-butylphosphine) in compounds 1 and 2 were transferred to recombinant human serum albumin (rHSA). PEt3 promoted efficient modification of Cys34 in HSA (HSA-1), whereas use of bulky JohnPhos as a carrier ligand led to serum protein nonspecifically modified with multiple gold adducts (HSA-2) (Ellman's test, ESI-TOF MS). HSA-1, but not HSA-2, strongly inhibits T cell proliferation at nanomolar doses. The potential role of HSA as a delivery vehicle in gold-based autoimmune disease treatment is discussed.

Zirconium tetraazamacrocycle complexes display extraordinary stability and provide a new strategy for zirconium-89-based radiopharmaceutical development.

We report our initial investigations into the use of tetraazamacrocycles as zirconium-89 chelators. We describe the synthesis and complete characterization of several Zr tetraazamacrocycle complexes, and definitively describe the first crystal structure of zirconium 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (Zr-DOTA) using single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. After evaluating several radioactive analogs, we found that 89Zr-DOTA is superior to 89Zr-DFO, the only 89Zr-complex to be used clinically in 89Zr-radiopharmaceutical applications. Finally, we provide a rationale for the unanticipated and extraordinary stability of these complexes in vitro and in vivo. These results may inform the development of safer and more robust immuno-PET agents for precision medicine applications.

Large-Pore Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles as Drug Delivery Vector for a Highly Cytotoxic Hybrid Platinum-Acridine Anticancer Agent.

Large-pore mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) were prepared and functionalized to serve as a highly robust and biocompatible delivery platform for platinum-acridine (PA) anticancer agents. The material showed a high loading capacity for the dicationic, hydrophilic hybrid agent [PtCl(en)(N-[acridin-9-ylaminoethyl]-N-methylpropionamidine)] dinitrate salt (P1A1) and virtually complete retention of payload at neutral pH in a high-chloride buffer. In acidic media mimicking the pH inside the cell lysosomes, rapid, burst-like release of P1A1 from the nanoparticles is observed. Coating of the materials in phospholipid bilayers resulted in nanoparticles with greatly improved colloidal stability. The lipid and carboxylate-modified nanoparticles containing 40 wt % drug caused S-phase arrest and inhibited cell proliferation in pancreatic cancer cells at submicromolar concentrations similar to carrier-free P1A1. The most striking feature of nanoparticle-delivered P1A1 was that the payload did not escape from the acidified lysosomal vesicles into the cytoplasm, but was shuttled to the nuclear membrane and released into the nucleus.

α-Pyrone derivatives, tetra/hexahydroxanthones, and cyclodepsipeptides from two freshwater fungi.

Eighteen (1-18) and seven (1, 4, 6-8, 17 and 18) compounds were isolated from organic extracts of axenic cultures of two freshwater fungi Clohesyomyces sp. and Clohesyomyces aquaticus (Dothideomycetes, Ascomycota), respectively. Compounds 1-12 belong to the α-pyrone class of natural products, compounds 13 and 14 were tetrahydroxanthones, compounds 15 and 16 were hexahydroxanthones, while compounds 17 and 18 were cyclodepsipeptides. The structures were elucidated using a set of spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques. The absolute configurations of compounds 2, 3, 6, and 7 were assigned via a modified Mosher's ester method using 1H NMR data. The relative configurations of compounds 14-16 were determined through NOE data. Compounds 1, 2, 6, 8, 13, 14, and 15 were found to inhibit the essential enzyme bacterial peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase (Pth1), with (13; secalonic acid A) being the most potent. Compounds 1 and 4-18 were also evaluated for antimicrobial activity against an array of bacteria and fungi but were found to be inactive.

Chitosan wound dressing with hexagonal silver nanoparticles for hyperthermia and enhanced delivery of small molecules.

Chitosan films were synthesized with hexagonal silver nanoparticles (Ag NP). The unique shape and size of the Ag NP shift the optical absorption into the infrared. Stimulation of the nanoparticles with infrared light was used to generate heat and facilitate intracellular delivery of fluorescently-labeled dextran molecules. Chitosan films prepared with hexagonal or spherical Ag NP were characterized by optical and thermal analyses, and X-ray diffraction. There were found to be slight differences between how the chitosan molecular chains interface with the Ag NP depending upon shape of the nanoparticle. Viability of cells associated with dermal wound healing was evaluated on chitosan films prepared with hexagonal or spherical Ag NP, with both keratinocytes and fibroblasts having normal or moderately enhanced growth on films containing hexagonally-shaped nanoparticles.

Acetophenone derivatives from a freshwater fungal isolate of recently described Lindgomyces madisonensis (G416).

The exploration of freshwater ascomycetes, which have undergone only limited investigation, may provide opportunities both to characterize new genera/species of fungi and to uncover new chemical diversity. In this study, seven acetophenone derivatives, madisone, 4'-methoxymadisone, dehydromadisone, 2″-methoxymadisone, dihydroallovisnaginone, dimadisone, and 4'-methoxydimadisone were characterized from an organic extract of a recently described Lindgomyces madisonensis (G416) culture, which was isolated from submerged wood collected in a stream in North Carolina. Madisone, dehydromadisone, 2″-methoxymadisone, dimadisone and 4'-demethoxydimadisone have not been reported previously, while 4'-methoxymadisone and dihydroallovisnaginone were previously unknown as natural products. Their structures were assigned on the basis of NMR and HRESIMS data, with the structure of madisone supported by X-ray crystallography. The antimicrobial activities of madisone, 4'-methoxymadisone and dihydroallovisnaginone were evaluated against a panel of bacteria and fungi. A heat map analysis of the surface of a G416 culture showed that most of the isolated compounds concentrated in the guttate compared with the vegetative mycelium of the fungus.

Structural and mechanical characterization of bioresorbable, elastomeric nanocomposites from poly(glycerol sebacate)/nanohydroxyapatite for tissue transport applications.

Poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS)/nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) composites were assessed to develop new materials for closure via tissue transport for nonhealing defects (e.g., cleft palate and large skin wounds). The elastic shape memory polymer, PGS, was reinforced with nHA at 3 and 5% loading to increase the mechanical properties compared with the undoped PGS. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was utilized to identify a glass transition temperature (Tg ) of -25°C. X-ray diffraction demonstrated a reduction in the amorphous nature of the material. The Fourier transform infrared photoacoustic spectral (FTIR-PAS) data showed decreased CO bonding and increased hydrogen bonding with increased nHA incorporation. Composites exhibited Young's moduli in the range of 0.25-0.5 MPa and tensile strength of 1.5-3 N. No significant difference in extension to break (∼50 mm) with addition of nHA was observed. The elastic modulus significantly increased for 5% PGS/nHA compared to 0 and 3% PGS/nHA and tensile strength significantly increased for 3% PGS/nHA compared to 0 and 5% PGS/nHA. Degradation of 5% nHA/PGS significantly increased during the second week compared to PGS 0 and 3% PGS/nHA. The accelerated degradation for 5% PGS/nHA coupled with decreased flexibility and tensile strength implies an interruption in crosslinking. By maintaining flexibility and extension while increasing tensile strength, the 3% PGS/nHA doped satisfied the force range desired for closure of soft tissue defects. Based on this work, PGS with 3% nHA shape memory polymers should serve as a good candidate for closure of nonhealing soft tissues. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1366-1373, 2016.

Synthesis, reactivity, and biological activity of gold(I) complexes modified with thiourea-functionalized tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Thiourea-modified 3-chloro-4-fluoroanilino-quinazoline derivatives have been studied as potential receptor-targeted carrier ligands in linear gold(I) complexes. The molecules mimic the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase-targeted inhibitor gefitinib. Thiourea groups were either directly attached to quinazoline-C6 (compounds 4, 5, and 7) or linked to this position via a flexible ethylamino chain (compound 9). Compound 7 acts as a thiourea-S/quinazoline-N1 mixed-donor ligand, giving the unexpected dinuclear complex [{Au(µ-7-S,N)}2]X2 (X = Cl(-), SCN(-)) (12a,b) (X-ray crystallography, electrospray mass spectrometry). Derivative 9 forms a stable linear complex, [Au(PEt3)(9-S)](NO3) (13). The biological activity of the carrier ligands and corresponding gold(I) complexes was studied in NCI-H460 and NCI-H1975 lung cancer cells. Compound 9 partially overcomes resistance to gefitinib in NCI-H1975, a lung cancer cell line characterized by a L858R/T790M mutation in EGFR (IC50 values of 1.7 and 30 µM, respectively). The corresponding gold complex (13) maintains activity in the low-micromolar concentration range similar to the metal-free carrier. Compound 9 and the corresponding [Au(PEt3)] complex, 13, inhibit EGFR kinase-mediated phosphorylation with sub-micromolar IC50 values similar to those observed for gefitinib under the same assay conditions. Potential mechanisms of action and reactions in biological media of this new type of hybrid agent, as well as shortcomings of the current design are discussed.

Development and characterization of elastic nanocomposites for craniofacial contraction osteogenesis.

Development of resorbable elastic composites as an alternative means to apply contractive forces for manipulating craniofacial bones is described herein. Composites made from the biodegradable elastomer, poly (1,8-octanediol co-citric acid) (POC), and hydroxyapatite (nHA) with a 200 nm diameter (0-20% loadings) were created to develop a material capable of applying continuous contractive forces. The composites were evaluated for variation in their mechanical properties, rate of degradation, and interaction of the hydroxyapatite nanoparticles with the polymer chains. First, an ex vivo porcine model of cleft palate was used to determine the rate of cleft closure with applied force. The closure rate was found to be 0.505 mm N(-1) . From this approximation, the ideal maximum load was calculated to be 19.82 N, and the elastic modulus calculated to be 1.98 MPa. The addition of nHA strengthens POC, but also reduces the degradation time by 45%, for 3% nHA loading, compared to POC without nHA. X-ray diffraction data indicates that the addition of nHA to amorphous POC results in the formation of a semicrystalline phase of the POC adjacent to the nHA crystals. Based on the data, we conclude that amongst the 0-20% nHA loadings, a 3% loading of nHA in POC may be an ideal material (1.21 MPa elastic modulus and 13.17 N maximum load) to induce contraction forces capable of facilitating osteogenesis and craniofacial bone repair.