Imaging studies of photodegradation and self-healing in anthraquinone derivative dye-doped PMMA.

We study photodegradation and self-healing of nine different anthraquinone-derivatives doped into PMMA using transmission imaging microscopy in search of structure-property relationships of the underlying mechanisms. We find that seven of the nine anthraquinone derivatives display partially reversible photodegradation, with 1,8-dihydroxyanthraquinone (Dantron/Chrysazin) having the best photostability and recovery characteristics of all dyes tested in this study. Based on these measurements we predict that a sample of 1,8-dihydroxyanthraquinone doped into PMMA with a concentration of 9 g l-1 will have a record setting irreversible inverse quantum efficiency of Bε = 4.56 × 109. Additionally, by considering the performance of the different anthraquinone derivatives and their structures, we develop three rules-of-thumb to qualitatively predict the photostability and recovery characteristics of anthraquinone derivatives. These rules-of-thumb will help guide future experiments and molecular modeling in discerning the underlying mechanisms of reversible photodegradation. Finally, we compare our results for disperse orange 11 dye-doped PMMA to the extended Correlated Chromophore Domain Model (eCCDM). While the eCCDM correctly predicts the behavior of the reversible decay component, it fails to correctly predict the behavior of the irreversible degradation component. This implies further modifications to the eCCDM are required.

A lysosome-targeted ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complex as photodynamic anticancer agent.

Polypyridyl ruthenium complexes as novel photosensitizers had drawn attention due to its high selectivity towards cancer cells and low toxicity to normal cells. Herein, we synthesized a lysosome-targeted polypyridyl ruthenium complex Rhein-Ru(bpy)3 (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, rhein = 4,5-dihydroxy-9,10-dioxoanthracene-2-carboxylic acid), tethering with the Chinese medicine herb rhein. Rhein-Ru(bpy)3 exhibited high phototoxicity with short time of irradiation against tumor cell lines with the IC50 value of 2.4- 8.7 µM, and higher cytotoxicity against cisplatin-resistant A2780 cell lines, suggesting that Rhein-Ru(bpy)3 could overcome the cisplatin resistance. Moreover, Rhein-Ru(bpy)3 displayed low cytotoxicity towards cell lines in dark incubation, which was beneficial to reduce the toxic side effects towards normal cell lines. Besides, the confocal imaging and western blotting assay results suggested that Rhein-Ru(bpy)3 could induce cancer cell death through the autophagy pathway. These results inspired us that lysosome-targeted photosensitizers based on ruthenium complexes showed great potential for photodynamic therapy (PDT) application in cancer treatment.

Effects of photostimulation on the catabolic process of xenobiotics.

Light biotechnology is a promising tool for enhancing recalcitrant compounds biodegradation. Xenobiotics can cause a significant impact on the quality of the results achieved by sewage treatment systems due to their recalcitrance and toxicity. The optimization of bioremediation and industrial processes, aiming to increase efficiency and income is of great value. The aim of this study was to accelerate and optimize the hydrolysis of Remazol Brilliant Blue R by photo stimulating a thermophilic bacterial consortium. Three experimental groups were studied: control group; LED Group and Laser Group. The control group was exposed to the same conditions as the irradiated groups, except exposure to light. The samples were irradiated in Petri dishes with either a Laser device (λ660 nm, CW, θ = 0.04 cm2, 40 mW, 325 s, 13 J/cm2) or by a LED prototype (λ632 ±â€¯2 nm, CW, θ = 0.5 cm2, 145 mW, 44 s, 13 J/cm2). We found that, within 48-h, statistically significant differences were observed between the irradiated and the control groups in the production of RNA, proteins, as well as in the degradation of the RBBR. It is concluded that, both Laser and LED light irradiation caused increased cellular proliferation, protein production and metabolic activity, anticipating and increasing the catabolism of the RBBR. Being the economic viability a predominant aspect for industrial propose our results indicates that photo stimulation is a low-cost booster of bioprocesses.

An anthraquinone-enzyme-peptide hybrid as a photo-switchable enzyme.

A purpose-designed anthraquinone-horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-cell penetrating peptide hybrid 1 showed high and effective cell permeability. Furthermore, 1 exhibited enzymatic activity without photo-irradiation, whereas significant self-degradation and loss of enzymatic activity occurred upon photo-irradiation in living cells.

Photoconversion of an anthraquinone derivative in the presence of human serum albumin.

Photconversion of an anthraquinone photochrome (AQP) from Trans to Ana forms were studied by different methods and techniques. Solution of AQP was irradiated under UV light in buffer condition, pH = 7.5, 10 mM phosphate buffer in the absence and presence of human serum albumin at 27 and 37 °C. The results showed that a new peak at higher wavelength was observed that indicative of producing the Ana form. Rate of Trans to Ana conversion increases in the presence of human serum albumin (HSA). Electron transport calculations were carried out from the first principles with a method based on non-equilibrium Green's functions (NEGF) combined with DFT. The results showed that electron transport is easier in Ana form due to increasing the resonance length and electron delocalization. Binding study by docking and spectroscopy showed that Trans form has more tendency to interact with HSA due to higher number of HSA-Trans hydrogen bond. Structural studies by circular dichroism and molecular dynamics results show that at lower concentration of AQP, percentage of helix was increased and then decreases at higher concentration. In addition structural parameters such as RMSD, accessible surface area, hydrogen bond, in associated with experimental results showed that protein folded at low concentration.

Gamma irradiation of aloe-emodin induced structural modification and apoptosis through a ROS- and caspase-dependent mitochondrial pathway in stomach tumor cells.

PURPOSE: The changes in molecular structure and the physiological properties of a gamma-irradiated aloe-emodin were examined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Aloe-emodin was gamma-irradiated at doses ranging from 0 to 150 kGy, and the molecular structure was then analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). AGS cells were cultured in RPMI medium and treated gamma irradiated aloe-emodin. Cell viability was measured by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Apoptosis efficiency was investigated by cell cycle arrest, cell morphology, and signaling pathway. The structure of new radiolytic peak was identified by the hydrogen-nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR). RESULTS: HPLC results showed that gamma irradiation induced new radiolytic peaks that were distinguishable from the aloe-emodin standard, and the area of new peaks was increased as the radiation dose increased. Gamma-irradiated aloe-emodin treatment significantly increased the cytotoxicity in AGS tumor cells. We also found that 150 kGy aloe-emodin increased the expression of Bax, cytosolic cytochrome c, PARP cleavage, and the activation of caspases-8, -9, -3, Bid, and Bcl-2. Treatment of 150 kGy aloe-emodin induced ROS production, DNA fragmentation, alterations of cell morphology, and the migration in AGS cells. Gamma-irradiated aloe-emodin induced an increase of sub-G1 phase and depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential in AGS cells. We also confirmed that fractionated AEF1 (new radiolytic peak) induce the cell death, migration, an increase of sub-G1 phase and cytochrome c in a ROS-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: The radiolysis product (AEF1) of aloe-emodin transformed by gamma-irradiation strongly induced apoptotic cell death in AGS cells, indicating AEF1 is a potential candidate drug for use in anti-cancer drug.

Visible light-induced photocatalytic degradation of Reactive Blue-19 over highly efficient polyaniline-TiO2 nanocomposite: a comparative study with solar and UV photocatalysis.

Polyaniline-TiO2 (PANI-TiO2) nanocomposite was prepared by in situ polymerisation method. X-ray diffractogram (XRD) showed the formation of PANI-TiO2 nanocomposite with the average crystallite size of 46 nm containing anatase TiO2. The PANI-TiO2 nanocomposite consisted of short-chained fibrous structure of PANI with spherical TiO2 nanoparticles dispersed at the tips and edge of the fibres. The average hydrodynamic diameter of the nanocomposite was 99.5 nm. The band gap energy was 2.1 eV which showed its ability to absorb light in the visible range. The nanocomposite exhibited better visible light-mediated photocatalytic activity than TiO2 (Degussa P25) in terms of degradation of Reactive Blue (RB-19) dye. The photocatalysis was favoured under initial acidic pH, and complete degradation of 50 mg/L dye could be achieved at optimum catalyst loading of 1 g/L. The kinetics of degradation followed the Langmuir-Hinshelhood model. PANI-TiO2 nanocomposite showed almost similar photocatalytic activity under UV and visible light as well as in the solar light which comprises of radiation in both UV and visible light range. Chemical oxygen demand removal of 86% could also be achieved under visible light, confirming that simultaneous mineralization of the dye occurred during photocatalysis. PANI-TiO2 nanocomposites are promising photocatalysts for the treatment of industrial wastewater containing RB-19 dye.

Degradation and toxicity depletion of RB19 anthraquinone dye in water by ozone-based technologies.

This research investigated the discoloration and mineralization of Reactive Blue 19 (RB19) anthraquinone dye by single ozonation, single UV radiation and ozonation jointed with UV radiation (O3/UV). The problem was approached from two points of view: with the objective of color removal or the mineralization of solution. In each case, the optimum operating conditions were different. Ozonation was the most effective treatment for color removal, while the combined O3/UV treatment was for mineralization. Major intermediates of the dye degradation were identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and a degradation pathway was proposed. In addition, a clear decrease of the toxicity of the dye was achieved at the end of the experiments. The effect of initial dye concentration, pH, ozone dose, and UV radiation on the degradation of the dye and decrease of total organic carbon was investigated, in order to establish the optimal operating conditions to achieve discoloration, mineralization or a combination of both.

The anthraquinones rubiadin and its 1-methyl ether isolated from Heterophyllaea pustulata reduces Candida tropicalis biofilms formation.

BACKGROUND: Candida tropicalis is increasingly becoming among the most commonly isolated pathogens causing fungal infections with an important biofilm-forming capacity. PURPOSE: This study addresses the antifungal effect of rubiadin (AQ1) and rubiadin 1-methyl ether (AQ2), two photosensitizing anthraquinones (AQs) isolated from Heterophyllaea pustulata, against C. tropicalis biofilms, by studying the cellular stress and antioxidant response in two experimental conditions: darkness and irradiation. The combination with Amphotericin B (AmB) was assayed to evaluate the synergic effect. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS: Biofilms of clinical isolates and reference strain of Candida tropicalis were treated with AQs (AQ1 or AQ2) and/or AmB, and the biofilms depletion was studied by crystal violet and confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM). The oxidant metabolites production and the response of antioxidant defense system were also evaluated under dark and irradiation conditions, being the light a trigger for photo-activation of the AQs. The Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) were detected by the reduction of Nitro Blue Tetrazolium test, and Reactive Nitrogen Intermediates (RNI) by the Griess assay. ROS accumulation was also detected inside biofilms by using 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) probe, which was visualized by CSLM. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and the total antioxidant capacity of biofilms were measured by spectrophotometric methods. The minimun inhibitory concentration for sessile cells (SMIC) was determined for each AQs and AmB. The fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) was calculated for the combinations of each AQ with AmB by the checkerboard microdilution method. RESULTS: Biofilm reduction of both strains was more effective with AQ1 than with AQ2. The antifungal effect was mediated by an oxidative and nitrosative stress under irradiation, with a significant accumulation of endogenous ROS detected by CSLM and an increase in the SOD activity. Thus, the prooxidant-antioxidant balance was altered especially by AQ1. The best synergic combination with AmB was also obtained with AQ1 (80.5%) (FICI=0.74). CONCLUSION: Under irradiation, the oxidative stress was the predominant effect, altering the prooxidant-antioxidant balance, which may be the cause of the irreversible cell injury in the biofilm. Our results showed synergism of these natural AQs with AmB. Therefore, the photosensitizing AQ1 could be an alternative for the Candida infections treatment, which deserves further investigation.

Deeper insights into the drug defense of glioma cells against hydrophobic molecules.

By means of fluorescence microscopy the intracellular distribution of fluorescent drugs with different hydrophobicity (quinizarin, emodin and hypericin) was studied. Selective photoactivation of these drugs in precisely defined position (nuclear envelope) allowed moderately hydrophobic emodin enter the nucleus. Highly hydrophobic hypericin was predominantly kept in the membranes with no fluorescence observed in the nucleus. The redistribution of quinizarin, emodin and hypericin between lipids, proteins and DNA was studied in solutions and cells. Based on these results was proposed theoretical model of hydrophobic drugs' nuclear internalization after photo-activation. Molecular docking models showed that hypericin has the strongest affinity to P-glycoprotein involved in the cell detoxification. Presence of 10 µM quinizarin, emodin or hypericin increased P-glycoprotein function in U87 MG cells. Moreover, emodin pretreatment allowed quinizarin nuclear internalization without photo-activation, which was not the case for hypericin. The synergy of such pretreatment and photo-activation should lessen the drug doses with simultaneous increase of drug efficacy triggering cell apoptosis/necrosis.

Preparation of cocrystal nanofibres of cobalt octaethylporphyrin and tetracyanoquinodimethane with good photoresponse.

Cocrystal nanofibres of cobalt octaethylporphyrin and tetracyanoquinodimethane were prepared by a facile solution method and fully characterized by SEM, AFM, XRD, Raman, EDX, and UV-vis-NIR. The as-prepared cocrystal nanofibres had smooth surfaces and uniform dimension. When incorporated into prototype devices, they exhibited good photoresponse at ambient conditions. Additionally, the phototransistor characteristics with a maximum I(on)/I(off) ratio of -460 was demonstrated. The facile synthesis and good photoresponse may boost the potential applications of cocrystal-based nanostructures in future miniaturized devices.

In situ preparation of highly fluorescent pyrene-dyes from non-luminous precursors upon photoirradiation.

The non-luminous precursor, 2-(1-pyrenyl)-9,10-dihydro-9,10-ethanoanthracene-11,12-dione, was photochemically converted to highly-fluorescent 2-(1-pyrenyl)anthracene quantitatively in solution and in the PMMA film and the fluorescence quantum yield of the acene in benzonitrile was as high as 0.99.

Bis(porphyrin)-anthraquinone triads: synthesis, spectroscopy, and photochemistry.

Molecular triads based on bis(porphyrin)-anthraquinone having azomethine bridge at the pyrrole-ß position have been designed and synthesized. Both free-base AQ-(H2)2 and zinc AQ-(Zn)2 triads are characterized by elemental analysis, MALDI-MS, (1)H NMR, UV-visible, and fluorescence spectroscopy (steady-state and time-resolved) as well as electrochemical method. The absorption spectra of both Soret and Q-bands of the triads are red-shifted by 12-20 nm with respect to their monomer units. The study supported by theoretical calculations manifests that there exists a negligible electronic communication in the ground state between the donor porphyrin and acceptor anthraquinone of these triads. However, interestingly, both the triads exhibit significant fluorescence emission quenching (51-92%) of the porphyrin emission compared to their monomeric units. The emission quenching is attributed to the excited-state intramolecular photoinduced electron transfer from porphyrins to anthraquinone. The electron-transfer rates (kET) of these triads are found in the range 1.0 × 10(8) to 7.7 × 10(9) s(-1) and are found to be solvent dependent.

Bacterial growth response to photoactive quinones.

Quinones are known producers of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that may be toxic in natural aquatic environments. In this study, the effects of parent quinones and their photodegradation products on bacterial growth were determined, and photochemical ROS formation rates were measured. Using (3)H-leucine incorporation to measure growth of the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa and natural seawater bacterioplankton, growth inhibition was observed when samples were exposed to dichlone, chloranil and sodium anthraquinone-2-sulfonate (AQ2S). For seawater, compared with other quinones tested, dichlone showed the greatest toxicity in the dark, and AQ2S toxicity was greatest during simultaneous exposure to sunlight. Photodegraded chloranil and dichlone showed decreased toxicity compared with nonirradiated samples. For P. aeruginosa, AQ2S and its photodegradation products showed the greatest toxicity during simultaneous exposure to sunlight. Chloranil photodegradation products showed reduced toxicity compared with the parent compound during simultaneous exposure to sunlight. Dichlone was the only compound to show any toxicity to P. aeruginosa in the dark, and its photodegradation products were more toxic than the parent compound. Based on the results of dark and light controlled experiments measuring bacterial growth and estimated ROS production rates, ROS alone does not account for relative differences in toxicity between these quinones.

Combined experimental and theoretical study on photoinduced toxicity of an anthraquinone dye intermediate to Daphnia magna.

The toxicity of chemicals can be enhanced by light through two photochemical pathways: Photomodification to more toxic substances and photosensitization. In the present study, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) mechanism for photoinduced acute toxicity of 1-amino-2,4-dibromoanthraquinone (ADBAQ) to Daphnia magna was clarified by experiment and theoretical calculation. The results of the present study show that ADBAQ exhibited high toxicity to D. magna under simulated solar radiation (SSR), with a median effective concentration of 1.23 +/- 0.19 nM (mean +/- standard deviation). The photomodified ADBAQ (mixtures of ADBAQ and its photoproducts) was less phototoxic than the intact ADBAQ. The SSR-only or ADBAQ-only treatments did not affect the ROS level in D. magna, whereas increased ROS levels were observed in the presence of SSR and ADBAQ. The ROS in vivo were determined by measuring the fluorescence of 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein, which is a useful technique to assess toxicity of chemicals to aquatic organisms. The antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene, decreased the photoinduced oxidative damage to D. magna, probably by scavenging ROS. These experimental results demonstrate that photosensitization is the potential mechanism of photoinduced toxicity of ADBAQ to D. magna. Proposed phototoxic pathways of ADBAQ were elucidated by means of time-dependent density functional theory. The theoretical calculation indicates that superoxide anion and singlet oxygen are able to be generated through electron transfer or energy transfer in the photosensitization reactions.

A new generation of biocides for control of crustacea in fish farms.

Farming of salmon has become a significant industry in many countries over the past two decades. A major challenge facing this sector is infestation of the salmon by sea lice. The main way of treating salmon for such infestations is the use of medicines such as organophosphates, pyrethrins, hydrogen peroxide or benzoylphenyl ureas. The use of these medicines in fish farms is, however, highly regulated due to concerns about contamination of the wider marine environment. In this paper we report the use of photochemically active biocides for the treatment of a marine copepod, which is a model of parasitic sea lice. Photochemical activation and subsequent photodegradation of PDAs may represent a controllable and environmentally benign option for control of these parasites or other pest organisms in aquaculture.

Dissociative photoionization mechanism of 1,8-dihydroxyanthraquinone: an experimental and theoretical study.

The photoionization and dissociative photoionization mechanism of 1,8-dihydroxyanthraquinone (1,8-DHAQ) have been investigated by infrared laser desorption/tunable synchrotron vacuum ultraviolet photoionization mass spectrometry (IR LD/VUV PIMS) technique and theoretical calculations. Consecutive losses of two carbon monoxides and elimination of hydroxyl group are found to be the major fragmentation channels in low photon energy range. Photoionization efficiency (PIE) spectrum of 1,8-DHAQ was measured in the photon energy range of 8.2-15.0 eV. Adiabatic ionization energy (IE) of 1,8-DAHQ (M) and appearance energies (AEs) of the major fragments (M-CO) (+), (M-C 2O 2) (+), and (M-OH) (+) are determined to be 8.54 +/- 0.05, 10.8 +/- 0.1, 11.0 +/- 0.1, and 13.1 +/- 0.1 eV, respectively, which are in fair agreement with calculated results. The B3LYP method with the 6-31+G(d) basis set was used to study fragmentation of 1,8-DHAQ. Theoretical calculations indicate that five lowest-energy isomers of 1,8-DHAQ cations can coexist by virtue of bond rotation and intramolecular proton transfer. A number of decarbonylation and dehydroxylation processes of 1,8-DHAQ cations are well established.

Transformation of phenolic compounds upon UVA irradiation of anthraquinone-2-sulfonate.

This paper studies the transformation of phenol and of 3,5-dichlorophenol (3,5-DCP) upon UVA irradiation of anthraquinone-2-sulfonate (AQ2S). Light-excited AQ2S is able to oxidise phenol, 3,5-DCP, and AQ2S. Transformation reactions do not proceed at a significant extent in the absence of molecular oxygen, in which case recombination reactions of initially formed oxidised and reduced radical species (and/or radical ions) would yield back the initial substrates. AQ2S hydroxyderivatives are the main transformation intermediates, while the phenoxyl radicals arising upon oxidation of phenol and of 3,5-DCP react with the substrates to yield dihydroxybiphenyls and phenoxyphenols. Very small amounts of catechol and of 3,5-dichlorocatechol were observed, indicating a possible minor role of the hydroxyl radicals in the reactivity of the system. Interesting results from an environmental point of view are the formation of 2-hydroxydibenzofuran from phenol and of various tetrachlorinated dihydroxybiphenyls and phenoxyphenols from 3,5-DCP, suggesting that quinone photochemistry can be an important pathway for the formation of hazardous secondary pollutants in the environment.

An optimization study using response surface methods on the decolorization of Reactive Blue 19 from aqueous solution by ultrasound.

The decolorization of reactive dye C.I. Reactive Blue 19 from aqueous solution was studied by using ultrasound, activated carbon and combined ultrasound/activated carbon. The combined effects of independent variables, such as ultrasound power, temperature, time, activated carbon concentration, dye concentration and initial pH were investigated on the decolorization by using the central composite design. The decolorization of RB 19 was modelled statistically and optimized by means of the Matlab computer software. The decolorization were accomplished at optimum conditions by using ultrasound, activated carbon and combined ultrasound/activated carbon as 36%, 91% and 99.9%, respectively. The application of ultrasonic irradiation was found to be beneficial for decolorization of RB 19 from aqueous solution by adsorption.

A role for DNA-mediated charge transport in regulating p53: Oxidation of the DNA-bound protein from a distance.

Charge transport (CT) through the DNA base pairs provides a means to promote redox reactions at a remote site and potentially to effect signaling between molecules bound to DNA. Here we describe the oxidation of a cell-cycle regulatory protein, p53, from a distance through DNA-mediated CT. A consensus p53 binding site as well as three DNA promoters regulated by p53 were synthesized containing a tethered DNA photooxidant, anthraquinone. Photoinduced oxidation of the protein occurs from a distance; introduction of an intervening CA mismatch, which inhibits DNA-mediated CT, prevents oxidation of p53. DNA-mediated oxidation is shown to promote dissociation of p53 from only some promoters, and this sequence-selectivity in oxidative dissociation correlates with the biological regulation of p53. Under severe oxidative stress, effected here through oxidation at long range, p53 dissociates from a promoter that activates DNA repair as well as the promoter for the negative regulator of p53, Mdm2, but not from a promoter activating cell-cycle arrest. Mass spectrometry results are consistent with disulfide bond formation in p53 upon DNA-mediated oxidation. Furthermore, DNA-bound p53 oxidation is shown in vivo by up-regulation of p53 and subsequent irradiation in the presence of a rhodium photooxidant to give a new p53 adduct that can be reversed with thiol treatment. This DNA-mediated oxidation of p53 parallels that seen by treating cells with hydrogen peroxide. These results indicate a unique mechanism using DNA-mediated CT chemistry by which p53 activity on different promoters may be controlled globally under conditions of oxidative stress.