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An RNA-based coordination polymer is formed by the aqueous reaction of CuI ions with the thionucleoside enantiomer (−)6-thioguanosine, (6tGH). The resulting polymer, [CuI(μ3-S-thioG)]n1, has a one-dimensional structure based on a [Cu4–S4] core and undergoes extensive hierarchical self-assembly transforming from oligomeric chains → rod → cable → bundle through which a fibrous gel forms, that undergoes syneresis to form a self-supporting mass. The assembly involves the formation of helical cables/bundles and, in combination with the intrinsic photoemission of the polymer, results in the material exhibiting circularly polarised luminescence (CPL). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BINOL moieties of different electronic demand are useful blocks for enabling the photo-production and modulation of triplet excited states in readily-accesible BINOL-based O-BODIPY dyes from standard F-BODIPY precursors. The rapid and rational development of smarter triplet-enabling BODIPY dyes on the basis of this strategy (e.g., TADF biomarker 4a or room temperature phosphor 4g) paves the way for advancing photonic applications based on organic triplet photosensitizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aqueous equimolar reaction of Ag(I) ions with the thionucleoside enantiomer (−)6-thioguanosine, ((−)6tGH), yields a one-dimensional coordination polymer {Ag(−)tG}n, the self-assembly of which generates left-handed helical chains. The resulting helicity induces an enhanced chiro-optical response compared to the parent ligand. DFT calculations indicate that this enhancement is due to delocalisation of the excited state along the helical chains, with 7 units being required to converge the calculated CD spectra. At concentrations ≥15 mmol l−1 reactions form a sample-spanning hydrogel which shows self-repair capabilities with instantaneous recovery in which the dynamic reversibility of the coordination chains appears to play a role. The resulting gel exhibits circularly polarised luminescence (CPL) with a large dissymmetry factor of −0.07 ± 0.01 at 735 nm, a phenomenon not previously observed for this class of coordination polymer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examination of total emission and circularly polarised luminescence (CPL) spectra of three 9-coordinate Eu(III) complexes with well-defined speciation shows that the ligand fields of these C3 symmetric complexes are extremely sensitive to solvent polarity, even when solvent is not present in the first coordination sphere. The energies, intensities, and (for CPL) the sign of some transitions vary with solvent polarity. These observations are rationalised by analysis of the factors that control total and circularly polarised emission, and have important implications for design of responsive luminescent Ln(III) probes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enantiomers of [EuL3]·3Cl, an analogue of Eu:BPEPC with a lowered energy excitation wavelength, serve as effective reference complexes for the calibration of circularly polarised luminescence (CPL) spectrometers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of four emissive europium complexes has been evaluated for the binding of glyphosate in various aqueous media, including river water and grain extracts. Binding selectivity toward inorganic phosphate and bicarbonate was enhanced by measuring samples at pH 5.9, above the pKa of glyphosate itself. The highest affinity was shown with [Eu·L1], which creates an exocyclic tripicolylamine moiety when one pyridine group dissociates from Eu. Glyphosate was bound selectively over dihydrogenphosphate, glycinate, aminomethylphosphonate and the related herbicide glufosinate. The complex was used to measure glyphosate over the range 5 to 50 μM, in river water and grain extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A luminescent europium probe has been discovered that binds selectively to drug-site I in human serum albumin, signalled by a ‘switching on’ of europium emission, and accompanied by strong induced circularly polarised luminescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A family of five benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamide (BTA) compounds with varied side arm functionality [alkyl: n = 3, 4 and 5 chains; and ester and carboyxic acids] is reported. Investigations into their self-assembly behaviour revealed the extent to which minor changes in the side arm functionality can affect the structures formed. The carboxylic acid derivatives have a tendency to form gels, while the ester derivatives instead form crystalline phases with associated thermotropic phase transitions. The influence of the side chain length and terminal functional group is rationalised by a combination of single crystal X-ray diffraction studies and examinations of the bulk material properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chiral image contrast is demonstrated using enantiopure Eu(iii) complexes that emit right or left-handed circularly polarised light of opposite sign, at selected wavelengths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have developed a new class of lanthanide nano-clusters that self-assemble using flexible Schiff base ligands. Cd–Ln and Ni–Ln clusters, [Ln8Cd24(L1)12(OAc)39Cl7(OH)2] (Ln = Nd, Eu), [Eu8Cd24(L1)12(OAc)44], [Ln8Cd24(L2)12(OAc)44] (Ln = Nd, Yb, Sm) and [Nd2Ni4(L3)2(acac)6(NO3)2(OH)2], were constructed using different types of flexible Schiff base ligands. These molecular nano-clusters exhibit anisotropic architectures that differ considerably depending upon the presence of Cd (nano-drum) or Ni (square-like nano-cluster). Structural characterization of the self-assembled particles has been undertaken using crystallography, transmission electron microscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering. Comparison of the metric dimensions of the nano-drums shows a consistency of size using these techniques, suggesting that these molecules may share similar structural features in both solid and solution states. Photophysical properties were studied by excitation of the ligand-centered absorption bands in the solid state and in solution, and using confocal microscopy of microspheres loaded with the compounds. The emissive properties of these compounds vary depending upon the combination of lanthanide and Cd or Ni present in these clusters. The results provide new insights into the construction of novel high-nuclearity nano-clusters and offer a promising foundation for the development of new functional nanomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two bright, europium(iii) complexes based on an achiral heptadentate triazacyclononane ligand bearing two strongly absorbing chromophores have been evaluated for the selective emission and CPL signalling of various chiral O-phosphono-anions. Binding of O-phosphono-Ser and Thr gives rise to a strong induced CPL signature and a favoured Δ complex configuration is adopted. A similarly large induced CPL signal arises when [Eu·L1]2+ binds to lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), where the strong binding (log K 5.25 (295 K)) in methanol allowed its detection over the range 5 to 40 μM. Strong and chemoselective binding to the phosphorylated amino-acid residues was also observed with a set of four structurally related hexapeptides: in one case, the sign of the gem value in the ΔJ = 1 transition allowed differentiation between the binding to O-P-Ser and O-P-Tyr residues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cellular localisation and binding specificity of two NMDAR-targeted near-IR imaging probes has been examined by microscopy, followed by exemplification of MSOT to monitor simulated glutamate bursts in cellulo and a preliminary study in mice observing the signal in the brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of bright, europium(iii) complexes has been prepared based on an achiral heptadentate triazacyclononane ligand bearing two strongly absorbing, coordinated aralkynyl pyridyl moieties. The binding of chiral carboxylates, including α-hydroxy acids such as lactate and mandelate, has been monitored by emission spectroscopy and is signalled by the switching on of strong circularly polarised emission. In each case, an R-chiral carboxylate gave rise to emission typical of a Δ complex, most clearly shown in the form of the ΔJ = 4 transition manifold around 700 nm. Variations in the sign and magnitude of the CPL allow the enantiomeric purity and absolute configuration of the acid to be assessed in a sample. Analysis of the relative energies of the parent aqua complexes and their stereoisomeric adducts has been aided by lifetime measurements and density functional theory calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new modular super-resolution technique called Phase Modulation Nanoscopy (PhMoNa) has been developed in order to break the optical diffraction barrier in Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (LSCM). This technique is based on using spatially modulated illumination intensity, whilst harnessing the fluorophore's non-linear emission response. It allows experimental resolution in both lateral and axial domains to be improved by at least a factor of 2. The work is in its initial phase, but by using a custom built Electro Optical Modulator (EOM) in conjunction with functionalised Ln(iii) complexes as probes, a sub-diffraction resolution of ∼60 nm was achieved of selected cellular organelles in long term live cell imaging experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of the brightest luminescent europium(iii) complexes is traced, including analysis of the C3-symmetric core complex based on a functionalized triazacyclononane and identification of the most suitable strongly absorbing chromophore. Strategies for the synthesis of the complexes, including enantiopure analogues, are outlined and opportunities for applications in time-resolved microscopy and spectral imaging emphasised. Practicable examples are introduced, including selective organelle staining for cellular optical imaging at 65 nm resolution and the development of new bioassays using time-resolved FRET methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthetic utility of europium complexes with three coordinated 4-bromopyridyl groups for chromophore elaboration has been assessed in palladium-catalysed Sonogashira coupling reactions, and in copper(I) mediated click reactions of the triazide derivative, generated in situ. The crystal structure of the Eu complex of a p-OMe-phenyl substituted triazole at 100 K is reported in which the pendant triazole sensitising moieties interdigitate in the solid-state lattice. The triazole complex can be separated into Δ and ∧ enantiomers by chiral HPLC but is weakly emissive in methanol (ε 5.5 mM-1 cm-1; λexc 320 nm; ϕ 0.2%), contrasting with a set of four alkynyl-aryl derivatives which are one thousand times brighter and absorb strongly with broad absorption maxima in the range 332 to 360 nm. An enantiopure europium complex gives an intense CPL signal in solution that is the strongest yet reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mono-C-substitution of the 1,4,7-triazacyclononane ring induces formation of single enantiomers of Eu(iii) complexes with nonadentate N6O3 ligands. The absolute configuration of each complex is determined by the stereogenicity of the C-substituent, revealed by comparison of the sign and sequence of CPL transitions for a series of complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A ratiometric EuIII complex has been developed that localises selectively within the endoplasmic reticulum of living cells. Careful calibration, using a time-gated spectral imaging microscope, allows the intensity ratio of emission bands and the variation of excited state lifetime to be used for pH determination, with a pKa of 7.15. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis, structure and photophysical properties of a series of highly emissive europium complexes is reported. Certain complexes enter mammalian cells by macropinocytosis and stain the mitochondria selectively, allowing observation of the Eu emission in cellulo by time-gated spectral imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Image and spectral intensity from bicarbonate-selective europium(iii) probes localised in the mitochondria of cells is modulated reversibly by variation of external pCO2, and is suppressed by addition of the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, acetazolomide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A terbium complex has been designed that may be used to sensitise formation of singlet oxygen (ϕem 12%), allowing the creation of a ratiometric sensory system for pO2 (versus the insensitive Eu analogue) and the definition of a reactive probe that can be used to cause local damage to cells loaded with the complex and exposed to laser excitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A terbium complex has been designed that may be used to sensitise formation of singlet oxygen (em12%), allowing the creation of a ratiometric sensory system for pO2(versusthe insensitive Eu analogue) and the definition of a reactive probe that can be used to cause local damage to cells loaded with the complex and exposed to laser excitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An RNA-based coordination polymer is formed by the aqueous reaction of Cu I ions with the thionucleoside enantiomer (-)6-thioguanosine, (6tGH). The resulting polymer, [Cu I (μ 3 -S-thioG)] n 1, has a one-dimensional structure based on a [Cu 4 -S 4 ] core and undergoes extensive hierarchical self-assembly transforming from oligomeric chains → rod → cable → bundle through which a fibrous gel forms, that undergoes syneresis to form a self-supporting mass. The assembly involves the formation of helical cables/bundles and, in combination with the intrinsic photoemission of the polymer, results in the material exhibiting circularly polarised luminescence (CPL).

A series of four emissive europium complexes has been evaluated for the binding of glyphosate in various aqueous media, including river water and grain extracts. Binding selectivity toward inorganic phosphate and bicarbonate was enhanced by measuring samples at pH 5.9, above the pKa of glyphosate itself. The highest affinity was shown with [Eu·L1], which creates an exocyclic tripicolylamine moiety when one pyridine group dissociates from Eu. Glyphosate was bound selectively over dihydrogenphosphate, glycinate, aminomethylphosphonate and the related herbicide glufosinate. The complex was used to measure glyphosate over the range 5 to 50 μM, in river water and grain extracts.

Two bright, europium(iii) complexes based on an achiral heptadentate triazacyclononane ligand bearing two strongly absorbing chromophores have been evaluated for the selective emission and CPL signalling of various chiral O-phosphono-anions. Binding of O-phosphono-Ser and Thr gives rise to a strong induced CPL signature and a favoured Δ complex configuration is adopted. A similarly large induced CPL signal arises when [Eu·](2+) binds to lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), where the strong binding (log K 5.25 (295 K)) in methanol allowed its detection over the range 5 to 40 μM. Strong and chemoselective binding to the phosphorylated amino-acid residues was also observed with a set of four structurally related hexapeptides: in one case, the sign of the gem value in the ΔJ = 1 transition allowed differentiation between the binding to O-P-Ser and O-P-Tyr residues.

A series of bright, europium(iii) complexes has been prepared based on an achiral heptadentate triazacyclononane ligand bearing two strongly absorbing, coordinated aralkynyl pyridyl moieties. The binding of chiral carboxylates, including α-hydroxy acids such as lactate and mandelate, has been monitored by emission spectroscopy and is signalled by the switching on of strong circularly polarised emission. In each case, an R-chiral carboxylate gave rise to emission typical of a Δ complex, most clearly shown in the form of the ΔJ = 4 transition manifold around 700 nm. Variations in the sign and magnitude of the CPL allow the enantiomeric purity and absolute configuration of the acid to be assessed in a sample. Analysis of the relative energies of the parent aqua complexes and their stereoisomeric adducts has been aided by lifetime measurements and density functional theory calculations.

The development of the brightest luminescent europium(iii) complexes is traced, including analysis of the C3-symmetric core complex based on a functionalized triazacyclononane and identification of the most suitable strongly absorbing chromophore. Strategies for the synthesis of the complexes, including enantiopure analogues, are outlined and opportunities for applications in time-resolved microscopy and spectral imaging emphasised. Practicable examples are introduced, including selective organelle staining for cellular optical imaging at 65 nm resolution and the development of new bioassays using time-resolved FRET methods.

The synthetic utility of europium complexes with three coordinated 4-bromopyridyl groups for chromophore elaboration has been assessed in palladium-catalysed Sonogashira coupling reactions, and in copper(i) mediated click reactions of the triazide derivative, generated in situ. The crystal structure of the Eu complex of a p-OMe-phenyl substituted triazole at 100 K is reported in which the pendant triazole sensitising moieties interdigitate in the solid-state lattice. The triazole complex can be separated into Δ and Λ enantiomers by chiral HPLC but is weakly emissive in methanol (ε 5.5 mM(-1) cm(-1); λexc 320 nm; ϕ 0.2%), contrasting with a set of four alkynyl-aryl derivatives which are one thousand times brighter and absorb strongly with broad absorption maxima in the range 332 to 360 nm. An enantiopure europium complex gives an intense CPL signal in solution that is the strongest yet reported.

Mono-C-substitution of the 1,4,7-triazacyclononane ring induces formation of single enantiomers of Eu(III) complexes with nonadentate N6O3 ligands. The absolute configuration of each complex is determined by the stereogenicity of the C-substituent, revealed by comparison of the sign and sequence of CPL transitions for a series of complexes.

Europium and terbium complexes of two structurally related ligands have been evaluated as optical probes to monitor changes in lysosomal pH; calibration using ionophores and fluorescent probes allows monitoring of the time dependence of lysosomal pH change, examining the green/red intensity ratio from internalised Tb-Eu complexes.

Five structurally related europium(iii) complexes of heptadentate macrocyclic ligands bearing azaxanthone or azathiaxanthone chromophores have been evaluated comparatively as responsive probes of the intracellular environment. Protein binding (HSA) and oxy-anion binding constants have been measured by titrimetric analysis, examining ratiometric emission changes for three examples, and systems exhibiting selectivity for citrate or hydrogencarbonate identified. The cytotoxicity of each ligand and complex has been assessed and correlated with the observed chemical stability profile in competitive aqueous media. The europium complex of L(2) is non-toxic, exhibits a large change in its emission spectral profile to variation in HCO(3)(-) (or citrate) concentration allowing ratiometric analysis, and localises in cellular mitochondria. Such features augur well for its future application as a responsive probe in microscopy to monitor local changes in pHCO(3).

A set of three pH-responsive ratiometric Eu(III)complexes has been synthesised incorporating a coordinated azathioxanthone sensitiser and a pH dependent alkylsulfonamide moiety. Emission properties, anion binding affinities, pH response curves and protein binding constants were studied in detail in aqueous media, and solutions containing various concentrations of interfering anions and protein were also examined. The complex, [EuL3] exhibited some interference from protein and endogenous anions, e.g. lactate and hydrogen carbonate, but possessed a protonation constant of 7.2 in human serum solution. A suitable calibration curve was obtained and was used to determine the local pH using a 680/589 nm intensity ratio vs. pH plot. Confocal fluorescence microscopy images revealed fast uptake of the complex and a well distributed localisation within the cell; fast egress also occurred. Ribosomal localisation, with a high concentration within the protein-dense nucleoli was observed, in a similar manner to structurally related complexes bearing the same coordinated sensitising moiety. An IC(50) value of 67 (+/-20) microM was estimated using an MTT assay. Selected emission band ratio versus pH plots allow pH measurement in the range 6 to 8, enabling intracellular pH to be measured by microscopy. A value of 7.4 was estimated for NIH 3T3 cells in the protein rich regions of the nucleolus and ribosomes.

Observation of two-photon excitation (760 nm) and emission of two responsive water soluble europium complexes is reported with cross-sections of up to 2 GM. Two-photon excitation spectra have also been measured, acquisition being achieved by the use of a cavity-dumped mode locked Ti-sapphire laser. Time-gated detection is used to differentiate the ligand fluorescence and metal centred emission in these europium complexes.

Following excitation in the range 370-405 nm, the emission spectrum of a cell permeable macrocyclic Eu(III) complex incorporating an N-methylsulfonamide moiety changes form with pH, allowing ratiometric pH measurements in the range 6 to 8.

Several azaxanthone and azathioxanthone sensitising chromophores have been incorporated into macrocyclic ligands and form well-defined Eu and Tb complexes in polar media. Excitation of the heterocyclic chromophore in the range 330 to 382 nm leads to modest amounts of aromatic fluorescence and relatively efficient metal-based luminescence, with absolute metal-based quantum yields of up to 24% in aqueous media.