Search

Hypochlorite (ClO − ) and temperature play crucial roles in a wide range of physiological processes, and they are also implicated in various diseases, including cancer, inflammation of tissues and so on. Therefore, it is of great importance to explore a novel method to detect ClO − and temperature instantly. In this study, we developed a silica nanoparticle-based dual-responsive ratiometric fluorescent sensor (DRFS), whose correlative dual emissions can response to ClO − and temperature independently and sensitively. The detection limit of DRFS can reach to as low as 26 nM for the detection of ClO − . And further research demonstrates that DRFS possesses excellent anti-interference feature when other possible interferents exist, and has been successfully applied in ClO − detection in human serum and recognition of exogenous/endogenous ClO − in HeLa cells and macrophages by fluorescence microscopic imaging. Moreover, DRFS can also be used as a ratiometric temperature sensor, and the fluorescence intensity ratio (I 576 /I 445 ) exhibits a linear temperature response in the range from 20 to 60 °C with a change ratio as large as a factor of 5. Based on the above research, the DRFS can be used as versatile fluorescence sensor in various physiological and environmental systems.

Mercury pollutant brings huge threat to human health and the environment because of its bioaccumulation and permanent damage. Thus, highly selective and ratiometric detection and imaging of Hg2+ in organisms is quite important. Herein, we report on a polymer nanoparticle-based ratiometric fluorescent probe (NP3) for highly selective recognition of Hg2+ in totally aqueous solution and imaging in living cells. This probe comprises the reference fluorescent dye (4-ethoxy-9-allyl-1,8-naphthalimide: EANI), which resides in the core of nanoparticle, and the Hg2+-recognition group (fluorescein derivative: AEMH-FITC) on the surface of nanoparticle. It displays distinct dual emissions at 432 nm and 528 nm under a single-wavelength excitation. The fluorescence of the FITC moieties can be effectively quenched by Hg2+ due to photoinduced electron transfer (PET) mechanism, while that of the EANI remains constant, resulting in a ratiometric fluorescent detection of Hg2+. The as-prepared NP3 not only shows favorable water dispersibility, excellent long-term photostability, but also exhibits highly selective ratiometric detection of Hg2+ over other interfering ions (such as Cu2+, Na+, Mg2+, Zn2+, Co2+, Mn2+, K+, Ca2+, Fe3+, Cd2+, Ag+, Fe2+), and quite low detection limit (∼75 nM). Furthermore, intracellular fluorescence imaging experiments demonstrate that NP3 has good permeability of cell-membrane, and is able to facilitate visualization of Hg2+ changes in living cells.

The detection of copper ion (Cu 2+ ) and sulfide anion (S 2− ) is of vital importance since the abnormal level of Cu 2+ or S 2− can lead to many diseases. Herein, a highly sensitive and selective fluorescent sensor, 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (Cyclam)-functionalized carbon dots (CCDs), has been designed, synthesized and evaluated for Cu 2+ and S 2− . For this nanoprobe, a specific fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) process can be effectively take place between carbon dots and the surface Cu 2+ -Cyclam complex, the as-prepared CCDs display high sensitivity (detection limit: 100 nM) and selectivity toward Cu 2+ among many other metal cations (such as Mg 2+ , Co 2+ , Pb 2+ , Ni 2+ , Mn 2+ , Hg 2+ , Fe 2+ , Ca 2+ and Zn 2+ ) in 100% aqueous solution. Moreover, it is worth to point out that the subsequent addition of S 2− can extract Cu 2+ from the CCDs-Cu 2+ complex and recover the fluorescence of carbon dots, the detection limit for S 2− can reach to 130 nM in the aqueous medium. And no statistically significant interference was observed among the other 10 anions (HCO 3 − , SO 4 2− , NO 3 − , Cl − , CO 3 2− , S 2 O 3 2− , F − , Br − , HPO 4 − , ClO 4 − ) for S 2− through the study. In addition, the novel type of multifunctional fluorescent sensor has a relatively wide pH range (pH 4–10). At the same time, it exhibited remarkable longterm fluorescence stability (≥35 days) for Cu 2+ detection. In addition, this nanoprobe exhibits very low cytotoxicity and can easily permeate the cell membrane and realize Cu 2+ and S 2− monitoring and imaging in live cells. Therefore, this novel approach can be used in various fields, such as the detection of multiplex analytes in biological applications and environment, and it will reveal great application prospects.

This work concerns the interaction of prenoxine sodium (PRX) and bovine serum albumin (BSA), which was conducted by spectroscopic means: fluorescence spectra, ultraviolet-visible spectra (UV-vis) and circular dichroism spectra (CD spectra) in physiological conditions. The results revealed the PRX can quench the fluorescence of BSA remarkably in aqueous solution. The quench mechanism has been obtained after corrected the fluorescence intensities for inner filter effects. The binding constants (Ka) were calculated according to the relevant fluorescence data at different temperatures. Moreover, from a series of analyses, we have obtained the binding sites, the binding distance and binding force. The effect of PRX on the conformation of BSA has been analyzed using synchronous fluorescence under experimental conditions. In addition, the CD spectra proved that the secondary structure of BSA changed in the presence of PRX in aqueous solution.

The fluorescence and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy were explored to study the interaction between Tropicamide (TA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) at three different temperatures (292, 301 and 310K) under imitated physiological conditions. The experimental results showed that the fluorescence quenching mechanism between TA and BSA was static quenching procedure. The binding constant (Ka), binding sites (n) were obtained. The corresponding thermodynamic parameters (ΔH, ΔS and ΔG) of the interaction system were calculated at different temperatures. The results revealed that the binding process is spontaneous, hydrogen binds and vander Waals were the main force to stabilize the complex. According to Förster non-radiation energy transfer theory, the binding distance between TA and BSA was calculated to be 4.90 nm. Synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy indicated the conformation of BSA changed in the presence of TA. Furthermore, the effect of some common metal ions (Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Cu(2+), and Ni(2+)) on the binding constants between TA and BSA were examined.

The design of effective tools for detecting copper ion (Cu2+) and sulfide anion (S2-) is of great importance due to the abnormal level of Cu2+ and S2- has been associated with an increase in risk of many diseases. Herein, we report on the fabrication of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) based fluorescent probe PF (PEI-FITC) for detecting Cu2+ and S2- in 100% aqueous media via a facile one-pot method by covalent linking fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) with branched-polyethylenimine (b-PEI). PF could selectively coordinate with Cu2+ among 10 metal ions to form PF-Cu2+ complex, resulting in fluorescence quenching through FRET mechanism. Furthermore, the in situ generated PF-Cu2+ complex can be used to selectively detect S2- based on the displacement approach, resulting in an off-on type sensing. There is no obvious interference from other anions, such as Cl-, NO3-, ClO4-, SO42-, HCO3-, CO32-, Br-, HPO42-, F- and S2O32-. In addition, PF was successfully used to determine Cu2+ and S2- in human serum and tap water samples. Therefore, the FRET-based probe PF may provide a new method for selective detection of multifarious analysts in biological and environmental applications, and even hold promise for application in more complicated systems.

The interaction between thiazolo[2,3-b]pyrimidine (TZPM) analogues and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy and UV–Vis spectroscopy at two different temperatures (299 and 307 K) under imitated physiological conditions. The results indicate that both static quenching and dynamic quenching contribute to the fluorescence quenching of BSA by TZPM. The binding constant ( K a ) and binding sites ( n ) were calculated from the obtained spectra. Based on the Forster non-radiation energy transfer theory, the average binding distance between BSA and TZPM was estimated. The synchronous fluorescence spectra indicate that the conformation of BSA has been changed. The comparison of binding potency of TZPM and BSA suggests that the substituents on the benzene ring enhance the binding affinity of TZPM and BSA. We investigated the possible sub-domains on BSA that bind TZPM by displacement experiments. Furthermore, to explore the effect of molecular structure on the binding, a study on quantitative structure–property relationship (QSPR) was performed, the quantitative relationship equation of R 0 , r and K a were obtained. We observed that R 0 , r and K a between BSA and TZPM is connected with the margin of the highest and the lowest occupied orbital energy (Δ E ), dipole moment ( μ ), Molar Volume ( V m ), Mole Mass ( M ).

Spiro pyrrolidines, which were proved with diverse and potent biological activities and they were discovered widespread in nature. In this paper, using fluorescence and ultraviolet spectroscopy, we investigated the interactions between novel spiro pyrrolidine (NSP) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) under the imitated physiological condition. The results show that the NSP binds to BSA molecules. Static quenching and non-radiation energy transfer are the main reasons for fluorescence quenching. We calculated the binding constant (K(a)) and binding sites (n) at different temperatures and obtained the binding distance between the tryptophan residue in BSA and the NSP based on the Förster theory of non-radiation energy transfer. In addition, using synchronous fluorescence spectra, we demonstrated conformation changes of BSA caused by NSP. The comparison of binding potency of NSP and BSA suggests that the substituent on the benzene ring influences the binding ability of NSP and BSA.

The fluorescence and ultraviolet spectroscopies were explored to study the interaction between edaravone (EDA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) under imitated physiological condition. The experimental results show that the fluorescence quenching mechanism between EDA and BSA is a combined quenching (dynamic and static quenching). The binding constants, binding sites, and the corresponding thermodynamic parameters (ΔG, ΔH, and ΔS) of the interaction system were calculated at different temperatures. According to Forster non-radiation energy transfer theory, the binding distance between EDA and BSA was calculated to be 3.10 nm. The effect of EDA on the conformation of BSA was analyzed using synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy. In addition, the effects of some common metal ions Mg2+, Ca2+, Cu2+, and Ni2+ on the binding constant between EDA and BSA were examined.

To understand the effects of benzimidazole substitution on reaction equilibrium, the interactions between a series of benzimidazole-like ligands and [OV(O2)2(D2O)]−/[OV(O2)2(HOD)]− in solution were explored by a combination of multinuclear (1H, 13C, and 51V) magnetic resonance and variable temperature NMR in 0.15 mol/L NaCl ionic medium for mimicking the physiological condition. Some direct NMR data are reported for the first time. These results show that the relative reactivity among the organic ligands is 2-methyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazole > (1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)methanol > 1-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)ethanol > 1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazole. Both the steric effect and the electron effect of the 2-position substituted groups in benzimidazole ring affect the reaction equilibrium. The competitive coordination results in the formation of a series of new six-coordinated peroxovanadate species [OV(O2)2L]− (L = benzimidazole-like ligands). Moreover, the results of density functional calculations provided a reasonable explanation on the relative reactivity of the benzimidazole-like ligands as well as the important role of solvation in these reactions.

To understand the 4-substituting group effects of organic ligands in pyridine ring on the reaction equilibrium, the interactions between a series of 4-picoline-like ligands and [OV(O(2))(2)(D(2)O)](-)/[OV(O(2))(2)(HOD)](-) in solution were explored by the combined use of multinuclear ((1)H, (13)C, and (51)V) magnetic resonance, DOSY, and variable-temperature NMR in 0.15 mol/L NaCl ionic medium for mimicking the physiological condition. Some direct NMR data are given for the first time. The reactivity among the 4-picoline-like ligands is 4-picolineisonicotinateisonicotinamideethyl isonicotinate. The competitive coordination results in the formation of a series of new six-coordinated peroxovanadate species [OV(O(2))(2)L](n-) (L=4-picoline-like ligands, n=1 or 2). The results of density functional calculations provide a reasonable explanation on the relative reactivity of the 4-picoline-like ligands. Solvation effects play an important role in these reactions.

A novel diperoxovanadate complex NH(4)[OV(O(2))(2)(picolinamide)].H(2)O was synthesized from aqueous solution under physiological conditions. The solution structure of the complex was characterized by multinuclear ((1)H, (13)C, (14)N, and (51)V), variable temperature as well as two-dimensional (DOSY) NMR techniques in the interaction system of NH(4)VO(3)/H(2)O(2)/picolinamide at room temperature. The crystal structure of the complex was determined at 223K by single-crystal X-ray diffraction method. It belongs to the monoclinic space group P21/c with a=7.323(3)A, b=14.255(7)A, c=10.022(5)A, beta=99.524(9) degrees , V=1031.7(8)A(3), and Z=4. The crystal is composed of ammonium ions, picolinamide oxodiperoxovanadate(V) ions, and water molecules, which are held together by ionic and hydrogen bond forces. The species [OV(O(2))(2)(picolinamide)](-) is seven-coordinated with a distorted pentagonal bipyramidal geometry both in solution and in crystal.

To understand the substituting group effects of organic ligands on the reaction equilibrium, the interactions between diperoxovanadate complex [OV(O2)2(D2O)]-/[OV(O2)2(HOD)](-) and a series of 4-substituted pyridines in solution were explored using multinuclear (1H, 13C, and 51V) magnetic resonance, DOSY, and variable temperature NMR in 0.15 mol/L NaCl ionic medium for mimicking the physiological condition. Some direct NMR data are given for the first time. The reactivity among the 4-substituted pyridines is pyridineisonicotinateN-methyl isonicotinamidemethyl isonicotinate. The competitive coordination results in the formation of a series of new six-coordinated peroxovanadate species [OV(O2)2L](n-) (L = 4-substituted pyridines, n = 1 or 2). The results of density functional calculations provide a reasonable explanation on the relative reactivity of the 4-substituted pyridines. Solvation effects play an important role in these reactions.

The interaction between Besifloxacin (BFLX) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated by spectroscopic (fluorescence, UV-Vis absorption and circular dichroism) techniques under imitated physiological conditions. The experiments were conducted at different temperatures (298, 304 and 310 K) and the results showed that the BFLX caused the fluorescence quenching of BSA through a static quenching procedure. The binding constant (Ka), binding sites (n) were obtained. The corresponding thermodynamic parameters (ΔH, ΔS and ΔG) of the interaction system were calculated at different temperatures. The results revealed that the binding process was spontaneous and the acting force between BFLX and BSA were mainly electrostatic forces. According to Forster non-radiation energy transfer theory, the binding distance between BFLX and BSA was calculated to be 4.96 nm. What is more, both synchronous fluorescence and circular dichroism spectra confirmed conformational changes of BSA.

The interaction of carteolol hydrochloride, to 0.2 mol L−1 urea-induced bovine serum albumin in aqueous solution has been first investigated by fluorescence spectra and ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectra at pH 7.40. The quenching mechanism, binding parameter and sites (n), the binding mode (ΔG, ΔH, and ΔS) as well as the binding distance (r) have been obtained according to the experimental results. We also use the synchronous fluorescence method to study the effect of CTL on the conformation change of urea-induced BSA.

The fluorescence and ultraviolet spectroscopy were explored to study the interaction between Oxymetazoline hydrochloride (OMZH) and mucin under imitated physiological condition. The results demonstrated that the fluorescence quenching mechanism between OMZH and mucin is a combined quenching process. The binding constants (K(a)), binding sites (n) and the corresponding thermodynamic parameters (ΔG, ΔH, and ΔS) of the interaction system were calculated at different temperatures. The hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces play a major role in the interaction between OMZH and mucin. According to Forster non-radiation energy transfer theory, the binding distance between OMZH and mucin was calculated.

The interaction between N-confused porphyrins-(4-hydroxycoumarins) diad (NCP-(4-hydroxycoumarins)) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was studied using fluorescence and ultraviolet spectroscopy at different temperatures under imitated physiological conditions. The experimental results showed that the fluorescence of BSA was quenched by NCP-(4-hydroxycoumarins) through a combined quenching procedure. The binding constants, binding sites and corresponding thermodynamic parameters between NCP-(4-hydroxycoumarins) and BSA at different temperatures were obtained. According to Forster non-radiation energy transfer theory, the binding distance between BSA and NCP-(4-hydroxycoumarins) was calculated to be about 2.1 nm. The effect of NCP-(4-hydroxycoumarins) on the conformation of BSA was analyzed using synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy. In addition, the effect of some metal ions Cu2+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and Ni2+ on the binding constant between NCP-(4-hydroxycoumarins) and BSA was examined.

The fluorescence and ultraviolet spectroscopy were explored to study the interaction between N-confused porphyrins (NCP) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) under imitated physiological condition. The experimental results indicated that the fluorescence quenching mechanism between BSA and NCP was static quenching procedure at low NCP concentration at 293 and 305 K or a combined quenching (static and dynamic) procedure at higher NCP concentration at 305 K. The binding constants, binding sites and the corresponding thermodynamic parameters ΔH, ΔS, and ΔG were calculated at different temperatures. The comparison of binding potency of the three NCP to BSA showed that the substituting groups in benzene ring could enhance the binding affinity. From the thermodynamic parameters, we concluded that the action force was mainly hydrophobic interaction. The binding distances between NCP and BSA were calculated using Forster non-radiation energy transfer theory. In addition, the effect of NCP on the conformation of BSA was analyzed using synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy.

The interaction between salvianic acid A sodium (SAS) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated using fluorescence and ultraviolet spectroscopy at different temperatures under imitated physiological conditions. The experimental results showed that the fluorescence of BSA was quenched by SAS through a static quenching procedure. The binding constants of SAS with BSA were 2.03, 1.17 and 0.71×10(5) L mol(-1) at 291, 298 and 305 K, respectively. Negative values of ΔG, ΔH, and ΔS indicate that the interaction between SAS and BSA is driven by hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces. According to Forster non-radiation energy transfer theory, the binding distance between BSA and SAS was calculated to be about 2.92 nm. The effect of SAS on the conformation of BSA was analyzed using synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy. In addition, the effect of some metal ions Cu(2+), Ca(2+), Mg(2+), and Zn(2+) on the binding constant between SAS and BSA was examined.

The interactions between 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones (DHPM) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) were investigated by fluorescence and ultraviolet spectroscopy under imitated physiological conditions. The experimental results showed that all DHPM could form complexes with BSA. Static quenching and non-radiation energy transfer are the main reasons leading to the fluorescence quenching. The binding constants (KA) and the number of binding sites (n) were calculated. According to Forster theory of non-radiation energy transfer, the binding distances (r) between BSA and DHPM are less than 7 nm. The relationship between different aryl groups in pyrimidine ring and the binding ability of DHPM with BSA is preliminarily discussed. Moreover, the synchronous fluorescence spectra indicated that the conformation of BSA has not been changed.

To understand the effects of pyrazole substitution on reaction equilibrium, the interactions between a series of pyrazole-like ligands and [OV(O 2 ) 2 (D 2 O)] − /[OV(O 2 ) 2 (HOD)] − were explored by using multinuclear ( 1 H, 13 C, and 51 V) magnetic resonance, HSQC, and variable temperature NMR in 0.15 mol/L NaCl ionic medium mimicking physiological conditions. These results show that the relative reactivities among the pyrazole-like ligands are 3-methyl-1 H -pyrazole ≈ 4-methyl-1 H -pyrazole ≈ 1 H -pyrazole > 1-methyl-1 H -pyrazole. As a result, the main factor which affects the reaction equilibrium is the steric effect instead of the electronic effect of the methyl group of these ligands. A pair of isomers has been formed resulting from the coordination of 3-methyl-1 H -pyrazole and a vanadium complex, which is attributed to different types of coordination between the vanadium atom and the ligands. Thus, the competitive coordination leads to the formation of a series of six-coordinate peroxovanadate species [OV(O 2 ) 2 L] − (L, pyrazole-like ligands). Moreover, the results of density functional calculations provided a reasonable explanation on the relative reactivity of the pyrazole-like ligands as well as the important role of solvation in these reactions.