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Abstract: Tetrazole compounds have recently been found to impact on crystal morphology but in a manner different from that of carboxylate molecules. One such molecule was found to stabilise vaterite and this was investigated by assessing the impact of systematic changes on its structure. It was found that both the tetrazole and the formyl functionalities were required for vaterite stabilisation. The mechanism of stabilisation appears to be via inhibition of vaterite dissolution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The influence of the substrate wetting properties on the grid assisted deposition of tris-(8-hydroxyquinolinato)aluminum(III) (Alq3) onto Si/SiO x surfaces was investigated. Different degrees of hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity on the Si/SiO x were obtained by changing the surface chemical functionalities with wet treatments. We observed that the deposited Alq3 films can be spatially controlled and assembled either into continuous grid-like stripes or ordered dots depending upon the wetting properties of the substrate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The reaction of hydrated YbCl3 with potassium tribenzoylmethanide yields a new bimetallic tetranuclear Yb3+/K+ assembly. This species not only possesses the longest excited state lifetime and quantum yield reported for the Yb3+ diketonate family but is also suitable to be incorporated in NIR-OLEDs, whose performance outclasses any other reported lanthanoid-based device with NIR emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurobiological research relies heavily on imaging techniques, such as fluorescence microscopy, to understand neurological function and disease processes. However, the number and variety of fluorescent probes available for ex vivo tissue section imaging limits the advance of research in the field. In this review, we outline the current range of fluorescent probes that are available to researchers for ex vivo brain section imaging, including their physical and chemical characteristics, staining targets, and examples of discoveries for which they have been used. This review is organised into sections based on the biological target of the probe, including subcellular organelles, chemical species (e.g., labile metal ions), and pathological phenomenon (e.g., degenerating cells, aggregated proteins). We hope to inspire further development in this field, given the considerable benefits to be gained by the greater availability of suitably sensitive probes that have specificity for important brain tissue targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction of Re(CO)5Br with deprotonated 1H‐(5‐(2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine)pyrid‐2‐yl)tetrazole yields a triangular assembly formed by tricarbonyl Re(I) vertices. Photophysical measurements reveal blue‐green emission with a maximum at 520 nm, 32 % quantum yield, and 2430 ns long‐lived excited state decay lifetime in deaerated dichloromethane solution. Coordination of lanthanoid ions to the terpyridine units red‐shifts the emission to 570 nm and also reveals efficient (90 %) and fast sensitisation of both Eu(III) and Yb(III) at room temperature, with a similar rate constant kET on the order of 107 s−1. Efficient sensitisation of Eu(III) from Re(I) is unprecedented, especially when considering the close proximity in energy between the donor and acceptor excited states. On the other hand, comparative measurements at 77 K reveal that energy transfer to Yb(III) is two orders of magnitude slower than that to Eu(III). A two‐step mechanism of sensitisation is therefore proposed, whereby the rate‐determining step is a thermally activated energy transfer step between the Re(I) centre and the terpyridine functionality, followed by rapid energy transfer to the respective Ln(III) excited states. At 77 K, the direct Re(I) to Eu(III) energy transfer seems to proceed via a ligand‐mediated superexchange Dexter‐type mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Imaging with multiple modalities can maximise the information gained from the analysis of a single sample. probes for optical fluorescence and X-ray fluorescence microscopy based on brominated 4-amino-1,8-naphthalimide and BODIPY scaffolds have been successfully designed and synthesised. Herein we show that these prototype probes, based on each of these scaffolds, can be imaged in two different cancer cell lines, and that the respective optical fluorescence and X-ray fluorescence signals are well correlated in these images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heteroleptic lanthanoid (Ln = Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho and Yb) complexes featuring hydro‐tris(1‐pyrazolyl)borate (Tp−) ligands combined with the bidentate O‐donor ligands tropolonate (trop−) or 3,5‐di‐tertbutylseminquinonate (dbsq⋅−) have been synthesized and investigated. Despite the similarity of the bidentate O‐donor trop− and dbsq⋅− ligands, and the lanthanoid coordination geometries, the complexes [LnTp2dbsq] (Ln‐dbsq) and [LnTp2trop] (Ln‐trop) exhibit markedly different redox and photophysical properties. The electrochemistry of Ln‐dbsq is dominated by processes associated with the readily redox‐active dbsq⋅− moiety. In contrast, the relative redox inactivity of Ln‐trop allows for the observation of the Eu(III) to Eu(II) reduction process. Photophysical measurements reveal no sensitized emission for the Ln‐dbsq family, while the trop− antenna ligand is able to sensitize emission in the visible range for Eu(III) and Ho(III), and in the near‐infrared for Ho(III) and Yb(III). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sheep models of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) were utilised to investigate metabolic changes in fetal perirenal adipose tissue (PAT). Using two‐photon microscopy, a decreased redox ratio was detected in IUGR fat. This was accompanied by changes in lipid droplet morphology, detected by confocal microscopy, and by altered expression of metabolic‐related genes. The results indicate that metabolic imbalance of fetal PAT may increase the chance of survival of growth‐restricted neonates. Further details can be found in the article by Joanna Lazniewska, Jack R. T. Darby, Stacey L. Holman, Alexandra Sorvina, Sally E. Plush, Massimiliano Massi, Doug A. Brooks, and Janna L. Morrison (e202000322). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: fluorescence; fluorine-18; multimodality; PET; photophysics EN fluorescence fluorine-18 multimodality PET photophysics 1 1 1 01/18/21 20210113 NES 210113 B PET-fluorescence multimodal probes b provide complimentary information for medical diagnoses. Such probes enable specific functional imaging of a disease state from initial diagnostic positron emission tomography (PET) scans, followed by high spatial resolution, real-time fluorescence imaging during intraoperative excision of the diseased tissue. Fluorescence, fluorine-18, multimodality, PET, photophysics. [Extracted from the article]

Well-defined random copolymers containing tetrazole functional groups were prepared by a combination of reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) radical homopolymerisation of pentafluorophenyl acrylate (PFPA), end-group modification and post-polymerisation modification of the activated ester side-groups with primary amines. PolyPFPA with a size exclusion chromatography (SEC) measured M n of 10,800 and dispersity, Ð , of 1.05 was prepared with 2-cyano-2-propyl benzodithioate as the RAFT chain transfer agent and 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as the source of primary radicals in 1,4-dioxane. Prior to modification of the pentafluorophenyl (PFP) ester side-groups, the thiocarbonylthio end-group was removed via a radical-mediated desulfurisation employing two equivalents of AIBN. Complete removal of the end-group was successful as judged by UV–vis spectroscopy with no effect on the molecular weight distribution of the parent homopolymer based on SEC analysis. The pendent PFP ester groups were subsequently modified in a sequential manner with n -butylamine and 5-aminotetrazole yielding the corresponding random amide species quantitatively, as judged by 19F NMR and FTIR spectroscopies, and of varying molar composition as determined by 1H NMR spectroscopy. The reaction of the tetrazole functional copolymers with Re(CO) 3 (phen)Br (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) yielded the corresponding rhenium-polymer hybrids via coordination through the pendent tetrazole functional group. Successful, and quantitative coordination was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy and detailed photophysical studies. In the case of the latter, the absorption profiles of all hybrid materials possessed broad bands centred around ca. 370 nm associated with metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) transitions; excitation as this wavelength results in a broad emission centred at 606 nm for all hybrid species and is due to emission from the triplet MLCT excited states. Image 1 • Tetrazole functional copolymers are readily obtained from poly(pentafluorophenyl acrylate) and 5-aminotetrazole. • Copolymers with pendent tetrazole groups act as macroligands for the attachment of rhenium(I) fragments. • The metal-polymer hybrids retain the photophysical properties of the rhenium species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five cyclometalated Ir(III) tetrazolato complexes functionalised with fatty acid chains (octanoic, palmitic, stearic, palmitoleic, and oleic) have been synthesised. The fatty acids were chosen to evaluate the potential effect of the length and degree of unsaturation on the biological properties of the complexes for use as cellular imaging agents. The complexes were analysed in both organic and aqueous media to determine if the presence and nature of the fatty acid chains had a significant effect on their photophysical properties. The complexes display green–yellow emission in dichloromethane solutions with relatively long excited state decays, within the range 360–393 ns, and quantum yields between 5.4% and 6.7% (from degassed solutions). Temperature-dependent photophysical studies suggest that the emitting excited states of the complexes might be quenched by the thermal population of dark states. In water, the quantum yields drop within the range of 0.5%–2.4%, and the photophysical measurements are influenced by the variable degrees of aggregation. In general, the entire series displayed low cytotoxicity and relatively high photostability, which are favourable attributes in the design of cellular imaging agents. Images of live HeLa cells were obtained for all the complexes, but those functionalised with palmitic and stearic acids had limitations due the lower solubility conferred by the saturated aliphatic chains. The complexes were mainly detected within the endoplasmic reticulum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Well-defined copolymers of styrene with 4-cyanostyrene. • Post-polymerization modification to yield analogous tetrazole functional copolymers. • Coordination of rhenium(I) complexes to functional polymeric backbone via the tetrazole functional group. • Formation of novel hybrid metal-polymer luminescent materials. A series of well-defined tetrazole-functionalized (co)polymers based on the styrenic structural motif that are able to serve as macromolecular ligands for the coordination of a luminescent rhenium(I) complex are presented. Copolymers of styrene with 4-cyanostyrene containing different ratios of cyano appended groups have been synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Post-polymerization modification of the cyano groups via reaction with NaN 3 yielded the corresponding tetrazole functionalized copolymers. These tetrazole functional materials are able to serve as macromolecular ligands for the coordination of metal complexes: a rhenium(I) species has been incorporated into the polymeric structure by coordination to the tetrazole groups on the copolymers. The parent (co)polymers have been characterised by size exclusion chromatography (SEC), while inverse-gated proton decoupled 13C NMR spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy confirmed the formation of the tetrazole functional group and subsequent metal coordination. The photophysical properties of the copolymer-rhenium(I) hybrid luminescent materials have been fully investigated. Absorption and emission profiles confirmed coordination between the tetrazole functionality appended to the polymer material and the rhenium(I) precursor complex. Lifetime measurements and quantum yields confirmed that the presence of the polymeric scaffold does not interfere with the luminescent properties of the rhenium(I) complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complexes are widely studied for their cell imaging properties and anti-cancer and anti-microbial activities, but the complexes with S-donor ligands remain relatively unexplored. A series of six fac-[Re(NN)(CO)3(SR)] complexes, where (NN) is 2,2′-bipyridyl (bipy) or 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), and RSH is a series of thiocarboxylic acid methyl esters, have been synthesized and characterized. Cellular uptake and anti-proliferative activities of these complexes in human breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) were generally lower than those of the previously described fac-[Re(NN)(CO)3(OH2)]+ complexes; however, one of the complexes, fac-[Re(CO)3(phen)(SC(Ph)CH2C(O)OMe)] (3b), was active (IC50 ∼ 10 μM at 72 h treatment) in thiol-depleted MDA-MB-231 cells. Moreover, unlike fac-[Re(CO)3(phen)(OH2)]+, this complex did not lose activity in the presence of extracellular glutathione. Taken together these properties show promise for further development of 3b and its analogues as potential anti-cancer drugs for co-treatment with thiol-depleting agents. Conversely, the stable and non-toxic complex, fac-[Re(bipy)(CO)3(SC(Me)C(O)OMe)] (1a), predominantly localized in the lysosomes of MDA-MB-231 cells, as shown by live cell confocal microscopy (λex = 405 nm, λem = 470–570 nm). It is strongly localized in a subset of lysosomes (25 μM Re, 4 h treatment), as shown by co-localization with a Lysotracker dye. Longer treatment times with 1a (25 μM Re for 48 h) resulted in partial migration of the probe into the mitochondria, as shown by co-localization with a Mitotracker dye. These properties make complex 1a an attractive target for further development as an organelle probe for multimodal imaging, including phosphorescence, carbonyl tag for vibrational spectroscopy, and Re tag for X-ray fluorescence microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new family of ionic Ir(III) cyclometalated complexes with general formula [Ir(CN)2(NN)][Br], was designed and prepared to be assessed as photocalysts for the visible light assisted ATRP polymerization of MMA. To this purpose, our design strategy involved both: i) the decoration of the cyclometalating (CN) and the ancillary (NN) ligands with various electron withdrawing and/or electron donor substituents and, ii) the use of Br− as the counter anion for these cationic Ir(III) species. After an extensive screening in which the [Ir(CN)2(NN)][Br]‐type compounds were compared to the model neutral complex fac‐[Ir(ppy)3], the "fully" amino‐substituted ion pairs abbreviated as [10][Br] and [11][Br], exhibited the best photocatalytic performances under irradiation with CFL lamps. It is worth noting that the outcomes of transient absorption spectroscopy (TAS) experiments combined with theoretical DFT calculations, enlightened the role played by the Ir(III) complexes in the mechanism of the photoATRP process, and suggested the rationalization of the different performances that were highlighted by our Ir(III) catalyst in the visible light assisted photopolymerization of MMA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cover image is based on the Full Paper Synthesis, reactivity and preliminary biological activity of iron(0) complexes with cyclopentadienone and amino‐appended N‐heterocyclic carbene ligands by Andrea Cingolani et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/aoc.4779. Illustration Credit: Rita Mazzoni. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutral and cationic cyclopentadienone (CpO) N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) bis‐carbonyl iron(0) complexes bearing, appended to the NHC ligand, either a terminal amino group on the lateral chain, [Fe(η4‐CpO)(CO)2(κC‐NHC(CH2)nNH2)] with n = 2 (2a) and 3 (2b), or a cationic NMe3+ fragment, [Fe(η4‐CpO)(CO)2(κC‐NHC(CH2)2NMe3)](I) (3), were prepared and characterized in terms of their structure, stability and reactivity. The photochemical properties of 2a and 2b were examined both in organic solvents and in water, revealing the photoactivated release of one CO ligand followed by the formation of the chelated complex [Fe(η4‐CpO)(CO)(κ2C,N‐NHC(CH2)2NH2)] (4), whose molecular structure was confirmed by single crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. This metallacyclization occurs only in the case of 2a, with the ethylene spacer between NHC ring and NH2 group in the lateral chain, allowing the formation of a stable 6‐membered ring. On the other hand, 2b undergoes decomposition upon irradiation. The reactivity in aqueous solutions revealed the chemical speciation of the complexes at different pH and especially under physiological conditions (phosphate buffer solution at pH 7.4 and 37 °C). The lack of data on the biological properties of iron(0) complexes prompted us to preliminarily investigate their cytotoxicity against model cancer cells (AsPC‐1 and HPAF‐II), along with a determination of their lipophilicity. Cyclopentadienone iron(0) complexes bearing an amino functionality on the lateral chain of the ancillary N‐heterocyclic carbene ligand show cytotoxicity properties against pancreatic cancer AsPC‐1 and HPAF‐II cells comparable to carboplatin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Front Cover shows the two Ir complexes bearing β‐diketone/triketonate ligands. Upon UV light irradiation in the solid state, both molecules show visible emission ranging from yellow to red. This emission is negligible in solution, confirming that these compounds are aggregation‐induced emitters (AIE). The molecular packing in the crystal and the alteration of the π–π stacking involving the ancillary ligands determines the nature of the emission. The importance of structural parameters in comprehending the solid‐state phosphorescence of Ir complexes is highlighted by merging the experimental solid‐state emissions and crystal structures of the complexes. More information can be found in the Full Paper by D. Jacquemin, M. I. Ogden, M. Massi, E. Zysman‐Colman et al. For more on the story behind the cover research, see the Cover Profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morpholine motifs have been used extensively as targeting moieties for lysosomes, primarily in fluorescence imaging agents. Traditionally these imaging agents are based on organic molecules which have several shortcomings including small Stokes shifts, short emission lifetimes, and susceptibility to photobleaching. To explore alternative lysosome targeting imaging agents we have used a rhenium based phosphorescent platform which has been previously demonstrated to have an improved Stokes shift, a long lifetime emission, and is highly photostable. Rhenium complexes containing morpholine substituted ligands were designed to accumulate in acidic compartments. Two of the three complexes prepared exhibited bright emission in cells, when incubated at low concentrations (20 μM) and were non-toxic at concentrations as high as 100 μM, making them suitable for live cell imaging. We show that the rhenium complexes are amenable to chemical modification and that the morpholine targeted derivatives can be used for live cell confocal fluorescence imaging of endosomes–lysosomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we describe a new family of tris chelate homoleptic Ru (II) complexes, [Ru(N^N)3]2+, where the role of the diimine‐type ligands (N^N) was fulfilled by 2‐pyridyl (PTZ) or 2‐quinolyl tetrazole (QTZ) derivatives decorated with various alkyl substituents at the N‐2 position of the tetrazole ring. The new Ru (II) complexes with general formula [Ru (PTZ‐R)3]2+ and [Ru (QTZ‐R)3]2+, were obtained as mixtures of facial (fac) and meridional (mer) isomers, as suggested by NMR (1H, 13C) experiments, and confirmed in the case of mer‐[Ru (QTZ‐Me)3]2+, by X‐ray crystallography. The photophysical behavior of the tetrazole‐based [Ru(N^N)3]2+ type species was investigated by UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, providing trends typical of polypyridyl Ru (II) complexes. The new homoleptic complexes fac/mer‐[Ru (PTZ‐R)3]2+ and fac/mer‐[Ru (QTZ‐R)3]2+ have been assessed for any eventual antimicrobial activity towards two different bacteria such as Gram‐negative Escherichia coli and Gram‐positive Deinococcus radiodurans. Whereas being inactive toward E. coli, the response of agar disks diffusion tests suggested that some of the new fac/mer Ru (II) complexes could inhibit the growth of D. radiodurans. This effect was further investigated by determining the growth kinetics in liquid medium of D. radiodurans exposed to the fac/mer‐[Ru (PTZ‐R)3]2+ and fac/mer‐[Ru (QTZ‐R)3]2+ complexes at different concentrations. The outcome of these experiments highlighted that the turn‐on of the growth inhibitory effect took place as the linear hexyl chain was appended to the PTZ or QTZ scaffold, suggesting also how the inhibitory activity appeared more pronouncedly exerted by the facial isomers fac‐[Ru (PTZ‐Hex)3]2+ and fac‐[Ru (QTZ‐Hex)3]2+ (MIC = ca. 3.0 μg/ml) with respect to the corresponding meridional isomers (MIC = ca. 6.0 μg/ml). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis and photophysical properties of well‐defined polymer‐rhenium(I) hybrid materials is described. Reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization of pentafluorophenyl acrylate yields a parent homopolymer that serves as a reactive scaffold for the preparation of a series of new statistical copolymers containing pendent pyridyl functional groups in conjunction with various other repeat unit species. Attachment of [Re(CO)3(phen)]+ fragments via coordination through the pendent pyridyl groups yields the hybrid metal‐copolymer materials. Photophysical studies confirm successful rhenium coordination as judged from the absorption and emission profiles of the hybrid materials and further verify that the polymeric scaffold has no discernable effect on the luminescent properties of the coordinated rhenium species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report details the synthesis and characterisation of eight homoleptic bis(2,9-diaryl-1,10-phenanthroline)copper(i) complexes, seven of which are previously unreported {aryl = p-CF3C6H4, p-FC6H4, m,p-(OMe)2C6H3, o,p-(OMe)2C6H3, p-OMe-m,m-Me2C6H2, p-OMe-m,m-(t-Bu)2C6H2, 9,9-dimethyl-9H-fluoren-2-yl, 4-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)phenyl)}. Where possible the solid state, photophysical and electrochemical properties of these complexes were studied. In order to obtain insights into the influence of the intrinsic features of these copper(i) complexes on their reactivity in visible light-mediated photoredox catalysis, their capacity to promote a known atom-transfer radical addition process was evaluated. This specific transformation was identified as a suitable model system as it is reported to proceed via a mechanism consistent with the inner-sphere reactivity enabled by coordinatively unsaturated phenanthroline-based copper(i) species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twelve Re(I) tricarbonyl diimine (2,2′-bipyridine and 1,10-phenanthroline) complexes with thiotetrazolato ligands have been synthesised and fully characterised. Structural characterisation revealed the capacity of the tetrazolato ligand to bind to the Re(I) centre through either the S atom or the N atom with crystallography revealing most complexes being bound to the N atom. However, an example where the Re(I) centre is linked via the S atom has been identified. In solution, the complexes exist as an equilibrating mixture of linkage isomers, as suggested by comparison of their NMR spectra at room temperature and 373 K, as well as 2D exchange spectroscopy. The complexes are photoluminescent in fluid solution at room temperature, with emission either at 625 or 640 nm from the metal-to-ligand charge transfer excited states of triplet multiplicity, which seems to be exclusively dependent on the nature of the diimine ligand. The oxygen-sensitive excited state lifetime decay ranges between 12.5 and 27.5 ns for the complexes bound to 2,2′-bipyrdine, or between 130.6 and 155.2 ns for those bound to 1.10-phenanthroline. Quantum yields were measured within 0.4 and 1.5%. The complexes were incubated with human lung (A549), brain (T98g), and breast (MDA-MB-231) cancer cells, as well as with normal human skin fibroblasts (HFF-1), revealing low to moderate cytotoxicity, which for some compounds exceeded that of a standard anti-cancer drug, cisplatin. Low cytotoxicity combined with significant cellular uptake and photoluminescence properties provides potential for their use as cellular imaging agents. Furthermore, the complexes were assessed in disc diffusion and broth microdilution assays against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) bacterial strains, which revealed negligible antibacterial activity in the dark or after irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we present our preliminary studies into the inorganic pigments Han blue (BaCuSi 4 O 10) and Han purple (BaCuSi 2 O 6) as near-infrared luminescent fingerprint dusting powders. These pigments were developed in ancient China around 800 BCE and both show luminescence in the NIR region. There remains, however, ambiguity in the literature concerning their photophysical properties. Samples of Han blue and Han purple artist's pigments were characterized by optical microscopy, infrared, ultraviolet-visible absorbance and luminescence spectroscopy. Their performance as fingerprint dusting powders, without any further treatment, on non-porous surfaces were compared to exfoliated lipophilic coated Egyptian blue and commercial fluorescent powders in a pilot study. These results demonstrate for the first time that both ancient pigments show promise as alternative dusting powders for latent fingermarks. [Display omitted] • Ancient pigments Han blue and Han purple investigated as dusting powders for latent fingermarks. • Comprehensive spectroscopic characterization of commercially available pigments carried out. • Both ancient pigments demonstrate promise as alternative dusting powders for latent fingermarks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escalating global prevalence of type-2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity necessitates the development of novel oral medications. Agonism at G-protein coupled receptor-119 (GPR119) has been recognized for modulation of metabolic homeostasis in T2D, obesity, and fatty liver disease. However, off-target effects have impeded the advancement of synthetic GPR119 agonist drug candidates. Non-systemic, gut-restricted GPR119 agonism is suggested as an alternative strategy that may locally stimulate intestinal enteroendocrine cells (EEC) for incretin secretion, without the need for systemic drug availability, consequently alleviating conventional class-related side effects. Herein, we report the preclinical acute safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics (PK) of novel GPR119 agonist compounds ps297 and ps318 that potentially target gut EEC for incretin secretion. In a proof-of-efficacy study, both compounds demonstrated glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion capability during glucose and mixed-meal tolerance tests in healthy mice. Furthermore, co-administration of sitagliptin with investigational compounds in diabetic db/db mice resulted in synergism, with GLP-1 concentrations rising by three-fold. Both ps297 and ps318 exhibited low gut permeability assessed in the in-vitro Caco-2 cell model. A single oral dose PK study conducted on healthy mice demonstrated poor systemic bioavailability of both agents. PK measures (mean ± SD) for compound ps297 (C max 23 ± 19 ng/mL, T max range 0.5 – 1 h, AUC 0–24 h 19.6 ± 21 h*ng/mL) and ps318 (C max 75 ± 22 ng/mL, T max range 0.25 – 0.5 h, AUC 0–24 h 35 ± 23 h*ng/mL) suggest poor oral absorption. Additionally, examinations of drug excretion patterns in mice revealed that around 25 % (ps297) and 4 % (ps318) of the drugs were excreted through faeces as an unchanged form, while negligible drug concentrations (<0.005 %) were excreted in the urine. These acute PK/PD assessments suggest the gut is a primary site of action for both agents. Toxicity assessments conducted in the zebrafish and healthy mice models confirmed the safety and tolerability of both compounds. Future chronic in-vivo studies in relevant disease models will be essential to confirm the long-term safety and efficacy of these novel compounds. [Display omitted] • Novel synthetic O-LPI mimetic compounds, ps297 and ps318 acts as GPR119 agonist. • Showed low gut permeability in vitro and minimal systemic availability in vivo. • In GTT, both agents corrected glucose excursion and modulated GLP-1 secretion. • Suggesting gut-restricted incretin modulation. • Appeared safe and tolerable in mice and zebrafish model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Well‐defined copolymers containing luminescent iridium and hybrid iridium/rhenium fragments are prepared utilizing parent poly(n‐butyl acrylamide‐co‐N‐(1H‐tetrazol‐5‐yl) acrylamide) as macromolecular chelating species. The parent (co)polymers are prepared via the modification of a precursor poly(pentafluorophenyl acrylate) (polyPFPA) homopolymer, prepared by reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization, with n‐butylamine and 5‐aminotetrazole. Reaction of the parent copolymers with [Ir2(ppy)4(μ−Cl2)] (ppy = 2‐phenylpyridine) yields modified copolymers containing the Ir(ppy)2 fragment as a pendent group. Attachment of the Ir species is confirmed by a combination of photophysical studies, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and visually under irradiation with UV light. Importantly, it is demonstrated that the chelation of the Ir(ppy)2 fragment to a polymeric scaffold does not impact the fundamental photophysical properties of the Ir species. Attachment of a second luminescent metal species, Re(CO)3(phen) (phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline), gives hybrid materials containing Re(I) and Ir(III). The photophysical properties of these hybrid materials are consistent with the presence of both metal species and indicate the occurrence of energy transfer phenomena from the polymer‐bound Ir to Re metal centers. Finally, it is demonstrated that the Ir modified polymers and the Ir/Re hybrid materials offer potential in tissue imaging applications with scope to tune both luminescent properties and biological specificity as evidenced from preliminary brain tissue staining experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-organising functional systems and devices are the ultimate aim of bottom-up fabrication. Here, we show how spontaneous organisation can be exploited for patterning a variety of materials, relevant to organic electronics, into arrays of lines or dots by means of a stamp-assisted deposition method, termed lithographically controlled wetting (LCW). LCW is a versatile bottom-up method, able to exploit the spontaneous properties of materials; a stamp is gently placed on a solution layer cast on a substrate. Capillary forces pin the layer to the stamp protrusions, and the hydrodynamic flow during solvent evaporation moves the solution under the protrusions. As the critical concentration is achieved, the solute precipitates only in the regions where the solution is confined by the menisci, and the pattern exhibits the motif of the stamp. By changing concentration or stamp–substrate distance, it is possible to downscale the feature size down to sub-100nm length scale. Spatially organised nanodots or crystallites can be fabricated by exploiting dewetting, ripening and crystallization. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Re(I) complexes have potential in biomedical sciences as imaging agents, diagnostics and therapeutics. Thus, it is crucial to understand how Re(I) complexes interact with carrier proteins, like serum albumins. Here, two neutral Re(I) complexes were used (fac‐[Re(CO)3(1,10‐phenanthroline)L], in which L is either 4‐cyanophenyltetrazolate (1) or 4‐methoxycarbonylphenyltetrazole ester (2), to study the interactions with bovine serum albumin (BSA). Spectroscopic measurements, calculations of thermodynamic and Förster resonance energy transfer parameters, as well as molecular modelling, were performed to study differential binding between BSA and complex 1 and 2. Induced‐fit docking combined with quantum‐polarised ligand docking were employed in what is believed to be a first for a Re(I) complex as a ligand for BSA. Our findings provide a basis for other molecular interaction studies and suggest that subtle functional group alterations at the terminal region of the Re(I) complex have a significant impact on the ability of this class of compounds to interact with BSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a lack of molecular probes for imaging bacteria, in comparison to the array of such tools available for the imaging of mammalian cells. Here, organometallic molecular probes have been developed and assessed for bacterial imaging, designed to have the potential to support multiple imaging modalities. The chemical structure of the probes is designed around a metal-naphthalimide structure. The 4-amino-1,8-naphthalimide moiety, covalently appended through a pyridine ancillary ligand, acts as a luminescent probe for super-resolution microscopy. On the other hand, the metal centre, rhenium(I) or platinum(II) in the current study, enables techniques such as nanoSIMS. While the rhenium(I) complex was not sufficiently stable to be used as a probe, the platinum(II) analogue showed good chemical and biological stability. Structured illumination microscopy (SIM) imaging on live Bacillus cereus confirmed the suitability of the probe for super-resolution microscopy. NanoSIMS analysis was used to monitor the uptake of the platinum(II) complex within the bacteria and demonstrate the potential of this chemical architecture to enable multimodal imaging. The successful combination of these two moieties introduces a platform that could lead to a versatile range of multi-functional probes for bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visualising direct biochemical markers of cell physiology and disease pathology at the sub-cellular level is an ongoing challenge in the biological sciences. A suite of microscopies exists to either visualise sub-cellular architecture or to indirectly view biochemical markers (e.g. histochemistry), but further technique developments and innovations are required to increase the range of biochemical parameters that can be imaged directly, in situ, within cells and tissue. Here, we report our continued advancements in the application of synchrotron radiation attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (SR-ATR-FTIR) microspectroscopy to study sub-cellular biochemistry. Our recent applications demonstrate the much needed capability to map or image directly sub-cellular protein aggregates within degenerating neurons as well as lipid inclusions within bacterial cells. We also characterise the effect of spectral acquisition parameters on speed of data collection and the associated trade-offs between a realistic experimental time frame and spectral/image quality. Specifically, the study highlights that the choice of 8 cm−1 spectral resolutions provide a suitable trade-off between spectral quality and collection time, enabling identification of important spectroscopic markers, while increasing image acquisition by ∼30% (relative to 4 cm−1 spectral resolution). Further, this study explores coupling a focal plane array detector with SR-ATR-FTIR, revealing a modest time improvement in image acquisition time (factor of 2.8). Such information continues to lay the foundation for these spectroscopic methods to be readily available for, and adopted by, the biological science community to facilitate new interdisciplinary endeavours to unravel complex biochemical questions and expand emerging areas of study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Driven by an interest in the impact of the para-substituent of calix[4]arenes on metal complexation and structural chemistry, studies of p-cyclohexylcalix[4]arene (L) have been carried out. The 1:1 dichloromethane and dimethylformamide solvates were found to be isostructural, and different to the typical bilayer structure often observed for p-t-butylcalix[4]arene solvates. The methanol solvate, in contrast, does form a bilayered structure but is also a 1:1 solvate, unlike the p-t-butylcalix[4]arene·2MeOH system. Lanthanoid complexation was investigated, resulting in the structural characterisation of two different DMF solvates of a 2:2 dimeric europium complex, Eu2(L–3H)2(DMF)4. A tetrazole derivative, 5,11,17,23-tetracyclohexyl-25,27-dihydroxy-26,28-bis(tetrazole-5-ylmethoxy)calix[4]arene, has been synthesised via the intermediate 5,11,17,23-tetracyclohexyl-25,27-dihydroxy-26,28-dicyanomethoxycalix[4]arene, with the latter compound being structurally characterised. Attempts to isolate lanthanoid clusters supported by the tetrazole derivative under conditions known to form Ln19 clusters with the p-t-butyl analogue were unsuccessful, resulting only in isolation of the ligand from the reaction mixture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ligand H3L (6‐[3‐oxo‐3‐(2‐hydroxyphenyl)propionyl]pyridine‐2‐carboxylic acid), which exhibits two different coordination pockets, has been exploited to engender and study energy transfer (ET) in two dinuclear [LnIIILnIII′] analogues of interest, [EuYb] and [NdYb]. Their structural and physical properties have been compared with newly synthesised analogues featuring no possible ET ([EuLu], [NdLu], and [GdYb]) and with the corresponding homometallic [EuEu] and [NdNd] analogues, which have been previously reported. Photophysical data suggest that ET between EuIII and YbIII does not occur to a significant extent, whereas emission from YbIII originates from sensitisation of the ligand. In contrast, energy migration seems to be occurring between the two NdIII centres in [NdNd], as well as in [NdYb], in which YbIII luminescence is thus, in part, sensitised by ET from Nd. This study shows the versatility of this molecular platform to further the investigation of lanthanide‐to‐lanthanide ET phenomena in defined molecular systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trinuclear lanthanoid clusters have been synthesised and investigated as toroidal spin systems. A pyridyl functionalised β-diketonate, 1,3-bis(pyridin-2-yl)propane-1,3-dione (o-dppdH) has been used to synthesise a family of clusters of the form [Dy3(OH)2(o-dppd)3Cl2(H2O)4]Cl2·7H2O (1), [Tb3(o-dppd)3(μ3-OH)2(CH3CH2OH)3Cl3][Tb3(o-dppd)3(μ3-OH)2(H2O)(CH3CH2OH)2Cl3]Cl2·H2O (2), [Ho3(OH)2(o-dppd)3Cl(H2O)5]Cl3·3H2O (3) and [Er3(OH)2(o-dppd)3Cl2(H2O)3(CH3OH)]Cl2·3H2O·CH3OH (4). Despite the previous occurrence of this structural motif in the literature, these systems have not been widely investigated in terms of torodic behaviour. Magnetic studies were used to further characterise the complexes. DC susceptibility studies support weak antiferromagnetic exchange in the complexes. Slow magnetic relaxation behaviour is observed in the dynamic AC magnetic studies for complex 1. Theoretical studies predict that complex 1 and 3 have a non-magnetic ground state based on a toroidal arrangement of spins. Changes to the coordination environment in 2 do not support a toroic spin state. The prolate nature of the ErIII centres in complex 4 and large transverse anisotropy do not support the toroidal arrangement of lanthanoid spins in the complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Platinum-based anticancer drugs have been at the frontline of cancer therapy for the last 40 years, and are used in more than half of all treatments for different cancer types. However, they are not universally effective, and patients often suffer severe side effects because of their lack of cellular selectivity. There is therefore a compelling need to investigate the anticancer activity of alternative metal complexes. Here we describe the potential anticancer activity of rhenium-based complexes with preclinical efficacy in different types of solid malignancies. Methods: Kinase profile assay of rhenium complexes. Toxicology studies using zebrafish. Analysis of the growth of pancreatic cancer cell line-derived xenografts generated in zebrafish and in mice upon exposure to rhenium compounds. Results: We describe rhenium complexes which block cancer proliferation in vitro by inhibiting the signalling cascade induced by FGFR and Src. Initially, we tested the toxicity of rhenium complexes in vivo using a zebrafish model and identified one compound that displays anticancer activity with low toxicity even in the high micromolar range. Notably, the rhenium complex has anticancer activity in very aggressive cancers such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and neuroblastoma. We demonstrate the potential efficacy of this complex via a significant reduction in cancer growth in mouse xenografts. Conclusions: Our findings provide a basis for the development of rhenium-based chemotherapy agents with enhanced selectivity and limited side effects compared to standard platinum-based drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utility of dendrimers as effective carriers for targeted drug delivery and imaging has been facilitated by a high degree of molecular uniformity, narrow molecular weight distribution, tunable size and shape characteristics, and multivalency. Dendrimer–quantum dot (QD) nanocomposites have traditionally been synthesised by electrostatic self-assembly of preformed dendrimers and QDs, but higher generations are associated with limited flexibility and increased cytotoxicity. In this paper, we report the fabrication of CdTe QD nanoparticles using a dendronised linear copolymer bearing thiolated fourth-generation poly(amido amine) (PAMAM) dendrons as the capping and stabilising agent. We demonstrate this approach enables synthesis of nanocomposites with aqueous and photophysical stability. This paper describes the synthesis of green and yellow CdTe QD–dendronised polymer nanocomposites in situ using a partially thiolated dendronised polymer as capping agent and stabiliser. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]