Asymmetric Cyanine Dyes Research Articles

An ATP-responsive ZIF-based NIR fluorescence nanosystem for enhanced chemo-photodynamic therapy of tumors.

The combination of chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy holds immense potential for achieving synergistic anti-tumor efficacy. However, challenges such as poor stability and premature drug release prior to reaching tumor sites impede the widespread application of this synergistic therapeutic approach. In this study, a novel ATP-responsive NIR fluorescence nanosystem (CDZ) for imaging-guided chemotherapy and PDT has been developed. This nanosystem, based on ZIF-90, encapsulates the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin (DOX) and the photosensitizer asymmetrical cyanine dye Cy through self-assembly. The obtained nanosystem CDZ could efficiently avoid premature drug leakage in the blood circulation due to its high stability in the physiological environment and accumulates at the tumor sites via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Upon uptake by tumor cells, the skeleton structure of CDZ is disrupted by overexpressed ATP levels, leading to the release of DOX, which inhibits cancer cell proliferation and induces cell death. Additionally, the released photosensitizer Cy emits strong NIR fluorescence signals, enabling real-time imaging of ATP levels in tumors. Moreover, under NIR light irradiation, this nanosystem generates high levels of ROS, achieving effective phototherapy even in deeper tumor regions. In tumor model mice, CDZ demonstrated a high rate of tumor inhibition without causing damage to major organs. This ZIF-based NIR fluorescence nanosystem, combining chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy, holds promise as a solution for treating and monitoring cancer without the associated risks of resistance and systemic toxicity.

Rapid Detection of the Recently Identified Turfgrass Pathogen Magnaporthiopsis meyeri-festucae Using Recombinase Polymerase Amplification.

Magnaporthiopsis meyeri-festucae is a recently identified root-infecting pathogen of fine fescue (Festuca spp.) turfgrasses. Although it is phylogenetically similar to other root-infecting turfgrass pathogens such as M. poae, management of M. meyeri-festucae is distinct and highlights the need for fast and accurate identification. The objective of this study was to develop a rapid detection method for M.meyeri-festucae using recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) to assist turfgrass managers in identifying the disease in the field and facilitate further epidemiological research on the pathogen. Three isolates of M. meyeri-festucae and eight isolates from four related Magnaporthiopsis species were used to test the specificity of the RPA assay targeting M. meyeri-festucae. Rapid visualization of the RPA assay results using a mixture of purified amplicon and SYBR-Safe fluorescence emitting asymmetrical cyanine dye showed that the assay was effective at detecting M. meyeri-festucae on turfgrass roots with no observed incidence of false positives or false negatives. The assay also differentiated between M. meyeri-festucae and other Magnaporthiopsis species, although overall sensitivity was lower compared with a PCR-based method. The RPA assay successfully detected M. meyeri-festucae following inoculation onto and grinding of turfgrass roots, indicating possible use as a rapid field diagnostic tool for turfgrass managers. The fast and accurate RPA M. meyeri-festucae detection method presented here will be used for additional field and laboratory applications that will help improve the management of this emerging pathogen.

Ultrafast Excited-State Dynamics of Thiazole Orange.

Thiazole orange (TO), an asymmetric cyanine dye, has been widely used in biomolecular detection and imaging of DNA/ RNA in gels, due to its unique fluorogenic behavior: fluorescence of free dye in aqueous solution is very weak but emission can be significantly enhanced in nucleic-acid-bound dye. Herein we describe the ultrafast excited-state dynamics of free TO in aqueous solution by exploiting both a femtosecond upconversion spectrophotofluorometer and a picosecond time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) apparatus. For the first time, the fluorescence lifetime of TO monomer in water was found to be ∼1 ps, mixed with concurrent solvent relaxation (which was confirmed by the experimental results of TO in DMSO). Even at moderate concentration, this lifetime has an amplitude (a measure of molecular fraction) that significantly dominates other lifetimes, and this is the origin of weak steady state fluorescence of free TO in water. We also found a novel slower decay component around 34 ps. Interestingly and in addition, the lifetime component on the 30-40 ps timescale was also found in TO-γ-Cyclodextrin (CD) complexes. The fraction of this component increased with the addition of γ-CD. Cyclodextrin has been reported to promote the aggregation of TO. Thus, although a very coincidental match of this time constant by one for a torsional process within the cavity can not be ruled out, we ascribe the shared 30-40 ps component to the lifetime of a highly quenched TO dimer experiencing intra-and inter-molecular rearrangement.

Solid-Phase Synthesis of Asymmetric Cyanine Dyes

Cyanine Dyes (CD) are a functional class of organic molecules used in several applications ranging from photography to bioimaging. Most well-known features of CDs reside on high molar extinction coefficients up to 105 L mol-1cm-1 and on the absorption spectra, ranging from 500 to 1000 nm, which can be fine-tuned both by extending the length of the central methylene bridge or by modulating the terminal heterocycles. In the last decades, new synthetic methodologies, namely microwave-assisted and the solid-phase procedure, have been developed to overcome the limitation of the classical synthetic protocols. While the microwave approach usually reduces the exposure time of the reagents and products to thermal degradation, the solid-phase methodology allows easier synthetic protocols, which are translated into higher yields and simpler products purification. In the present review, a comprehensive analysis of the solid-phase methods for the synthesis of asymmetrical CDs is discussed, with a critical evaluation of the difference among the currently available solid-state approaches.

High-Yielding Water-Soluble Asymmetric Cyanine Dyes for Labeling Applications

A simple and efficient microwave-assisted synthesis of asymmetric pentamethine cyanine dyes with various functional groups was developed, which allows high-yielding results. The synthesized dyes are modifiable and suitable for single-molecule imaging in biological and medical sciences by application of click chemistry or classic esterification and amidation.

Stereochemistry-Controlled Supramolecular Architectures of New Tetrahydroxy-Functionalised Amphiphilic Carbocyanine Dyes.

The syntheses of novel amphiphilic 5,5′,6,6′‐tetrachlorobenzimidacarbocyanine (TBC) dye derivatives with aminopropanediol head groups, which only differ in stereochemistry (chiral enantiomers, meso form and conformer), are reported. For the achiral meso form, a new synthetic route towards asymmetric cyanine dyes was established. All compounds form J aggregates in water, the optical properties of which were characterised by means of spectroscopic methods. The supramolecular structure of the aggregates is investigated by means of cryo‐transmission electron microscopy, cryo‐electron tomography and AFM, revealing extended sheet‐like aggregates for chiral enantiomers and nanotubes for the mesomer, respectively, whereas the conformer forms predominately needle‐like crystals. The experiments demonstrate that the aggregation behaviour of compounds can be controlled solely by head group stereochemistry, which in the case of enantiomers enables the formation of extended hydrogen‐bond chains by the hydroxyl functionalities. In case of the achiral meso form, however, such chains turned out to be sterically excluded.

Expression of CYP2E1 gene in paint workers occupationally exposed to organic solvents

Benzene (B), toluene (T), ethylbenzene (E) and xylene (X) are used commonly in paint industry, so workers who are a high risk of exposure to organic solvent (VOCs). CYP2E1 gene encodes CYP2E1 which plays an important role in the metabolism and bio-activation of volatile organic compounds. When workers expose to VOCs, their body will have a mechanism to metabolize the toxic. The enhancement of mRNA expression of CYP2E1 is a very sensitive and accurate biological marker, which is the basis for the next study to propose the level of mRNA expression of CYP2E1 gene as a human biological indicator to monitor to workers occupationally exposed to VOCs. In this study, we studied the level of mRNA expression of CYP2E1 gene from 118 participants that including 73 workers of exposed group from the paint factories and 45 workers of non-exposed group from garment factories by using Realtime-PCR with SYBR Green – an asymmetrical cyanine dye used as a nucleic acid stain in molecular biology. The initial results, showed that the exposed group had a higher mRNA expression level of CYP2E1 than the non-exposed group approximately 10.47 times, and this difference was statistically significant (P value < 0.05). And the age and the duration of exposure to organic solvents do not affect the expression level of CYP2E1.
 Keywords
 CYP2E1, the metabolisms of volatile organic compounds, mRNA expression of CYP2E1.
 References
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Brewing yeast viability measured using a novel fluorescent dye and image cytometer

This study presents an automated, image-based cytometry method for determination of total counts and viability of yeast cells by using a newly synthesized DNA fluorescent dye PO-TEDM-1 and a new Easycounter YC instrument. The synthesized polycationic asymmetric monomethine cyanine dye PO-TEDM-1 penetrates only into dead cells. The new fluorescent dye has high nucleic acid sensitivity and rapid interaction kinetics. The optimal concentration of the fluorescent dye for staining dead cells was 1 µg mL−1. The Easycounter YC system was used to determine the total cell count and viability of Saccharomyces carlsbergensis. The actual viability measured using the proposed method significantly correlated with the theoretical viability (R2 of 0.9988). The optimal linear interval was from 1 × 105 to 1 × 107 cells mL−1. The coefficient of variation with Easycounter YC in the optimal range was 2.5–4%, whereas that of the manual hemocytometry method, in the same range was higher, 15–23%. We tested the procedure in a study of the total cell count and viability of yeast cells from the propagators in beer production as a function of the dilution. The proposed method can be used in assays involving simple cell counting and quality assurance in sample bioprocessing.

An Asymmetrical Cyanine Dye Nanoparticles for Small Vessel Photoacoustic Imaging In Vivo

AbstractA novel asymmetrical cyanine dye (TR) with NIR absorption at 970 nm was synthesized and applied in photoacoustic imaging (PAI) in vivo for the first time. The advantages of asymmetrical structure in PAI was demonstrated with DFT calculation and verified by related experiments. BSA was selected as the matrix to encapsulate TR‐BSA nanoparticles (TR‐NPs) which was investigated as a PAI agent. Exceptional performance of TR‐NPs was shown in Balb/c rats caudal vein model; the details could be clearly displayed and identified at a 0.1 mm scale.

Heterobifunctional Dyes: Highly Fluorescent Linkers Based on Cyanine Dyes.

Herein, we present a new synthetic route to cyanine‐based heterobifunctional dyes and their application as fluorescent linkers between polymers and biomolecules. The synthesized compounds, designed in the visible spectral range, are equipped with two different reactive groups for highly selective conjugation under physiological conditions. By applying indolenine precursors with functionalized benzenes, we achieved water‐soluble asymmetric cyanine dyes bearing maleimido and N‐hydroxysuccinimidyl functionalities in a three‐step synthesis. Spectroscopic characterization revealed good molar absorption coefficients and moderate fluorescence quantum yields. Further reaction with polyethylene glycol yielded dye–polymer conjugates that were subsequently coupled to the antibody cetuximab, often applied in cancer therapy. Successful coupling was confirmed by mass shifts detected by gel electrophoresis. Receptor‐binding studies and live‐cell imaging revealed that labeling did not alter the biological function. In sum, we provided a successful synthetic pathway to rigid heterobifunctional cyanine dyes that are applicable as fluorescent linkers, for example, for connecting antibodies with macromolecules. Our approach contributes to the field of bioconjugation chemistry, such as antibody–drug conjugates by combining diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Near-Infrared Organic Dye-Based Nanoagent for the Photothermal Therapy of Cancer.

Given their easy structural modification and good biocompatibility advantages, near-infrared (NIR) organic dyes with a large molar extinction coefficient, while a superlow fluorescence quantum yield shows considerable potential application in photothermal therapy (PTT). Herein, a new NIR-absorbing asymmetric cyanine dye, namely, RC, is designed and synthesized via the hybrid of rhodamine and hemicyanine derivatives. RC-BSA nanoparticles (NPs) are fabricated by using the bovine serum albumin (BSA) matrix. The NPs exhibit a strong NIR absorption peak at ∼868 nm and 28.7% photothermal conversion efficiency. Based on these features, RC-BSA NPs exhibit excellent performance in ablating tumor under a 915 nm laser radiation through a PTT mechanism. These NPs show no obvious toxicity to the treated mice. Thus, RC-BSA NPs can used as a new NIR laser-triggered PTT agent in cancer treatment.

One-Step Synthesis of Novel Asymmetric Trimethine Indocyanine Fluorescent Dye and Fluorescent Labeling

A novel water-soluble asymmetric trimethine cyanine dye which contains one nonionic hydrophilic group was first synthesized, which was prepared from one-step synthesis with N-carboxybenzyl-2,3,3-trimethyl-3H-indol-5-sulfonic acid, N,N′-diphenylformamidine and 2,3,3-trimethyl-3H-indol-5-sulfonic acid with PEG. The pure title compound could be obtained by using the self-made C18 reversed-phase chromatographic column. The structure of the product was identified by NMR and HRMS. The spectra character and photostability of this dye were detected, protein labeling of albumin bovine serum (BSA) and cell stain with this dye were investigated. The results showed that the yield of the target compound could reach 73% by simple synthesis and purification, the fluorescence quantum yield was 0.3, the D/P of protein labeling was 1.87. The dye could effectively distinguish between the fixed cells and living cells, because of the significant differences in the staining results.

Self-assembly of DNA wrapped carbon nanotubes and asymmetrical cyanine dyes into fluorescent nanohybrids

Carbon nanotubes, asymmetrical cyanine dyes and single stranded DNA self-assemble into light absorbing hybrid nanostructures that are highly fluorescent.

Symmetrical and Asymmetrical Cyanine Dyes. Synthesis, Spectral Properties, and BSA Association Study

New cyanines were prepared by an efficient and practical route with satisfactory overall yield from low-cost starting materials. The photophysical behavior of the cyanines was investigated using UV-vis and steady-state fluorescence in solution, as well as their association with bovine serum albumin (BSA) in phosphate buffer solution (PBS). No cyanine aggregation was observed in organic solvents or in phosphate buffer solution. The alkyl chain length in the quaternized nitrogen was shown to be fundamental for BSA detection in PBS in these dyes.

Spectroscopic Study and Quantum Chemical Analysis of the Asymmetrical Cationic Polymethine Dye Versus Its Symmetrical Analogues

A detailed investigation of the steady-state and time-resolved spectral properties of new cationic asymmetrical trimethine cyanine dye with indolenine and benzoimidazole terminal groups has been performed in comparison with its symmetrical analogues. Steady-state measurements included absorption, fluorescence, excitation anisotropy in several solvents of different polarity and viscosity. Kerr-gated time-resolved study of the fluorescence properties has been performed using 1кHz femtosecond laser system. Experimental results are in agreement with DFT/6-31(d,p)/B3LYP quantum chemical calculations, allowing determination of the charge distribution, bond length alternation, permanent and transition dipole moments, energy levels and the leading molecular orbital configurations responsible for the lowest electronic transitions.

Circulating microRNAs: Understanding the Limits for Quantitative Measurement by Real‐Time PCR

Ever since the discovery of small, non-coding RNAs in circulation, microRNAs have gained significant attention as biomarkers or, in some instances, regulators of disease and/or associated complications. Until now, most articles published use real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) for assessment of

PNA FIT-Probes for the Dual Color Imaging of Two Viral mRNA Targets in Influenza H1N1 Infected Live Cells

Fluorogenic hybridization probes that allow RNA imaging provide information as to how the synthesis and transport of particular RNA molecules is orchestrated in living cells. In this study, we explored the peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-based FIT-probes in the simultaneous imaging of two different viral mRNA molecules expressed during the replication cycle of the H1N1 influenza A virus. PNA FIT-probes are non-nucleotidic, nonstructured probes and contain a single asymmetric cyanine dye which serves as a fluorescent base surrogate. The fluorochrome acts as a local intercalator probe and reports hybridization of target DNA/RNA by enhancement of fluorescence. Though multiplexed hybridization probes are expected to facilitate the analysis of RNA expression, there are no previous reports on the dual color imaging of two different viral mRNA targets. In this work, we developed a set of two differently colored PNA FIT-probes that allow the spectrally resolved imaging of mRNA coding for neuraminidase (NA) and matrix protein 1 (M1); proteins which execute distinct functions during the replication of the influenza A virus. The probes are characterized by a wide range of applicable hybridization temperatures. The same probe sequence enabled live-cell RNA imaging (at 37 °C) as well as real-time PCR measurements (at 60 °C annealing temperature). This facilitated a comprehensive analysis of RNA expression by quantitative (qPCR) and qualitative (imaging) means. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that the viral-RNA specific PNA FIT-probes neither stained noninfected cells nor cells infected by a control virus. The joint use of differently colored PNA FIT-probes in this feasibility study revealed significant differences in the expression pattern of influenza H1N1 mRNAs coding for NA or M1. These experiments provide evidence for the usefulness of PNA FIT-probes in investigations on the temporal and spatial progression of mRNA synthesis in living cells for two mRNA species.

Controlled Modulation of Serum Protein Binding and Biodistribution of Asymmetric Cyanine Dyes by Variation of the Number of Sulfonate Groups

To assess the suitability of asymmetric cyanine dyes for in vivo fluoro-optical molecular imaging, a comprehensive study on the influence of the number of negatively charged sulfonate groups governing the hydrophilicity of the DY-67x family of asymmetric cyanines was performed. Special attention was devoted to the plasma protein binding capacity and related pharmacokinetic properties. Four members of the DY-67x cyanine family composed of the same main chromophore, but substituted with a sequentially increasing number of sulfonate groups (n = 1-4; DY-675, DY-676, DY-677, DY-678, respectively), were incubated with plasma proteins dissolved in phosphate-buffered saline. Protein binding was assessed by absorption spectroscopy, gel electrophoresis, ultrafiltration, and dialysis. Distribution of dye in organs was studied by intraveneous injection of 62 nmol dye/kg body weight into mice (n = 12; up to 180 minutes postinjection) using whole-body near-infrared fluorescence imaging. Spectroscopic studies, gel electrophoresis, and dialysis demonstrated reduced protein binding with increasing number of sulfonate groups. The bovine serum albumin binding constant of the most hydrophobic dye, DY-675, is 18 times higher than that of the most hydrophilic fluorophore, DY-678. In vivo biodistribution analysis underlined a considerable influence of dye hydrophilicity on biodistribution and excretion pathways, with the more hydrophobic dyes, DY-675 and DY-676, accumulating in the liver, followed by strong fluorescence signals in bile and gut owing to accumulation in feces and comparatively hydrophilic DY-678-COOH accumulating in the bladder. Our results demonstrate the possibility of selectively controlling dye-protein interactions and, thus, biodistribution and excretion pathways via proper choice of the fluorophore's substitution pattern. This underlines the importance of structure-property relationships for fluorescent labels. Moreover, our data could provide the basis for the rationalization of future contrast agent developments.

Spectroscopic elucidation of the interaction of native cyclodextrins and their acetylated derivatives with asymmetric monomethyne cyanine dye

Five novel complexes of asymmetric monomethyne cyanine dye (1), with α-, β-, γ-cyclodextrins and the corresponding functionalized derivatives, namely acetyl-β-(Ac-β-CD) and acetyl-γ-(Ac-γ-CD) cyclodextrins were studied by means of UV–VIS, linear-polarized infrared and fluorescence spectroscopy, as well as scanning electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, and thermal methods both in solution and in solid-state. Computational chemistry methods were employed with the purpose of elucidating the electronic structure and vibrational properties of the organic dye.

Synthesis and fluorescence characteristics of novel asymmetric cyanine dyes for DNA detection

Sixteen new asymmetric monomethine cyanine dyes have been synthesized and their spectral characteristics and interaction with double stranded DNA have been investigated. The dyes absorb in the region 453–519 nm and have molar absorptivities in the range 37.900–93.100 l M −1 cm −1. The dyes do not have intrinsic fluorescence, but in the presence of dsDNA they exhibited a significant enhancement in fluorescence. The most pronounced increase was found for D9, D10, D12 and D16 allowing the recommendation of these dyes as the most sensitive DNA markers. Thermodynamic analysis of cyanine–DNA complexation was carried out using the McGhee & von Hippel non-cooperative excluded site model, and binding parameters have been derived. A hypothesis describing the DNA–dye binding mode has been proposed.