Cationic Charge Research Articles

Poly(l-ornithine)-Grafted Zinc Phthalocyanines as Dual-Functional Antimicrobial Agents with Intrinsic Membrane Damage and Photothermal Ablation Capacity.

Multifunctional antimicrobial peptides that combine the intrinsic microbicidal property of cationic polypeptide chains and additional antibacterial strategy hold promising applications for the treatment of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, especially "superbugs". In the present study, star-shaped copolymers ZnPc-g-PLO with a zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) core and four poly(l-ornithine) (PLO) arms were designed, synthesized, and evaluated as dual-functional antimicrobial agents, that is, intrinsic membrane damage and photothermal ablation capacity. In an aqueous solution, amphiphilic ZnPc-g-PLO molecules self-assemble into nanosized polymeric micelles with an aggregated ZnPc core and star-shaped PLO periphery, where the ZnPc core exhibits appreciable aggregation-induced photothermal conversion efficiency. In the absence of laser irradiation, ZnPc-g-PLO micelles display potent and broad-spectrum antibacterial activities via physical bacterial membrane disruption as a result of the high cationic charge density of the star-shaped PLO. Upon laser irradiation, significant improvement in bactericidal potency was realized due to the efficacious photothermal sterilization from the ZnPc core. Notably, ZnPc-g-PLO micelles did not induce drug-resistance upon subinhibitory passages. In summary, dual-functional ZnPc-g-PLO copolymers can serve as promising antibacterial agents for the treatment of infectious diseases caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Ecotoxicity of cationic cellulose polymers to aquatic biota: The influence of charge density

Better performances of cellulose-based polymers can be achieved by adjust their architecture including the density of cationic modifications. In this study, the influence of cationic substitution on the ecotoxicity of four quaternized hydroxyethyl cellulose polymers (SK-H, SK-L, SK-M, SK-MH) was studied, using an aquatic biota acute ecotoxicity classification, and rheological and physicochemical characterization. The ecotoxicity characterization was achieved by performing standard ecotoxicity assays with seven key trophic level species: Vibrio fischeri, Raphidocelis subcapitata, Chlorella vulgaris, Daphnia magna, Brachionus calyciflorus, Heterocypris incongruens, and Danio rerio. Median effective concentrations were used to compute hazard concentrations, through the species sensitive distribution curves method. The microalga C. vulgaris and rotifer B. calyciflorus were the most sensitive species to the studied polymers. The SK-H variant was highly toxic to the rotifer. Overall, variants with intermediate levels of cationic charge (SK-M, SK-MH) presented the lowest toxicity. The SK-M variant showed the lowest value of maximum acceptable concentration (0.00354 mg/L), thus being indicated as the least toxic variant. Therefore, the obtained results suggest that industry could direct the development of this type of polymers by tailoring its cationic substitution to moderate levels, in such a way that both functionality and environmental toxicity could be maximized.

Cationic surface charge effect on proliferation and protein production of human dental pulp stem cells cultured on diethylaminoethyl-modified cellulose porous beads

Human adult dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are a type of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Recently, DPSCs have been proposed as a new MSC source for treating immune-mediated, inflammatory, and degenerative diseases via cell-based therapy. Hence, large-scale industrial production of the required cell number will be necessary. In this study, to investigate the cationic surface charge effect on DPSC proliferation, we fabricated two types of 2-diethylaminoethyl -modified cellulose porous beads (CPB-DEAE) with different ion exchange capacities. The cationic surface charge effect increased with increase in DPSC proliferation rate for the ion exchange capacity of 0.55–1.82 meq/g. However, the DPSC proliferation rate decreased at 2.50 meq/g. Thus, the optimal ion exchange capacity was determined to be 1.82 meq/g for DPSC proliferation. Additionally, the total amount of protein produced from the DPSCs on the CPB-DEAE microcarriers was higher than that produced under the conventional monolayer culture conditions. Furthermore, the hepatocyte growth factor, which is one of the anti-inflammatory growth factors, was produced from the DPSCs on the CPB-DEAE microcarriers. Finally, the DPSCs were confirmed to maintain their proliferative and multidifferentiation ability after culture on the CPB-DEAE microcarriers. CPB-DEAE microcarriers have the potential to be used for large-scale MSC expansion and protein production.

Ionic Inter-Particle Complexation Effect on the Performance of Waterborne Coatings.

The performance of waterborne (meth)acrylic coatings is critically affected by the film formation process, in which the individual polymer particles must join to form a continuous film. Consequently, the waterborne polymers present lower performance than their solvent-borne counter-polymers. To decrease this effect, in this work, ionic complexation between oppositely charged polymer particles was introduced and its effect on the performance of waterborne polymer films was studied. The (meth)acrylic particles were charged by the addition of a small amount of ionic monomers, such as sodium styrene sulfonate and 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate. Density functional theory calculations showed that the interaction between the selected main charges of the respective functional monomers (sulfonate–amine) is favored against the interactions with their counter ions (sulfonate–Na and amine–H). To induce ionic complexation, the oppositely charged latexes were blended, either based on the same number of charges or the same number of particles. The performance of the ionic complexed coatings was determined by means of tensile tests and water uptake measurements. The ionic complexed films were compared with reference films obtained at pH at which the cationic charges were in neutral form. The mechanical resistance was raised slightly by ionic bonding between particles, producing much more flexible films, whereas the water penetration within the polymeric films was considerably hindered. By exploring the process of polymer chains interdiffusion using Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) analysis, it was found that the ionic complexation was established between the particles, which reduced significantly the interdiffusion process of polymer chains. The presented ionic complexes of sulfonate–amine functionalized particles open a promising approach for reinforcing waterborne coatings.

Polyelectrolyte Complex for Drug Delivery in Biomedical Applications: A Review

There are so many significant developments made in drug delivery system (DDS) in which Polymer DDS has reached great developments. The main motive of this paper is to focus on DDS developing by Polyelectrolytes. Polymers have achieved much importance in DDS. Polyelectrolytes shows an exceptional category of polymer compounds containing of opposite charged polyions which are mainly cationic or anionic charges; they are hydrophilic in nature because of presence of opposite charge, can be used in various of applications in DDS. Polyelectrolytes (PE) exhibits various types of reactive groups that permits easy, adaptable modification with functional agents such as targeting molecules. Further, the oppositely charged nature exist in polyelectrolytes been used to transport macromolecules such as DNA and nanoparticles. Significance of smart polyelectrolyte is growing day by day from last several year. In the last several years, polyelectrolytes representing promising means for targeted based drug delivery and gene treatment. In the present paper, polyelectrolyte, polyelectrolyte complexes, deposition method for multilayer system, features, characterization of polyelectrolytes, and applications are reviewed.

Nano-engineering stable contact-based antimicrobials: Chemistry at the interface between nano-gold and bacteria

Contact-based antimicrobials, as antibiotic-free technologies that use non-specific interactions with bacterial cells to exert antimicrobial activity, are a prospective solution in fighting the global issue of bacterial resistance. A very simplified approach to their design considers the direct bonding of cationic guanidine-containing amino acids to the surface of nano-gold carriers. The structure enables antimicrobial activity due to a high density of cationic surface charges. This opens a set of novel questions that are important for their effective engineering, particularly regarding (i) chemistry and events that take place at the interface between NPs and cells, (ii) the direct influence of a charge (and its change) on interactions with bacterial and mammalian cells, and (iii) the stability of structures (and their antimicrobial activity) in the presence of enzymes, which are addressed in this paper. Because of the ability of amino acid-functionalized nano-gold to retain structural and functional activity, even after exposure to a range of physicochemical stimuli, they provide an excellent nanotechnological platform for designing highly effective contact-based antimicrobials and their applications.

Elucidation of Charge Contribution in Iridium-Chelated Hydrogen-Bonding Systems

We present two iridium complexes 1H + and 2H + that contain cationic ligands to extend the knowledge of charge-assisted hydrogen bonding (CAHB), which counts among the strongest non-covalent bonding interactions. Upon protonation, both complexes were converted into new hydrogen-bonding arrays with various selectivity for respective H-bonding partners. This study compares the association strengths of four hydrogen-bonding co-systems, emphasizing the roles of CAHB in supramolecular systems. We determined that the cationic charge in these systems contributed up to 2.7 kJ mol−1 in the H-bonding complexation processes.

Cationic Lignin-Based Hyperbranched Polymers to Circumvent Drug Resistance in Pseudomonas Keratitis.

The rise of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria strains has been a global public health concern due to their ability to cause increased patient morbidity and a greater burden on the healthcare system. As one of the potential solutions to overcome such bacterial infections, hyperbranched copolymers with cationic charges were developed. These copolymers were assessed for their antimicrobial efficacy and their bactericidal mechanisms. They were found to be potent against mobile colistin-resistant 1 strains, which was significant as colistin is known to be the last-resort antibiotic against Gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, there was no sign of mutational resistance developed by E. ColiATCC 25922 and MCR 1+E. Coli against the copolymer even up to 20 passages. The ability to evade inducing resistance would provide invaluable insights for future antibiotic development. Our studies suggest that the bactericidal efficacy comes from the ability to target the outer membrane efficaciously. In vivo study using a Pseudomonas keratitis model showed that the copolymer was compatible with the eye and further supported that the copolymer treatment was effective for complete bacteria elimination.

Reducing the Toxicity of Designer Aminoglycosides as Nonsense Mutation Readthrough Agents for Therapeutic Targets.

A significant proportion of genetic disease cases arise from truncation of proteins caused by premature termination codons. In eukaryotic cells some aminoglycosides cause readthrough of premature termination codons during protein translation. Inducing readthrough of these codons can potentially be of therapeutic value in the treatment of numerous genetic diseases. A significant drawback to the repeated use of aminoglycosides as treatments is the lack of balance between their readthrough efficacy and toxicity. The synthesis and biological testing of designer aminoglycoside compounds is documented herein. We disclose the implementation of a strategy to reduce cellular toxicity and maintain readthrough activity of a library of compounds by modification of the overall cationic charge of the aminoglycoside scaffold through ring I modifications.

Development and Evaluations of Transdermally Delivered Luteolin Loaded Cationic Nanoemulsion: In Vitro and Ex Vivo Evaluations.

Introduction: Luteolin (LUT) is natural flavonoid with multiple therapeutic potentials and is explored for transdermal delivery using a nanocarrier system. LUT loaded cationic nanoemulsions (CNE1–CNE9) using bergamot oil (BO) were developed, optimized, and characterized in terms of in vitro and ex vivo parameters for improved permeation. Materials and methods: The solubility study of LUT was carried out in selected excipients, namely BO, cremophor EL (CEL as surfactant), labrasol (LAB), and oleylamine (OA as cationic charge inducer). Formulations were characterized with globular size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, pH, and thermodynamic stability studies. The optimized formulation (CNE4) was selected for comparative investigations (% transmittance as %T, morphology, chemical compatibility, drug content, in vitro % drug release, ex vivo skin permeation, and drug deposition, DD) against ANE4 (anionic nanoemulsion for comparison) and drug suspension (DS). Results: Formulations such as CNE1–CNE9 and ANE4 (except CNE6 and CNE8) were found to be stable. The optimized CNE4 based on the lowest value of globular size (112 nm), minimum PDI (0.15), and optimum zeta potential (+26 mV) was selected for comparative assessment against ANE4 and DS. The %T values of CNE1–CNE9 were found to be ˃95% and CEL content slightly improved the %T value. The spherical CNE4 was compatible with excipients and showed % total drug content in the range of 97.9–99.7%. In vitro drug release values from CNE4 and ANE4 were significantly higher than DS. Moreover, permeation flux (138.82 ± 8.4 µg/cm2·h), enhancement ratio (8.23), and DD (10.98%) were remarkably higher than DS. Thus, ex vivo parameters were relatively high as compared to DS which may be attributed to nanonization, surfactant-mediated reversible changes in skin lipid matrix, and electrostatic interaction of nanoglobules with the cellular surface. Conclusion: Transdermal delivery of LUT can be a suitable alternative to oral drug delivery for augmented skin permeation and drug deposition.

Molecular protectors: Superheroes for nanostructures

Molecular protectors: Superheroes for nanostructures

Synthesis and redox properties of heterobimetallic Re(bpyCrown-M)(CO)3Cl complexes, where M = Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Ba2+

The operational electrochemical potential of a molecular electrocatalyst is typically pinned to the reduction potential of the parent complex. The predominant strategy for minimizing the overpotential is to modify the ligand with electron withdrawing functional groups to anodically shift the reduction potential. However, these changes often result in decreased catalytic rates. Re(bpy)(CO)3Cl is a well-known electrocatalyst for selective CO2 reduction to CO. In this work, the synthesis of Re(bpyCrown-M)(CO)3Cl is described, where bpyCrown-M is a bipyridine ligand containing a cyclic ether cavity, and M is a Na+, K+, Ca2+, or Ba2+ ion encapsulated within that cavity. Addition of these cations results in anodic shifts in reduction potential, and the magnitude of the shifts correlate with overall cationic charge. However, electrolysis under catalytic conditions for CO2 reduction results in precipitation of carbonate salts, diminishing overall catalytic activity.

Acid-base properties of hydroxyapatite(0001) by the adsorption of probe molecules: An ab initio investigation

The presence of both acidic and basic adsorption sites on the surface of hydroxyapatite [${\mathrm{Ca}}_{10}{({\mathrm{PO}}_{4})}_{6}{(\mathrm{OH})}_{2}$; HAP] is an interesting property for catalytic applications. Here, we report a density functional theory investigation of the adsorption properties of $\mathrm{CO}, {\mathrm{CO}}_{2}, {\mathrm{C}}_{2}{\mathrm{H}}_{2}, {\mathrm{CH}}_{4}, {\mathrm{H}}_{2}, {\mathrm{H}}_{2}\mathrm{O}, {\mathrm{NH}}_{3}, {\mathrm{SO}}_{2}$, and ${\mathrm{BCl}}_{3}$ on the $\mathrm{HAP}(0001)$ surface. All probe molecules have a lower energy when they are adsorbed in the region between the most exposed ${\mathrm{Ca}}^{2+}$ ion (electron acceptor) and a neighboring $\mathrm{PO}{{}_{4}}^{3\ensuremath{-}}$ group, where the $\mathrm{O}$ atoms (electron donor) contribute to the stabilization of the adsorbed molecule. By evaluating the redistribution of the electron density and the change of the atomic charges, the ${\mathrm{Ca}}^{2+}$ and $\mathrm{PO}{{}_{4}}^{3\ensuremath{-}}$ sites were identified as Lewis acidic and Lewis basic adsorption sites, respectively, which indicates that simultaneous acid-base interactions occur upon adsorption of all studied probe molecules. All adsorbates interact with the surface via atoms of opposing charges, which enhances the ionic character of molecular bonds by increasing the distinction between cationic and anionic charges within the molecule. Furthermore, molecules with greater ionic character show stronger interaction with the substrate and greater geometric deformation. Although most adsorbed molecules ($\mathrm{CO}, {\mathrm{CO}}_{2}, {\mathrm{C}}_{2}{\mathrm{H}}_{2}, {\mathrm{CH}}_{4}, {\mathrm{H}}_{2}, {\mathrm{H}}_{2}\mathrm{O}$, and ${\mathrm{NH}}_{3}$) do not show substantial net charge transfer, polarization effects due to the redistribution of charge are observed upon adsorption of all probe molecules. The change in the work function increases linearly with the total change in the surface dipole moment for ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}\mathrm{O}, {\mathrm{NH}}_{3}, {\mathrm{SO}}_{2}$, and ${\mathrm{BCl}}_{3}$, while for the remaining systems, the magnitude of the work function change remains more uniform. By identifying the type of interaction between each probe molecule and the $\mathrm{HAP}(0001)$ surface, the present study contributes to the understanding of the acid-base properties of the $\mathrm{HAP}(0001)$ surface, which we elaborated in a short discussion based on the individual bond orders for the acidic and basic sites.

Study on the Structure-Activity Relationship of an Antimicrobial Peptide, Brevinin-2GUb, from the Skin Secretion of Hylarana guentheri.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are considered potential alternatives to antibiotics due to their advantages in solving antibiotic resistance. Brevinin-2GUb, which was extracted from the skin secretion of Hylarana guentheri, is a peptide with modest antimicrobial activity. Several analogues were designed to explore the structure–activity relationship and enhance its activity. In general, the Rana box is not an indispensable motif for the bioactivity of Brevinin-2GUb, and the first to the 19th amino acids at the N-terminal end are active fragments, such that shortening the peptide while maintaining its bioactivity is a promising strategy for the optimisation of peptides. Keeping a complete hydrophobic face and increasing the net charges are key factors for antimicrobial activity. With the increase of cationic charges, α-helical proportion, and amphipathicity, the activity of t-Brevinin-2GUb-6K (tB2U-6K), in combatting bacteria, drastically improved, especially against Gram-negative bacteria, and the peptide attained the capacity to kill clinical isolates and fungi as well, which made it possible to address some aspects of antibiotic resistance. Thus, peptide tB2U-6K, with potent antimicrobial activity against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the capacity to inhibit the growth of biofilm, and low toxicity against normal cells, is of value to be further developed into an antimicrobial agent.

Synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of oxoiron(IV) porphyrin π-cation radical complexes bearing cationic N-methyl-2-pyridinium group

Electronic charge near the active site is an important factor for controlling the reactivity of metalloenzymes. Here, to investigate the effect of the cationic charge near the heme in heme proteins, we synthesized new iron porphyrin complexes (1 and 2) having cationic 3-methyl-N-methyl-2-pyrdinium group and N-methyl-2-pyridinium group at one of the four meso-positions, respectively. The N-methyl-2-pyridinium groups could be introduced by Stille coupling used palladium catalysts. Oxoiron(IV) porphyrin π-cation radical complexes (Compound I) of 1 (1-CompI) and 2 (2-CompI) are soluble in most organic solvents, allowing direct comparison of their electronic structure and reactivity with Compound I of tetramesitylporphyrin (3-CompI) and tetrakis-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)porphyrin (4-CompI) under the same conditions. Spectroscopic data for 1-CompI are close to those for 3-CompI, but the redox potential for 1-CompI is close to that of 4-CompI. Kinetic analysis of the epoxidation reactions shows that 1-CompI and 2-CompI are (~250-fold) more reactive than 3-CompI, and comparable to 4-CompI. DFT calculations allow to propose that the positive shift of the redox potential and the enhanced reactivity of 1-CompI and 2-CompI is induced by the intramolecular electric field effect of N-methyl-2-pyridinium cation, not by the electron-withdrawing effect.

Synthesis and structure‐activity relationship of mitochondria‐targeting peptoids with varying hydrophobicity and cationic charge

AbstractMitochondria‐targeted delivery methods offer a straightforward approach for studying mitochondria‐related diseases and potentially streamlining therapeutic development. Peptoids (oligo‐N‐substituted glycines) are biocompatible peptidomimetics that display similar physicochemical properties as peptides with the added advantage of enhanced resistance to proteolytic cleavage. In particular, amphipathic peptoids are membrane‐permeable and their cationic charges and hydrophobicity can be readily modified for specific purposes, such as cell penetration, anti‐cancer or antibacterial activity. Previously, we identified a series of amphipathic peptoids that showed efficient cell penetration and mitochondrial localization. As a continued effort to identify selective mitochondrial transporters, we designed new analogs with varying hydrophobicity and net charges. We observed that overall increase in hydrophobicity did not result in enhanced mitochondrial localization while maintaining high cell permeability. Moreover, a certain degree of a positive net charge was critical for mitochondrial localization. In conclusion, our mitochondria‐targeting peptoids provide a highly selective and robust delivery system for bioactive molecules.

Fabrication of Cationic Poly(vinyl alcohol) Films Cross-Linked Using Copolymers Containing Quaternary Ammonium Cations, Benzoxaborole, and Carboxy Groups.

Water-insoluble cationic poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) films were fabricated using a mixed aqueous solution of PVA and poly([2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride (METAC)-co-methacrylic acid (MAAc)-co-5-methacrylamido-1,2-benzoxaborole (MAAmBO)) copolymer (3D). The surface of the PVA film is typically negatively charged, and simple fabrication methods for water-insoluble PVA films with cationic surface charges are required to expand their application fields. METAC, which has a permanent positive charge owing to the presence of a quaternary ammonium cation, was selected as the cationic unit. The MAAc and MAAmBO units were used as two types of cross-linking structures for the thermal cross-linking of the hydroxy and carboxy groups of the MAAc unit (covalent bonding) as well as the diol and benzoxaborole groups of the MAAmBO unit (dynamic covalent bonding). The films were thermally cross-linked at 135 °C for 4 h without the addition of materials. After immersion in surplus water at 80 °C for 3 h, the cross-linked PVA/3D films retained almost 100% of their weights. The ζ-potential of the water-insoluble PVA/3D film was 9.4 ± 0.8 mV. The PVA/3D film was strongly dyed using anionic acid red 1 (AR1) because of its positively charged surface. Interestingly, it could also be slightly dyed using cationic methylene blue (MB) and became transparent (original state) after immersion in water for 2 days. These results suggested that positive and negative charges coexisted in the PVA/3D film, and the surface properties were positively inclined. Moreover, the degree of hemolysis of the PVA/3D films was similar to that of the negative control, which showed high blood compatibility. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the fabrication of water-insoluble cationic PVA films using two types of cross-linking structures containing carboxy and benzoxaborole groups. The cross-linked PVA films were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and contact angle (CA) and ζ-potential measurement, as well as by determining the mechanical properties, adsorption of charged molecules, and biocompatibility. These readily fabricated water-insoluble PVA films with positive charges can show potential applications in sensors, adsorption systems, and antimicrobial materials.

Cyclic Peptoid-Peptide Hybrids as Versatile Molecular Transporters.

Addressing intracellular targets is a challenging task that requires potent molecular transporters capable to deliver various cargos. Herein, we report the synthesis of hydrophobic macrocycles composed of both amino acids and peptoid monomers. The cyclic tetramers and hexamers were assembled in a modular approach using solid as well as solution phase techniques. To monitor their intracellular localization, the macrocycles were attached to the fluorophore Rhodamine B. Most molecular transporters were efficiently internalized by HeLa cells and revealed a specific accumulation in mitochondria without the need for cationic charges. The data will serve as a starting point for the design of further cyclic peptoid-peptide hybrids presenting a new class of highly efficient, versatile molecular transporters.

Excited state relaxation in cationic pentamethine cyanines studied by time-resolved spectroscopy

In this work, we examined the nature and pathways of electronic excitation relaxation at low temperature in cationic pentamethine pyrylocyanine dye, which in the ground state is characterized by symmetric and non-symmetric localization of cationic charge on the carbon chain between the terminal groups. The carbon chain in such symmetric and non-symmetric charge localizations is close to polymethine and polyene conformations, respectively. The effect of symmetry breaking during the two-way transition polymethine – polyene in the optically excited state on the electronic properties of dyes is considered. Combined quantum-chemical calculations and time-resolved spectral measurements allowed us to characterize the symmetric and non-symmetric structures in the ground and excited states with specific peaks of transitions and lifetimes. The features of the polymethine structure of the dye are attributed to large-radius polaron formation, whereas for the polyene structures the model of excitons formed on the double bonds of the carbon chain can be used to analyze the relaxation pathways. The energy diagram model for relaxation pathways of optically excited electronic states has been proposed. The proposed model can be characteristic for pentamethine cyanine dyes with the symmetric and non-symmetric distribution of cationic charge at the carbon chain between the terminal groups in the ground and excited states.

Modulation of Cellular Fate of Vinyl Triarylamines through Structural Fine Tuning: To Stay or Not To Stay in the Mitochondria?

Mitochondria are involved in many cellular pathways and dysfunctional mitochondria are linked to various diseases. Hence efforts have been made to design mitochondria-targeted fluorophores for monitoring the mitochondrial status. However, the factors that govern the mitochondria-targeted potential of dyes are not well-understood. In this context, we synthesized analogues of the TP-2Bzim probe belonging to the vinyltriphenylamine (TPA) class and already described for its capacity to bind nuclear DNA in fixed cells and mitochondria in live cells. These analogues (TP-1Bzim, TPn -2Bzim, TP1+ -2Bzim, TN-2Bzim) differ in the cationic charge, the number of vinylbenzimidazolium branches and the nature of the triaryl core. Using microscopy, we demonstrated that the cationic derivatives accumulate in mitochondria but do not reach mtDNA. Under depolarisation of the mitochondrial membrane, TP-2Bzim and TP1+ -2Bzim translocate to the nucleus in direct correlation with their strong DNA affinity. This reversible phenomenon emphasizes that these probes can be used to monitor ΔΨm variations.