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Singlet fission (SF) is a photophysical process capable of boosting the efficiency of solar cells. Recent experimental investigations into the mechanism of SF provide evidence for coherent mixing between the singlet, triplet, and charge transfer basis states. Up until now, this interpretation has largely focused on electronic interactions; however, nuclear motions resulting in vibronic coupling have been suggested to support rapid and efficient SF in organic chromophore assemblies. Further information about the complex interactions between vibronic excited states is needed to understand the potential role of this coupling in SF. Here, we report mixed singlet and correlated triplet pair states giving rise to sub-50 fs SF in a terrylene-3,4:11,12-bis(dicarboximide) (TDI) dimer in which the two TDI molecules are covalently linked by a direct N-N connection at one of their imide positions, leading to a linear dimer with perpendicular TDI π systems. We observe the transfer of low-frequency coherent wavepackets between the initial predominantly singlet states to the product triplet-dominated states. This implies a non-negligible dependence of SF on nonadiabatic coupling in this dimer. We interpret our experimental results in the framework of a modified Holstein Hamiltonian, which predicts that vibronic interactions between low-frequency singlet modes and high-frequency correlated triplet pair motions lead to mixing of the pure basis states. These results highlight how nonadiabatic mixing can shape the complex potential energy landscape underlying ultrafast SF.

Supported ionic liquid membranes (SILMs) are porous membranes impregnated with ionic liquids (ILs) and used as advanced carbon capture materials. Here, two-dimensional infrared (2D IR) and IR polarization selective pump–probe (PSPP) spectroscopies were used to investigate CO2 reorientation and spectral diffusion dynamics in SILMs. The SILM contained 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonly)imide in the poly(ether sulfone) membrane with average pore size of ∼350 nm. Two ensembles of CO2 were observed in the SILM, one in the IL phase in the membrane pores and the other in the supporting membrane polymer. CO2 in the polymer displayed a red-shifted IR absorption spectrum and a shorter vibrational lifetime of the asymmetric stretch mode compared to the IL phase. Despite the relatively large pore sizes, the complete orientational randomization of CO2 and structural fluctuations of the IL (spectral diffusion) in the pores are slower than in the bulk IL by ∼2-fold. The implication is that the IL st...

Supported ionic liquid membranes (SILMs) are membranes that have ionic liquids impregnated in their pores. SILMs have been proposed for advanced carbon capture materials. Two-dimensional infrared (2D IR) and polarization selective IR pump–probe (PSPP) techniques were used to investigate the dynamics of reorientation and spectral diffusion of the linear triatomic anion, SeCN–, in poly(ether sulfone) (PES) membranes and room-temperature ionic liquid (RTIL), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (EmimNTf2). The dynamics in the bulk EmimNTf2 were compared to its dynamics in the SILM samples. Two PES membranes, PES200 and PES30, have pores with average sizes, ∼300 nm and ∼100 nm, respectively. Despite the relatively large pore sizes, the measurements reveal that the reorientation of SeCN– and the RTIL structural fluctuations are substantially slower in the SILMs than in the bulk liquid. The complete orientational randomization, slows from 136 ps in the bulk to 513 ps in the PES30. 2D IR...

Epothilone B (EpoB) is a paclitaxel (PTX)-like microtubule-stabilizing agent that induces mitotic arrest and apoptosis in cells. EpoB is a promising anti-tumor agent, and is thought to have the potential to overcome well-known PTX resistance. However, EpoB is barely soluble in water, and is fatal to normal cells due to extremely potent cytotoxicity. To reduce the unwanted cytotoxicity of EpoB to normal cells, a reconstituted highdensity lipoprotein (rHDL)-like nanoparticle of EpoB (EpoB-rHDL) was assembled using apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I). The EpoB-rHDL, as well as PTX-rHDL (a HDLlike nanoparticle of paclitaxel), were indeed mild (nontoxic) to certain cell lines such as MCF7, MDA-MB-231, and SK-OV-3, while free EpoB and PTX were very toxic to those same cells. In contrast, the EpoB-rHDL and PTXrHDL were very effective in killing the Caco-2 and ZR-75-1 while free drugs were less toxic to those cells. The susceptibility of cell lines to rHDLs was dependent on the expression of scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI), indicating that EpoB-rHDL selectively and efficiently kills only SR-BI-overexpressing cells. Furthermore, the EpoBrHDL released EpoB only at acidic pH, which may facilitate the escape of drugs from acidic endosome. Thus, EpoB-rHDL shown in this study enables safe and targeted delivery of the potent EpoB to cancer cells in SR-BIdependent manner.

We have investigated the electronic structures and photophysical properties of 5,10,20,25-tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)-substituted hexaphyrin(1.1.1.1.1.1) (1) and its meso-keto (2) and meso-diketo derivatives (3) using various spectroscopic measurements. In conjunction with theoretical calculations, these analyses revealed fundamental structure-property relationships within this series, including unusual ground-state electronic structures with neutral, monoradical, and singlet biradical character. The meso-free species 1 is a representative 26 π-electron aromatic compound and shows characteristic spectroscopic features, including a sharp Soret band, well-defined Q-like bands, and a moderately long excited state lifetime (τ = 138 ps). In contrast, the meso-keto derivative 2 displays features characteristic of a neutral monoradical species at the ground state, including the presence of lower energy absorption bands in the NIR spectral region and a relatively short excited-state lifetime (13.9 ps). The meso-diketo 3 exhibits features similar to those of 2, specifically NIR absorptions and a short excited-state lifetime (9.7 ps). Compound 3 is thus assigned as being a ground-state singlet biradicaloid. Two photon absorption (TPA) measurements revealed comparatively large σ(2) values of 600 GM for 2 and 1600 GM for 3 with excitation at λ(ex) =1600 nm as compared to that observed for 1 (σ(2): 360 GM). The enhanced nonlinear optical properties of 2 and 3 are rationalized in terms of the open-shell electronic configuration allowing a large, field-induced fluctuation in the electron density (i.e., a large polarization). This interpretation is supported by theoretical evaluations of the static second hyperpolarizabilities (γ) and γ density analyses. Furthermore, nucleus-independent chemical shift (NICS) and harmonic oscillator model of aromaticity (HOMA) values and anisotropy of the induced current density (AICD) plots revealed a clear distinction in terms of the aromatic character of 1-3. Importantly, the open-shell radicaloid 2 and singlet biradicaloid 3 can be formally regarded as 27 π-electron nonaromatic and 26 π-electron aromatic species, respectively, constrained within a dominant 28 π-electron conjugated network. On the basis of the combined experimental and theoretical evidence, it is concluded that the meso-carbonyl groups of 2 and 3 play an important role in perturbing the macrocyclic π-conjugation of the parent hexaphyrin structure 1. In particular, they lead to the imposition of intrinsic radical and biradical character on the molecule as a whole and thus easy-to-discern modifications of the overall electronic effects.

Apolipoprotein A-1 (apoA-I) forms a discoidal membrane structure with phospholipids during the formation of high density lipoprotein and plays a role in the reverse cholesterol transport pathway. The discoidal membrane nanostructure, Nanodisc, can be easily assembled in vitro using apoA-I protein and phospholipids. In this study, the possibility of exploiting this unique membrane structure for the immobilization of membrane proteins on solid surfaces while the proteins are embedded in the membrane was investigated. By using His6-tagged full-length apoA-I, a surface-attachable, membrane-protein-anchored membrane (SAMPAM) structure, in which membrane proteins of interest are embedded into the membrane, was reconstituted. When the SAMPAM was immobilized on a Ni-NTA surface, the structure maintained its size and shape, indicating that the new proposed architecture may be useful for the display of membrane proteins on a solid surface in a membrane-associated form.

meso-Aryl-substituted [28]hexaphyrins(1.1.1.1.1.1) have been examined by (1)H, (13)C, and (19)F NMR spectroscopies, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. All of these data consistently indicate that [28]hexaphyrins(1.1.1.1.1.1) in solution at 25 degrees C exist largely as an equilibrium among several rapidly interconverting twisted Möbius conformations with distinct aromaticities, with a small contribution from a planar rectangular conformation with antiaromatic character at slightly higher energy. In the solid state, [28]hexaphyrins(1.1.1.1.1.1) take either planar or Möbius-twisted conformations, depending upon the meso-aryl substituents and crystallization conditions, indicating a small energy difference between the two conformers. Importantly, when the temperature is decreased to -100 degrees C in THF, these rapid interconversions among Möbius conformations are frozen, allowing the detection of a single [28]hexaphyrin(1.1.1.1.1.1) species having a Möbius conformation. Detailed analyses of the solid-state Möbius structures of compounds 2b, 2c, and 2f showed that singly twisted structures are achieved without serious strain and that cyclic pi-conjugation is well-preserved, as needed for exhibiting strong diatropic ring currents. Actually, the harmonic-oscillator model for aromaticity (HOMA) values of these structures are significantly large (0.85, 0.69, and 0.71, respectively), confirming the first demonstration of stable Möbius aromatic systems consisting of free-base expanded porphyrins without the assistance of metal coordination.

Anti-allergic effects of dietary polyphenols were extensively studied in numerous allergic disease models, but the molecular mechanisms of anti-allergic effects by polyphenols remain poorly understood. In the present study, we show that the release of granular cargo molecules, contained in distinct subsets of granules of mast cells, is specifically mediated by two sets of SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) proteins, and that various polyphenols differentially inhibit the formation of those SNARE complexes. Expression analysis of RBL-2H3 cells for 11 SNARE genes and a lipid mixing assay of 24 possible combinations of reconstituted SNAREs indicated that the only two active SNARE complexes involved in mast cell degranulation are Syn (syntaxin) 4/SNAP (23 kDa synaptosome-associated protein)-23/VAMP (vesicle-associated membrane protein) 2 and Syn4/SNAP-23/VAMP8. Various polyphenols selectively or commonly interfered with ternary complex formation of these two SNARE complexes, thereby stopping membrane fusion between granules and plasma membrane. This led to the differential effect of polyphenols on degranulation of three distinct subsets of granules. These results suggest the possibility that formation of a variety of SNARE complexes in numerous cell types is controlled by polyphenols which, in turn, might regulate corresponding membrane trafficking.

Most cosmetic and therapeutic applications of Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) are related to muscle paralysis caused by the blocking of neurotransmitter release at the neuromuscular junction. BoNT specifically cleaves SNARE proteins at the nerve terminal and impairs neuroexocytosis. Recently, we have shown that several polyphenols inhibit neurotransmitter release from neuronal PC12 cells by interfering with SNARE complex formation. Based on our previous result, we report here that myricetin, delphinidin, and cyanidin indeed paralyze muscle by inhibiting acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction. While the effect of myricetin on muscle paralysis was modest compared to BoNT/A, myricetin exhibited a shorter response time than BoNT/A. Intraperitoneally-injected myricetin at an extreme dose of 1000 mg/kg did not induce death of mice, alleviating the safety issue. Thus, these polyphenols might be useful in treating various human hypersecretion diseases for which BoNT/A has been the only option of choice.

Protonation-triggered conformational changes of meso-octakis(pentafluorophenyl) [36]octaphyrin and [38]octaphyrin have been investigated. The X-ray crystal structures and (1)H NMR analyses revealed that the protonation process cuts off intramolecular hydrogen bonds between aminic and iminic pyrrole units and, at the same time, produces intermolecular hydrogen-bond network between aminic pyrrole unit and counter-anions. Such a replacement induces some pyrrole inversion, leading to Mobius aromatic conformation for [36]octaphyrin and to Huckel aromatic conformation for [38]octaphyrin. These protonated octaphyrins show similar structures only with a subtle difference in tilted pyrrole angles, which results in their different topologies. This feature strongly suggests that the macrocycles control their topologies by pyrrole rotation to gain [4n]pi Mobius or [4n+2]pi Huckel aromatic stabilization, depending on the number of pi-electrons. Detailed photophysical properties such as absorption/fluorescence, excited singlet/triplet state lifetimes, and two-photon absorption cross-section values have been presented for both protonated [36] and [38]octaphyrins in conjunction with their Mobius or Huckel aromaticity.

There are tremendous drug candidates that suffer from insolubility in water. In the present study, it is shown that Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a model water-insoluble compound, can be nanoparticulated into a water-soluble form using apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I). Similar to the way that apoA-I forms nascent discoidal high density lipoprotein (ndHDL) particles by bordering acyl chain tails of phospholipids, CoQ10 could be enclosed into the circle of a disk made of apoA-Is. The resulting nanostructure of CoQ10 and apoA-I was water-soluble with a size of approximately 12 nm in diameter and was physically more robust than liposome. We expect that the strategy suggested in this study can be exploited to assemble nano-sized, water-soluble structures of various water-insoluble drug candidates.

A benzopyrane-fused [28]hexaphyrin, 2, was prepared by simple heating of [26]hexaphyrin 1 in acetic acid. Fused [28]hexaphyrin 2 features a molecular twist, a distinct diatropic ring current, a large HOMA value, a large negative NICS value, and a large two-photon absorption (TPA) cross section even at room temperature, all of which support the Mobius aromaticity of 2. To the best of our knowledge, 2 is the first macrocycle that acquires distinct Mobius aromaticity without any assistance from metal coordination, temperature control, or protonation.

The membrane may play a role in the pathogenesis of the prion protein (PrP). Cytoplasmic expression of PrP causes the conversion of PrP to a self-perpetuating PrP Sc -like conformation and the interaction of polypeptide chain with the hydrophobic core of the membrane is believed to be closely correlated with neurodegeneration. However, it is still elusive what factors govern the membrane interaction of PrP. Here, we show that PrP penetrates deeply into the membrane when the single disulfide bond is reduced, which results in membrane disruption and leakage. The proteinase K treatment and the fluorescence quenching assays showed that a predicted transmembrane domain of PrP penetrates into the membrane when the disulfide bond was reduced. Therefore, the oxidation state of PrP might be an important factor that influences its neurotoxicity or pathogenesis.

A meso,meso-diketohexaphyrin was isolated and characterized as a chemically stable non-Kekulé singlet biradicaloid. Two unpaired electrons are seemingly delocalized on two tripyrrolic units separated by C=O bonds. These results underscore the potential of expanded porphyrins to achieve unique electronic states.