A novel fluorescence probe for the detection of water content in organic solvents and the distinction between deuterated and nondeuterated reagents

A novel D-π-A type fluorescent probe (probe 1) was developed for water content detection in organic solvents. By analyzing the relationship between fluorescence and water content, the probe was successfully applied to determine trace water content in tetrahydrofuran, ethyl acetate, 2-butanone, acetone, dimethylformamide, and acetonitrile. High water content in THF and ethyl acetate was associated with a gradual colour change from yellowish green to earthy yellow. The red/green value had a linear relationship with the water content in THF and ethyl acetate. There was a linear relationship between the red/blue value and water content in 2-butanone and acetone. Furthermore, probe 1 could be used for human serum albumin detection. Unexpectedly, probe 1 had a different colour response in deuterated and nondeuterated solvents, and had different fluorescence intensity and fluorescence emission wavelength. Probe 1 is rare tool that can distinguish between deuterated and nondeuterated reagents.

Achieving Complexity at the Bottom: Molecular Metamorphosis Generated by Anthocyanins and Related Compounds

The concept of molecular metamorphosis is described. A molecule (flavylium cation) generates a sequence of other different molecules by means of external stimuli. The reversibility of the system allows for the flavylium cation to be recovered by other external stimuli, completing one cycle. Differently from supramolecular chemistry, molecular metamorphosis is not a bottom-up approach. All events occur at the bottom. The procedures to characterize the kinetics and thermodynamics of the cycles are summarized. They are based on direct pH jumps (addition of a base to the flavylium cation) and reverse pH jumps (addition of an acid to equilibrated solutions at higher pH values). Stopped flow is an indispensable tool to characterize these systems. The following metamorphic cycles will be described to illustrate the concept: (i) introducing the flavanone in the metamorphic system and illustrating the concept of a timer at the molecular level; (ii) response of the flavylium-based metamorphosis to light inputs and the write-lock-read-unlock-erase molecular system; (iii) a one-way cycle of direct-reverse pH jumps; (iv) interconversion of the flavylium cation with 2,2'-spirobis[chromene] derivatives; (v) 6,8 A-ring substituent rearrangements.

Multifunctional room-temperature phosphorescent carbon dots for relative humidity determination and information encryption

The relative humidity (RH) determination is crucial in many fields. Based on the phosphorescent properties of room-temperature phosphorescent (RTP) carbon dots, the RTP carbon dots as a probe are expected to be used to rapidly detect relative humidity. In this study, matrix-free room-temperature phosphorescent N-doped carbon dots (N-CDs) were successfully prepared from urea, succinic acid, and acrylamide using a hydrothermal method. The as-synthesized N-CDs had good biocompatibility and water solubility. The N-CDs emitted blue fluorescence and green phosphorescence. Moreover, the N-CD powder exhibited stable phosphorescence with a phosphorescence lifetime of 158 ms (afterglow time to the naked eye for ~7 s). Because H₂O molecules affected the afterglow time, the as-prepared N-CD test paper for the first time could be applied as a probe to monitor RH, the afterglow time of the N-CD test paper is linearly related to the RH (y = -0.0729x+7.042, R² = 0.998) and the RH detection range is 0%-85%. And the results were consistent with those obtained using a hygrometer. In addition, the N-CD solution could also be used as an encryption ink in the advanced information security field.

Photodynamic Inactivation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by PHEMA Films Loaded with Rose Bengal: Potentiation Effect of Potassium Iodide

Four formulations have been used to produce different poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) thin films, containing singlet oxygen photosensitizer Rose Bengal (RB). The polymers have been characterized employing Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and UV-vis Absorption Spectroscopy. When irradiated with white light (400-700 nm) films generated singlet oxygen (1O2), as demonstrated by the reactivity with 1O2 trap 9,10-dimethylanthracene (DMA). Material with the highest RB loading (polymer A4, 835 nmol RB/g polymer) was able to perform up to ten cycles of DMA oxygenation reactions at high conversion rates (ca. 90%). Polymer A4 was also able to produce the complete eradication of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa planktonic suspension of 8 log10 CFU/mL, when irradiated with white light (total dose 72 J/cm2). The antimicrobial photodynamic effect was remarkably enhanced by adding potassium iodide (100 mM). In such conditions the complete bacterial reduction occurred with a total light dose of 24 J/cm2. Triiodide anion (I3-) generation was confirmed by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. This species was detected inside the PHEMA films after irradiation and at concentrations ca. 1 M. The generation of this species and its retention in the matrix imparts long-lasting bactericidal effects to the RB@PHEMA polymeric hydrogels. The polymers here described could find potential applications in the medical context, when optimized for their use in everyday objects, helping to prevent bacterial contagion by contact with surfaces.

Versatile and Tunable Poly(Ethylene Glycol)-Based Hydrogels Crosslinked through the Ugi Reaction

The four-component Ugi condensation reaction has been investigated to assemble chemically crosslinked hydrogels using multivalent star-shaped poly(ethylene glycol) components. The resulting biocompatible hydrogels are highly versatile in composition and function. It is shown that acid, aldehyde, and cyanide components can be varied yielding materials with precise structure and tunable stiffness. Additionally, the resulting hydrogels were proven extremely robust to consecutive drying-swelling cycles. This property was explored to develop a reversible humidity colorimetric sensor gel. Overall, this work demonstrates the application of the four-component Ugi reaction as a powerful tool to quickly generate crosslinked gels with precise control in chemical composition.

Excited State Intramolecular Proton Transfer Plus Aggregation-Induced Emission-Based Diketopyrrolopyrrole Luminogen: Photophysical Properties and Simultaneously Discriminative Detection of Trace Water in Three Organic Solvents

Developing solid state near-IR (NIR) emitters and simultaneously discriminative detection of trace water in organic solvents has long been a significant challenge. In this work, a novel diketopyrrolopyrrole-based luminogen (DPP1) with excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) and aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics has been designed and synthesized. Its amorphous and crystal solids show red and NIR-emissive fluorescence at 625 and 675 nm, respectively. When DPP1 reacts with fluoride anion, the resulting system (DPP1·F) can discriminatively detect the water content in aprotic solvents with colorimetric and fluorescent dual modes. Distinct fluorescent responses of "turn-on", "ratiometric turn-off", and "ratiometric turn-on" and low limits of detection of 0.0064, 0.042, and 0. The water-induced sensitive and fast change in THF was applied to the determination of water in foodstuffs in practical solid state indicator paper strips.

Multiple Stimuli-Responsive Fluorescent Sensor from Citric Acid and 1-(2-Aminoethyl)piperazine

Multiresponsive fluorescent supramolecular materials are quite interesting, for they combine the multiresponsiveness of supramolecules and the high sensitivity of fluorescent materials. Different from the multiresponsive supramolecular materials based on host-guest interactions, in this report, a supramolecular ionic network was fabricated by 1-(2-aminoethyl)piperazine and citric acids via ionic interactions. Despite the fact that there are no conventional chromophores, the obtained supramolecular ionic material can emit strong fluorescence. Most interestingly, the thin film of this supramolecular ionic material can change its fluorescent intensity in response to four external stimuli, including humidity, triethylamine, acetic acid, and temperature. Beneficial to the supramolecular ionic structure, this multiresponsive fluorescent sensor is self-healable. It is found that a new route has been opened to prepare the multiresponsive fluorescent sensors.

Multiscale Humidity Visualization by Environmentally Sensitive Fluorescent Molecular Rotors

Building humidity sensors possessing the features of diverse-configuration compatibility, and capability of measurement of spatial and temporal humidity gradients is of great interest for highly integrated electronics and wearable monitoring systems. Herein, a visual sensing approach based on fluorescent imaging is presented, by assembling aggregation-induced-emission (AIE)-active molecular rotors into a moisture-captured network; the resulting AIE humidity sensors are compatible with diverse applications, having tunable geometries and desirable architectures. The invisible information of relative humidity (RH) is transformed into different fluorescence colors that enable direct observation by the naked eyes based on the twisted intramolecular charge-transfer effect of the AIE-active molecular rotors. The resulting AIE humidity sensors show excellent performance in terms of good sensitivity, precise quantitative measurement, high spatial-temporal resolution, and fast response/recovery time. Their multiscale applications, such as regional environmental RH detection, internal humidity mapping, and sensitive human-body humidity sensing are demonstrated. The proposed humidity visualization strategy may provide a new insight to develop humidity sensors for various applications.

Ultrafast water sensing and thermal imaging by a metal-organic framework with switchable luminescence

A convenient, fast and selective water analysis method is highly desirable in industrial and detection processes. Here a robust microporous Zn-MOF (metal-organic framework, Zn(hpi2cf)(DMF)(H2O)) is assembled from a dual-emissive H2hpi2cf (5-(2-(5-fluoro-2-hydroxyphenyl)-4,5-bis(4-fluorophenyl)-1H-imidazol-1-yl)isophthalic acid) ligand that exhibits characteristic excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT). This Zn-MOF contains amphipathic micropores (<3 Å) and undergoes extremely facile single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation driven by reversible removal/uptake of coordinating water molecules simply stimulated by dry gas blowing or gentle heating at 70 °C, manifesting an excellent example of dynamic reversible coordination behaviour. The interconversion between the hydrated and dehydrated phases can turn the ligand ESIPT process on or off, resulting in sensitive two-colour photoluminescence switching over cycles. Therefore, this Zn-MOF represents an excellent PL water-sensing material, showing a fast (on the order of seconds) and highly selective response to water on a molecular level. Furthermore, paper or in situ grown ZnO-based sensing films have been fabricated and applied in humidity sensing (RH<1%), detection of traces of water (<0.05% v/v) in various organic solvents, thermal imaging and as a thermometer.

Influence of polymer composition on the sensitivity towards nitrite and nitric oxide of colorimetric disposable test strips

The influence of polymer composition on the sensitivity towards nitrite (NO₂^-) and nitric oxide (NO) of a series of 19 polymeric hydrogel films has been studied. The polymers, based on the hydrophilic monomer 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA), are able to encapsulate the colorimetric indicator 1,2-diaminoanthraquinone (DAQ) and to respond to NO₂^- and NO by visual changes. In the case of nitrite, the calculated limits of detection (LOD) for two of the polymeric sensors (10 μM) are very close to the sensitivity estimated for free DAQ in solution (LOD 5 μM), but with the advantage of a solid supported sensor with the format of a disposable test-strip made with affordable starting chemicals. The results are interpreted taking into account the nature and proportions of monomers and cross-linkers used for the synthesis of polymers. Key factors for obtaining sensitive materials are the hydrophilic character of the film along with the utilization of low levels of cross-linker and the use of an acidic monomer, like acrylic acid, as a building block.

Bonding-induced emission of silyl-protected copper nanoclusters for luminescence turn-on detection of trace water in organic solvents

Luminescence turn-on detection of trace water in organic solvents via bonding-induced emission of silyl-protected copper nanoclusters was achieved.

A luminescent ultrathin film with reversible sensing toward pressure

A flexible ultrathin film based on alternate assembly of a sodium polyacrylate (PAA) modified styrylbiphenyl derivative (BTBS) and layered double hydroxide nanosheets is fabricated, which exhibits pressure-responsive photoluminescence with a high sensitivity and good reversibility.

Fluorescent and colorimetric sensors for the detection of humidity or water content

In this tutorial review, we describe the current state of the art in water sensors and provide an overview of the major advances made in this field post 2000. The field is currently still in its early development stages and subject to continuous improvements, and the current work provides a structured approach describing different sensing mechanisms and potential future applications associated with each of these. With these developments and their potential implications for the diverse scientific fields requiring tight control over the water content, we strongly believe the discipline is potentially at the threshold of translation into more widespread application and we hope the current review might allow for an expedited process thereof.

Coumarin meets fluorescein: a Förster resonance energy transfer enhanced optical ammonia gas sensor

This study focuses on the development of an optical ammonia gas sensor, the sensing mechanism of which is based on Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) between coumarin and fluorescein. The dyes were immobilized into an organically modified silicate matrix during polymerizing methyltriethoxysilane with trifluoropropyltrimethoxysilane on a poly(methyl methacrylate) substrate. The resulting dye-doped xerogel films were exposed to different gaseous ammonia concentrations. A logarithmic decrease of the coumarin fluorescence emission band at 442 nm was observed with increasing gaseous ammonia concentrations, which was due to enhanced FRET between coumarin and fluorescein. The coumarin/fluorescein composition was optimized in order to obtain the best ammonia sensitivity. First experiments in a flow cell gas sensor setup demonstrated a sensitive and reversible response to gaseous ammonia.

Photochemistry of 2-(4-hydroxystyryl)-1-naphthopyrylium

A new photochromic system based on 2-(4-hydroxystyryl)-1-naphthopyrylium encompasses the properties of the previously described naphthoflavylium and styrylflavylium systems. The photoproduct exhibits a colour deep in hue and is red shifted in comparison with the equivalent flavylium system. Reaction of 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde with p-hydroxystyrylmethylketone in acetic acid in the presence of tetrafluoroboric acid and acetic anhydride as catalysts leads to a mixture of two compounds: the photochromic 2-(4-hydroxystyryl)-1-naphthopyrylium and a second product 2-(4-acetoxystyryl)-1-naphthopyrylium resulting from the acetylation by acetic anhydride of the former. In acidic medium and at room temperature the hydrolysis of the acetoxy derivative leads to the 2-(4-hydroxystyryl)-1-naphthopyrylium, in circa 2 days, [HCl] = 0.25 M. The pH dependent chemical reactions taking place with 2-(4-hydroxystyryl)-1-naphthopyrylium were determined by UV-Vis, stooped flow, flash photolysis and (1)H NMR and follow the same general pattern of flavylium derivatives. In order to rationalize the photochromism, an energy level diagram summarizing all the equilibrium and rate constants of the network was drawn.

Colorimetric and resistive polymer electrolyte thin films for real-time humidity sensors

We have developed fast responsive, colorimetric and resistive-type polymeric humidity sensors from a series of self-assembled poly(styrenesulfonate-methylbutylene) (PSS-b-PMB) block copolymers with tailored hygroscopic properties. In dry state, the PSS-b-PMB films exhibit hexagonal cylindrical morphology where hydrophobic PMB cylinders are dispersed within a PSS matrix. Under levels of humidity, the PSS-b-PMB thin films self-displayed discernible reflective color changes, covering almost entire visible light regions from violet (RH = 20%) to red (RH = 95%). The sensors also revealed a few orders of magnitude changes in impedance with exposure to humid air by taking advantages of strong polymer electrolytes characteristics. Remarkably, the time to complete the changes in the signals was only a few seconds, as rationalized by good connectivity of the PSS domains and short water diffusion pathways in nanometer scales. Repeated hydration/dehydration tests demonstrated reliable sensor properties, which is in sharp contrast to the poor stability of PSS homopolymer sensors lacking organization.

Chemistry and applications of flavylium compounds: a handful of colours

Flavylium compounds are versatile molecules that comprise anthocyanins, the ubiquitous colorants used by Nature to confer colour to most flowers and fruits. They have found a wide range of applications in human technology, from the millenary colour paints described by the Roman architect Vitruvius, to their use as food additives, combining colour and antioxidant effects, and even as light absorbers in solar cells aiming at a greener solar energy conversion. Their rich complexity derives in part from their ability to switch between a variety of species (flavylium cations, neutral quinoidal bases, hemiketals and chalcones, and negatively charged phenolates) by means of external stimuli, such as pH, temperature and light. This critical review describes (i) the historical advancements in the understanding of the equilibria of their chemical reaction networks; (ii) their thermodynamics and kinetics; (iii) the mechanisms underlying their colour development, such as co-pigmentation and host-guest interactions; (iv) the photophysics and photochemistry that lead to photochromism; and (v) applications in solar cells, models for optical memories, photochromic soft materials such as ionic liquids and gels, and their properties in solid state materials (274 references).

"Turn-on" fluorescent polymeric microparticle sensors for the determination of ammonia and amines in the vapor state

Cross-linked acrylic ester microparticles (EG50OH) with absorbed fluorescent probe molecules, such as fluorescein and acridine orange were successfully fabricated and employed as "turn-on" fluorescent sensors for the detection and determination of ammonia and organic amine vapor concentrations. Using EG50OH microparticles that had fluorescein (fluorescein fluorescent microparticle, FL-FMP sensor) incorporated as the fluorescent probe molecule (with lambda(ex) = 450 nm; lambda(em) = 528 nm), the detection limit achieved for ammonia vapor was 0.73 ppm, the response being linearly dependent on concentration over the range of 1.0-250 ppm gaseous ammonia. The FL-FMP responded to organic amines with the relative signal response following the order: triethylamine > tert-butylamine > diethylamine > n-propylamine > ammonia. A limit of detection of 0.048 ppm triethylamine vapor was achieved using this FL-FMP sensor. The sensor response is based on the acid-base properties of the fluorescent probe molecules. The fluorescent probes immobilized in/on the EG50OH are in a microenvironment such that they are in their neutral or protonated states and only exhibit weak fluorescence. Upon exposure to ammonia or amine vapor, the fluorescent species are deprotonated and exhibit much greater fluorescence emission ("turned-on" due to exposure to these basic analytes). The ease of fabrication and aforementioned properties of these fluorescent microparticle sensors are such that they should be amenable for use in a variety of situations requiring the detection or monitoring of ammonia and amines in the vapor state.

Use of fluorescence spectroscopy to study polymeric materials with porous structure based on imprinting by self-assembled fibrillar networks

Different polymeric materials have been prepared from the organogels formed by a polymerizable methacrylic mixture (methyl methacrylate/ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, 1:1, w/w) and the macrocyclic pseudopeptide 1. The use of (2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)diphenylphosphine oxide as a very efficient radical initiator allows polymeric materials in which the structure of the fibrils formed by self-assembly of the organogelator 1 is truly preserved to be obtained. Removal of the pseudopeptidic molecule provides materials with a porous structure reflecting that of the original self-assembled fibrils. The use of fluorescent probes such as rhodamine B and pyrene greatly facilitate the study of the porous structures formed and, accordingly, that of the morphology of the original fibrils. Those studies reveal the presence of a permanent porosity and the organization of the substructures as a porous network. This confirms the existence of a nucleation and growth mechanism for the generation of the fibrils, giving rise to the formation of spherulitic structures. Those spherulites are additionally linked by connections of variable size. A series of diffusion experiments allowed establishment of a direct dependence of the inner porosity of the materials on the amount of self-organizing template used for their preparation.

Substitution and solvent effects in the chalcones isomerization barrier of flavylium photochromic systems

Useful application of photochromic compounds as optical memories implies the existence of a large kinetic barrier between the forms interconverted by light. In the case of flavylium salts, the ground state isomerization barrier between the photoisomerizable chalcone isomers is shown to correlate with the electron donating ability of the substituents, measured by their effects in the (1)H NMR chemical shifts of the aromatic protons. Substitution with electron donating groups in ring A lowers the barrier while substitution at ring B has the opposite effect. However, in water, the observed increase is higher than expected in the case of compound 4',9-dihydroxychalcone when compared with the analogous 4'-dimethylamino-9-hydroxychalcone, containing a better electron donating group in the same position. Our interpretation is that the water network is providing an efficient pathway to form tautomers. In acetonitrile, unlike water, the expected order is indeed observed: E(a)(4',9-dihydroxychalcone) = 60 kJ mol(-1) < E(a) (4'-dimethylamino-9-hydroxychalcone) = 69 kJ mol(-1).