Strongly emissive long-lived 3IL excited state of coumarins in cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes used as triplet photosensitizers and application in triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion.

Three different coumarin chromophores were used to prepare the Ir(III) complexes, i.e. coumarin 6 (Ir-1), 7-diethylamino coumarin (Ir-2) and x-phenyl-y-diethylamino coumarin (Ir-3). Ir(ppy)2(bpy)[PF6] was used as the reference complex (Ir-0). The coumarin units were connected to the coordination center of the complexes by using a C≡C π-conjugation bond. The photophysical properties of the complexes were studied with steady state and time-resolved absorption and luminescence spectroscopy, low-temperature luminescence (77 K), as well as DFT calculations. All the three new complexes show strong absorption of visible light (molar absorption coefficient ε is up to 42,000 M(-1) cm(-1) at 487 nm) and a long-lived triplet excited state (τT = 65.9 µs), compared to the reference complex Ir(ppy)2(bpy)[PF6], which shows the typical weak visible light-absorption (ε < 5000 M(-1) cm(-1) in the region beyond 400 nm) and a short triplet excited state (τT = 0.3 µs). Interestingly the long-lived triplet excited states are strongly phosphorescent (quantum yield is up to 18.2%, with emission maxima at 607 nm), which is rare for phosphorescent transition metal complexes. With nanosecond time-resolved transient difference absorption spectroscopy we proved that a coumarin-localized triplet excited state ((3)IL) was produced upon photoexcitation. The complexes were used as triplet photosensitizers for triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion and upconversion quantum yields up to 22.8% were observed. Our results are useful for the preparation of visible light-harvesting transition metal complexes, the study of the triplet excited state of organic chromophores, as well as the application of these visible light-harvesting transition metal complexes as efficient triplet photosensitizers.

Visible light-harvesting trans bis(alkylphosphine) platinum(II)-alkynyl complexes showing long-lived triplet excited states as triplet photosensitizers for triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion.

Symmetric and asymmetric linear trans-bis(tributylphosphine) Pt(II) bis(acetylide) complexes with functionalized aryl alkynyl ligands (coumarin, naphthalimide and phenyl acetylides) were prepared, which show enhanced absorption in the visible region (molar absorption coefficients up to 76,800 M(-1) cm(-1) at 459 nm) and long-lived triplet excited states (up to 139.9 µs). At room temperature, the naphthalimide acetylide-phenyl acetylide complex (Pt-4) shows dual emission (fluorescence-phosphorescence), whereas other complexes show only fluorescence emission. The triplet excited states of the complexes were studied with nanosecond time-resolved transient difference absorption spectroscopy and DFT calculations on the spin density surface. The complexes were used as triplet photosensitizers for ratiometric O2 sensing, as well as triplet-triplet annihilation (TTA) upconversion (upconversion quantum yield up to 27.2%). The TTA upconversion of the complexes requires triplet acceptors with different T1 state energy levels and was studied with nanosecond time-resolved emission spectroscopy. Our results are useful for designing new Pt(II) complexes that show strong absorption of visible light and long-lived triplet excited states, as well as for the application of these complexes as triplet photosensitizers for O2 sensing, photocatalysis and TTA upconversion.

Efficient enhancement of the visible-light absorption of cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes triplet photosensitizers with Bodipy and applications in photooxidation and triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion.

We report molecular designing strategies to enhance the effective visible-light absorption of cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes. Cationic cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes were prepared in which boron-dipyrromethene (Bodipy) units were attached to the 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) ligand via -C≡C- bonds at either the meso-phenyl (Ir-2) or 2 position of the π core of Bodipy (Ir-3). For the first time the effect of π conjugating (Ir-3) or tethering (Ir-2) of a light-harvesting chromophore to the coordination center on the photophysical properties was compared in detail. Ir(ppy)2(bpy) (Ir-1; ppy = 2-phenylpyridine) was used as model complex, which gives the typical weak absorption in visible range (ε < 4790 M(-1) cm(-1) in region > 400 nm). Ir-2 and Ir-3 showed much stronger absorption in the visible range (ε = 71,400 M(-1) cm(-1) at 499 nm and 83,000 M(-1) cm(-1) at 527 nm, respectively). Room-temperature phosphorescence was only observed for Ir-1 (λ(em) = 590 nm) and Ir-3 (λ(em) = 742 nm). Ir-3 gives RT phosphorescence of the Bodipy unit. On the basis of the 77 K emission spectra, nanosecond transient absorption spectra, and spin density analysis, we proposed that Bodipy-localized long-lived triplet excited states were populated for Ir-2 (τT = 23.7 µs) and Ir-3 (87.2 µs). Ir-1 gives a much shorter triplet-state lifetime (0.35 µs). Complexes were used as singlet oxygen ((1)O2) photosensitizers in photooxidation. The (1)O2 quantum yield of Ir-3 (ΦΔ = 0.97) is ca. 2-fold of Ir-2 (ΦΔ = 0.52). Complexes were also used as triplet photosensitizer for TTA upconversion; upconversion quantum yields of 1.2% and 2.8% were observed for Ir-2 and Ir-3, respectively. Our results proved that the strong absorption of visible light of Ir-2 failed to enhance production of a triplet excited state. These results are useful for designing transition metal complexes that show effective strong visible-light absorption and long-lived triplet excited states, which can be used as ideal triplet photosensitizers in photocatalysis and TTA upconversion.

Visible light-absorbing rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complexes as triplet photosensitizers in photooxidation and triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion.

We prepared N^N Re(I) tricarbonyl chloride complexes (Re-1 and Re-2) that give very strong absorption of visible light. To this end, it is for the first time that boron dipyrimethane (Bodipy) was used to prepare Re(I) tricarbonyl chloride complexes. The π-conjugation linker between the π-conjugation framework of the antenna Bodipy and the Re(I) coordination centre ensures efficient intersystem crossing (ISC). Re-0 without visible light-harvesting ligand was prepared as a model complex in the photophysical studies. Re-1 (with Bodipy) and Re-2 (with carbazole-ethynyl Bodipy) show unprecedented strong absorption of visible light at 536 nm (ε = 91700 M(−1) cm(−1)) and 574 nm (ε = 64,600 M(−1) cm(−1)), respectively. Interestingly, different from Re-0, Re-1 and Re-2 show fluorescence of the ligand, not the phosphorescence of the Re(I) coordination centre. However, long-lived triplet excited states were observed upon visible light excitation (τ(T) = 104.0 µs for Re-1; τ(T) = 127.2 µs for Re-2) vs. the short lifetime of Re-0 (τ(T) = 26 ns). With nanosecond time-resolved transient absorption spectroscopy and DFT calculations, we proved that the triplet excited states of Re-1 and Re-2 are localized on the Bodipy ligands. The complexes were used as triplet photosensitizers for two triplet­triplet-energy-transfer (TTET) processes, i.e.(1)O(2) mediated photooxidation and triplet­triplet annihilation (TTA) upconversion. With the strong visible light-harvesting ability, Re-1 proved to be a better (1)O(2) photosensitizer than the conventional triplet photosensitizer tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP). Significant upconversion was observed with Re-1 as the triplet photosensitizer. Our result is useful for preparation of Re(I) tricarbonyl chloride complexes that show strong absorption of visible light and long-lived triplet excited states and for the application of these complexes as triplet photosensitizers in photocatalysis, photodynamic therapy and TTA upconversion.

Rhenium(I) tricarbonyl polypyridine complexes showing strong absorption of visible light and long-lived triplet excited states as a triplet photosensitizer for triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion.

The preparation of rhenium(I) tricarbonyl polypyridine complexes that show a strong absorption of visible light and long-lived triplet excited state and the application of these complexes as triplet photosensitizers for triplet-triplet annihilation (TTA) based upconversion are reported. Imidazole-fused phenanthroline was used as the N^N coordination ligand, on which different aryl groups were attached (Phenyl, Re-0; Coumarin, Re-1 and naphthyl, Re-2). Re-1 shows strong absorption of visible light (ε = 60,800 M(-1) cm(-1) at 473 nm). Both Re-1 and Re-2 show long-lived T(1) states (lifetime, τ(T), is up to 86.0 µs and 64.0 µs, respectively). These properties are in contrast to the weak absorption of visible light and short-lived triplet excited states of the normal rhenium(I) tricarbonyl polypyridine complexes, such as Re-0 (ε = 5100 M(-1) cm(-1) at 439 nm, τ(T) = 2.2 µs). The photophysical properties of the complexes were fully studied with steady state and time-resolved absorption and emission spectroscopes, as well as DFT calculations. The intra-ligand triplet excited state is proposed to be responsible for the exceptionally long-lived T(1) states of Re-1 and Re-2. The Re(I) complexes were used as triplet photosensitizers for TTA based upconversion and an upconversion quantum yield up to 17.0% was observed.

Adrenic acid metabolites as endogenous endothelium-derived and zona glomerulosa-derived hyperpolarizing factors.

Adrenic acid (docosatetraenoic acid), an abundant fatty acid in the adrenal gland, is identical to arachidonic acid except for 2 additional carbons on the carboxyl end. Adrenic acid is metabolized by cyclooxygenases, cytochrome P450s, and lipoxygenases; however, little is known regarding the role of adrenic acid and its metabolites in vascular tone. Because of its abundance in the adrenal gland, we investigated the role of adrenic acid in vascular tone of bovine adrenal cortical arteries and its metabolism by bovine adrenal zona glomerulosa cells. In adrenal cortical arteries, adrenic acid caused concentration-dependent relaxations, which were inhibited by the epoxyeicosatrienoic acid antagonist 14,15-epoxyeicosa-5(Z)-enoic acid and the cytochrome P450 inhibitor SKF-525A. The large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel blocker iberiotoxin or removal of the endothelium abolished these relaxations. Reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry isolated and identified numerous adrenic acid metabolites from zona glomerulosa cells, including dihomo-epoxyeicosatrienoic acids and dihomo-prostaglandins. In denuded adrenal cortical arteries, adrenic acid caused concentration-dependent relaxations in the presence of zona glomerulosa cells but not in their absence. These relaxations were inhibited by SKF-525A, 14,15-epoxyeicosa-5(Z)-enoic acid, and iberiotoxin. Dihomo-16,17-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid caused concentration-dependent relaxations of adrenal cortical arteries, which were inhibited by 14,15-epoxyeicosa-5(Z)-enoic acid and high potassium. Our results suggest that adrenic acid relaxations of bovine adrenal cortical arteries are mediated by endothelial and zona glomerulosa cell cytochrome P450 metabolites. Thus, adrenic acid metabolites could function as endogenous endothelium-derived and zona glomerulosa-derived hyperpolarizing factors in the adrenal cortex and contribute to the regulation of adrenal blood flow.

14,15-Epoxyeicosa-5,8,11-trienoic acid (14,15-EET) surrogates containing epoxide bioisosteres: influence upon vascular relaxation and soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibition.

All-cis-14,15-epoxyeicosa-5,8,11-trienoic acid (14,15-EET) is a labile, vasodilatory eicosanoid generated from arachidonic acid by cytochrome P450 epoxygenases. A series of robust, partially saturated analogues containing epoxide bioisosteres were synthesized and evaluated for relaxation of precontracted bovine coronary artery rings and for in vitro inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). Depending upon the bioisostere and its position along the carbon chain, varying levels of vascular relaxation and/or sEH inhibition were observed. For example, oxamide 16 and N-iPr-amide 20 were comparable (ED(50) 1.7 microM) to 14,15-EET as vasorelaxants but were approximately 10-35 times less potent as sEH inhibitors (IC(50) 59 and 19 microM, respectively); unsubstituted urea 12 showed useful activity in both assays (ED(50) 3.5 microM, IC(50) 16 nM). These data reveal differential structural parameters for the two pharmacophores that could assist the development of potent and specific in vivo drug candidates.

Characterization of 14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoyl-sulfonamides as 14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid agonists: use for studies of metabolism and ligand binding.

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are cytochrome P450 epoxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid. EETs mediate numerous biological functions. In coronary arteries, they regulate vascular tone by the activation of smooth muscle large-conductance, calcium-activated potassium (BK(Ca)) channels to cause hyperpolarization and relaxation. We developed a series of 14,15-EET agonists, 14,15-EET-phenyliodosulfonamide (14,15-EET-PISA), 14,15-EET-biotinsulfonamide (14,15-EET-BSA), and 14,15-EET-benzoyldihydrocinnamide-sulfonamide (14,15-EET-BZDC-SA) as tools to characterize 14,15-EET metabolism and binding. Agonist activities of these analogs were characterized in precontraced bovine coronary arterial rings. All three analogs induced concentration-dependent relaxation and were equipotent with 14,15-EET. Relaxations to these analogs were inhibited by the BK(Ca) channel blocker iberiotoxin (100 nM), the 14,15-EET antagonist 14,15-epoxyeicosa-5(Z)-enoylmethylsulfonamide (10 muM), and abolished by 20 mM extracellular K(+). 14,15-EET-PISA is metabolized to 14,15-dihydroxyeicosatrienoyl-PISA by soluble epoxide hydrolase in bovine coronary arteries and U937 cells but not U937 cell membrane fractions. 14,15-EET-P(125)ISA binding to human U937 cell membranes was time-dependent, concentration-dependent, and saturable. The specific binding reached equilibrium by 15 min at 4 degrees C and remained unchanged up to 30 min. The estimated K(d) and B(max) were 148.3 +/- 36.4 nM and 3.3 +/- 0.5 pmol/mg protein, respectively. These data suggest that 14,15-EET-PISA, 14,15-EET-BSA, and 14,15-EET-BZDC-SA are full 14,15-EET agonists. 14,15-EET-P(125)ISA is a new radiolabeled tool to study EET metabolism and binding. Our results also provide preliminary evidence that EETs exert their biological effect through a membrane binding site/receptor.

Epoxygenase eicosanoids: synthesis of tetrahydrofuran-diol metabolites and their vasoactivity.

Eight members of a recently identified family of tetrahydrofuran-diols (THFDs), originating from epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), were prepared stereospecifically from D-(+)-glucose. The THFDs potently induced relaxation of pre-contracted bovine arteries.

Metabolism of adrenic acid to vasodilatory 1alpha,1beta-dihomo-epoxyeicosatrienoic acids by bovine coronary arteries.

Adrenic acid (docosatetraenoic acid), an abundant fatty acid in the vasculature, is produced by a two-carbon chain elongation of arachidonic acid. Despite its abundance and similarity to arachidonic acid, little is known about its role in the regulation of vascular tone. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometric analysis of bovine coronary artery and endothelial cell lysates revealed arachidonic acid concentrations of 2.06 +/- 0.01 and 6.18 +/- 0.60 microg/mg protein and adrenic acid concentrations of 0.29 +/- 0.01 and 1.56 +/- 0.16 microg/mg protein, respectively. In bovine coronary arterial rings preconstricted with the thromboxane mimetic U-46619, adrenic acid (10(-9)-10(-5) M) induced concentration-related relaxations (maximal relaxation = 83 +/- 4%) that were similar to arachidonic acid relaxations. Adrenic acid relaxations were blocked by endothelium removal and the K(+) channel inhibitor, iberiotoxin (100 nM), and inhibited by the cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin (10 microM, maximal relaxation = 53 +/- 4%), and the cytochrome P-450 inhibitor, miconazole (10 microM, maximal relaxation = 52 +/- 5%). Reverse-phase HPLC and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry isolated and identified numerous adrenic acid metabolites from coronary arteries including dihomo (DH)-epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) and DH-prostaglandins. DH-EET [16,17-, 13,14-, 10,11-, and 7,8- (10(-9)-10(-5) M)] induced similar concentration-related relaxations (maximal relaxations averaged 83 +/- 3%). Adrenic acid (10(-6) M) and DH-16,17-EET (10(-6) M) hyperpolarized coronary arterial smooth muscle. DH-16,17-EET (10(-8)-10(-6) M) activated iberiotoxin-sensitive, whole cell K(+) currents of isolated smooth muscle cells. Thus, in bovine coronary arteries, adrenic acid causes endothelium-dependent relaxations that are mediated by cyclooxygenase and cytochrome P-450 metabolites. The adrenic acid metabolite, DH-16,17-EET, activates smooth muscle K(+) channels to cause hyperpolarization and relaxation. Our results suggest a role of adrenic acid metabolites, specifically, DH-EETs as endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors in the coronary circulation.

Characteristics and actions of NAD(P)H oxidase on the sarcoplasmic reticulum of coronary artery smooth muscle.

It has been reported that nonmitochondrial NAD(P)H oxidases make an important contribution to intracellular O2-* in vascular tissues and, thereby, the regulation of vascular function. Topological analyses have suggested that a well-known membrane-associated NAD(P)H oxidase may not release O2-* into the cytosol. It is imperative to clarify the source of intracellular O2-* associated with this enzyme and its physiological significance in vascular cells. The present study hypothesized that an NAD(P)H oxidase on the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in coronary artery smooth muscle (CASM) regulates SR ryanodine receptor (RyR) activity by producing O2-* locally. Western blot analysis was used to detect NAD(P)H oxidase subunits in purified SR from CASM. Fluorescent spectrometric analysis demonstrated that incubation of SR with NADH time dependently produced O2-*, which could be substantially blocked by the specific NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitors diphenylene iodonium and apocynin and by SOD or its mimetic tiron. This SR NAD(P)H oxidase activity was also confirmed by HPLC analysis of conversion of NADH to NAD+. In experiments of lipid bilayer channel reconstitution, addition of NADH to the cis solution significantly increased the activity of RyR/Ca2+ release channels from these SR preparations from CASM, with a maximal increase in channel open probability from 0.0044 +/- 0.0005 to 0.0213 +/- 0.0018; this effect of NADH was markedly blocked in the presence of SOD or tiron or the NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitors diphenylene iodonium, N-vanillylnonanamide, and apocynin. These results suggest that a local NAD(P)H oxidase system on SR from CASM regulates RyR/Ca2+ channel activity and Ca2+ release from SR by producing O2-*.