Hydrophilic Biocompatible Fluorescent Organic Nanoparticles as Nanocarriers for Biosourced Photosensitizers for Photodynamic Therapy.

Most photosensitizers of interest for photodynamic therapy-especially porphyrinoids and chlorins-are hydrophobic. To circumvent this difficulty, the use of nanocarriers is an attractive strategy. In this perspective, we have developed highly water-soluble and biocompatible fluorescent organic nanoparticles (FONPs) made from citric acid and diethyltriamine which are then activated by ethlynene diamine as nanoplatforms for efficient photosensitizers (PSs). Purpurin 18 (Pp18) was selected as a biosourced chlorin photosensitizer combining the efficient single oxygen generation ability and suitable absorption in the biological spectral window. The simple reaction of activated FONPs with Pp18, which contains a reactive anhydride ring, yielded nanoparticles containing both Pp18 and Cp6 derivatives. These functionalized nanoparticles combine solubility in water, high singlet oxygen generation quantum yield in aqueous media (0.72) and absorption both in the near UV region (FONPS) and in the visible region (Soret band approximately 420 nm as well as Q bands at 500 nm, 560 nm, 660 nm and 710 nm). The functionalized nanoparticles retain the blue fluorescence of FONPs when excited in the near UV region but also show deep-red or NIR fluorescence when excited in the visible absorption bands of the PSs (typically at 520 nm, 660 nm or 710 nm). Moreover, these nanoparticles behave as efficient photosensitizers inducing colorectal cancer cell (HCT116 and HT-29 cell lines) death upon illumination at 650 nm. Half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values down to, respectively, 0.04 and 0.13 nmol/mL were observed showing the potential of FONPs[Cp6] for the PDT treatment of cancer. In conclusion, we have shown that these novel biocompatible nanoparticles, which can be elaborated from biosourced components, both show deep-red emission upon excitation in the red region and are able to produce singlet oxygen with high efficiency in aqueous environments. Moreover, they show high PDT efficiency on colorectal cancer cells upon excitation in the deep red region. As such, these functional organic nanoparticles hold promise both for PDT treatment and theranostics.

Hydrophilic Fluorescent Nanoprodrug of Paclitaxel for Glioblastoma Chemotherapy.

Highly water-soluble, nontoxic organic nanoparticles on which paclitaxel (PTX), a hydrophobic anticancer drug, has been covalently bound via an ester linkage (4.5% of total weight) have been prepared for the treatment of glioblastoma. These soft fluorescent organic nanoparticles (FONPs), obtained from citric acid and diethylenetriamine by microwave-assisted condensation, show suitable size (Ø = 17-30 nm), remarkable solubility in water, softness as well as strong blue fluorescence in an aqueous environment that are fully retained in cell culture medium. Moreover, these FONPs were demonstrated to show in vitro safety and preferential internalization in glioblastoma cells through caveolin/lipid raft-mediated endocytosis. The PTX-conjugated FONPs retain excellent solubility in water and remain stable in water (no leaching), while they showed anticancer activity against glioblastoma cells in two-dimensional and three-dimensional culture. PTX-specific effects on microtubules reveal that PTX is intracellularly released from the nanocarriers in its active form, in relation with an intracellular-promoted lysis of the ester linkage. As such, these hydrophilic prodrug formulations hold major promise as biocompatible nanotools for drug delivery.

Molecular-Based Fluorescent Nanoparticles Built from Dedicated Dipolar Thienothiophene Dyes as Ultra-Bright Green to NIR Nanoemitters.

Fluorescent Organic Nanoparticles (FONs), prepared by self-aggregation of dedicated dyes in water, represent a promising green alternative to the toxic quantum dots (QDs) for bioimaging purposes. In the present paper, we describe the synthesis and photophysical properties of new dipolar push-pull derivatives built from thieno[3,2-b]thiophene as a π-conjugated bridge that connects a triphenylamine moiety bearing various bulky substituents as electron-releasing moiety to acceptor end-groups of increasing strength (i.e., aldehyde, dicyanovinyl and diethylthiobarbiturate). All dyes display fluorescence properties in chloroform, which shifts from the green to the NIR range depending on the molecular polarization (i.e., strength of the end-groups) as well as a large two-photon absorption (TPA) band response in the biological spectral window (700-1000 nm). The TPA bands show a bathochromic shift and hyperchromic effect with increasing polarization of the dyes with maximum TPA cross-section reaching 2000 GM for small size chromophore. All dyes are found to form stable and deeply colored nanoparticles (20-45 nm in diameter) upon nanoprecipitation in water. Although their fluorescence is strongly reduced upon aggregation, all nanoparticles show large one-photon (up to 108 M(-1)·cm(-1) in the visible region) and two-photon (up to 106 GM in the NIR) brightness. Interestingly, both linear and non-linear optical properties are significantly affected by interchromophoric interactions, which are promoted by the molecular confinement and modulated by both the dipolar strength and the presence of the bulky groups. Finally, we exploited the photophysical properties of the FONs to design optimized core-shell nanoparticles built from a pair of complementary dipolar dyes that promotes an efficient core-to-shell FRET process. The resulting molecular-based core-shell nanoparticles combine large two-photon absorption and enhanced emission both located in the NIR spectral region, thanks to a major amplification (by a factor of 20) of the core fluorescence quantum yield. These novel nanoparticles, which combine huge one-and two-photon brightness, hold major promise for in vivo optical bioimaging.

Synthesis of Borinic Acids and Borinate Adducts Using Diisopropylaminoborane.

In situ formation of aryl Grignard under Barbier condition and diisopropylaminoborane as boron source allows a complete control of the addition onto the boron electrophile. Analytically pure borinic acid derivatives were produced at the gram scale without column chromatography and isolated as borinates adducts, with ethanolamine or 8-hydroxyquinoline, after workup.

Borylation of unactivated aryl chlorides under mild conditions by using diisopropylaminoborane as a borylating reagent.

The synthesis of arylboronic ester derivatives from aryl chlorides by using aryl(amino)boranes is described. Palladium-catalyzed coupling between aryl chlorides and diisopropylaminoborane leads to the formation of a CB bond under mild conditions. A wide range of functional groups are tolerated, making this method particularly useful for the borylation of functionalized aromatics.

Continuous coflow synthesis of hybrid palladium nanocrystals as catalysts for borylation reaction.

The combination of highly active Pd nanocrystal (NC) types with tailored surface properties (various ligands) - e.g. organic-inorganic hybrid NCs - as catalysts opens avenues towards new synthetic pathways, implying a faster practical alternative for adjusting and screening the reaction conditions. Pd@dppf and Pd@PCy3 NCs have been successfully prepared via a continuous supercritical fluid assisted coflow route with promising results as catalysts in borylation reaction. It has been found that the ligands not only influence the catalytic properties of the systems, but also contribute to Pd metal core characteristics (size, shape and time stability).

Supercritical synthesis of biodiesel.

The synthesis of biodiesel fuel from lipids (vegetable oils and animal fats) has gained in importance as a possible source of renewable non-fossil energy in an attempt to reduce our dependence on petroleum-based fuels. The catalytic processes commonly used for the production of biodiesel fuel present a series of limitations and drawbacks, among them the high energy consumption required for complex purification operations and undesirable side reactions. Supercritical fluid (SCF) technologies offer an interesting alternative to conventional processes for preparing biodiesel. This review highlights the advances, advantages, drawbacks and new tendencies involved in the use of supercritical fluids (SCFs) for biodiesel synthesis.

Microfluidic synthesis of palladium nanocrystals assisted by supercritical CO2: tailored surface properties for applications in boron chemistry.

On the surface: A library of organic-inorganic hybrid palladium nanocrystals was synthesized using continuous supercritical microfluidic technology. The nanocatalysts show moderate to excellent activities towards C(Ar)-B and C(Ar)-C(Ar) bond-forming reactions, thus illustrating the relationship between surface properties and modulated catalytic activity.

Aminoborylation/Suzuki-Miyaura tandem cross coupling of aryl iodides as efficient and selective synthesis of unsymmetrical biaryls.

Sequential borylation of a first aryl iodide using a dialkylaminoborane followed by a Suzuki-Miyaura cross coupling of second aryl iodide ended up with an efficient, selective and practical synthesis of unsymmetrical biaryls. This tandem coupling shows a wide range of applicability.

Achieving chemo-, regio-, and stereoselectivity in palladium-catalyzed reaction of γ-borylated allylic acetates.

Three-carbon highly functionalized γ-borylated allylic acetates underwent a regio- and stereocontrolled Tsuji-Trost reaction in the presence of palladium complexes. An ipso substitution of the acetate with complete stereoretention of the chiral center was achieved, leading to vinylic boronates with enantiomeric excesses above 99%.

Task specific ionic liquids and task specific onium salts.

Task specific ionic liquids (TSILs), or more generally task specific onium salts (TSOSs), can be defined as an association of a cation and anion, one at least being organic, to which has covalently been attached through a linker a function that confers the assembly a specific task. After presentation of the general concept of TSILs and TSOSs, the different methods of preparation of these compounds are developed. Regarding their applications in chemistry, TSILs and TSOSs can be used as soluble supports for reagents and catalysts in multiphasic reactions, enabling high activity and easy recovery of the supported agent. However, additionally, they can be used as soluble supports for organic synthesis in a similar manner to resins and offer several advantages over traditional methods.

On the nature of ionic liquids and their effects on lipases that catalyze ester synthesis.

Free and immobilized lipases from Candida antarctica (CALA and CALB), Thermomyces lanuginosus (TLL) and Rhizomucor miehei (RML) were used as catalysts in the synthesis of butyl propionate by transesterification in reaction media consisting in nine different ionic liquids. Enzyme activities were clearly dependent on the nature of the ions, the results being improving as the alkyl chain length of the imidazolium cation increased, and as a function of the type of anion ([PF(6)], [BF(4)] or [ethylsulphate]). The best synthetic activity (655.5U/mg protein at 40 degrees C) was obtained when free CALB were assayed in the water-miscible IL cocosalkyl pentaethoxy methyl ammonium methosulfate ([CPMA][MS]), and was clearly related with the water content of the medium. The synthetic activity of free CALB in [CPMA][MS] was enhanced with the increase in temperature, while practically no effect was obtained for TLL. The ability of free CALB to synthesize aliphatic esters of different alkyl chain lengths, using different alkyl vinyl esters and 1-alkanols as substrates, was also studied in [CPMA][MS], the best results (4500U/mg protein) being obtained for the synthesis of hexyl butyrate.

Anomalous diffusion of water in [BMIM][TFSI] room-temperature ionic liquid.

We have studied the self-diffusion properties of butyl-methyl-imidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)-imide ([BMIM][TFSI]) + water system. The self-diffusion coefficients of cations, anions, and water molecules were determined by pulsed field gradient NMR. These measures were performed with increased water quantity up to saturation (from 0.3 to 30 mol %). Unexpected variations have been observed. The self-diffusion coefficient of every species increases with the quantity of water but not in the same order of magnitude. Whereas very similar evolutions are observed for the anion and cation, the increase is 25 times greater for water molecules. We interpret our data by the existence of phase separation at microscopic scale.

Lithium-mediated zincation of pyrazine, pyridazine, pyrimidine, and quinoxaline.

Deprotonation of pyrazine, pyridazine, pyrimidine, and quinoxaline using an in situ mixture of ZnCl2.TMEDA (0.5 equiv) and LiTMP (1.5 equiv) was studied. Pyrazine and pyrimidine were deprotonated in THF at room temperature, a result evidenced by trapping with I2. The competitive formation of dimer observed in net hexane was reduced by using cosolvents (TMEDA or THF). Starting from quinoxaline, the dimer formation took place in THF also, and mixtures of mono- and diiodides were obtained whatever the solvent and conditions used. A similar competitive formation of a diiodide was noted with pyridazine; the use of THF at reflux temperature nevertheless afforded the 3-iodo derivative in good yield.

Reaction rates as a function of scale within ionic liquids: microscale in droplet microreactors versus macroscale reactions in the case of the Grieco three-component condensation reaction.

Task-specific ionic liquids (TSILs) and more specifically binary task-specific ionic liquids (BTSILs), a unique subclass, have been shown to be excellent supports for solution-phase chemistry. The negligible volatility of ionic liquids enables their use as stable droplet microreactors in atmospheric environments without oil protection or confinement. These droplets can be moved, merged and mixed by electrowetting on a chip. Solution-phase synthesis can be performed on these open digital microfluidic labs-on-a-chip as illustrated by a study of the Grieco three-component reaction in [tmba][NTf(2)]-droplet (tmba=N-trimethyl-N-butylammonium NTf(2)=bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide) microreactors. A detailed study of matrices and scale effects on conversion and kinetic rates of this three-component condensation is presented in this paper. Reactions have been shown to be slower in droplets than in batches in the absence of additional mixing. Also, a significant influence of the ionic-liquid matrix has been observed. Finally, an increase of droplet's temperature resulted in a kinetics enhancement so as to reach macroscale reaction rates, probably because of a much better mixing of reaction's components involving a Marangoni's effect.

Chemoenzymatic dynamic kinetic resolution of rac-1-phenylethanol in ionic liquids and ionic liquids/supercritical carbon dioxide systems.

Continuous dynamic kinetic resolution processes in different ionic liquid/supercritical carbon dioxide biphasic systems were carried out by simultaneously using both immobilized Candida antarctica lipase B (Novozym 435) and silica modified with benzenosulfonic acid (SCX) catalysts at 40 degrees C and 10 MPa. SCX was seen to act as an efficient heterogeneous chemical catalyst for the racemization of (S)-1-phenylethanol in different ionic liquid media ([emim][NTf(2)], [btma][NTf(2)] and [bmim][PF(6)]). Coating both chemical and enzymatic catalysts with ILs greatly improved the efficiency of the process, providing a good yield (76%) of (R)-1-phenylethyl propionate product with excellent enantioselectivity (ee = 91-98%) in continuous operation.

Ionic liquid droplet as e-microreactor.

A powerful approach combining a droplet-based, open digital microfluidic lab-on-a-chip using task-specific ionic liquids as soluble supports to perform solution-phase synthesis is reported as a new tool for chemical applications. The negligible volatility of ionic liquids enables their use as stable droplet reactors on a chip surface under air. The concept was validated with different ionic liquids and with a multicomponent reaction. Indeed, we showed that different ionic liquids can be moved by electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD), and their displacement was compared with aqueous solutions. Furthermore, we showed that mixing ionic liquids droplets, each containing a different reagent, in "open" systems is an efficient way of carrying supported organic synthesis. This was applied to Grieco's tetrahydroquinolines synthesis with different reagents. Analysis of the final product was performed off-line and on-line, and the results were compared with those obtained in a conventional reaction flask. This technology opens the way to easy synthesis of minute amounts of compounds ad libitum without the use of complex, expensive, and bulky robots and allows complete automation of the process for embedded chemistry in a portable device. It offers several advantages, including simplicity of use, flexibility, and scalability, and appears to be complementary to conventional microfluidic lab-on-a-chip devices usually based on continuous-flow in microchannels.

2-Pyridinealdoxime, a new ligand for a Pd-precatalyst: application in solid-phase-assisted Suzuki-Miyaura reaction.

The preparation of a new palladium(II) complex with a 2-pyridinealdoxime ligand and its use as a Pd(0) precatalyst in the cross-coupling Suzuki-Miyaura reaction is described. Several concepts for the immobilization of this catalytic system are presented and compared in order to develop an efficient catalytic tool for high-throughput synthesis.