A tale of switched functions: from cyclooxygenase inhibition to M-channel modulation in new diphenylamine derivatives.

Cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes are molecular targets of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), the most used medication worldwide. However, the COX enzymes are not the sole molecular targets of NSAIDs. Recently, we showed that two NSAIDs, diclofenac and meclofenamate, also act as openers of Kv7.

Molecular probe for enzymatic activity with dual output.

A novel molecular probe for enzymatic activity with a dual output detection-mode has been developed. The probe effectively detected the presence of the bacterial protease penicillin-G-amidase; a single cleavage by the enzyme initiated the fragmentation of a self immolative dendritic platform to release two reporter units. The signals of the free reporters were detected by two different spectroscopic techniques, fluorescence and UV-vis.

Receiver-amplifier, self-immolative dendritic device.

Self-immolative dendrimers disassemble through a domino-like chain fragmentation initiated by a single cleavage at the dendrimer core. We have designed and synthesized dendritic molecules that resemble dendritic architectures present in nature. The unique design allows a cleavage signal received by any one of the multiple triggers on one side of the dendrimer to be transferred convergently to a focal point.