Multispectral optoacoustic imaging of dynamic redox correlation and pathophysiological progression utilizing upconversion nanoprobes.

Precise and differential profiling of the dynamic correlations and pathophysiological implications of multiplex biological mediators with deep penetration and highly programmed precision remain critical challenges in clinics. Here we present an innovative strategy by tailoring a powerful multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) technique with a photon-upconverting nanoprobe (UCN) for simultaneous visualization of diversely endogenous redox biomarkers with excellent spatiotemporal resolution in living conditions. Upon incorporating two specific radicals-sensitive NIR cyanine fluorophores onto UCNs surface, such nanoprobes can orthogonally respond to disparate oxidative and nitrosative stimulation, and generate spectrally opposite optoacoustic signal variations, which thus achieves compelling superiorities for reversed ratiometric tracking of multiple radicals under dual independent wavelength channels, and significantly, for precise validating of their complex dynamics and correlations with redox-mediated pathophysiological procession in vivo.

Spatiotemporal-Controlled Reporter for Cell-Surface Proteolytic Enzyme Activity Visualization.

Live-cell imaging of cell-surface-associated proteolytic enzymes is crucial to understand their biological roles and functions in both physiological and pathological processes. However, the complexity of the cell membrane environment increases difficulties in specifically investigating targeted proteolytic activities within the microenvironment. Towards this end, a unique, photoremovable, furin-responsive peptide probe that can undergo spatiotemporal control through UV-light illumination has been designed and synthesized to aid in visualizing the activity of a cell-surface-associated protease enzyme, furin, in live cells.

Stimulus-Responsive Short Peptide Nanogels for Controlled Intracellular Drug Release and for Overcoming Tumor Resistance.

Multidrug resistance (MDR) poses a major burden to cancer treatment. As one important factor contributing to MDR, overexpression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) results in a reduced intracellular drug accumulation. Hence, the ability to effectively block the efflux protein and to accumulate the therapeutics in cancer cells is of great significance in clinical practice.

Direct synthesis of ester-containing indium homoenolate and its application in palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling with aryl halide.

An efficient method for the synthesis of ester-containing indium homoenolate via a direct insertion of indium into β-halo ester in the presence of CuI/LiCl was described. The synthetic utility of the indium homoenolate was demonstrated by palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling with aryl halides in DMA with wide functional group compatibility.

Palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling of indium homoenolate with aryl halide with wide functional group compatibility.

An efficient palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling of indium homoenolate with aryl halide is described. The reactions proceeded efficiently in DMA at 100 °C to afford the desired products of β-aryl ketones in moderate to good yields. Various important functional groups including COR, COOR, CHO, CN, OH, and NO(2) can be well tolerated in the protocol.

Synthesis of water-tolerant indium homoenolate in aqueous media and its application in the synthesis of 1,4-dicarbonyl compounds via palladium-catalyzed coupling with acid chloride.

The first water-tolerant, ketone-type indium homoenolate was synthesized via the oxidative addition of In/InCl(3) to enones. The reaction proceeds exclusively in aqueous media. Both indium and indium(III) chloride are necessary for the smooth conversion of the reaction.

Indium-silver- and zinc-silver-mediated barbier-grignard-type alkylation reactions of imines by using unactivated alkyl halides in aqueous media.

In the presence of In or Zn/AgI/InCl(3), an efficient and practical method for the Barbier-Grignard-type alkylation reactions of simple imines by using a one-pot condensation of various aldehydes, amines (including the aliphatic and chiral version), and secondary alkyl iodides has been developed. The reaction proceeded more efficiently in water than in organic solvents. Without the use of CuI, it mainly gave the imine self-reductive coupling product, which was not the alkylated product.