Benzimidazole derivatives: synthesis, physical properties, and n-type semiconducting properties.

A series of new benzimidazole derivatives were synthesized by the solid-state condensation and direct sublimation (SSC-DS) method and their physical properties were investigated. The reaction yields and product stability were significantly affected by the identity of the diamine and anhydride substituents. On the other hand, the substituents of the benzimidazole ring allowed fine tuning of the emission maxima, fluorescence quantum yields, and redox potentials.

Intramolecular indicator displacement assay for anions: supramolecular sensor for glyphosate.

One of the well-known strategies for anion sensing is an indicator (dye) displacement assay. However, the disadvantage of the dye displacement assays is the low sensitivity due to the excess of the dye used. To overcome this setback, we have developed an "Intramolecular Indicator Displacement Assay (IIDA)".

Selective anion sensing by chiral macrocyclic receptors with multiple hydrogen-bonding sites.

Chiral macrocycles featuring sulfonamide and/or amide groups as anion-binding sites were synthesized. X-ray crystal structures and DFT calculations have shown that they adopt different conformations that may lead to unique binding behavior. Indeed, various anions could be sensed by their colorimetric and/or fluorescence signal output.

"Turn-on" fluorescent sensor array for basic amino acids in water.

Amino acids and their derivatives are recognized and analyzed in water using a turn-on fluorescent cucurbituril based sensor array. Multivariate analysis (LDA and HCA) clearly shows that the sensor array can discriminate amino acids from the corresponding amines which are produced by the action of amino acid decarboxylases.

Multianalyte sensing of addictive over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.

A supramolecular sensor array composed of two fluorescent cucurbit[n]uril-type receptors (probe 1 and probe 2) displaying complementary selectivities was tested for its ability to detect and quantify drug-related amines. The fluorimetric titration of the individual probes showed highly variable and cross-reactive analyte-dependent changes in fluorescence. An excellent ability to recognize a variety of analytes was demonstrated in qualitative as well as quantitative assays.

Supramolecular sensor for cancer-associated nitrosamines.

A supramolecular assay based on two fluorescent cucurbit[n]uril probes enables the recognition and quantification of nitrosamines, including cancer-associated nitrosamines, compounds that are difficult to recognize. The cross-reactive sensor leverages weak interactions and competition among the probe, metal, and guest, yielding high information density in the signal output (variance) and enabling the recognition of structurally similar guests.