{"title":"Visible light-responsive azo-based smart materials: Design, performance, and applications in energy storage.","authors":"Shurui Lv, Yuang Zhang, Wentao Wang, Shufen Zhang, Bingtao Tang","doi":"10.1002/smo.20240058","DOIUrl":"10.1002/smo.20240058","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Azobenzene and its derivatives are the most extensively investigated and applied molecular photoswitches, which can undergo reversible transformation between <i>trans</i> and <i>cis</i> isomers upon irradiation with light at specific wavelengths. Through structural geometry transformation, the property alterations can be integrated into smart materials to meet diverse application requirements. Most azo-based photoswitches require UV light for activation. However, complete activation within the visible or even near-infrared light range could offer several benefits for photoswitch applications, including improved biocompatibility, better light penetration, and enhanced solar light utilization efficiency. This review presents an overview of the development of visible-light responsive azo-based materials, covering molecular design strategies and their applications in energy storage. Recent efforts aimed at enhancing the performance of azo-based energy storage materials are highlighted. According to the different strategies for improving energy storage properties, these materials are categorized as those that directly increase isomerization energy and those that introduce phase transition energy. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges and opportunities in this field with a view to inspire further exploration.</p>","PeriodicalId":520929,"journal":{"name":"Smart molecules : open access","volume":"2 4","pages":"e20240058"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12118281/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144586233","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shibo Lyu, Lukun Li, Jingdong Gao, Dapeng Liu, Fengling Song
{"title":"Metallo-supramolecular nanofibers based on type-I photosensitizer for synergistic antibacterial therapy.","authors":"Shibo Lyu, Lukun Li, Jingdong Gao, Dapeng Liu, Fengling Song","doi":"10.1002/smo.20240037","DOIUrl":"10.1002/smo.20240037","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has shown great merits in treating microbial infections due to its absence of bacterial resistance. However, the pronounced hypoxic microenvironment in the bacterial infections limits the therapeutic efficiency of traditional type-II PDT, which is highly dependent on oxygen. Here type-I photosensitizer BTZ<sub>n</sub>-Py (<i>n</i> = 8, 20) coordinates with chemical antibacterial agent Ag<sup>+</sup> to fabricate metallo-supramolecular nanofibers. Under light irradiation, the formed nanofibers could not only generate type-II reactive oxygen species (ROS), <sup>1</sup>O<sub>2</sub>, but also produce type-I ROS O<sub>2</sub> <sup>•-</sup> which addressed the hypoxic issues within infected tissues. Moreover, the acid- and photo-active Ag<sup>+</sup> release from the nanofibers endowed the metallo-supramolecular nanofibers with controlled release characteristic, which showed good biocompatibility to normal tissues. Owing to controlled Ag<sup>+</sup> release and photoinduced type-I ROS, the in vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed the significantly synergistic antibacterial performance of the metallo-supramolecular fibers against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.</p>","PeriodicalId":520929,"journal":{"name":"Smart molecules : open access","volume":"2 4","pages":"e20240037"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12118169/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144586227","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Propene epoxidation with molecular oxygen: Advancements from nanoparticle to single-atom catalysts.","authors":"Qiuming He, Dong Lin, Defu Yin, Chaohe Yang, De Chen, Xiang Feng","doi":"10.1002/smo.20240025","DOIUrl":"10.1002/smo.20240025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Propylene oxide plays a pivotal role as an organic synthesis intermediate, boasting extensive downstream applications and promising market prospects. Propene epoxidation via molecular oxygen has garnered considerable attention due to its cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness, ease of operation, and straightforward product separation. This paper provides an in-depth exploration of recent advancements, ranging from nanoparticle to Single-atom catalysts (SACs), in the context of propene epoxidation using molecular oxygen. Conventional nanoparticle catalysts, including those based on Ag, Cu, and other metals, are examined with regard to their contributions to support effects, electron effects, or crystal-plane effects within the mechanistic investigation. Furthermore, emerging SACs (specifically Mo, Cu, and Co) are discussed in terms of synthesis strategies, characterization methods, and mechanism studies. This comprehensive review sheds new light on design strategies, relevant characterizations, and thorough mechanism investigations aimed at fostering the development of efficient catalysts, thereby expediting progress in the industrial implementation of propene epoxidation.</p>","PeriodicalId":520929,"journal":{"name":"Smart molecules : open access","volume":"2 4","pages":"e20240025"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12118192/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144586229","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Feng Liu, Junkai Liu, Junyi Gong, Runfeng Lin, Siyuan Qiu, Zicheng Liu, Chongyang Li, Miao Meng, Shijie Li, Mei Tu, Jacky W Y Lam, Guangle Niu, Ming Chen
{"title":"Complex-mediated nucleophilic aromatic substitution with aryl nitriles to realize intramolecular flapping-restricted D-A AIEgens for bioimaging.","authors":"Feng Liu, Junkai Liu, Junyi Gong, Runfeng Lin, Siyuan Qiu, Zicheng Liu, Chongyang Li, Miao Meng, Shijie Li, Mei Tu, Jacky W Y Lam, Guangle Niu, Ming Chen","doi":"10.1002/smo.20240039","DOIUrl":"10.1002/smo.20240039","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Donor-acceptor (D-A) compounds are particularly important in optoelectronic and biological applications. However, they are normally synthesized in the presence of transition metal catalysts. Herein, we report a metal-free method by a complex-mediated nucleophilic aromatic substitution of aryl nitriles with amines. The method can lead to rich D-A type aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) with tunable properties. They emit from deep-blue to yellow-green and possess high photoluminescence quantum yields up to 70.5% in the aggregate state. Interestingly, the suppression of intramolecular flapping is proved to play an indispensable role in the AIE behavior, which is different from the mechanism met in other AIEgens. Moreover, the biocompatible AIEgens possess specific staining of lipid droplets in HeLa cells and the superiority of identifying fatty liver over traditional Oil Red O staining is exhibited.</p>","PeriodicalId":520929,"journal":{"name":"Smart molecules : open access","volume":"3 2","pages":"e20240039"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12262011/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144652019","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Conjugated oligo (phenylene vinylene) covalently linked porphyrin for sonodynamic therapy.","authors":"Wenhua Jia, Junqing Wang, Ling Li, Qiong Yuan, Yuze Wang, Xinyi Zhang, Yanli Tang","doi":"10.1002/smo.20240035","DOIUrl":"10.1002/smo.20240035","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is garnering considerable attention as a promising treatment for deep-seated tumors because of its strong tissue penetration ability, non-invasiveness, and controllability. However, the SDT efficiency of traditional sonosensitizers including porphyrins and their derivatives are limited due to their poor water dissolubility, high aggregation, and low reactive oxygen species (ROS) production efficiency. Consequently, it is crucial to develop novel sonosensitizers with high yields of ROS, outstanding water solubility, and good biocompatibility. Herein, we constructed a new platform for SDT based on unimolecular porphyrin derivatives OPV-C<sub>3</sub>-TPP. The probe OPV-C<sub>3</sub>-TPP was synthesized by covalently linking conjugated oligomers (OPV) with 5, 10, 15, 20-tetra (4-aminophenyl) porphyrin (TAPP). The introduction of OPV greatly improves the water solubility of the porphyrins and reduces the self-aggregation of the porphyrins. In addition, OPV-C<sub>3</sub>-TPP has good intramolecular energy transfer efficiency, thus enhancing the yield of ROS. The experimental results show that OPV-C<sub>3</sub>-TPP exhibits excellent ROS generation capacity under ultrasound (US) irradiation, which leads to apoptosis and necrosis of tumor cells. In vivo tumor growth is also significantly inhibited in the OPV-C<sub>3</sub>-TPP + US group, exhibiting better SDT effects than TAPP. Therefore, the unimolecular OPV-C<sub>3</sub>-TPP can be used as a potential sonosensitizer, providing a promising SDT for deep-tissue tumors.</p>","PeriodicalId":520929,"journal":{"name":"Smart molecules : open access","volume":"3 2","pages":"e20240035"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12262008/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144652020","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jinjin Wang, Mengzhen Li, Haoyu Gao, Lixia Xie, Xin Zheng, Guoxing Liu, Tianjing Wu, Lu Lin, Lijie Liu
{"title":"Photoresponsive tetracoordinate arylboron smart molecules: Strategies for molecular design and photoresponse mechanisms.","authors":"Jinjin Wang, Mengzhen Li, Haoyu Gao, Lixia Xie, Xin Zheng, Guoxing Liu, Tianjing Wu, Lu Lin, Lijie Liu","doi":"10.1002/smo.20240041","DOIUrl":"10.1002/smo.20240041","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Photoresponsive smart materials, which exhibit swift or instantaneous responses to external light stimuli, are pivotal for advancing the development of novel smart devices. Among these materials, photoresponsive tetracoordinate arylboron compounds emerge as prominent molecular systems, owing to their captivating photochemical mechanisms and photophysical transformations. In recent years, these molecules have experienced notable progress, leading to the emergence of numerous organic boron photoresponsive molecular systems with innovative structures and exceptional performance. In this comprehensive review, we present a thorough examination of the latest advancements in the field, systematically elucidating the design strategies and structure-activity relationships of these molecules. Furthermore, we delve into the photoresponse mechanisms of various molecules and summarize their unique characteristics. Ultimately, we analyze the challenges, opportunities, and prospects encountered in this exciting field of research.</p>","PeriodicalId":520929,"journal":{"name":"Smart molecules : open access","volume":"2 4","pages":"e20240041"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12118230/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144586228","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Advancements in cobalt-based oxide catalysts for soot oxidation: Enhancing catalytic performance through modification and morphology control.","authors":"Tingyi Zhao, Zuguo Song, Chengchun Wu, Yuanjun Li, Haoze Li, Yuechang Wei, Siyu Yao, Menglan Xiao, Mingqin Zhao, Bing Cui","doi":"10.1002/smo.20240024","DOIUrl":"10.1002/smo.20240024","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The widespread use of diesel engines results in significant environmental contamination due to emitted pollutants, particularly soot particles. These pollutants are detrimental to public health. At present, one of the most effective ways to remove soot particles is the catalytic diesel particulate filter after-treatment technology, which requires the catalyst to have superior low temperature activity. Compared with cerium oxide which is widely used, cobalt oxide in transition metal oxides has been widely studied in recent years because of its high redox ability and easy to control morphology. This paper elaborates on the influence of modification techniques such as doping, loading, and solid solution on the catalytic performance of cobalt-based catalysts in soot oxidation. Along the same lines, it further reviews the research progress on cobalt-based oxide catalysts with specific dimensional structures and morphologies in soot oxidation. Finally, it provides an outlook on the challenges faced by the theoretical basis and applied research of cobalt-based catalysts in soot oxidation.</p>","PeriodicalId":520929,"journal":{"name":"Smart molecules : open access","volume":"2 4","pages":"e20240024"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12118241/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144586225","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yuan Ma, Cuirong Qin, Yanlin Lei, Xiaodong Yang, Zuhai Lei
{"title":"Tissue-seeking dyes for in vivo applications.","authors":"Yuan Ma, Cuirong Qin, Yanlin Lei, Xiaodong Yang, Zuhai Lei","doi":"10.1002/smo.20240029","DOIUrl":"10.1002/smo.20240029","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In vivo optical imaging has become an invaluable tool for visualizing and monitoring biological processes in living organisms. A key component of these imaging techniques is the use of fluorescent dyes that can selectively target and label specific tissues or cell types. This review provides an overview of the current state of tissue-seeking dyes for in vivo applications. We discuss the design principles and chemical structures of dyes that have been developed to target various tissues of interest, including tumors, nerves, bones, vasculatures, and other tissues. The review covers the photophysical properties, targeting mechanisms, and in vivo performance of these dyes. Particular emphasis is placed on dyes that have demonstrated clinical translation or have high potential for future clinical use. The review also examines the challenges and considerations in developing effective tissue-seeking dyes, such as achieving high specificity, overcoming biological barriers and minimizing toxicity. Finally, we highlight emerging trends and future directions in the field, including the integration of tissue-seeking dyes with advanced imaging modalities and theranostic applications. Overall, this review provides a focused summary of the current landscape of tissue-seeking dyes and their pivotal role in advancing in vivo optical imaging and its biomedical applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":520929,"journal":{"name":"Smart molecules : open access","volume":"2 4","pages":"e20240029"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12118203/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144586232","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Recent advances in dual response molecular probes for biothiols.","authors":"Master Mwafulirwa, Khamis Abdalla, Wenhai Bian, Hongbei Wei, Liren Xu, Wanyi Yu, Zhang Hui, Qi Yang, Xiaolong Sun","doi":"10.1002/smo.20240044","DOIUrl":"10.1002/smo.20240044","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The detection of biothiols such as cysteine (Cys), homocysteine (Hcy), and glutathione (GSH) are critical for understanding their roles in biology and their involvement in various physiological and pathological processes. Recently, significant progress has been made in constructing fluorescent probes capable of detecting and visualizing biothiols. This review provides an in-depth look at the latest advancements in simultaneous and selective molecular probes, focusing on developments over the last 5 years. We examine design techniques, sensing mechanisms, and imaging methods to assess their effectiveness and responsiveness to thiols. Additionally, we discuss the prevailing challenges and offer recommendations to address them.</p>","PeriodicalId":520929,"journal":{"name":"Smart molecules : open access","volume":"2 4","pages":"e20240044"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12118221/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144586230","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Synthesis and evaluation of smart drugs with integrated functions for identifying and treating oxidative microenvironments associated with cellular ferroptosis.","authors":"Yibo Zhang, Rui Cai, Yu Ding, Jiangye Zhang, Changxu Ning, Jiangcheng Zeng, Zhongxiang Zhou, Shisheng Wang, Yueqing Li, Xiuhan Guo","doi":"10.1002/smo.20240048","DOIUrl":"10.1002/smo.20240048","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ferroptosis is a novel form of cell death driven by oxidative damage, and is implicated in various pathological conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases, retinal damage, and ischemia-reperfusion injury of organs. Inhibiting ferroptosis has shown great promise as a therapeutic strategy for these diseases, underscoring the urgent need to develop effective ferroptosis inhibitors. Although Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) is a potent ferroptosis inhibitor, its susceptibility to oxidation and metabolic inactivation limits its clinical utility. In this study, the accumulation of peroxides and the resulting oxidative damage in the cellular microenvironment during ferroptosis were utilized to design Ferrostatin-1 prodrugs with reactive oxygen species-responsive features. This approach led to the development of a series of ferroptosis inhibitors that were capable of recognizing oxidative damage in diseased areas, allowing for targeted release and improved stability. The novel compounds demonstrated significant inhibitory effects and selectivity against RSL-3-induced ferroptosis in HK-2 cells, with compound a1 exhibiting an EC50 of 15.4 ± 0.7 μM, outperforming Fer-1. These compounds effectively identify the oxidative microenvironment associated with ferroptosis, enabling the targeted release of Fer-1, which prevents lipid peroxide accumulation and inhibits ferroptosis. This strategy holds promise for treating diseases related to ferroptosis, offering a targeted and intelligent therapeutic approach.</p>","PeriodicalId":520929,"journal":{"name":"Smart molecules : open access","volume":"3 2","pages":"e20240048"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12262006/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144652023","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}