Ce-Doped Smart Adsorbentswith Photoresponsive Molecular Switches for Selective Adsorption and Efficient Desorption

Achieving efficient adsorption and desorption processes by controllably tuning the properties of adsorbents at different technical stages is extremely attractive.However,it is difficult for traditional adsorbents to reach the target because of their fixed active sites.Herein,we report on the fabrication of a smart adsorbent,which was achieved by introducing photoresponsive azobenzene derivatives with cis/trans isomers to Ce-doped mesoporous silica.These photoresponsive groups serve as “molecular switches”by sheltering and exposing active sites,leading to efficient adsorption and desorption.Ce is also doped to provide additional active sites in order to enhance the adsorption performance.The results show that the cis isomers effectively shelter the active sites,leading to the selective adsorption of methylene blue(MB)over brilliant blue(BB),while the trans isomers completely expose the active sites,resulting in the convenient release of the adsorbates.Both selective adsorption and efficient desorption can be realized controllably by these smart adsorbents through photostimulation.Moreover,the performance of the obtained materials is well maintained after five cycles.

Electrically Driven Nonresonant Single Molecular Switches

Electrical switching of a single-molecule junction provides a practical module to perform sophisticated operations in electronic devices.However,designing an all-electrically-driven molecular switch is a great challenge.Here,we experimentally and theoretically investigated the charge transport characteristics of isoindigo(ISO)-molecules at the single-molecule level using the scanning tunneling microscope break junction technique.We find that the single-molecule junctions of ISO-molecules display bias voltage-driven switching characteristics.These switches are realtime,reversible,and nondestructive under low-bias voltages.Experimental results show that the mechanism of the switch is not the transition from nonresonant charge transport to resonant charge transport,but it is the shift of the frontier orbital energy levels of ISO-molecules and the change of the interfacial electronic coupling with bias voltage.Our results will advance the design of high-performance bias voltage-driven molecular switches.

Recent advances in new-type molecular switches

Molecular switches that can undergo reversible switching between two or more different states in response to external stimuli have been used in the fabrication of various optoelectronic devices and smart materials for many decades, and also found many applications in sensing, molecular self-assembly and photo-controlled biological systems. Recently, mechanically interlocked molecules, such as rotaxanes and catenanes, and molecular rotary motors based on overcrowded alkenes have emerged as two new kinds of molecular switches. Some novel applications of above-mentioned molecular switches have been discovered. In this mini review, we mainly highlight noticeable achievements over the past decade in this field, and summarize the applications of new types of molecular switches, for instance, controlling the chiral space to regulate catalytic reaction as organocatalysts, controlling molecular motions, synthesizing a peptide in a sequence-specific manner and modulating the wettability of the self-assembled monolayers.

Molecular Switches and Multiple Logic Gates Based on 4-（2-Pyridylazo）resorcinol

A simple-structured 4-（2-pyridylazo）resorcinol （PAR） system presents interesting properties with dual fluorescent outputs. Modulated by solution pH two kinds of reversible switch behaviors, ＂ON-OFF＂ and ＂OFF-ON＂, were realized with the PAR system. Stimulated by different combination of external stimulus, such as metal ions, UV ir- radiation and solution pH, the PAR system could perform multiple logic functions including three inputs AND, two inputs INHIBIT and combinatorial ＂NOR/AND＂ in parallel. The operation of the designed system is very simple and detected with a high sensitive fluorescent signal.

Effect of Chirality on the Electronic Transport Properties of the Thioxanthene-Based Molecular Switch

Based on the nonequilibrium Green function method and density functional theory calculations, we theoretically investigate the effect of chirality on the electronic transport properties of thioxanthene-based molecular switch. The molecule comprises the switch which can exhibit different chiralities, that is, cis-form and trans-form by ultraviolet or visible irradiation. The results clearly reveal that the switching behaviors can be realized when the molecule converts between cis-form and trans-form. ~urthermore, the on-off ratio can be modulated by the chirality of the carbon nanotube electrodes. The maximum on-off ratio can reach 109 at 0.4 V for the armchair junction, suggesting potential applications of this type of junctions in future design of functional molecular devices.

A Label-Free Colorimetric Aptasensor Containing DNA Triplex Molecular Switch and AuNP Nanozyme for Highly Sensitive Detection of Saxitoxin

Saxitoxin(STX),one of the most toxic paralytic shellfish poisons discovered to date,is listed as a required item of aquatic product safety inspection worldwide.However,conventional detection methods for STX are limited by various issues,such as low sensitivity,complicated operations,and ethical considerations.In this study,an aptamer-triplex molecular switch(APT-TMS)and gold nanoparticle(AuNP)nanozyme were combined to develop a label-free colorimetric aptasensor for the rapid and highly sensitive de-tection of STX.An anti-STX aptamer designed with pyrimidine arms and a purine chain was fabricated to form an APT-TMS.Specific binding between the aptamer and STX triggered the opening of the switch,which causes the purine chains to adsorb onto the surface of the AuNPs and enhances the peroxidase-like activity of the AuNP nanozyme toward 3,3’,5,5’-tetramethylbenzidine.Under optimized conditions,the proposed aptasensor showed high sensitivity and selectivity for STX,with a limit of detection of 335.6 pmol L^(−1) and a linear range of 0.59-150 nmol L^(−1).Moreover,good recoveries of 82.70%-92.66%for shellfish and 88.97%-106.5%for seawater were obtained.The analysis could be completed within 1 h.The proposed design also offers a robust strategy to achieve detection of other marine toxin targets by altering the corresponding aptamers.

Synthesis of Hymecromone Derivatives Containing Chiral 1,1'-Bi-2-naphthyl Moiety for Dual-mode Molecular Switch

Some hymecromone derivatives containing chiral 1,1'-bi-2-naphthyl moiety were synthesized and their photodimerizations were investigated. It was found that fluorescence intensity and optical rotation of the new chiral hymecromone derivatives could be regulated by light. This property has potential significance for developing a new type of dual-mode molecular switch.

Characterization of a Redox-responsive Molecular Switch Based on Dibenzo[1,2]dithiine Using DFT

Structural and electronic properties of a bistable redox-responsive molecular switch based on dibenzo[1,2]dithiine （PSBH） were studied using the DFT-B3LYP/6-31G＊ method. The results confirmed that the electrical conductivity of the closed form of considered molecular switch is higher than that of the open form. NBO electric charges on heavy atoms of biphenyl unit revealed that the positive charge on sulfur atoms reinforced, which caused the collapse of disulfide bond.

Current–Voltage Characteristics of the Aziridine-Based Nano-Molecular Wires: a Light-Driven Molecular Switch

Using nonequilibrium Green＇s function formalism combined first-principles density functional theory, we analyze the transport properties of a 4,4-dimethyl-6-（4-nitrophenyl）-2-phenyl-3,5-diaza-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-ene molecular optical switch. The title molecule can convert between closed and open forms by visible or ultraviolet irradiation. The I-V characteristics, differential conductance, on-off ratio, electronic transmission coefficients, spatial distribution of molecular projected self-consistent Hamiltonian orbitals, HOMO-LUMO gaps, effect of electrode materials Y（111）（Y =Au, Ag and Pt） on electronic transport and different molecular geometries corresponding to the closed and open forms through the molecular device are discussed in detail. Based on the results, as soon as possible the open form translates to the closed form, and there is a switch from the ON state to the OFF state（low resistance switches to high resistance）. Theoretical results show that the donor/acceptor substituent plays an important role in the electronic transport of molecular devices. The switching performance can be improved to some extent through suitable donor and acceptor substituents.

A Study on the Molecular Switch of Gene Expression of the Mouse Heart Nuclear DNA Fragments

It is observed by in situ stain that LDH (1 5) ...nNAD + can probably enter the nucleopore and can be bound bound specifically with the genes that encode them. During the in vitro expression, the dilution of heart nuclear DNA fragments could enhance the expression activity of LDH/DNA and the amount of expressed LDH (1 5) is in proportion to the amount of dissociable LDH (1 5) on the LDH/DNA. With the integration of 14C Leu to the proteins, it is also observed that the addition of LDH (1 5) ...nNAD + can suppress the in vitro expression activity of LDH/DNA. AFM observation shows that the regulation sequence at the both ends of active genes may be bound with such active factors as proteins encoded by the genes which probably is the main molecular switch of gene expression and regulation we have been always searching for. Our work shows the prospective application of the combination of AFM and isotope labeling in the research of biological reaction.

Smart molecular crystal switches

The multifaceted switches are part of our everyday life from the macroscopic to the molecular world.A molecular switch operating in the solution and in the crystalline state is very different.In this review,we summarize the state-of-the-art of smart molecular crystal switches based on molecular martensites.These crystal switches respond to external stimuli and reversibly change between states,retaining their macroscopic integrity.The operation of the switches predominantly relies on temperature alterations or mechanical stress,with emerging methods based on photothermal effects,photoisomerization,and host-guest chemistry.The capability of changing the molecular orientation and interaction in smart molecular crystal switches offers opportunities in several applications,including actuators,reversibly shaping structural materials,optoelectronic and magnetic materials,as well as switchable porous materials.Smart molecular crystal switches have vast potential in modern scientific and technological progress.The ongoing research shapes a rich landscape for innovation and future scientific exploration across diverse disciplines.

Artificial molecular machines:Design and observation

Natural molecular machines have inspired the development of artificial molecular machines,which have the potential to revolutionize several areas of technology.Artificial molecular machines commonly employ molecular switches,molecular motors,and molecular shuttles as fundamental building blocks.The observation of artificial molecular machines constructed by these building blocks can be highly challenging due to their small sizes and intricate behaviors.The use of modern instrumentation and advanced observational techniques plays a crucial role in the observation and characterization of molecular machines.Furthermore,a well-designed molecular structure is also a critical factor in making molecular ma-chines more observable.This review summarizes the common methods from diverse perspectives used to observe molecular machines and emphasizes the significance of comprehending their behaviors in the design of superior artificial molecular machines.

PHOTOSWITCHABLE NANOFLUOROPHORES FOR INNOVATIVE BIOIMAGING

Photosensitive fluorescent probes have become powerful tools in chemical biology and molecular biophysics,which are used to investigate cellular processes with high temporal and spatial resolution.Accordingly,photosensitive fluorescent probes,including photoactivatable,photoconvertible,and photoswitchable fluorophores,have been extensively developed during the past decade.The photoswitchable fluorophores have received much attention because they highlight cellular events clearly.This minireview summarizes recent advances of using reversibly photoswitchable fluorophores and their applications in innovative bioimaging.Photoswitchable fluorophores include photoswitchable fluorescent proteins,photoswitchable fluorescent organic molecules(dyes),and photoswitchable fluorescent nanoparticles.Several strategies have been developed to synthesize photoswitchable fluorophores,including engineering combination proteins,chemical synthesis,polymerization,and self-assembly.Here we concentrate on polymer nanoparticles with optically switchable emission properties:either fluorescence on/offor dualalternating-color fluorescence photoswitching.The essential mechanisms of fluorescence photoswitching enable different types of photoswitchable fluorophores to change emission intensity or wavelength(color)and thus validating the basis of the fluorescence on/offor dual-color photoswitching design.Generally the possible applications of any fluorophores are to label biological targets,followed by specific imaging.The newly developed photoswitchable fluorophores enable super-resolution fluorescence imaging because of their photosensitive emission.Finally,we summarize the important area regarding future research and development on photoswitchable fluorescent nanoparticles.

A More Efficient Synthetic Route to Perylene-porphyrin Arrays

We present an efficient synthetic route towards two kinds of perylene-porphyrin arrays. Starting from 5, 10, 15, 20-meso-tetraphenylporphyrin, two novel 9a and 9b were designed and synthesized with 40.3% and 35.1% yield, respectively.

Structure and Quantum Chemistry Study on Hexaacetyl D-Mannose Hydrazine

Hexaacetyl D-mannose hydrazine is one type of important intermediates in saccharide chemistry. In this paper, its single crystal was obtained and furthermore, X-ray diffraction and quantum chemistry calculation were performed. It belongs to orthorhombic system, space group P212121, with a=16.267（3）, b=19.263（3）, c=7.1948（12）A, Mr=446.41, Dc=1.315 g/cm^3, V=2254.5（6）A^3 and Z=4. Meanwhile, the experimental results also provide information for designing a kind of molecular switch based on the mannose nitrogenous derivatives.

Low-Bias Conductance Mechanism of Diarylethene Isomers:a First-Principle Study

The structure-property relationship of diarylethene(DAE)-derivative molecular isomers,which involve ring-closed and ring-open forms,is investigated by employing the nonequilibrium Green’s function formalism combined with density functional theory.Molecular junctions are formed by the isomers connecting to Au(111)electrodes through flanked pyridine groups.The difference in electronic structures caused by different geometry structures for the two isomers,particularly the interatomic alternative single bond and double bond of the ring-closed molecule,contributes to the vastly different low-bias conductance values.The lowest unoccupied molecular orbital(LUMO)of the isomers is the main channel for electron transport.In addition,more electrons transferred to the ring-closed molecular junction in the equilibrium condition,thereby decreasing the LUMO energy to near the Fermi energy,which may contribute to a larger conductance value at the Fermi level.Our findings are helpful for understanding the mechanism of low-bias conductance and are conducive to the design of high-performance molecular switching based on diarylethene or diarylethene-derivative molecules.

Structure and switching of single-stranded DNA tethered to a charged nanoparticle surface

Using a molecular theory, we investigate the temperature-dependent self-assembly of single-stranded DNA（ss DNA）tethered to a charged nanoparticle surface. Here the size, conformations, and charge properties of ss DNA are taken into account. The main results are as follows： i） when the temperature is lower than the critical switching temperature, the ss DNA will collapse due to the existence of electrostatic interaction between ss DNA and charged nanoparticle surface; ii）for the short ss DNA chains with the number of bases less than 10, the switching of ss DNA cannot happen, and the critical temperature does not exist; iii） when the temperature increases, the electrostatic attractive interaction between ss DNA and charged nanoparticle surface becomes weak dramatically, and ss DNA chains will stretch if the electrostatic attractive interaction is insufficient to overcome the elastic energy of ss DNA and the electrostatic repulsion energy. These findings accord well with the experimental observations. It is predicted that the switching of ss DNA will not happen if the grafting densities are too high.

An Allochroic Molecular Cage Switch for Sensing and Capturing Organic Pollutants

The adsorption method is considered to be one of the most promising organic pollutants emission reduction strategies.The design and synthesis of high-performance porous adsorbents are one of the most important but challenging works.In this work,we constructed a new class of porous molecular cage switches by a simple reaction using phenolphthalein as the raw material.The molecular cage switches displayed interesting on-off behavior towards organic guests,which is highly responding to organic pollutants with rapid color change and is also able to adsorb these organic pollutants through an open-to-close pathway.This molecular cage switch also has excellent regenerative cycling properties and water resistance,which is expected to be employed in the handling of organic pollutants in the future.

Silicon-Based Molecular Switch Junctions

In contrast to the static operations of conventional semiconductor devices,the dynamic conformational freedom in molecular devices opens up the possibility of using individual molecules as new types of devices such as a molecular conformational switch or for molecular data storage.Bistable molecules such as those having two stable cis and trans isomeric confi gurations could provide,once clamped between two electrodes,a switching phenomenon in the non-equilibrium current response.Here,we model molecular switch junctions formed at silicon contacts and demonstrate the potential of such tunable molecular switches in electrode/molecule/electrode confi gurations.Using the non-equilibrium Green function(NEGF)approach implemented with the density-functional-based tight-binding(DFTB)theory,a series of properties such as electron transmissions,current voltage characteristics in the different isomer conformations,and potential energy surfaces(PESs)as a function of the reaction coordinates along the trans to cis transition were calculated for two azobenzene-based model compounds.Furthermore,in order to investigate the stability of molecular switches under ambient conditions,molecular dynamics(MD)simulations at room temperature were performed and time-dependent fl uctuations of the conductance along the MD pathways were calculated.Our numerical results show that the transmission spectra of the cis isomers are more conductive than trans counterparts inside the bias window for both model compounds.The currentvoltage characteristics consequently show the same trends.Additionally,calculations of the time-dependent transmission fluctuations along the MD pathways have shown that the transmission in the cis isomers is always signifi cantly larger than that in their trans counterparts,showing that molecular switches can be expected to work as robust molecular switching components.

Label-free fluorescent strategy for sensitive detection of tetracycline based on triple-helix molecular switch and G-quadruplex

In this assay, a label-free fluorescent sensing platform based on triple-helix molecular switch（THMS） and G-quadruplex was developed for the detection of tetracycline. We demonstrated this approach by using THMS, which consists of a central section with a shortened 8-mer aptamer sequence with high affinity to tetracycline and flanked by two arm segments. G-rich oligonucleotide can specifically bind to thioflavin T（Th T） as a signal transduction probe（STP）. In the absence of tetracycline, THMS remains stable, the fluorescence of background is low. By the addition of target tetracycline, the aptamer-target binding results in the formation of a structured aptamer-target complex, which disassembles the THMS and releases the STP. The free STP self-assembles into G-quadruplex and specifically binds to Th T which generates a obvious fluorescence enhancement. Using the triple-helix molecular switch, the developed aptamer-based fluorescent sensing platform showed a linear relationship with the concentration of tetracycline ranging from 0.2 to 20.0 nmol/L. The detection limit of tetracycline was determined to be970.0 pmol/L. The assay avoids complicated modifications or chemical labeling, making it simple and cost-effective. So, it is expected that this aptamer-based fluorescent assay could be extensively applied in the field of food safety inspection.