Research department: Development of physical chemistry approaches and methods in the study of multicomponent supramolecular, molecular and ion-molecular systems as promising materials
Scientific trac: Chemistry and molecular photonics of dipyrromethene luminophores.
The scientific track includes developments in the field of synthesis, experimental and theoretical studies of the physicochemical properties of dyes and luminophores based on ligands and coordination compounds of dipyrromethenes with p- and d-elements in condensed media.
Particular attention is paid to the study of the influence of structural and solvation effects, supramolecular complex formation on the spectral and luminescent characteristics of dipyrromethene compounds, as well as the search for multifunctional chromophores and fluorescent markers, sensors (for ions, low and high molecular weight compounds), and the development of protocols for their implementation in the fields of bioimaging, fluorescent sensing, proteomics, diagnostics, photodynamic therapy, including antibacterial applications, and theranostics.
The main directions of group members' scientific activities include
- Molecular design of luminophores based on dipyrromethenes and related structures
Dr. of Chemical Science, Prof., Chief Researcher Berezin Mikhail Borisovich
The relationship between molecular design and the practical properties of synthetic analogs of bilin pigments, which are products of natural porphyrin catabolism, is under study. New methods for synthesizing ligands of dipyrromethenes, bisdipyrromethenes, and their coordination compounds with p- and d-elements, including BF2-dipyrromethenes (BODIPY), are being developed as they are considered the most promising and versatile among known luminophores classes.
Methodological aspects of the rational synthesis of symmetrically and asymmetrically substituted dipyrromethene luminophores with two or more chromophoric BODIPY domains are being explored. The study includes investigations into structural isomerism, significant spectral characteristics, photo- and thermal stability parameters of oligo-derivatives of BODIPY ligands and their complexes. These parameters depend on the nature of substituents in the pyrrole rings and meso-spacers, including aryl, alkyl, carboxy, thio, amino-alkyl, and halogen atoms.
- Control of aggregation and photophysical functions of BODIPY luminophores in solutions and thin films
Candidate of Chemical Science, Senior Researcher Antina Lyubov Anatolevna
In thin films, at the interface surface, in water, and in binary water-organic mixtures, we observe intense aggregation of hydrophobic BODIPY luminophores, leading to dramatic changes in their spectral properties compared to dilute solutions in organic solvents. To enhance the efficiency of using BODIPY dyes in biomedicine, optics, and electronics, we are developing methods to control BODIPY aggregation in aqueous-organic mixtures, polymer composites, and Langmuir-Schaeffer thin films through targeted functionalization of the molecular structure of the luminophores.
- Non-covalent supramolecular systems based on BODIPY and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs)
Candidate of Chemical Sciences, Senior Researcher Antina Lyubov Anatolevna
Non-covalent supramolecular systems based on BODIPY and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with an absorption/emission range extended from the UV to the IR region have been obtained. Systems of this kind are of particular interest as laser radiation limiters, components of organic shutters, frequency-tunable lasers operating in the near visible and IR regions of the spectrum, etc.
- Nanostructured delivery systems for theranostics BODIPY for fluorescence diagnostics and photodynamic therapy
Candidate of Chemical Sciences, Senior Researcher Antina Lyubov Anatolevna
Candidate of Chemical Sciences, Junior Researcher Kalyagin Aleksandr Alekseevich
One of the primary challenges associated with the use of most BODIPY dyes in biomedicine is their high hydrophobicity. To address this issue, nanosized carriers and delivery systems for BODIPY luminophores are being developed. The encapsulation of BODIPY dyes into micelles of the biocompatible amphiphilic block copolymer Pluronic® F127 and into organometallic coordination polymers (e.g., Zif-8) is employed to create nanostructured systems with an optimal combination of spectral characteristics in aqueous and physiological environments. These materials are currently under testing as theranostics for fluorescent diagnostics, anticancer treatment, and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy.
- Fluorescent sensors based on zinc(II) bis(dipyrromethenate)s for medical diagnostics
Candidate of Chemical Sciences, Senior Researcher Ksenofontov Alexander Andreevich
Successful solution of modern problems of fluorescence sensing in various fields of science and technology, including environmental and medical-analytical monitoring, requires the creation of new highly sensitive, selective and cost-effective express methods for detecting in vitro and in vivo in solutions and gas mixtures of micro- and ultra-microquantities of toxic and biologically significant analytes, including aromatic organic compounds, amines, alcohols, diuretics, steroids, amino acids, etc.
New promising multifunctional fluorescent sensors based on zinc(II) coordination compounds with tetradentate bis(dipyrromethene) ligands (H2L) have been developed.
The mechanism of the spectral response of the sensors has been established, based on the effect of quenching their fluorescence due to supramolecular complex formation with molecules of analytes of various natures.
It is shown that the results obtained can be translated into the practical plane of such promising areas as:
- fluorescent detection of N-, O-electron-donor and aromatic compounds in organic media and gas mixtures;
- fluorescent determination of loop diuretics in organic and physiological fluids;
- development of photovoltaic systems based on zinc(II) bis(dipyrromethenate)s with C60 and C70 fullerenes.
- Fluorescent probes for marking hydrophobic and hydrophilic zones of blood transport proteins
Candidate of Chemical Sciences, Senior Researcher Ksenofontov Alexander Andreevich
Fluorescent probes based on BODIPY have been obtained for visualization of blood transport proteins.
- Two-channel conjugates based on BODIPY and other types of dyes
Candidate of Chemical Sciences, Senior Researcher Ksenofontov Alexander Andreevich
Two-channel conjugates of BODIPY with other types of dyes, capable of absorbing and emitting light simultaneously in several regions of the spectrum, have been obtained. These features provide more comprehensive information about biological objects and processes and are also important for multiplexing — the simultaneous detection of several analytes in a sample and the complex monitoring of multiple biomolecular interactions. Additionally, some of the synthesized conjugates can serve as theranostics. For example, BODIPY conjugates with cyanine dyes are characterized by simultaneous absorption and fluorescence in the green and red regions of the spectrum, as well as antibacterial activity.
- Development of a new class of chromofluorogenic sensors of biologically active and toxic metal ions based on dipyrromethene chelate ligands
Candidate of Chemical Sciences, Researcher Bumagina Natalya Anatolyevna
The estimation of heavy metal ion content is one of the most crucial tasks in biochemistry, ecology, and various industries. Addressing this challenge involves the development of effective sensors and reliable methods for the rapid detection of trace amounts of metal ions. Using mono- and bis(dipyrromethene)s, we are actively working on the development of new selective chemosensors for colorimetric and fluorescent determination of metal ions in both organic and aqueous media. We study how the molecular structure of these chemosensors influences the selectivity and sensitivity of analyte detection through comprehensive theoretical and experimental investigations of the thermodynamics and spectral responses of complexation reactions between chromophore ligands and metal cations. We are also developing methods for the qualitative and quantitative determination of cations in solutions, including rapid analysis, spectrofluorimetric techniques, and extraction-spectrophotometric approaches. We substantiate the practical applicability of dipyrromethene sensors for analyzing metal cations in natural and waste waters as well as biorelevant media.
- BODIPY biomarkers and theranostics for fluorescence diagnostics and photodynamic therapy
Candidate of Chemical Sciences, Senior Researcher Guseva Galina Borisovna
In the context of biochemistry and biomedicine, we are actively developing new multifunctional fluorescent boron(III)dipyrromethene dyes (BODIPY). These dyes are designed to have an optimal combination of fluorescence characteristics, photo- and pH-stability, as well as an affinity for cellular organelles, hydrophobic and hydrophilic compounds, and biological media. Our research focuses on identifying BODIPY dyes that can easily penetrate cell membrane lipid layers and selectively stain microbial cell organelles, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and pathogenic fungi.
Additionally, our exploratory research extends to the development of effective theranostics using BODIPY conjugates with monoterpenoids and other medicinal compounds. We are actively addressing the challenge of structural modification to achieve optimal fluorescence and singlet oxygen generation indicators, biocompatibility (cytotoxicity), and the treatment of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant strains of microorganisms. These endeavors involve the utilization of fluorescent diagnostics and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy.
- New photosensitizers based on halogen-substituted dipyrromethates of d- and p-elements for photodynamic antibacterial and anticancer therapy
Candidate of Chemical Sciences, Researcher Lapshina Ekaterina Nailovna Candidate of Chemical Sciences, Senior Researcher Guseva Galina Borisovna
Dipyrromethene dyes containing 'heavy' bromine or iodine atoms in their structure offer a significant advantage in the effective generation of singlet oxygen (1O2), making them promising sensitizers for photodynamic antibacterial and anticancer therapy. To harness this potential, we are developing molecular design strategies aimed at obtaining halogen-substituted dipyrromethates of d- and p-elements that combine effective 1O2 generation and other reactive oxygen species with high photostability and low cytotoxicity.
Our research includes comprehensive studies on the influence of molecular structural features and medium properties on the spectral and luminescent characteristics, singlet oxygen generation efficiency, photostability, lipophilicity, and pH stability of iodine- and bromine-substituted boron(III) and zinc(II) dipyrromethates. Additionally, in collaboration with colleagues from Kazan Federal University, we are investigating cytotoxicity, permeability through cell lipid layers, and photodynamic activity.