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A novel class of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) has been synthesized from Cu-acetate and dicarboxylic acids using liquid phase epitaxy. The SURMOF-2 isoreticular series exhibits P4 symmetry, for the longest linker a channel-size of 3 × 3 nm2 is obtained, one of the largest values reported for any MOF so far. High quality, ab-initio electronic structure calculations confirm the stability of a regular packing of (Cu++)2- carboxylate paddle-wheel planes with P4 symmetry and reveal, that the SURMOF-2 structures are in fact metastable, with a fairly large activation barrier for the transition to the bulk MOF-2 structures exhibiting a lower, twofold (P2 or C2) symmetry. The theoretical calculations also allow identifying the mechanism for the low-temperature epitaxial growth process and to explain, why a synthesis of this highly interesting, new class of high-symmetry, metastable MOFs is not possible using the conventional solvothermal process.

With controlled nanometre-sized pores and surface areas of thousands of square metres per gram, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) may have an integral role in future catalysis, filtration and sensing applications. In general, for MOF-based device fabrication, well-organized or patterned MOF growth is required, and thus conventional synthetic routes are not suitable. Moreover, to expand their applicability, the introduction of additional functionality into MOFs is desirable. Here, we explore the use of nanostructured poly-hydrate zinc phosphate (α-hopeite) microparticles as nucleation seeds for MOFs that simultaneously address all these issues. Affording spatial control of nucleation and significantly accelerating MOF growth, these α-hopeite microparticles are found to act as nucleation agents both in solution and on solid surfaces. In addition, the introduction of functional nanoparticles (metallic, semiconducting, polymeric) into these nucleating seeds translates directly to the fabrication of functional MOFs suitable for molecular size-selective applications.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have potential catalysis, filtration and sensing applications, but device fabrication will require controlled MOF growth. Here, α-hopeite microparticles are used to achieve spatial control of MOF nucleation, and accelerate MOF growth.

A metal-organic framework (MOF) containing 2-amino-1,4-benzenedicarboxylate (NH2-BDC) as a building block is shown to undergo chemical modification with a set of cyclic anhydrides. The modification of the aluminum-based MOF known as MIL-53(Al)-NH2 (MIL = Matérial Institut Lavoisier) by these reagents is demonstrated by using a variety of methods, including NMR and ESI-MS, and the structural integrity of the modified MOFs has been confirmed by TGA, PXRD, and gas sorption analysis. Reaction with these cyclic anhydrides produces MOFs that display carboxylic acid functional groups within their pores. Furthermore, it is shown that maleic acid functionalized MIL-53(Al)-AMMal can act as a Brønsted acid catalyst and facilitate the methanolysis of several small epoxides. Experiments show that MIL-53(Al)-AMMal acts in a heterogeneous manner and is recyclable with consistent activity over at least three catalytic cycles. The findings presented here demonstrate several important features of covalent postsynthetic modification (PSM) on MOFs, including: 1) facile introduction of catalytic functionality using simple organic reagents (e.g. anhydrides); 2) the ability to utilize and recycle organocatalytic MOFs; 3) control of catalytic activity through choice of functional group. The findings clearly illustrate that covalent postsynthetic modification represents a powerful means to access new MOF compounds that serve as organocatalytic materials.

The stereospecific synthesis of aryloxy and amino substituted E- and Z-ethyl-3-acrylates is of interest because of their potential in the polymer industry and in medicinal chemistry. During work on a copper-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of E- and Z-ethyl-3-iodo-acrylates with phenols and N-heterocycles, we discovered a very simple (non-metallic) method for the stereospecific synthesis of aryloxy and amino substituted acrylates. To study this long standing problem on the stereoselectivity of aryloxy and amino substituted acrylates, a series of O- and N-substituted nucleophiles was allowed to react with E- and Z-ethyl-3-iodo-acrylates. Screening of different bases indicated that DABCO (1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane) afforded successful conversion of E- and Z- ethyl-3-iodoacrylates into aryloxy and amino substituted ethyl acrylates in a stereospecific manner. Herein are the details of this DABCO-mediated stereospecific synthesis of aryloxy and amino substituted E- or Z-acrylates.

The title compound, C18H28N5O2 +·I−, was observed as a main product in an intended 1:1 reaction between 4-iodo­nitro­benzene and 1,4-diaza­bicyclo­[2.2.2]octane (DABCO). In the reaction, DABCO undergoes a ring opening to yield a quaternary salt of DABCO and 1-ethyl-4-(4-nitro­phen­yl)piperazine with an iodide anion. The crystal structure determination was carried out as no crystal structure had been previously reported in the investigations describing the corresponding reaction with 4-chloro­nitro­benze. Indeed, the crystal structure of the title compound confirms the mol­ecular composition proposed earlier for the analogous chloride salt. The cation conformation is similar to the previously reported dinitro analogue 1-{2-[4-(2,4-dinitro­phen­yl)piperazin-1-yl]eth­yl}-4-aza-1-azoniabicyclo­[2.2.2]octane chloride [Clegg et al. (2004 ▶). Acta Cryst. E60, o291–o293]. The crystal packing is dominated by cation⋯I− inter­actions in addition to weak inter­molecular C—H⋯O2N and C—H⋯N inter­actions between the cations.

An isoreticular metal-organic framework (IRMOF-3) containing 2-amino-1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid (NH2–BDC) as a building block is shown to undergo chemical modification with a diverse series of anhydrides and isocyanates. The modification of IRMOF-3 by these reagents has been evidenced by using a variety of methods, including NMR and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and the structural integrity of the modified MOFs has been confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis, powder X-ray diffraction, and gas sorption analysis. The results show that a variety of functional groups can be introduced onto the MOF including amines, carboxylic acids, and chiral groups. Furthermore, it is shown that tert-butyl-based asymmetric anhydrides can be used to selectively deliver chemical payloads to the IRMOF. Finally, the results demonstrate that at least four different chemical modifications can be performed on IRMOF-3 and that the reaction conditions can be modulated to control the relative abundance of each group. The findings presented here demonstrate several important features of postsynthetic modification on IRMOF-3, including (1) facile introduction of a wide range of functional groups using simple reagents (e.g., anhydrides and isocyanates), (2) the introduction of multiple (as many as four different) substituents into the MOF lattice, and (3) control over reaction conditions to preserve the crystallinity and microporosity of the resultant MOFs. The findings clearly illustrate that postsynthetic modification represents a powerful means to access new MOF compounds with unprecedented chemical complexity, which may serve as the basis of multifunctional materials.

Summary of Recent Advances

Nanoparticle-based therapeutics have received increasing attention, as these systems can alleviate many drawbacks of conventional therapy. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), a new class of hybrid materials composed of metal ions and organic bridging ligands, have emerged as a promising platform for drug delivery, owing to their high drug loadings, biodegradability, and versatile functionality. The bulk MOF materials can absorb and release large amounts of therapeutics including ibuprofen, procainamide, and nitric oxide. Scale-down of MOFs to the nano-regime yields nanoscale metal-organic frameworks (NMOFs) which are more applicable as delivery vehicles, such as selective delivery of cisplatin prodrugs. Although progress has been made in utilizing NMOFs for drug delivery, many improvements must occur before they can become viable nanotherapeutics.

Background

Morita Baylis Hillman (MBH) reaction is used to introduce carbon-carbon or carbon-heteroatom bond in a molecule. The major drawback of this reaction is the relatively low product yield and long reaction time. Though notable changes have been made to improve the reaction rate and yield of MBH adduct by various groups, a reliable synthetic procedure under ambient temperature in presence moisture and air is remain unsolved. Continuing the effort to improve the rate and yield, we report here an eco-friendly and cost-effective method to generate MBH adducts. Non-volatile polyethylene glycol-200 is used as reusable solvents and the reaction was carried out under the influence of microwave energy.

Results

Microwave irradiation have a remarkable influence on PEG suspended 4-Diazabicyclo [2.2.2] octane (DABCO) catalysed MBH reaction between aldehydes and ethyl acrylate. Molecular weight of the PEG is found to have a significant influence on the reaction yield. PEG-200 was the most efficient solvent and in combination with DABCO, the medium can be recycled upto three more runs. This reaction condition is successfully applied to obtain MBH adduct of five different aldehydes in very short time with excellent yield and the required catalyst concentration was very low compared to standard MBH reaction. Since the MBH adduct is an important reactive intermediates for many complex organic syntheses, this approach can be successfully utilised as an alternative to existing reaction conditions.

Conclusion

A new method was developed to improve the reaction rate and yield of MBH reaction The PEG 200-DABCO combination provides a sustainable, non-volatile, recyclable and environment friendly solvent medium to produce MBH adducts. This medium in combination with microwave energy proved to be very effective to introduce a new carbon-carbon or a carbon-heteroatom bond in a molecule.

A microwave-assisted postsynthetic modification (PSM) reaction on a metal-organic framework (MOF) has been realized. Cyanation of the Zr4+-based UiO-66-Br was achieved with CuCN and microwave irradiation to produce UiO-66-CN. This protocol represents a significant example of PSM modification on an aryl halide MOF producing a cyano-functionalized MOF.

Coordination polymers (CPs) or metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted considerable attention because of the tunable diversity of structures and functions. A 4,4′-bipyridine molecule, which is a simple, linear, exobidentate, and rigid ligand molecule, can construct two-dimensional (2D) square grid type CPs. Only the 2D-CPs with appropriate metal cations and counter anions exhibit flexibility and adsorb gas with a gate mechanism and these 2D-CPs are called elastic layer-structured metal-organic frameworks (ELMs). Such a unique property can make it possible to overcome the dilemma of strong adsorption and easy desorption, which is one of the ideal properties for practical adsorbents.

We demonstrate porous silica surface modification, combined with microcontact printing, as an effective method for enhanced protein patterning and adsorption on arbitrary surfaces. Compared to conventional chemical treatments, this approach offers scalability and long-term device stability without requiring complex chemical activation. Two chemical surface treatments using functionalization with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and glutaraldehyde (GA) were compared with the nanoporous silica surface on the basis of protein adsorption. The deposited thickness and uniformity of the porous silica films were evaluated for fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled rabbit immunoglobulin G (R-IgG) protein printed onto the substrates via patterned polydimethlysiloxane (PDMS) stamps. A more complete transfer of proteins was observed on porous silica substrates compared to chemically functionalized substrates. A comparison of different pore sizes (2–6 nm), and porous silica thicknesses (30–200 nm) indicates that porous silica with 4 nm diameter, 57% porosity and a thickness of 96 nm provided a suitable environment for complete transfer of R-IgG proteins. Both fluorescence microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used for protein layers characterizations. A porous silica layer is biocompatible, providing a favorable transfer medium with minimal damage to the proteins. A patterned immunoassay microchip was developed to demonstrate the retained protein function after printing on nanoporous surfaces, which enables printable and robust immunoassay detection for point-of-care applications.

Metal-mesh lithography (MML) is a practical hybrid of microcontact printing and capillary force lithography that can be applied over millimeter-sized areas with a high level of uniformity. MML can be achieved by blotting various inks onto substrates through thin copper grids, relying on preferential wetting and capillary interactions between template and substrate for pattern replication. The resulting mesh patterns, which are inverted relative to those produced by stenciling or serigraphy, can be reproduced with low micrometer resolution. MML can be combined with other surface chemistry and lift-off methods to create functional microarrays for diverse applications, such as periodic islands of gold nanorods and patterned corrals for fibroblast cell cultures.

Biochemical surface modification has been used to direct cell attachment and growth on a biocompatible gel surface. Acrylamide-based hydrogels were photo-polymerized in the presence of an acroyl-streptavidin monomer to create planar, functionalized surfaces capable of binding biotin-labelled proteins. Soft protein lithography (microcontact printing) of proteins was used to transfer the biotinylated extracellular matrix proteins, fibronectin and laminin, and the laminin peptide biotin-IKVAV, onto modified surfaces. As a biological assay, we plated LRM55 astroglioma and primary rat hippocampal neurons on patterned hydrogels. We found both cell types to selectively adhere to areas patterned with biotin-conjugated proteins. Fluorescence and bright-field modes of microscopy were used to assess cell attachment and cell morphology on modified surfaces. LRM55 cells were found to attach to protein-stamped regions of the hydrogel only. Neurons exhibited significant neurite extension after 72 hr in vitro, and remained viable on protein stamped areas for more than 4 weeks. Patterned neurons developed functionally active synapses, as measured by uptake of the dye FM 1-43FX. Results from this study suggest that hydrogel surfaces can be patterned with multiple proteins to direct cell growth and attachment.

Li adsorption on isoreticular MOFs with metal Fe, Cu, Co, Ni and Zn was studied using density function theory. Li functionalization shows a considerable structural change associated with a volume change in isoreticular MOF-5 except for the Zn metal center. Hydrogen binding energies on Li functionalized MOFs are seen to be in the range of 0.2 eV, which is the desired value for an ideal reversible storage system. This study has clearly shown that Li doping is possible only in Zn-based MOF-5, which would be better candidate to reversibly store hydrogen.

S. pneumoniae adhesin competence regulator (AdcR), the first metal dependent member of the MarR family of proteins, represses the transcription of a high affinity zinc-specific uptake transporter, a group of surface antigen zinc-binding pneumococcal histidine triad proteins (PhtA, PhtB, PhtD and PhtE) and an AdcA homologue (AdcAII). The 2.0 Å resolution structure of Zn(II)-bound AdcR reveals a highly helical two-fold symmetric dimer with two distinct metal binding sites per protomer. Zn(II) is tetrahedrally coordinated by E24, H42, H108 and H112 in what defines the primary sensing site in AdcR. Site 2 is a tetracoordinate site whose function is currently unknown. NMR methyl group perturbation experiments reveal that Zn(II) drives a global change in the structure of apo-AdcR that stabilizes an “open” conformation that is compatible with DNA binding. The structure also reveals a hydrogen-bonding network that is predicted to play a role in the allosteric coupling of Zn(II) binding to high affinity DNA binding in a co-repression mechanism that is unprecedented in MarR transcriptional regulators.

The development of hybrid electronic devices relies in large part on the integration of (bio)organic materials and inorganic semiconductors through a stable interface that permits efficient electron transport and protects underlying substrates from oxidative degradation. Group IV semiconductors can be effectively protected with highly-ordered self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) composed of simple alkyl chains that act as impervious barriers to both organic and aqueous solutions. Simple alkyl SAMs, however, are inert and not amenable to traditional patterning techniques. The motivation for immobilizing organic molecular systems on semiconductors is to impart new functionality to the surface that can provide optical, electronic, and mechanical function, as well as chemical and biological activity.

Microcontact printing (μCP) is a soft-lithographic technique for patterning SAMs on myriad surfaces.1-9 Despite its simplicity and versatility, the approach has been largely limited to noble metal surfaces and has not been well developed for pattern transfer to technologically important substrates such as oxide-free silicon and germanium. Furthermore, because this technique relies on the ink diffusion to transfer pattern from the elastomer to substrate, the resolution of such traditional printing is essentially limited to near 1 μm.10-16

In contrast to traditional printing, inkless μCP patterning relies on a specific reaction between a surface-immobilized substrate and a stamp-bound catalyst. Because the technique does not rely on diffusive SAM formation, it significantly expands the diversity of patternable surfaces. In addition, the inkless technique obviates the feature size limitations imposed by molecular diffusion, facilitating replication of very small (<200 nm) features.17-23 However, up till now, inkless μCP has been mainly used for patterning relatively disordered molecular systems, which do not protect underlying surfaces from degradation.

Here, we report a simple, reliable high-throughput method for patterning passivated silicon and germanium with reactive organic monolayers and demonstrate selective functionalization of the patterned substrates with both small molecules and proteins. The technique utilizes a preformed NHS-reactive bilayered system on oxide-free silicon and germanium. The NHS moiety is hydrolyzed in a pattern-specific manner with a sulfonic acid-modified acrylate stamp to produce chemically distinct patterns of NHS-activated and free carboxylic acids. A significant limitation to the resolution of many μCP techniques is the use of PDMS material which lacks the mechanical rigidity necessary for high fidelity transfer. To alleviate this limitation we utilized a polyurethane acrylate polymer, a relatively rigid material that can be easily functionalized with different organic moieties. Our patterning approach completely protects both silicon and germanium from chemical oxidation, provides precise control over the shape and size of the patterned features, and gives ready access to chemically discriminated patterns that can be further functionalized with both organic and biological molecules. The approach is general and applicable to other technologically-relevant surfaces.

Advances in the burgeoning field of plasmonics are increasingly dependent on the ability to fabricate metal nanostructures with precisely defined shapes and orientations, on a scale suitable for technological developments. Recent innovations in top-down lithography have created new windows of opportunity to produce anisotropic metal nanostructures en masse, with near-term applications in photonics, biosensing, and other nanotechnology-enabled pursuits. We focus specifically on C-shaped nanostructures (nanocrescents and split-ring resonators), which can be fabricated by using novel variants of shadow mask lithography, substrate etching, or microcontact printing.

Plasmonic nanoparticles with spectral properties in the UV-to-near-IR range have a large potential for the development of innovative optical devices. Similarly, microstructured optical fibers (MOFs) represent a promising platform technology for fully integrated, next-generation plasmonic devices; therefore, the combination of MOFs and plasmonic nanoparticles would open the way for novel applications, especially in sensing applications. In this Full Paper, a cost-effective, innovative nanoparticle layer deposition (NLD) technique is demonstrated for the preparation of well-defined plasmonic layers of selected particles inside the channels of MOFs. This dynamic chemical deposition method utilizes a combination of microfluidics and self-assembled monolayer (SAM) techniques, leading to a longitudinal homogeneous particle density as long as several meters. By using particles with predefined plasmonic properties, such as the resonance wavelength, fibers with particle-adequate spectral characteristics can be prepared. The application of such fibers for refractive-index sensing yields a sensitivity of about 78 nm per refractive index unit (RIU). These novel, plasmonically tuned optical fibers with freely selected, application-tailored optical properties present extensive possibilities for applications in localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) sensing.

Peptostreptococcus anaerobius strain VPI 4330-1 was used as the test organism in an evaluation of the bactericidal effect of anaerobic broth exposed to air. The test organism, grown under anaerobic conditions in Trypticase soy broth, was diluted in buffered salt solution, and about 2 × 104 cells were suspended in 10 ml of an aerated broth. Ninety percent of the cells were killed within 15 min in actinomyces broth and within 50 min in Trypticase soy broth. All cells survived for 2 h in fluid thioglycolate medium. Addition of DABCO [1,4-diazabicyclo (2.2.2) octane] or mannitol to Trypticase soy broth did not influence the death rate of the organism, whereas superoxide dismutase decreased the death rate. Addition of catalase or manganese dioxide to the broth kept all the cells viable for 2 h. Of the three broth media tested, actinomyces broth reduced oxygen at the highest rate and Trypticase soy broth reduced it at the slowest rate. Hydrogen peroxide could be demonstrated in actinomyces broth and in Trypticase soy broth but not in fluid thioglycolate medium. In addition to catalase, manganese dioxide also removed all hydrogen peroxide from Trypticase soy broth, and superoxide dismutase significantly decreased the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the broth. The results suggest that hydrogen peroxide mediated the toxic effect of atmospheric oxygen in these broth media.

The acetaldehyde-xanthine oxidase system in the presence and absence of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and chloride has been employed as a model of the oxygen-dependent antimicrobial systems of the PMN. The unsupplemented xanthine oxidase system was bactericidal at relatively high acetaldehyde concentrations. The bactericidal activity was inhibited by superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, the hydroxyl radical (OH.) scavengers, mannitol and benzoate, the singlet oxygen (1O2) quenchers, azide, histidine, and 1,4-diazabicyclo[2,2,2]octane (DABCO) and by the purines, xanthine, hypoxanthine, and uric acid. The latter effect may account for the relatively weak bactericidal activity of the xanthine oxidase system when purines are employed as substrate. A white, carotenoid-negative mutant strain of Sarcina lutea was more susceptible to the acetaldehyde-xanthine oxidase system than was the yellow, carotenoid-positive parent strain. Carotenoid pigments are potent 1O2 quenchers. The xanthine oxidase system catalyzes the conversion of 2,5- diphenylfuran to cis-dibenzoylethylene, a reaction which can occur by a 1O2 mechanism. This conversion is inhibited by SOD, catalase, azide, histidine, DABCO, xanthine, hypoxanthine, and uric acid but is only slightly inhibited by mannitol and benzoate. The addition of MPO and chloride to the acetaldehyde-xanthine oxidase system greatly increases bactericidal activity; the minimal effective acetaldehyde concentration is decreased 100-fold and the rate and extent of bacterial killing is increased. The bactericidal activity of the MPO-supplemented system is inhibited by catalase, benzoate, azide, DABCO, and histidine but not by SOD or mannitol. Thus, the acetaldehyde-xanthine oxidase system which like phagocytosing PMNs generates superoxide (O.2-) and hydrogen peroxide, is bactericidal both in the presence and absence of MPO and chloride. The MPO-supplemented system is considerably more potent; however, when MPO is absent, bactericidal activity is observed which may be mediated by the interaction of H2O2 and O.2- to form OH. and 1O2.

The title compound, C7H14BrN2 +·Br−, was prepared by nucleophilic substitution of DABCO (systematic name: 1,4-diaza­bicyclo­[2.2.2]octa­ne) with dibromo­methane in acetone. The structure features Br⋯H close contacts (2.79 and 2.90 Å) as well as a weak bromine–bromide inter­action [3.6625 (6) Å].

The preparation of redox-active metal-organic framework (ra-MOF)-supported Pd nanoparticles (NPs) via the redox couple-driven method is reported, which can yield unprotected metallic NPs at room temperature within 10 min without the use of reducing agents. The Pd@ra-MOF has been exploited as a precursor of an active catalyst for CO oxidation. Under the CO oxidation reaction condition, Pd@ra-MOF is transformed into a PdOx-NiOy/C nanocomposite to generate catalytically active species in situ, and the resultant nanocatalyst shows sustainable activity through synergistic stabilization.

Postsynthetic covalent modification of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with long alkyl substituents is shown to protect these materials against moisture. These MOFs, which normally display hydrophilic properties, are readily converted into hydrophobic or superhydrophobic materials. Overcoming the inherent sensitivity of MOFs to water represents a major step forward in their widespread use in technology applications.

On the way towards a sustainable low-carbon future, the design and construction of chemical or physical adsorbents for CO2 capture and clean energy storage are vital technology. The incorporation of accessible nitrogen-donor sites into the pore walls of porous adsorbents can dramatically affect the CO2 uptake capacity and selectivity on account of the dipole-quadrupole interactions between the polarizable CO2 molecule and the accessible nitrogen site. In the present work, a nitrogen-rich rth-type metal-organic framework (MOF) was constructed based on rational design and careful synthesis. The MOF presents exceptionally high uptake capacity not only for CO2 but also for H2, which is attributed to favorable interactions between the gas molecules and the nitrogen-rich triazole units of the MOF proved by both experimental measurements and theoretical molecular simulations.

The title compound, [Co(C10H21N2)Cl3], was obtained as the by-product of the attempted synthesis of a cobalt sulfate framework using 1,4-diaza­bicyclo­[2.2.2]octane as an organic template. The asymmetric unit comprises two distinct mol­ecules, and in each, the cobalt(II) ions are tetra­hedrally coordinated by three chloride anions and one 1-butyl­diaza­bicyclo­[2.2.2]octan-1-ium cation. The organic ligands are generated in situ, and exhibit two forms differentiated by the eclipsed and staggered conformations of the butyl groups. These mol­ecules inter­act by way of C—H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional hydrogen-bonding array.