Themed collection Celebrating a century of chemical excellence at Nanjing University
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Photo-controllable bioorthogonal chemistry for spatiotemporal control of bio-targets in living systems
The establishment of photo-controllable bioorthogonal chemistry is one of the most significant advances in chemical biology to perturb and study biological processes.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 3390-3396
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9SC06540G
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The precise editing of surface sites on a molecular-like gold catalyst for modulating regioselectivity
Editing surface motifs on gold cluster catalysts achieves high regioselectivity for the click reactions of azides and alkynes.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 8000-8004
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC02207A
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Construction of heterometallic clusters with multiple uranium–metal bonds by using dianionic nitrogen–phosphorus ligands
Compared with the prevalent metal–metal bond in transition metals, examples of the actinide–metal bond in heterometallic clusters are rare.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 7585-7592
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC00389A
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Enhanced dielectricity coupled to spin-crossover in a one-dimensional polymer iron(II) incorporating tetrathiafulvalene
A concerted bending–flattening motion of the redox-active TTF within constructed one-dimensional FeII–TTF–Schiff-base chain with bridging 4,4′-bpy enhances the dielectric constant coupled to its spin-crossover transition above room temperature.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 6229-6235
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC02388D
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A photo zipper locked DNA nanomachine with an internal standard for precise miRNA imaging in living cells
A photo zipper locked DNA nanomachine with an internal standard is presented, preventing nonspecific activation and providing efficient intracellular miRNA imaging.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 6289-6296
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC00394H
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Protease-responsive mass barcoded nanotranslators for simultaneously quantifying the intracellular activity of cascaded caspases in apoptosis pathways
Protease-responsive mass barcoded nanotranslators (PRMNTs) were engineered for revealing the apoptosis pathways by MS-based multiplex quantification of the intracellular activity of cascaded caspases.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 5280-5288
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC01534B
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Copper-catalysed photoinduced decarboxylative alkynylation: a combined experimental and computational study
Redox-active esters (RAEs) as alkyl radical precursors have demonstrated great advantages for Cu-catalysed C–C bond formation.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 4939-4947
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC02213F
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In situ observation of heterogeneous charge distribution at the electrode unraveling the mechanism of electric field-enhanced electrochemical activity
In situ observation of heterogeneous charge distribution at the Pt–graphite surface in the hydrogen evolution reaction is realized using scanning ion conductive microscopy.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 4158-4163
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC00223B
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Interfering in apoptosis and DNA repair of cancer cells to conquer cisplatin resistance by platinum(IV) prodrugs
Platinum(IV) prodrugs targeting the DNA repair mechanism downregulate myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) and homologous recombination proteins (RAD51, BRCA2), thereby enhancing cytotoxicity against cisplatin-resistant cancer cells.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 3829-3835
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0SC00197J
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Excitonic Au4Ru2(PPh3)2(SC2H4Ph)8 cluster for light-driven dinitrogen fixation
A molecular-like Au4Ru2 cluster supported on TiO2 with oxygen vacancies enables light harvesting to drive the fixation of N2.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 2440-2447
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9SC06424A
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Capture and selective release of multiple types of circulating tumor cells using smart DNAzyme probes
Smart DNAzyme probes realized the capture and selective release of multiple circulating tumor cells.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 1948-1956
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9SC04309H
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Zirconium metal–organic frameworks incorporating tetrathiafulvalene linkers: robust and redox-active matrices for in situ confinement of metal nanoparticles
Stable and redox active metal–organic frameworks were constructed by incorporating Zr6 clusters and redox-active TTF-based linkers, which allow in situ generation and stabilization of ultra-small noble metal nanoparticles for heterogenous catalysis.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 1918-1925
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9SC06009J
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A localized molecular automaton for in situ visualization of proteins with specific chemical modifications
A localized DNA automaton is reported for in situ visualization of a specific protein subtype with dual chemical modifications on the cell surface, which executes protein-confined computation according to an anticoding–coding propagation algorithm.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 1665-1671
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9SC04161C
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Single molecule observation of hard–soft-acid–base (HSAB) interaction in engineered Mycobacterium smegmatis porin A (MspA) nanopores
The principle of hard–soft-acid–base (HSAB) theory was first validated in single molecule by measurements with engineered Mycobacterium smegmatis porin A (MspA) nanopore reactors.
Chem. Sci., 2020,11, 879-887
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9SC05260G
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Revealing the transient conformations of a single flavin adenine dinucleotide using an aerolysin nanopore
Flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) as a cofactor is involved in numerous important metabolic pathways where the biological function is intrinsically related to its transient conformations.
Chem. Sci., 2019,10, 10400-10404
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9SC03163D
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Dual resonance energy transfer in triple-component polymer dots to enhance electrochemiluminescence for highly sensitive bioanalysis
A dual intramolecular electrochemiluminescence resonance energy transfer process is proposed with triple-component Pdots to enhance ECL emission, which greatly improves the ECL efficiency and can be used for sensitive and specific visual quantification of different targets.
Chem. Sci., 2019,10, 6815-6820
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9SC01570A
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Stabilizing the active phase of iron-based Fischer–Tropsch catalysts for lower olefins: mechanism and strategy
An iron carbonyl-mediated Ostwald-ripening-like growth mechanism of an FexCy active phase in Fischer–Tropsch synthesis is firstly revealed by in situ mass-spectrometric and theoretical analysis.
Chem. Sci., 2019,10, 6083-6090
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9SC01210A
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Facet-dependent photocatalytic hydrogen production of metal–organic framework NH2-MIL-125(Ti)
Facet-dependent photocatalytic hydrogen generation over MOF NH2-MIL-125(Ti) under visible light was investigated, both experimentally and theoretically.
Chem. Sci., 2019,10, 4834-4838
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC05060K
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Spatiotemporal imaging of electrocatalytic activity on single 2D gold nanoplates via electrogenerated chemiluminescence microscopy
Spatiotemporal resolved electrocatalytic activity on single 2D gold nanoplates was imaged via electrogenerated chemiluminescence microscopy.
Chem. Sci., 2019,10, 4141-4147
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9SC00889F
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Rapid room temperature synthesis of red iridium(III) complexes containing a four-membered Ir–S–C–S chelating ring for highly efficient OLEDs with EQE over 30%
Three red iridium(III) complexes with dithiocarbamate ligands were rapidly synthesized at room temperature with good yields, and their OLEDs exhibit an EQEmax of 30.54% with mild efficiency roll-off.
Chem. Sci., 2019,10, 3535-3542
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC05605F
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Direct sequencing of 2′-deoxy-2′-fluoroarabinonucleic acid (FANA) using nanopore-induced phase-shift sequencing (NIPSS)
The first demonstration of direct sequencing of 2′-deoxy-2′-fluoroarabinonucleic acid (FANA) using Nanopore-Induced Phase-Shift Sequencing (NIPSS).
Chem. Sci., 2019,10, 3110-3117
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC05228J
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Perfluoroalkylative pyridylation of alkenes via 4-cyanopyridine-boryl radicals
A metal- and photo-free method for the perfluoroalkylative pyridylation of alkenes has been developed.
Chem. Sci., 2019,10, 2767-2772
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC05237A
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Iron sulfur clusters in protein nanocages for photocatalytic hydrogen generation in acidic aqueous solutions
Apoferritin caged a huge amount of photocatalysts and enhanced H2 generation capability under homogeneous acidic conditions.
Chem. Sci., 2019,10, 2179-2185
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC05293J
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Specific recognition of proteins and peptides via controllable oriented surface imprinting of boronate affinity-anchored epitopes
Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are chemically synthesized materials mimicking the recognition of antibodies towards antigens.
Chem. Sci., 2019,10, 1831-1835
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC04169E
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Reversible on–off switching of both spin crossover and single-molecule magnet behaviours via a crystal-to-crystal transformation
A molecule complex exhibiting reversible on–off switching between spin crossover and single-molecule magnet behaviours via a single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation is reported.
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 7986-7991
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC02774A
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Probing cytoplasmic and nuclear microRNAs in single living cells via plasmonic affinity sandwich assay
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate the expression of mRNAs in cells. The determination of subcellular miRNAs in single living cells is essential for understanding the subcellular localizations and functions of miRNAs as well as the microheterogeneity of cells.
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 7241-7246
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC02533A
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Reversible ON–OFF switching of single-molecule-magnetism associated with single-crystal-to-single-crystal structural transformation of a decanuclear dysprosium phosphonate
A decanuclear dysprosium phosphonate (I) undergoes two consecutive SC–SC transformations, associated with OFF–ON–OFF switching of its single-molecule-magnetism.
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 6424-6433
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC01228H
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Dynamically imaging collision electrochemistry of single electrochemiluminescence nano-emitters
Dynamically imaging stochastic collision electrochemistry of single nanoparticles by electrochemiluminescence microscopy enables visualization of diverse collision behaviours.
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 6167-6175
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC02251H
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Synergistically mediated enhancement of cathodic and anodic electrochemiluminescence of graphene quantum dots through chemical and electrochemical reactions of coreactants
A dual potential electrochemiluminescence (ECL) enhancement of graphene quantum dots is achieved through chemical and electrochemical reactions of two different coreactants.
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 6080-6084
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC02110D
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Spiropyran in nanoassemblies as a photosensitizer for photoswitchable ROS generation in living cells
The aggregation-induced enhanced photosensitization and emission (AIEPE) properties of spiropyrans in nanoassemblies enable reversibly controlled singlet oxygen generation.
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 5816-5821
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC01148F
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A fluorescent τ-probe: quantitative imaging of ultra-trace endogenous hydrogen polysulfide in cells and in vivo
A fluorescent τ-probe was demonstrated to quantitate ultra-trace endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2Sn) within cells and zebrafish through changes of fluorescence lifetime.
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 5556-5563
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC01879K
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Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of single Au nanorods
Monochromatic dark-field microscopy coupled with high-frequency potential modulation leads to non-faradaic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of single Au nanorods.
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 4424-4429
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC00983J
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DNA quadruplexes as molecular scaffolds for controlled assembly of fluorogens with aggregation-induced emission
Tetrapod DNA quadruplexes were designed for assembly and precise modulation of light emission of an oligonucleotide-grafted fluorogen with aggregation-induced emission.
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 2559-2566
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SC00001H
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Monitoring the dynamic photocatalytic activity of single CdS nanoparticles by lighting up H2 nanobubbles with fluorescent dyes
Lighting up photocatalyzed H2 nanobubbles with fluorescent dyes allows for measurement of dynamic photocatalytic activity of single CdS nanoparticles.
Chem. Sci., 2018,9, 1448-1453
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7SC04684G
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Using highly emissive and environmentally sensitive o-carborane-functionalized metallophosphors to monitor mitochondrial polarity
The first o-carborane functionalized phosphorescent imaging probe of mitochondrial polarity was developed to monitor mitochondria-relevant cellular processes.
Chem. Sci., 2017,8, 5930-5940
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7SC00160F
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Synthesis of bioactive and stabilized cyclic peptides by macrocyclization using C(sp3)–H activation
Synthesis of cyclic peptides with novel Cβ–Ar crosslinks has been achieved by C(sp3)–H activation, and their biological properties have been evaluated for the first time.
Chem. Sci., 2017,8, 4565-4570
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6SC05530C
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Rh(III)-catalyzed double C–H activation of aldehyde hydrazones: a route for functionalized 1H-indazole synthesis
An unprecedented strategy for functionalized 1H-indazoles via C–C bond construction was realized by the Rh(III)-catalyzed C–H/C–H cross coupling of aldehyde hydrazones.
Chem. Sci., 2017,8, 1303-1308
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6SC03888C
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Plasmon-enhanced Raman spectroscopic metrics for in situ quantitative and dynamic assays of cell apoptosis and necrosis
Plasmon-enhanced Raman spectroscopic metrics were developed for in situ quantitative and dynamic assays of viable, apoptotic and necrotic cells.
Chem. Sci., 2017,8, 1243-1250
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6SC02486F
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Thermally controlling the singlet–triplet energy gap of a diradical in the solid state
Diradicals, molecules with two unpaired electrons, are reactive intermediates that play an important role in many fields.
Chem. Sci., 2016,7, 6514-6518
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6SC01825D
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Glutathione boosting the cytotoxicity of a magnetic platinum(IV) nano-prodrug in tumor cells
Fe3O4 nanoparticles with Pt-prodrug payloads display MRI capability and tumor-specific cytotoxicity correlating positively with glutathione-mediated DNA cleavage and reduction.
Chem. Sci., 2016,7, 2864-2869
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5SC04049C
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
A wavelength-resolved ratiometric photoelectrochemical technique: design and sensing applications
A wavelength-resolved ratiometric photoelectrochemical technique was developed as a novel concept for designing ratiometric photoelectrochemical sensors.
Chem. Sci., 2016,7, 774-780
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5SC03336E
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2-(Anthracenyl)-4,5-bis(2,5-dimethyl(3-thienyl))-1H-imidazole: regulatable stacking structures, reversible grinding- and heating-induced emission switching, and solid-state photodimerization behavior
The molecular assembly of anbdtiH leads to three distinct solid-state structures: anbdtiH·CH3Cl (1), anbdtiH·2CH3OH (2) and anbdtiH2·CF3COO·CH3OH·H2O (3), which have orange-red, blue and green emissions, respectively.
Chem. Sci., 2016,7, 451-456
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5SC03201F
About this collection
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of chemical sciences in Nanjing University, this collection has been put together to showcase some of the high quality work published in Chemical Science by Nanjing University researchers. This collection was specially curated by the Dean and Vice Dean of the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Nanjing University, Professors Shuhua Li and Wei Wang, alongside Chemical Science Associate Editor Yi-Tao Long, Professor of Analytical Chemistry at Nanjing University.
To view an introduction to this collection, please see our blog post.