Nucleic-acid-base photofunctional cocrystal for information security and antimicrobial applications

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Cocrystal engineering offers a versatile approach for developing functional materials.
• Nucleic acid bases can form strong hydrogen bonds, mimicking biological interactions.
• High-temperature phosphorescence is a rare and desirable property for advanced materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize novel nucleic-acid-base cocrystal systems.
• To investigate the phosphorescence properties and underlying mechanisms of these cocrystals.
• To explore potential applications in photodynamic therapy and dental caries prevention.

Main Methods:

• Cocrystal synthesis utilizing complementary base pairing principles.
• Spectroscopic analysis to characterize phosphorescence properties (color, temperature dependence).
• Mechanistic studies involving hydrogen bond network analysis and isolation effects.

Main Results:

• Two nucleic-acid-base cocrystal systems were successfully constructed.
• The cocrystals displayed distinct phosphorescence colors and rare high-temperature phosphorescence up to 425 K.
• Hydrogen bonding stabilized the triplet state, suppressed non-radiative decay, and controlled aggregation-induced emission.

Conclusions:

• Strong hydrogen bond networks in cocrystals are key to achieving high-temperature phosphorescence.
• These cocrystals can generate reactive oxygen species for photodynamic therapy and microbicidal applications.
• In vitro studies demonstrated efficacy against oral bacteria, suggesting potential for preventing dental caries.