Design of a Multiuse Photoreactor To Enable Visible‐Light Photocatalytic Chemical Transformations and Labeling in Live Cells

Abstract

Despite the growing use of visible-light photochemistry in both chemistry and biology, no general low-heat photoreactor for use across these different disciplines exists. Herein, we describe the design and use of a standardized photoreactor for visiblelight-driven activation and photocatalytic chemical transformations. Using this single benchtop photoreactor, we performed photoredox reactions across multiple visible light wavelengths, a high-throughput photocatalytic cross-coupling reaction, and in vitro labeling of proteins and live cells. Given the success of this reactor in all tested applications, we envision that this multi-use photoreactor will be widely used in biology, chemical biology, and medicinal chemistry settings.

Targeted Activation in Localized Protein Environments via Deep Red Photoredox Catalysis

“…In anticipation of utilizing this photocatalyst system in a targeted fashion within biological environments, we designed an osmium photocatalyst containing an alkyne linker for easy attachment to targeting modalities (Figure S4). As a proof-of-concept experiment, we combined carbonic anhydrase (CA) with PFAA-biotin (15) and free osmium-alkyne photocatalyst followed by irradiation with red light (660 nm) using a recently developed biophotoreactor 33 (Figure 5A). Under these conditions, we observed biotinylation of CA in the presence of both the photocatalyst and red light whereas the absence of light or the use of red light without photocatalyst does not induce biotinylation (Figure 5B).…”

Advancement in Organic Synthesis Through High Throughput Experimentation

“…Further, biotinylation for labeling carbonic anhydrase and livecell labeling was performed using the same photoreactor. [67]…”

“…Proof of concept was demonstrated by performing C−N, C−C, and dehalogenation reactions in a single reactor array by changing the LED source. Further, biotinylation for labeling carbonic anhydrase and live‐cell labeling was performed using the same photoreactor [67] …”

Accelerated Reaction Engineering of Photo(bio)catalytic Reactions through Parallelization with an Open‐Source Photoreactor

“…In recent years, a range of different photoreactors (commercial and custom) were developed by different companies [32] and groups (Table S5) [33–41] . However, less cost‐intensive solutions often lack an efficient temperature controlling system or allow illumination of only a single sample.…”