Neutral N^C^N terdentate luminescent Pt(II) complexes: their synthesis, photophysical properties, and bio-imaging applications

An emerging field regarding N^C^N terdentate Pt(II) complexes is their application as luminescent labels for bio-imaging. In fact, phosphorescent Pt complexes possess many advantages such as a wide emission color tunability, a better stability towards photo- and chemical degradation, a very large Stokes shift, and long-lived luminescent excited states with lifetimes typically two to three orders of magnitude longer than those of classic organic fluorophores. Here, we describe the synthesis and photophysical characterization of three new neutral N^C^N terdentate cyclometallated Pt complexes as long-lived bio-imaging probes. The novel molecular probes bear hydrophilic (oligo-)ethyleneglycol chains of various lengths to increase their water solubility and bio-compatibility and to impart amphiphilic nature to the molecules. The complexes are characterized by a high cell permeability and a low cytotoxicity, with an internalization kinetics that depends on both the length of the ethyleneglycol chain and the ancillary ligand.

Discovery of a novel fluorescent probe for the sensitive detection of β-amyloid deposits

Here we reported the development of the first photoinduced electron transfer (PeT) probe (1) to directly locate β-amyloid aggregates (Aβ plaques) in the brain without the need of post-washing procedures. The probe showed a high affinity for Aβ aggregates with a Kd value of 3.5nM. It is weakly emissive by itself with its fluorescence quenched by electron transfer from PeT donor to the excited fluorophore. But selective binding to Aβ plaques would attenuate the PeT process and restore the fluorescence, therefore facilitating the tracking of Aβ plaques. The probe is advantageous in that its fluorescence is environment-less-sensitive and no washing procedure is required to provide high contrast fluorescent signal when applied to stain brain tissues. As a proof of concept, its application has been exemplified by staining Aβ plaques in slices of brain tissue from double transgenic (APP/PS1) mice of Alzheimer's disease.

Design of NIR Chromenylium-Cyanine Fluorophore Library for "Switch-ON" and Ratiometric Detection of Bio-Active Species In Vivo

The real-time monitoring of key biospecies in the living systems has received thrusting attention during the past decades. Specifically, fluorescent detection based on near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probes is highly favorable for live cells, live tissues, and even animal imaging, owing to the substantial merits of the NIR window, such as minimal phototoxicity, deep penetration into tissues, and low autofluorescence background. Nevertheless, developing potent NIR fluorescent probes still poses serious challenges to the chemists because traditional NIR fluorophores are less tunable than visible-wavelength fluorophores. To address this issue, here we report a set of novel NIR hybrid fluorophores, namely, the hybrid chromenylium-cyanine fluorophore (CC-Fluor), in which both the fluorescence intensity and the emission wavelength can be easily adjusted by the conformational changes and substitution groups. Compared to known NIR fluorophores, the new CC-Fluors are substantially advantageous for NIR probe development: (1) CC-Fluors display tunable and moderate Stokes shifts and quantum yields; (2) the fluorophores are stable at physiological conditions after long-term incubation; (3) the absorption maxima of CC-Fluors coincide with the common laser spectral lines in mainstream in vivo imaging systems; (4) most importantly, CC-Fluors can be easily modified to prepare NIR probes targeting various biospecies. To fully demonstrate the practical utility of CC-Fluors, we report two innovative NIR probes, a ratiometric pH probe and a turn-on Hg(2+) probe, both are successfully employed in live animal imaging. Hence, the detailed studies allow us to confirm that CC-Fluors can work as an excellent platform for developing NIR probes for the detection of species in living systems.

A novel rosamine based fluorescent sensor for Ag(+) recognition

Rosamine derivative, N-(9-(4-(bis(2-(ethylthio)ethyl)amino)phenyl)-6-(diethylamino)-3H-xanthen-3-ylidene)-N-ethylethanaminium hexafluorophosphate, L, bearing an NS2 group as receptor, was synthesized as a turn on chemosensor for silver ion in ethanol solution. Sensor L exhibited high selectivity toward Ag(+) in comparison to other metal cations (Cd(2+), Cu(2+), Hg(2+), Na(+), Mg(2+), Ni(2+), Pb(2+), Fe(3+), and Zn(2+)). The detection limit for Ag(+) was in 10(-7) level. The binding properties between silver ion and L were further studied by (1)HNMR titration experiments. The chemosensor L can be used as a potential material for silver recognition.

A unique approach toward near-infrared fluorescent probes for bioimaging with remarkably enhanced contrast

Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probes are attractive molecular tools for bioimaging because of their low autofluorescence interference, deep tissue penetration, and minimal damage to sample. However, most previously reported NIR probes exhibit small Stokes shift, typically less than 30 nm, and low fluorescence quantum yield, strictly limited contrast and spatial resolution for bioimaging. Herein, by expanding the π-conjugated system of rhodamine B, while, at the same time, keeping its rigid and planar structure, we reported an efficient NIR dye, HN7, with large stokes shift of 73 nm and fluorescence quantum yield as high as 0.72 in ethanol, values superior to those of such traditional cyanine NIR dyes as Cy5. Using HN7, living cells, tissues and mice were imaged, and the results showed significantly enhanced contrast, improved spatial resolution, and satisfactory tissue imaging depth when compared to Cy5. Moreover, the nonfluorescent spirocyclic structure of rhodamine B is an inherent component of HN7; therefore, our strategy provided a universal platform for the design of efficient NIR turn-on bioimaging probes for various targets. As a proof-of-concept, two different NIR probes, HN7-N2 and HN7-S for NO and Hg²⁺, respectively, were designed, synthesized, and successfully applied for the imaging of NO and Hg²⁺ in living cells, tissues and mice, respectively, demonstrating the potential bioimaging applications of the new probes. In sum, this new type of dye may present new avenues for the development of efficient NIR fluorescent probes for contrast-enhanced imaging in biological applications.

A mitochondria-targeted near-infrared probe for colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescence detection of hypochlorite in living cells

A mitochondria-targeted near-infrared probe for rapid, sensitive and specific detection of hypochlorite with colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescence dual responses.

A ratiometric fluorescent formaldehyde probe for bioimaging applications

The first ratiometric fluorescent formaldehyde probe (RFFP) has been engineered for bio-applications.

A dual functional probe: sensitive fluorescence response to H2S and colorimetric detection for SO32−

In this study, we developed a new dual functional probe,NIR-DNP, for discriminative detection of H₂S and SO₃²⁻.

Aggregation induced emission controlled by a temperature-sensitive organic–inorganic hybrid polymer with a particular LCST

The fluorescence intensity change of TPE encapsulated in POSS–PNIPAM with a particular LCST (37.5 °C) with the temperature change.

A near-infrared BODIPY-based fluorescent probe for the detection of hydrogen sulfide in fetal bovine serum and living cells

A near-infrared (NIR) “off–on” fluorescent probe was developed for the detection of H₂S. The new probe possesses a highly selective and sensitive response to H₂S. The probe has low toxicity and was successfully used to detect H₂S in biological serum samples and living cells.

Synthesis, structure and properties of thiophene-fused BODIPYs and azaBODIPYs as near-infrared agents

Annulation of thiophene to the BODIPY/aza-BODIPY core showed a significant impact on the spectral properties of the resulting scaffolds.

Near-infrared cyanine-based sensor for Fe3+ with high sensitivity: its intracellular imaging application in colorectal cancer cells

A cyanine-based probe with N-(2-hydroxyethyl) amide arms was designed for Fe³⁺ with a remarkable colorimetric and fluorometric response. It was successfully applied to the imaging of Fe³⁺ ions in colorectal cancer cells.

Butadiene dyes based on 3-(dicyanomethylidene)indan-1-one and 1,3-bis(dicyanomethylidene)indane: synthesis, characterization and solvatochromic behaviour

Novel 1,1-diaryl-substituted butadiene dyes containing 3-(dicyanomethylidene)indan-1-one and 1,3-bis(dicyanomethylidene)indane have been synthetized, and their light absorption and solvatochromic properties evaluated.

NIR fluorescent DCPO glucose analogues and their application in cancer cell imaging

N3-DCPO and its glucose analogues were synthesized, and the linker's length impact on cellular uptake was studied.

Syntheses of polycyclic aromatic diimides via intramolecular cyclization of maleic acid derivatives

A series of polycyclic aromatic molecules incorporating two 5-membered-ring dicarboximide groups are synthesized, exhibiting electron-transport properties.

Fluorescence “on–off–on” chemosensor for selective detection of Hg2+ and S2−: application to bioimaging in living cells

A phenothiazine based diamino-malenonitrile-linked (P-1) chromogenic and fluorogenic probe was synthesized and characterized for the specific detection of Hg²⁺ and S²⁻. The probe P-1 can be used for selective imaging of Hg²⁺ and S²⁻ in living cells.

Photostable far-red emitting pluronic silicate nanoparticles: perfect blood pool fluorophores for biphotonic in vivo imaging of the leaky tumour vasculature

A new non-diffusible fluorescent probe for two photon microscopy, comprising a hydrophobic push-pull dye in the apolar core of Pluronic F127–silica nanoparticles, shows intense red emission (Φ_f 39% at 650 nm) and two-photon absorption properties in the NIR.

Cationic sulfonium functionalization renders Znsalens with high fluorescence, good water solubility and tunable cell-permeability

Introducing cationic sulfonium to the Znsalens skeleton circumvents aggregation arising from intermolecular Zn⋯O interactions (found between Zn and the phenoxyl group of another Znsalen molecule).

A TBET-based ratiometric probe for Au3+ and its application in living cells

A fluorescent probe, RH-Au, based on through-bond energy transfer was developed for the colorimetric and fluorescent detection of Au³⁺.

Highly luminescent and photostable near-infrared fluorescent polymer dots for long-term tumor cell tracking in vivo

Near-infrared-emitting polymer dots were prepared and used as fluorescent nanoprobes for in vitro HeLa cell labeling and in vivo long-term HeLa tumor tracking. The prepared NIR polymer dots showed no obvious effect on the tumor growth, and exhibited durable brightness, long-term photostability and high sensitivity.

A near-infrared fluorescent aza-bodipy probe for dual-wavelength detection of hydrogen peroxide in living cells

A boronic acid functionalized aza-borondipyrromethene dye (azaBDPBA) was applied to the dual-wavelength detection of hydrogen peroxide with high selectivity, which was loaded into cells to indicate the alteration of intracellular hydrogen peroxide during biological processes.

An ICT-based colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent probe for hydrogen sulfide and its application in live cell imaging

A new naphthalimide-based fluorescent probe for the detection of hydrogen sulfide has been reasonably designed and developed.

Red-emitting, EtTP-5-based organic nanoprobes for two-photon imaging in 3D multicellular biological models

Biocompatible and biostable EtTP-5-loaded organic core–shell nanoparticles have been successfully evaluated for their potential as red-emitting fluorescent nanoprobes for two-photon imaging.

Solvatofluorochromic, non-centrosymmetric π-expanded diketopyrrolopyrrole

A donor–acceptor type π-expanded diketopyrrolopyrrole behaves as non-centrosymmetric as far as linear optical properties are concerned but as ‘pseudo-symmetric’ for two-photon absorption.

Rational design of novel near-infrared fluorescent DCM derivatives and their application in bioimaging

Tailoring the wavelength to NIR emission was realized by replacing the strong electron-withdrawing groups or extending the π-conjugated system based on the DCM chromophore, along with beneficial characteristics such as bright NIR fluorescence, large Stokes shift and low photo-bleaching.

In Vivo Metal Ion Imaging Using Fluorescent Sensors

In vivo imaging in living animals provides the ability to monitor alterations of signaling molecules, ions, and other biological components during various life stages and in disease. The data gained from in vivo imaging can be used for biological discovery or to determine elements of disease progression and can inform the development and translation of therapeutics. Herein, we present theories behind small-molecule, fluorescent, metal ion sensors as well as the methods for their successful application to in vivo metal ion imaging, including ex vivo validation.

Single excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) chemodosimeter based on rhodol for both Hg2+ and OCl−: ratiometric detection with live-cell imaging

We have synthesised a ratiometric fluorescence chemodosimeter, STBR, for the detection of Hg²⁺ and OCl⁻ in one platform over other cations, anions and oxidants in aqueous solution.

Development of a novel H2S and GSH detection cocktail for fluorescence imaging

A highly sensitive fluorescent detection cocktail has been developed for the simultaneous imaging of H₂S and GSH in live cells.

Real-time monitoring of a controlled drug delivery system in vivo: construction of a near infrared fluorescence monomer conjugated with pH-responsive polymeric micelles

A self-assembled polymeric micelle from multifunctional amphiphilic copolymer with NIR and pH-sensitive groups can be used to monitor the dynamic process of its arriving at the tumor site in real time.

Blue highly fluorescent boron difluoride complexes based on phthalazine–pyridine

Synthesis and characterization of three blue fluorescent phthalazine–pyridine boron complexes with quantum yields up to 79%.

Synthesis, electrochemical and photophysical studies of the borondifluoride complex of a meta-linked biscurcuminoid

One- and two-photon absorption by the borondifluoride complex of a meta-linked biscurcuminoid provides NIR fluorescence emission with high brightnesses in the solid state.

A depropargylation-triggered spontaneous cyclization based fluorescent “turn-on” chemodosimeter for the detection of palladium ions and its application in live-cell imaging

A novel depropargylation-triggered spontaneous cyclization reaction based fluorescent turn-on chemodosimeter for the detection of palladium ions has been rationally designed and developed.

Strained alkyne substituted near infrared BF2azadipyrromethene fluorochrome

Synthesis and evaluation of a strained alkyne substituted NIR BF₂-azadipyrromethene (NIR-AZA) shows potential for translation to clinical imaging.

Highly sensitive and selective bioluminescence based ozone probes and their applications to detect ambient ozone

Highly selective and sensitive bioluminescence-based ozone probes were developed and applied to measure ozone concentrations in environmental samples.

A long lifetime luminescent iridium(iii) complex chemosensor for the selective switch-on detection of Al3+ ions

A novel luminescent cyclometalated iridium(iii) complex 1 was synthesized and employed as a chemosensor for the detection of Al³⁺ ions. 1 displays a long lifetime luminescence that allow 1 to detect Al³⁺ ions in strong fluorescence media.

Ruthenium-tris(bipyridine) complexes with multiple redox-active amine substituents: tuning of spin density distribution and deep-red to NIR electrochromism and electrofluorochromism

Deep-red to NIR electrochromism and electrofluorochromism are demonstrated with ruthenium-tris(bipyridine) complexes with multiple amine substituents.

Pyrano[3,2-c]julolidin-2-ones: a novel class of fluorescent probes for ratiometric detection and imaging of Hg2+ in live cancer cells

A novel pyrano[3,2-c]julolidin-2-one based fluorescent molecular rotor PYJO4 has been designed and developed for selective ratiometric detection, quantification and imaging of intracellular Hg²⁺ in live cells.

Synthesis, structure and photophysical properties of near-infrared 3,5-diarylbenzoBODIPY fluorophores

An efficient synthetic method for 3,5-diarylbenzoBODIPYs was reported, which showed tunable absorption/emission via the variation of the 3,5-aryl substituents.

Development of a colorimetric and NIR fluorescent dual probe for carbon monoxide

Herein, the first example of colorimetric and near-infrared fluorescent dual probe for carbon monoxide (CO) has been developed by assembling allyl chloroformate moiety with naphthofluorescein fluorophore, which enables the label-free and visual detection of CO.

Fluorescent chemosensors manipulated by dual/triple interplaying sensing mechanisms

This review highlights the design strategies and response processes of the fluorescent chemosensors with dual/triple interplaying sensing mechanisms.

Dual peptides modified fluorescence-SERS dual mode imaging nanoprobes with improved cancer cell targeting efficiency

We designed dual-peptide-functionalized fluorescence-SERS dual mode imaging nanoprobes possessing an improved cancer cell targeting efficiency.

Near-infrared fluorescence of π-conjugation extended benzothiazole and its application for biothiol imaging in living cells

The fluorescence emission of benzothiazole derivatives (1–3) was efficiently tuned from green to red by elongation of π-conjugation, and a novel NIR fluorescent probe for biothiols was constructed which allows for imaging applications in living cells.

Mitochondria-Targeted Near-Infrared Fluorescent Off-On Probe for Selective Detection of Cysteine in Living Cells and in Vivo

Cysteine (Cys) plays crucial roles in biological systems and in mitochondrial processes. Highly selective probes for specific detection of mitochondrial Cys over other biological thiols are rare. Herein, we designed and synthesized a mitochondria-targetable near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent off-on probe, NFL1, based on a fluorescein derivative for Cys detection. Probe NFL1 has a lipophilic cation unit as the mitochondria biomarker and an acrylate group as the Cys-recognition unit as well as a fluorescence quencher. The probe itself is nonfluorescent due to the photoinduced electron transfer process. Upon addition of Cys, marked enhancement in the NIR emission (735 nm) can be monitored due to cleavage of the acrylate moiety. This probe had great sensitivity and selectivity for the rapid detection of Cys over homocysteine (Hcy) and glutathione (GSH) with an ultralow detection limit of 14.5 nM. More importantly, the probe successfully targeted mitochondria, detected endogenous Cys, and assessed mitochondrial oxidative stress in living cells. Probe NFL1 was also capable of detecting and imaging Cys in living nude mice, indicating its significant potential in biological applications.

Targeting tumor hypoxia: a third generation 2-nitroimidazole-indocyanine dye-conjugate with improved fluorescent yield

Tumor hypoxia is associated with the rapid proliferation and growth of malignant tumors, and the ability to detect tumor hypoxia is important for predicting tumor response to anti-cancer treatments. We have developed a class of dye-conjugates that are related to indocyanine green (ICG, ) to target tumor hypoxia, based on in vivo infrared fluorescence imaging using nitroimidazole moieties linked to indocyanine fluorescent dyes. We previously reported that linking 2-nitroimidazole to an indocyanine dicarboxylic acid dye derivative () using an ethanolamine linker (ethanolamine-2-nitroimidazole-ICG, ), led to a dye-conjugate that gave promising results for targeting cancer hypoxia in vivo. Structural modification of the dye conjugate replaced the ethanolamine unit with a piperazineacetyl unit and led a second generation dye conjugate, piperzine-2-nitroimidazole-ICG (). This second generation dye-conjugate showed improved targeting of tumor hypoxia when compared with . Based on the hypothesis that molecules with more planar and rigid structures have a higher fluorescence yield, as they could release less absorbed energy through molecular vibration or collision, we have developed a new 2-nitroimidazole ICG conjugate, , with two carbon atoms less in the polyene linker. Dye-conjugate was prepared from our new dye (), and coupled to 2-nitroimidazole using a piperazine linker to produce this third-generation dye-conjugate. Spectral measurements showed that the absorption/emission wavelengths of 657/670 were shifted ∼100 nm from the second-generation hypoxia dye of 755/780 nm. Its fluorescence quantum yield was measured to be 0.467, which is about 5 times higher than that of (0.083). In vivo experiments were conducted with balb/c mice and showed more than twice the average in vivo fluorescence intensity in the tumor beyond two hours post retro-orbital injection as compared with . These initial results suggest that may significantly improve in vivo tumor hypoxia targeting.