Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yanzi Xu, Haoke Zhang, Ning Zhang, Ruohan Xu, Zhi Wang, Yu Zhou, Qifei Shen, Dongfeng Dang, Lingjie Meng, Ben Zhong Tang
Summary: An imaging platform of DTPA-BT-M with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics was developed for lipid droplets (LDs)-specific super-resolution cellular imaging and deep-penetrated tissue imaging. DTPA-BT-M showed superior fluorescence properties and a high photoluminescence quantum yield, allowing for ultra-high resolution imaging of LDs via STED nanoscopy and deep tissue penetration in BALB/C nude mice lung tissue via TPF microscopy.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ming-Yu Wu, Jong-Kai Leung, Chuen Kam, Tsu Yu Chou, Dong Wang, Shun Feng, Sijie Chen
Summary: Nuclear lipid droplets (nLDs) play a crucial role in regulating nuclear lipid homeostasis. A new near-infrared probe DTZ-TPA-DCN has been developed for imaging cytoplasmic LDs and nLDs, providing a promising tool for studying the biogenesis and functional significance of nLDs.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Hui Wang, Cuifeng Zhang, Xuebin Shen, Zhiyu Wang, Jing Yang, Shuting Shen, Lei Hu, Jin Pan, Xiaoxia Gu
Summary: This study developed a series of fluorescent probes based on the coumarin moiety, which exhibited aggregation-induced emission, ultrahigh signal-to-noise ratio, and wash-free properties. Compound B2 was successfully applied to real-time detection of dynamic lipid droplets in living cells. The imaging performance of compound B2 at the pathological tissue level in a mouse model with lipid droplet-related fatty liver was well investigated, indicating exceptional selectivity and resolution.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Peilin Gu, Bin Chen, Tingting Zhai, Qian Li, Xiaolei Zuo, Lihua Wang, Anjun Qin, Yi Zhou, Jianlei Shen
Summary: The mechanical properties of soft luminescent nanoparticles have been explored for their efficiency in drug delivery and rapid elimination from cells. These soft AIE dots exhibit high light emission and can induce strong immunostimulatory effects, increasing the levels of proinflammatory cytokines. This study introduces a new design strategy for synthesizing a soft nanocarrier system that can efficiently deliver drugs into cells and be quickly eliminated.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Fei Zhang, Yaoming Liu, Binsheng Yang, Pengli Guan, Jie Chai, Guangming Wen, Bin Liu
Summary: This study reports a series of easily synthesized AIEgen molecules with NIR emission, high selectivity towards lipid droplets, and potential application for photodynamic therapy on cancer cells. The research shows that these TPA-based AIEgens have great potential for biological imaging and preclinical applications of PDT.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dong Joon Lee, Eun Seo Kim, Hyo Won Lee, Hwan Myung Kim
Summary: This mini-review summarizes the recent advances in two-photon fluorescent trackers for monitoring lipid droplets (LDs). The article covers the chemical structures, two-photon properties, live sample imaging, and biomedical applications of representative two-photon fluorescent trackers for LDs. The current challenges and future research trends for two-photon fluorescent trackers of LDs are also discussed.
FRONTIERS IN CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Weibin Bu, Xing Guo, Xiang Lv, Qi Zhang, Huiquan Zuo, Qinghua Wu, Hao Wu, Changjiang Yu, Lijuan Jiao, Erhong Hao
Summary: Abnormal changes in lipid droplet (LD) are associated with various diseases. The commercial LD probes have limitations, while TP-LDP, a new bioprobe, has excellent imaging and targeting abilities, which can compensate for the shortcomings of commercial LD dyes.
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Wei-Long Cui, Mao-Hua Wang, Yun-Hao Yang, Jian-Yong Wang
Summary: In this study, we designed and synthesized a series of GFP-like fluorescent compounds and investigated their luminescence properties by modifying the substituents. For the first time, a systematic summary of the photophysical data for this class of fluorescent dyes, including extinction coefficients and fluorescence quantum yields, was presented. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to study the electronic effects of different substituents. The results of these optical properties can serve as a reference for future probe design. Additionally, a polarity-sensitive lipid droplet probe with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties was developed, which demonstrated pH stability, kinetic stability, solvent discolouration, and polarity-sensitive properties. The probe was successfully applied for intracellular lipid droplet level monitoring and zebrafish imaging.
ORGANIC & BIOMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Dae Sik Choi, Sohee Lim, Jin-Sung Park, Chang-Ho Kim, Hanju Rhee, Minhaeng Cho
Summary: The article introduces a label-free multi-color coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy technique that enables separate imaging of internalized MPs and lipid droplets in live cells, providing a new method for studying the cellular transport and cytotoxicity of MPs.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jie Liu, Zhigui He, Yuan Zhong, Li Zhu, Meng Yan, Nianlian Mou, Kai Qu, Xian Qin, Guixue Wang, Kun Zhang, Weihu Yang, Wei Wu
Summary: A reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive fluorescent probe has been developed for the recognition of atherosclerotic plaques. The probe can specifically bind to foam cells and achieve precise detection of the plaques through fluorescence imaging.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rahul Dahiwadkar, Deeksha Rajput, Deepmala Singh, Virupakshi Soppina, Sriram Kanvah
Summary: In this study, fluorescent probes containing naphthalene or julolidine groups were synthesized to visualize lipid droplets in live cells and study their changes in size and number upon oleic acid stimulation. These probes exhibited solvatochromism and aggregation-induced emission, making them suitable for monitoring live-cell lipid droplet dynamics.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Haixiang Liu, Neng Yan, Tin Yan Wong, Henry Lam, Jacky W. Y. Lam, Ryan T. K. Kwok, Jianwei Sun, Ben Zhong Tang
Summary: Microalgae-based biofuels are gaining attention for being clean, renewable, and quickly produced. By using a lipid-droplet-specific luminogen with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics, the lipid production of Chlorella vulgaris was increased through fluorescent imaging and sorting of algal cells with large and rich lipid droplets. Real-time monitoring of lipid droplets allowed for identification of the best time for harvesting, leading to a significant improvement in lipid production. The combination of technologies such as AIE and FACS could potentially enhance the production of third-generation biofuels.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Tianyang Deng, Damon DePaoli, Ludovick Begin, Nan Jia, Leon Torres de Oliveira, Daniel C. Cote, Warwick F. Vincent, Jesse Greener
Summary: The study introduces a versatile platform for studying cause-and-effect scenarios of cyanobacterial biofilms in various ecosystems, including the polar regions, by combining microfluidic technology with modern multimodal imaging and computer vision systems.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wei Wang, Zihao Peng, Min Ji, Junqing Chen, Peng Wang
Summary: In this study, a fluorescent probe SQM-NBD was synthesized for selective detection of Cys/Hcy. The probe showed superior sensitivity to Cys/Hcy and was able to achieve fluorescence imaging of Cys/Hcy in HeLa cells, demonstrating its potential for Cys/Hcy identification under physiological and pathological conditions.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shu-Tang Zeng, Wen Shao, Ze-Yi Yu, Lan Fang, Gui-Xue Tang, Yu-Ying Fang, Shuo-Bin Chen, Zhi-Shu Huang, Jia-Heng Tan, Xiu-Cai Chen
Summary: A novel unimolecular platform was proposed for simultaneous and dual-color imaging of lipid droplets and mitochondria, revealing their dynamic interactions and roles in cell death processes. This platform provides new insights and serves as inspiration for designing more similar probes.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lin Li, Huili Ma, Jingyan Zhang, Engui Zhao, Jian Hao, Huiming Huang, Hui Li, Pengfei Li, Xinggui Gu, Ben Zhong Tang
Summary: Herein, we report the construction of an emission-tunable SPOC-SQ with a rationally designed squaraine derivative, which exhibits reversible stimuli-responsive single-crystal-to-single-crystal structural transformation and selective recognition and absorption of acetylene over other gases, potentially enabling gas separation applications.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qi Hu, Bicheng Yao, Tze Cin Owyong, Sharon Prashanth, Changyu Wang, Xinyi Zhang, Wallace W. H. Wong, Youhong Tang, Yuning Hong
Summary: TC426 is a fluorescent probe with aggregation-induced emission characteristics, showing high sensitivity and specificity towards HSA. It has potential for diagnosing relevant diseases and plays a significant role in the early diagnosis of glomerulus-related diseases.
CHEMISTRY-AN ASIAN JOURNAL
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tracey Luu, Wenyi Li, Neil M. O'Brien-Simpson, Yuning Hong
Summary: AMPs are being intensively researched as promising alternatives to antibiotics due to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Development of fluorescent probes, particularly AIE probes, has facilitated the understanding of AMPs mechanisms and properties, sparking increased interest in using AIE probes for AMP studies.
CHEMISTRY-AN ASIAN JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiangman Sun, Engui Zhao, Jie Liang, Hui Li, Shuhong Zhao, Guan Wang, Xinggui Gu, Ben Zhong Tang
Summary: This article reports on a diradical-featured organic small molecule that utilizes strong intermolecular interactions to enhance photothermal conversion efficiency. The material exhibits a high-spin state and broad absorption range due to the synergistic effects of radical characteristics and strong intermolecular interactions. The study also reveals that the strong intermolecular interactions can promote nonradiative relaxation and improve internal conversion efficiency.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tze Cin Owyong, Yuning Hong
Summary: This article describes recent developments in fluorescence-based strategies and methodologies for studying proteostasis in cells, emphasizing the importance of bridging research gaps and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration.
CURRENT OPINION IN CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Sanaz Naghibi, Soheila Sabouri, Yuning Hong, Zhongfan Jia, Youhong Tang
Summary: In this study, a brush-like polymer with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) features was synthesized for drug delivery and intracellular drug tracking. The polymer, synthesized through copper (0)-mediated reversible-deactivation radical polymerization (Cu-0-mediated RDRP), successfully conjugated the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) and demonstrated precise control of drug release in different cellular environments. The ratiometric design of fluorescent intensities provided an excellent opportunity for this polymer prodrug as a precise intracellular drug tracker.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zoe Day, Alyce J. Mayfosh, Marie-Claire Giel, Yuning Hong, Scott A. Williams, Jascinta P. Santavanond, Thomas F. Rau, Ivan K. Poon, Mark D. Hulett
Summary: This study presents a novel platform for solubilizing fatty acids using amino acids and investigates the tumoricidal activity and mechanism of undecylenic acid. The results demonstrate that the GS-1 formulation, a combination of undecylenic acid and L-Arginine, induces concentration-dependent tumor cell death through a pro-apoptotic mechanism. GS-1 localizes to lipid droplets intracellularly and is taken up by cells via Fatty Acid Transport Protein 2 (FATP2). These findings contribute to the emerging field of fatty acids as potential anti-cancer therapeutics.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chunlin Tang, Lijuan Song, Kang Zhou, Peng Ren, Engui Zhao, Zikai He
Summary: New strategies for synthesizing stable organic radicals without additives were designed. UV-irradiation was found to trigger fast color change in crystalline state, which was shown to be caused by photoinduced organic radicals. The formation mechanism was explained by the symmetry breaking of the peripheral architecture.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jiawei Wang, Jin Li, Shengqi Sun, Haiyun Dong, Lan Wu, Engui Zhao, Feng He, Xing Ma, Yong Sheng Zhao
Summary: In this study, the diffusion dynamics in polymer micro-objects are detected in situ by utilizing optical whispering-gallery mode resonances. The interactions between solvent molecules and polymer microspheres, such as sorption, diffusion, and swelling, are quantitatively analyzed through mode tracking. A turning point of mode response is observed when diffusion exceeds the sub-wavelength-thick outermost layer and starts penetrating the inner core. The estimated solubility in the glassy polymer agrees with the predicted value using Flory-Huggins theory. Besides, non-Fickian contribution is analyzed in the glassy polymer-penetrant system. This work represents a high-precision and label-free approach to describing characteristics in diffusion dynamics.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Fei Wang, Yupeng Shi, Po-Yu Ho, Engui Zhao, Chuen Kam, Qiang Zhang, Xin Zhao, Yue Pan, Sijie Chen
Summary: Photodynamic therapy is a popular method for combating bacteria. In this study, researchers have developed an aggregating-induced-emission-active bacterial inhibitor and photosensitizer called OTM, which can efficiently bind to and kill Gram-positive bacteria. OTM is also an efficient photosensitizer that enhances the production of reactive oxygen species, thereby increasing its killing effect on both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Additionally, OTM exhibits excellent biocompatibility with normal mammalian cells and can promote the healing of bacteria-infected wounds in mice models without affecting their organs and blood parameters, making it a promising candidate for clinical applications.
BIOENGINEERING & TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fei Wang, Po-Yu Ho, Chuen Kam, Quanzhi Yang, Jinzhao Liu, Weiping Wang, Engui Zhao, Sijie Chen
Summary: Researchers have developed a novel fluorescent probe called OTM for the detection of bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). OTM can provide quantitative information on bacterial membrane remodeling and OMV secretion, and can be used for high-throughput screening of OMV-inducing agents.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Meijia Gu, Ming-Yu Wu, Yuncong Yuan, Po-Yu Ho, Zhou Zhou, Engui Zhao, Chao Shen, Sijie Chen
Summary: This study reports the excellent photodynamic inactivation effect of three isoquinolinium-based aggregation-induced-emission-active photosensitizers on viruses at a low light intensity. The feasibility of using these photosensitizers for virus inactivation on high-touch surfaces is also explored.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Timothy L. Gialelis, Tze Cin Owyong, Siyang Ding, Wenyi Li, Maoxing Yu, Neil M. O'Brien-Simpson, Zujin Zhao, Jonathan M. White, Bicheng Yao, Yuning Hong
Summary: Exploring organic reactions to construct novel molecules with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) features is an important branch of AIE research. In this study, a catalyst-free Diels-Alder reaction was used to synthesize AIEgens with a 1,3,4-triphenyl-1,4-dihydro-1,4-epoxynaphthalene (ENAP) core. The synthesized ENAP derivatives exhibited AIE characteristics and were applied in latent fingerprint detection, cell imaging, and bacterial staining.
CELL REPORTS PHYSICAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuning Hong, Wenyi Li
Summary: This review provides a toolbox of commonly used fluorescent reporters for antimicrobial peptide (AMP) studies, including intrinsic fluorescent reporters, conventional fluorophores, and recently developed aggregation-induced emission (AIE) fluorogens.
AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Engui Zhao, Sijie Chen
Summary: Materials with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics are widely used in healthcare-related research, showing potential in pre-clinical diagnosis, disease mechanism studies, and photodynamic therapy.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Izabela Stupka, Artur P. Biela, Bernard Piette, Agnieszka Kowalczyk, Karolina Majsterkiewicz, Kinga Borzecka-Solarz, Antonina Naskalska, Jonathan G. Heddle
Summary: Artificial protein cages, such as TRAP-cages, have potential applications in vaccines and drug delivery. TRAP-cages have the ability to control the disassembly conditions by modifying the interface between their building blocks. By using TRAP rings with different numbers of monomers, it is possible to predict the formation of other cages.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Guo Zhang, Yu Wang, Hua Qiu, Lei Lu
Summary: This study presents a one-pot synthesis method for flower-like AMPs@EAMP particles by combining antimicrobial peptides with ellagic acid, offering enlarged surface area, excellent biocompatibility, and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. In vivo studies indicate their potential for tissue repair and immune barrier reconstruction.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Jiamei Zhang, Lingshuang Wang, Cheng Xu, Yingui Cao, Shengsheng Liu, Rui L. Reis, Subhas C. Kundu, Xiao Yang, Bo Xiao, Lian Duan
Summary: Pluronic F127 modified silk fibroin film with different types of antibacterial agents could accelerate wound recovery by promoting fibroblast adhesion, eradicating bacteria, and facilitating angiogenesis and re-epithelialization.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Yinsheng Liu, Mingyue Wang, Yinfei Hui, Lei Sun, Yanrui Hao, Henlong Ren, Hao Guo, Wu Yang
Summary: In this study, a rare-earth hybrid luminescent material was developed for the detection of a biomarker for anthrax. The material showed excellent selectivity and high sensitivity, allowing for the determination of the biomarker in saliva and urine. Additionally, a convenient point-of-care testing method using fluorescent test paper and a smartphone was established for the initial diagnosis of anthrax.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
Review
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Wenshuai Yang, Jingsi Chen, Ziqian Zhao, Meng Wu, Lu Gong, Yimei Sun, Charley Huang, Bin Yan, Hongbo Zeng
Summary: Injectable hydrogels with shear-thinning and/or in situ formation properties offer distinct advantages in bioengineering applications, as they can be directly delivered to target sites, possess self-healing abilities, and simplify the implantation process.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
