Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rongji Zhu, Peiling Dai, Jun Yang, Jie Zhou, Jin Zhang, Kenneth Yin Zhang, Yonghua Li, Shujuan Liu, Kenneth Kam-Wing Lo, Qiang Zhao
Summary: In this study, dual-emissive iridium(III) complexes were developed to exhibit phosphorescence responses to copper(II) ions at a distinct wavelength from oxygen quenching. These complexes demonstrated colorimetric phosphorescence response in aqueous solutions under different copper(II) and oxygen conditions. In cellular imaging, the intensity and lifetime of green phosphorescence can be modulated by variation in oxygen concentration without affecting the response of red phosphorescence towards intracellular copper(II) ions.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jingsheng Huang, Yuyan Jiang, Jingchao Li, Jiaguo Huang, Kanyi Pu
Summary: This study introduces two chemiluminophores with record long NIR emission, caged with different cleavable moieties to produce NIR chemiluminescence probes capable of detecting reactive oxygen species or enzyme reactions in deep tissues. These molecular scaffolds provide a new approach for in vivo turn-on imaging of versatile biomarkers.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qisong Zhang, Peng Yu, Yong Fan, Caixia Sun, Haisheng He, Xuan Liu, Lingfei Lu, Mengyao Zhao, Hongxin Zhang, Fan Zhang
Summary: An organic dye emitting in the second near-infrared window with enhanced fluorescence intensity was developed for in vivo bioimaging and biosensing applications, enabling high frame rate imaging.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Wei Quan, Wenhui Song, Qian Zhang, Huawei Huang, Weiying Lin
Summary: The liver, as the metabolic and detoxification center, plays a vital role in various physiological processes. Normal liver function is crucial for maintaining overall health, while abnormal liver function can lead to liver diseases. Early diagnosis of liver diseases is essential for timely treatment. The use of fluorescent probes for detecting biomarkers of liver diseases has provided valuable insights for pathological studies, drug development, and disease diagnosis and treatment in recent years. This review summarizes the progress of fluorescence probes in detecting hepatopathy-related biomarkers and discusses the current challenges and future directions. The development of long wavelength probes, multi-detection probes, quantitative analysis probes, and multi-modal probes is expected to be a popular trend. This review aims to facilitate the development of novel fluorescent probes for disease detection and provide guidance for diagnosis and treatment.
COORDINATION CHEMISTRY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Na Hee Kim, Dokyoung Kim
Summary: In this study, various derivatives of aggregation-induced emission luminogen (AIEgen) based on TPE were prepared and their emission wavelength was tuned by introducing different electron-donating moieties and bromine groups. The synthesis, photophysical properties, and biological applicability of these derivatives were systematically analyzed. Our findings provide a guide for developing new TPE-based AIEgen series and fluorescent probes.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Hua Wang, Xing Guo, Weibin Bu, Zhengxin Kang, Changjiang Yu, Qinghua Wu, Lijuan Jiao, Erhong Hao
Summary: A series of boronic acid derived salicylidenehydrazinopyridine complexes were synthesized and characterized. These complexes display a tetrahedral geometry due to the boron atoms and exhibit stereochemistry and molecular chirality. The curved nonplanar structure and axial-substituted groups of the complexes provide solubility and steric protection. The complexes also show strong absorption, weak emission, and large Stoke shifts, as well as aggregation-induced emission activities, making them potential bioimaging dyes.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ruxin Li, Juan Zheng, Yule Wang, Wenjun Bai, Yang Lu, Jiahou Geng, Jiahe Feng, Ning Wang, Yufen Zhao, Jinhui Wang
Summary: This study presents a novel NTR-responsive turnoff fluorescent probe, TPEDCH-PBN, based on AIEgen. The probe shows high selectivity towards NTR and has a detection limit of 0.68 μg/mL. Computational calculations and docking studies were employed to determine the structure-function relationship between the probe and NTR. Cell imaging experiments confirmed the NTR detection ability of the probe.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Fang Wang, Kaijie Wang, Qing Kong, Jing Wang, Dazhou Xi, Bowen Gu, Sheng Lu, Tingwen Wei, Xiaoqiang Chen
Summary: This review describes the development of fluorescence probes for Zn2+ since 2015, highlighting their high sensitivities and selectivities. The probes are organized according to different fluorophore families and mainly discussed based on their mode of action.
COORDINATION CHEMISTRY REVIEWS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Junchi Ma, Yanru Gu, Depeng Ma, Weizhao Lu, Jianfeng Qiu
Summary: This article introduces the development history of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) molecules and recent progress in their applications in the field of biomedicine. AIE-based materials offer significant advantages in in vivo detection and demonstration of biological processes due to their high sensitivity, excellent photostability, and good biocompatibility.
FRONTIERS IN CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Geonho Lee, Jongwook Park, Seong Hyun Jang, Sang Yoon Lee, Jihyun Seong, Jae Woong Jung, Kyobum Kim, Tae Gyu Hwang, Jun Choi
Summary: In this study, aggregation-induced emission dyes were used to prepare biocompatible nanoparticles for bioimaging. The nanoparticles with the best morphology and photoluminescence intensity were obtained through a fast preparation method using an ultrasonicator. The nanoparticles prepared from a specific compound with aggregation-induced emission properties and additional functional groups showed the greatest potential as a fluorescent probe for bioimaging. The prepared nanoparticles maintained their initial optical properties well over time.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
P. Hiranmartsuwan, X. Ma, J. Nootem, R. Daengngern, A. Kamkaew, P. Pinyou, W. Wattanathana, V. Promarak, Z. Li, K. Chansaenpak
Summary: Three new aggregation-induced emission (AIE) molecules were synthesized by incorporating tetraphenylethylene (TPE) unit to triazaborolopyridinium (TBP). These compounds exhibited broad absorption and emission spectra in various solvents, with TPE-linked TBP and the compound with a phenylene bridge showing high fluorescence quantum yields and solvent-sensitive behaviors, while the derivative with a thiophene bridge exhibited lower fluorescence quantum yield and less solvent dependence. The presence of a thiophene moiety resulted in a redshift in the absorption and emission spectra.
MATERIALS TODAY CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qiang Pei, Xuefeng Wang, Wenjing Hu, Lizhu Nie, Yanan Shi, Aixiang Ding, Fang Tang
Summary: This study reports the synthesis of three conformationally twisting phenothiazine-cyanostilbene conjugates with dual-state luminophores (DSEgens) that exhibit intense emission in both molecularly dispersed state and the solid state. By introducing anisole groups, the emission can be redshifted by enhancing electronic conjugation and narrowing the energy gap between the ground and excited states. These compounds show potential for imaging live cells and exhibit mechanofluorochromic behavior in the aggregated state.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ze Huang, Aixiang Ding, Jiaxiang Yang, Chengyuan Wang, Fang Tang
Summary: Dual-state emission luminogens (DSEgens) are attracting research interest for their high emission efficiency in both solution and solid states. This study demonstrates the synthesis of bright DSEgens through tuning the molecular electronic structures and conformations. The synthesized molecules show strong dual-state emission and display reversible mechanofluorochromism, allowing for applications in rewritable information storage and live-cell imaging.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Richard Yuen, Frederick G. West, Frank Wuest
Summary: Combining PET and fluorescence imaging techniques can optimize the treatment outcomes for tumor patients. This review discusses the recent research on integrating these two imaging capabilities into one.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jianlong Ma, Xiaofeng Lu, Yong Guo, Zhijun Wang
Summary: This study synthesized a near-infrared (NIR) Cys-special probe (MCyA) that could precisely and quickly detect Cys activity. The observations showed that the endogenous Cys activity was depressed under oxidative stress, but dramatically increased with omeprazole stimulation in HepG2 cells. MCyA was also successfully used to image the upregulation of Cys level in HepG2 cells in the presence of methionine (Met). Overall, MCyA is a novel and practical tool to study Cys-related physiological and pathological processes.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Kun Luo, Mingyan Jia, Can Xie, Qiaomei Yang, Libin Tan, Xiaogang Liu, Liyi Zhou
Summary: Fluorescence imaging is crucial in biomedical field due to its superior sensitivity and selectivity. A near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent molecule called NN has been designed and synthesized, and its fluorescence properties can be adjusted by changing the position of the nitro group. A novel fluorescent probe NN-Sec based on intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) was constructed, which showed targeted ability, sensitivity, and selectivity. The successful design of NN and NN-Sec has offered a valuable theoretical basis and technical support for investigating Sec-related diseases.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xia Wu, Ying Gao, Weijie Chi, Chao Wang, Zhaochao Xu, Xiaogang Liu
Summary: Rhodamine derivatives are important fluorophores with a unique equilibrium between a fluorescent open form and a non-emissive closed form. The closed form is understudied due to its low fluorescence. Through quantum chemical calculations, it was shown that the closed-form rhodamines are non-fluorescent because of the stability of a weakly emissive charge transfer state. A rapid design method was proposed to activate the fluorescence of closed-form rhodamine analogs, which can be used for advanced bioimaging and biosensing applications.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tianruo Shen, Wenda Zhang, Priya Yadav, Xiao Wei Sun, Xiaogang Liu
Summary: Tetrazine-based fluorogenic labels have been widely used in the studies of living systems due to their selectivity, reaction kinetics, and fluorogenicity. However, the quenching mechanism in many precursor dyes is still controversial, hindering the optimization of their fluorescence enhancement ratios. In this study, we proposed a quenching mechanism - internal conversion to a dark state (ICDS), using quantum chemical calculations, to explain the fluorogenicity in tetrazine-functionalized labels. Based on the correlation between ICDS efficiency and energy gap, we further suggested molecular design strategies for developing biocompatible long-wavelength fluorophores with improved fluorogenicity.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Tianhong Wu, Shiqing Huang, Xing Feng, Xiaogang Liu, Tony D. James, Xiaolong Sun, Xuhong Qian
Summary: In this research, a photoluminescent platform using amine-coupled fluorophores was developed. The fluorescence turn-on mechanism was proposed to be charge separated induced energy radiative transition for the amine-coupled fluorophore. By utilizing the conjugate acceptor, a new fluorogenic approach was established, allowing for selective detection of cysteine under neutral aqueous conditions. This research also successfully constructed a drug delivery system with controlled release of sulfhydryl drug.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yining Tao, Chenxu Yan, Yue Wu, Dan Li, Juan Li, Yuchen Xie, Yingsheng Cheng, Yisheng Xu, Kai Yang, Wei-Hong Zhu, Zhiqian Guo
Summary: A novel PDT-based nanotheranostic was developed for in vivo tracking and evaluation of photodynamic therapy. This dual-modal nanotheranostic integrates magnetic resonance imaging and chemiluminescence signals, providing detailed dose distribution and real-time evaluation of ROS generation. It overcomes the unpredictable challenges in PDT for oral tumor treatment.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuwei Wang, Jinghan Liao, Yanting Lyu, Qianqian Guo, Zhirong Zhu, Xupeng Wu, Jiahong Yu, Qi Wang, Wei-Hong Zhu
Summary: Aggregation induced emission (AIE) photosensitizers have gained significant attention in photodynamic therapy (PDT) due to their excellent performance. However, the therapeutic effect of AIE photosensitizers is often influenced by the biological microenvironment as it is challenging to generate both type I and type II reactive oxygen species (ROS) simultaneously. In this study, a novel electron-rich anion-pi(+) AIEgen Pys-QM-TT is introduced, which can efficiently produce type I and type II ROS and enable near-infrared fluorescence imaging concurrently. The rational design of the AIE photosensitizer incorporates a strong electron-donating triphenylamine unit, a pi-bridge thiophene, and an electron-withdrawing pyridinium salt unit to enhance D-pi-A behavior, thus improving intramolecular charge transfer and extending the wavelength. Moreover, the strong D-pi-A effect is believed to minimize increment ES-T and promote intersystem crossing processes, significantly enhancing ROS generation. Furthermore, the negatively charged anion in the pyridinium salt group provides an electron-rich environment, enabling efficient electron transfer for type I ROS generation. Consequently, Pys-QM-TT demonstrates the simultaneous production of type I and type II ROS with minimal dependence on the environmental conditions, effectively inhibiting bacterial infections, and ablating tumor tissue through the promotion of tumor cell apoptosis, inhibition of tumor cell proliferation, and anti-angiogenesis.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Huanxin Guo, Xiaoyu Wang, Chengjie Li, Honglong Hu, Huidong Zhang, Lijun Zhang, Wei-Hong Zhu, Yongzhen Wu
Summary: A supramolecular strategy involving surface anion complexation with Calix[4]pyrrole (C[4]P) is reported for enhancing the stability of perovskite solar cells. The C[4]P-stabilized perovskite films demonstrated increased light and thermal stability, and showed preservation of their morphology even after ageing at high temperatures and under humid conditions. The use of C[4]P resulted in significant improvement in the lifespan and efficiency of the perovskite solar cells.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Weijie Chi, Davin Tan, Qinglong Qiao, Zhaochao Xu, Xiaogang Liu
Summary: Single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) has been widely used in biology and chemistry. Fluorophores, as an essential component of SMLM, play a crucial role in obtaining super-resolution fluorescence images. Recent research on spontaneously blinking fluorophores simplifies experimental setups and extends the imaging duration of SMLM. This review provides an overview of the development of spontaneously blinking rhodamines from 2014 to 2023 and the key mechanistic aspects of intramolecular spirocyclization reactions, aiming to accelerate the advancement of super-resolution imaging technologies.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Chao Pan, Weijun Zhao, Xiaolei Zhao, Zhenxing Liu, Xiangyu Li, Yanting Lyu, Xupeng Wu, Zhirong Zhu, Wei-Hong Zhu, Qi Wang
Summary: This study reports a novel AIE photosensitizer TCM-MBP with low oxygen dependence, NIR emission, and higher ROS production. Encapsulated with nanoparticles, TCM-MBP can penetrate cells for visualization and efficient cancer cell killing upon light irradiation.
GREEN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Weijie Chi, Jianfeng Dai, Chengxu Yan, Davin Tan, Zhiqian Guo, Xiaogang Liu
Summary: In this study, a new aggregation-induced emission (AIE) mechanism, known as restriction of intramolecular bending (RIB), was discovered using computational chemistry and experimental validation. The RIB mechanism involves fluorescence quenching caused by the structural bending of the fluorophore scaffold in a dilute solution, which is only recovered in the aggregate state when the bending is inhibited. This finding provides a practical guide for the molecular design of AIEgens and opens up a new avenue for the rational development of functional AIEgens.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shaomeng Guo, Mengqi Li, Honglong Hu, Ting Xu, Hancheng Xi, Wei-Hong Zhu
Summary: In this study, a series of dynamic chiral photoswitches based on supramolecular metallacages were successfully prepared, achieving a high photoconversion yield of 91.3% in nanosized cavities. The chiral inequality phenomenon was observed in the metallacages, and a dynamic chiral system was established at the supramolecular level, featuring chiral transfer, amplification, induction, and manipulation. This study provides an intriguing idea to simplify and understand chiral science.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chao Wang, Wenchao Jiang, Davin Tan, Lu Huang, Jin Li, Qinglong Qiao, Priya Yadav, Xiaogang Liu, Zhaochao Xu
Summary: A quantum chemical calculation method was used to investigate factors affecting the twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) process of fluorophores. Based on this research, a sensor array of hemicyanines with varied sensitivities and dynamic ranges was synthesized, enabling the observation of different stages of A beta aggregations. This approach will greatly facilitate the development of TICT-based fluorescent probes for various applications.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Supphachok Chanmungkalakul, Shiqing Huang, Xia Wu, Esther Cai Xia Ang, Zi-Qi Yang, Yongxin Li, Xiaoyu Yan, Choon-Hong Tan, Davin Tan, Xiaogang Liu
Summary: In this study, a thorough investigation of the selective N-methylation of N-heterocyclic compounds, mainly quinolines and pyridines, was reported. The reactions exhibited good chemoselectivity and were conducted in a base-free manner using iodomethane as the methylating reagent. Thirteen compounds were synthesized to demonstrate the concept and seven crystal structures were obtained. However, the chemoselectivity failed in the presence of a thiol group, as revealed by detailed quantum chemical calculations.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qingshuang Xu, Yutao Zhang, Mingming Zhu, Chenxu Yan, Wenle Mao, Wei-Hong Zhu, Zhiqian Guo
Summary: An ongoing revolution in fluorescence-based technologies has led to the development of high-performance fluorogenic scaffolds for in vivo analysis, particularly for small-molecular near-infrared (NIR) fluorophores. A unique bent-to-planar rehybridization design strategy has been utilized to create a range of switchable bent/planar Si-rhodamines with varying wavelengths. By using elaborately lighting-up NIR-II probes, real-time monitoring of biological events in live cells, zebrafish, and mice has been successfully achieved, including the tracking of nitric oxide (NO) fluctuations in the brains of mice with Alzheimer's disease. This innovative strategy opens up exciting possibilities for in vivo imaging in both research and clinical applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fuping Han, Syed Ali Abbas Abedi, Shan He, Han Zhang, Saran Long, Xiao Zhou, Sphachok Chanmungkalakul, He Ma, Wen Sun, Xiaogang Liu, Jianjun Du, Jiangli Fan, Xiaojun Peng
Summary: This study reports a synthetic approach for controlling the excited-state properties of pentamethyl cyanine dyes by attaching aryl substituents. The regulation of these properties enables the design of a nitroreductase-activatable fluorophore for hypoxic tumor photodynamic therapy and fluorescence imaging. These dyes provide a tunable platform for engineering cyanine dyes tailored to sophisticated biological applications.
