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Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging of Molecular Rotors in Living Cells
Published on: February 9, 2012
Environment-sensitive behavior of fluorescent molecular rotors
Mark A Haidekker1, Emmanuel A Theodorakis
1Faculty of Engineering, 597 D,W, Brooks Drive, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA. mhaidekk@uga.edu.
Molecular rotors are fluorescent molecules whose emission depends on solvent viscosity. This review explores their rotor-solvent interactions and applications as microviscosity sensors for improved accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Photochemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Molecular rotors are fluorescent molecules exhibiting twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) states.
- Their emission properties are highly sensitive to solvent polarity and viscosity.
- This viscosity-dependent fluorescence enables applications in various scientific fields.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review theories of rotor-solvent interactions at the molecular level.
- To explain the origin of viscosity-sensitive behavior in molecular rotors.
- To survey current applications and engineering improvements for molecular rotors as microviscosity sensors.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical review of molecular rotor-solvent interactions.
- Analysis of structure-property relationships in fluorescent molecules.
- Survey of experimental applications and sensor development.
Main Results:
- Rotor-solvent interactions fundamentally govern viscosity-sensitive fluorescence.
- Understanding these interactions is key to accurate microviscosity sensing.
- Current applications span fluid mechanics, polymer chemistry, and cell physiology.
Conclusions:
- Molecular rotors offer a powerful tool for microviscosity sensing.
- Further understanding of molecular-level interactions can enhance sensor performance.
- Engineering advancements are crucial for improving measurement accuracy and precision.
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