[Development of Fluorescence Sensing Mechanism for Cell Functional Analysis].

Area of Science:

• Chemical Biology
• Materials Science
• Biophysical Chemistry

Background:

• Fluorescence probes are crucial for cell analysis.
• Current probe design relies on limited sensing mechanisms like PET, PCT, and FRET.
• A novel sensing mechanism is needed for enhanced selectivity, sensitivity, and target diversity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and report dual emission fluorescent probes for metal ions.
• To introduce and validate a unique fluorescence-sensing mechanism.
• To expand the capabilities of fluorescent probes in biological analysis.

Main Methods:

• Design of dual emission fluorescent probes.
• Metal ion complexation studies with Cd(II) and Ag(I).
• X-ray crystallography and theoretical computational calculations.
• In cell ratiometric bioimaging of hydrogen sulfide (H2S).

Main Results:

• Probes exhibited a large emission red-shift upon complexation with Cd(II) and Ag(I).
• X-ray crystallography and calculations identified arene-metal ion contact (AM-contact) as the key mechanism.
• AM-contact modulates molecular orbital energy levels, causing the emission shift.
• Successful application in ratiometric bioimaging of H2S in cells.

Conclusions:

• A unique fluorescence-sensing mechanism based on AM-contact has been established.
• This mechanism enables the development of sophisticated fluorescent probes with high selectivity and sensitivity.
• The developed probes are valuable tools for ratiometric bioimaging and analyzing biological phenomena.