A Dipolar Anthracene Dye: Synthesis, Optical Properties and Two-photon Tissue Imaging

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Organic Chemistry
• Bioimaging

Background:

• Two-photon microscopy is a key technique for biological research.
• Development of novel two-photon absorbing dyes is crucial for advancing bioimaging capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and evaluate a new anthracene-based dipolar dye (anthradan) for its two-photon absorbing and imaging properties.
• To compare the properties of the novel anthradan with existing dyes like acedan.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a novel anthracene-based dipolar dye: 9,10-bis(o-dimethoxy-phenyl)-anthradan.
• Evaluation of two-photon absorption and emission spectra.
• Assessment of photostability under two-photon excitation.
• Testing biocompatibility and application in two-photon imaging of mouse organ tissues.

Main Results:

• The synthesized anthradan exhibits absorption and emission at longer wavelengths compared to acedan.
• The dye demonstrates stability under two-photon excitation and is biocompatible.
• Two-photon imaging of mouse organ tissues using anthradan resulted in bright, near-red fluorescence.
• Negligible autofluorescence was observed during imaging.

Conclusions:

• The novel anthradan represents a promising new class of two-photon absorbing dyes.
• Anthradan holds potential for developing advanced fluorescent probes and tags for biological systems.
• Its properties make it suitable for sensitive bioimaging applications using two-photon microscopy.