Fluorescent BODIPY-Anionic Boron Cluster Conjugates as Potential Agents for Cell Tracking.

Area of Science:

• Materials Chemistry
• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Bioinorganic Chemistry

Background:

• Boron clusters offer unique electronic and structural properties.
• BODIPY dyes are known for their fluorescence and photostability.
• Functionalizing BODIPY dyes with boron clusters could lead to novel probes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize novel fluorescent BODIPY-anionic boron cluster conjugates.
• To evaluate their photoluminescence, cytotoxicity, and cellular uptake.
• To explore their potential for biomedical applications, particularly cell tracking.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of BODIPY-anionic boron cluster conjugates using meso-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (BODIPY 4).
• Characterization of structure and photoluminescence properties, including emission fluorescent quantum yields.
• In vitro assessment of cytotoxicity and cellular uptake in HeLa cells at varying concentrations.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis of BODIPY-anionic boron cluster conjugates with [B12H12]2-, [3,3'-Co(1,2-C2B9H11)2]-, and [3,3'-Fe(1,2-C2B9H11)2]- anions.
• Luminescent properties were largely retained, with quantum yields between 3-6%.
• Compounds showed no cytotoxicity at low concentrations and excellent cellular internalization, particularly compounds 7 and 8.

Conclusions:

• The synthesized BODIPY-anionic boron cluster conjugates are the first of their kind for fluorescent dye applications.
• Functionalization with boron clusters enhanced cellular permeability of the parent BODIPY.
• Compounds 7 and 8 demonstrate significant potential for in vitro cell tracking due to their uptake, fluorescence, and biocompatibility.