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Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging of Molecular Rotors in Living Cells
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Fluorescent Molecular Rotors for Viscosity Sensors
Seung-Chul Lee1, Jeongyun Heo2, Hee Chul Woo3
1Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, 443-749, Republic of Korea.
Chemistry (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|April 28, 2018
Summary
Fluorescent molecular rotors (FMRs) are advanced viscosity sensors. Their fluorescence intensity increases as environmental viscosity rises, enabling applications in biology and microfluidics.
Area of Science:
- Chemistry
- Biophysics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Fluorescent molecular rotors (FMRs) function as viscosity sensors.
- Their fluorescence intensity correlates with environmental viscosity due to restricted molecular rotation.
- FMRs are applicable in diverse environments, including cellular organelles and microfluidic systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recently developed fluorescent molecular rotors (FMRs).
- To discuss FMR design strategies for enhanced performance.
- To highlight FMR applications in biological and microfluidic contexts.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent literature on FMRs.
- Analysis of FMR design principles, including push-pull chromophores, BODIPY, dioxaborine, cyanine, and porphyrin derivatives.
- Discussion of strategies for optimizing fluorescence contrast and managing trade-offs.
Main Results:
- Several classes of viscosity-responsive FMRs have been developed.
- Design strategies can improve fluorescence contrast and incorporate internal references.
- FMRs show promise for sensing in complex biological and microfluidic environments.
Conclusions:
- Recent advancements have expanded the utility of FMRs as sensitive viscosity probes.
- Strategic molecular design is crucial for tailoring FMR performance.
- FMRs offer valuable tools for probing microenvironments in biological and engineered systems.
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