Establishment of Fluorescence Sensitization Method for Hydroxysafflor Yellow A

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) is a key active compound in Chinese safflower with diverse pharmacological actions.
• Understanding HSYA's spectral properties under varying conditions is crucial for its accurate analysis and application.
• Existing methods for HSYA detection may lack sensitivity or require complex sample preparation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of environmental factors on HSYA's absorption and fluorescence spectra.
• To develop a sensitive and reliable fluorescence-based detection system for HSYA.
• To evaluate the applicability of the developed system for in vitro analysis and cellular imaging.

Main Methods:

• Studied HSYA's spectral properties under varying acidity, temperature, ions, viscosity, and surfactants.
• Established a borax-HSYA sensitization system to enhance HSYA fluorescence.
• Optimized the sensitization system and determined its linearity and detection limit.
• Assessed the system's biocompatibility using T24 cells and mice for fluorescence imaging.

Main Results:

• HSYA fluorescence intensity was significantly affected by acidity, temperature, viscosity, and surfactants.
• Borax was identified as a potent enhancer of HSYA fluorescence.
• The optimized borax-HSYA system increased HSYA fluorescence 20-fold.
• A linear relationship was observed between 0-10 μM HSYA concentrations with an 8 nM detection limit.
• The system demonstrated no toxicity to cells or mice.

Conclusions:

• A novel and highly sensitive borax-HSYA fluorescence sensitization system was developed.
• This system provides an effective method for quantitative HSYA analysis in vitro.
• The system is suitable for fluorescence imaging and monitoring HSYA metabolism in biological systems.