AIE-based fluorescent boronate probe and its application in peroxynitrite imaging

Area of Science:

• Chemical Biology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Peroxynitrite (ONOO^-) is a reactive nitrogen species implicated in various biological processes.
• Fluorescent probes are crucial tools for understanding ONOO^-'s biological roles.
• Existing ONOO^- probes often have limitations in sensitivity or response.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize novel fluorescent probes for sensitive and selective detection of peroxynitrite.
• To investigate the structure-activity relationship of phenyl boronate-based probes for ONOO^- recognition.
• To evaluate the performance of the developed probes in aqueous solutions and biological systems.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of two fluorescent probes, ADB and ANB, featuring a phenyl boronate recognition moiety.
• Spectroscopic analysis (fluorescence emission) to assess probe response to ONOO^-.
• Evaluation of probe sensitivity, selectivity, and detection limits.
• Testing probe performance in live cell imaging using RAW 264.7 cells.

Main Results:

• Both ADB and ANB probes were successfully synthesized and characterized.
• The electron-donating or withdrawing substituents influenced the emission spectra differently.
• ANB exhibited low sensitivity and quantum yield for ONOO^- detection.
• ADB demonstrated high sensitivity for ONOO^- with a detection limit of 75 nM, leveraging aggregation-induced emission (AIE).
• ADB enabled quantitative detection of ONOO^- within 20 seconds and showed good performance in detecting exogenous ONOO^- in RAW 264.7 cells.

Conclusions:

• ADB is a highly sensitive and rapid fluorescent probe for peroxynitrite detection.
• The AIE property of ADB enhances its sensitivity and utility for ONOO^- sensing.
• ADB shows promise for real-time monitoring of ONOO^- in biological environments, including live cells.