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Aggregation-induced emission luminogens for lipid droplet imaging
A H M Mohsinul Reza1, Yabin Zhou2, Jianguang Qin2
1College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Institute for NanoScale Science and Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science
|November 9, 2021
Summary
New fluorescent probes utilizing aggregation-induced emission (AIE) offer improved detection of lipid droplets (LDs). These AIE-based nanoprobes overcome limitations of traditional dyes, advancing research into LDs
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry and Cell Biology
- Biotechnology and Bioimaging
Background:
- Lipid droplets (LDs) are vital organelles for energy homeostasis and cellular functions, implicated in various diseases.
- Traditional probes for LD detection face limitations like aggregation-caused quenching and self-decomposition, hindering research progress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in lipid-specific aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-based probes for enhanced lipid droplet visualization.
- To highlight the potential of AIE probes in overcoming traditional probe limitations for improved bioimaging.
Main Methods:
- Exploration of synthetic techniques for fabricating lipid-specific AIE nanoprobes.
- Evaluation of the unique physical properties of AIE molecules for probe development.
- Assessment of probe selectivity, stability, and biocompatibility for in vivo applications.
Main Results:
- AIE-based nanoprobes demonstrate promising characteristics for lipid detection, including high selectivity and stability.
- These probes offer superior bioimaging properties compared to conventional dyes, overcoming issues like aggregation-caused quenching.
- Facile fabrication methods enable the creation of advanced fluorescent probes for lipid analysis.
Conclusions:
- Lipid-specific AIE probes represent a significant breakthrough in visualizing lipid droplets.
- These novel probes enhance opportunities for fundamental research into the diverse roles of LDs in biological systems.
- AIE technology provides a powerful tool for studying LDs in various physiological and pathological contexts.

