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Spanning BODIPY fluorescence with self-assembled micellar clusters
Aleksei V Solomonov1, Yuriy S Marfin2, Alexander B Tesler3
1Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Faculty of Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001 Rehovot, Israel.
Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces
|May 7, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed micellar coordination clusters (MCCs) to enhance water solubility and stability of BODIPY dyes. This breakthrough enables new applications for these fluorescent probes in diagnostics and molecular rotor studies.
Area of Science:
- Organic Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Biophysics
Background:
- BODIPY dyes offer excellent optical properties for diagnostics but suffer from poor water solubility and aggregation instability.
- Existing limitations hinder the broad application of BODIPY dyes in aqueous biological systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a general strategy for improving the water solubility and aggregation stability of BODIPY dyes.
- To explore the potential of BODIPY-loaded micellar coordination clusters (MCCs) for advanced applications.
Main Methods:
- Two approaches were employed: dye entrapment in pre-formed MCCs and self-micellization of BODIPY derivatives.
- Investigated seven BODIPY derivatives with diverse aromatic substituents and molecular rotor characteristics.
- Utilized a capsule-based surfactant environment for BODIPY encapsulation and aggregation tracking.
Main Results:
- Both methods successfully conferred water solubility and aggregation stability to various BODIPY derivatives.
- BODIPY-loaded MCCs maintained excellent optical response above their aqueous solubility limit without crystallization.
- Encapsulated BODIPY dyes exhibited 'turn-on' fluorescence via macromolecular complexation with proteins like BSA.
Conclusions:
- Micellar coordination clusters offer a versatile solution for overcoming BODIPY dye limitations in aqueous media.
- The developed systems enable the study and application of BODIPY's molecular rotor properties and fluorescence sensing.
- Water-soluble BODIPY-loaded MCCs show promise as functional indicators for biological applications.
