Acting as a Molecular Tailor: Dye Structural Modifications for Improved Sensitivity toward Lysophosphatidic Acids...

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry

Background:

• Lysophosphatidic acids (LPA) are crucial biomarkers for physiological processes and host health monitoring.
• Current laboratory methods for LPA detection are complex, costly, and require expert operation.
• Existing LPA-sensitive fluorescent probes are unsuitable for biological samples due to nonaqueous requirements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize novel LPA-sensitive fluorescent probes for aqueous biological matrices.
• To investigate the structure-activity relationship of synthesized styrylpyridinium dyes for enhanced LPA affinity.
• To elucidate the fluorescence quenching mechanism, including excimer formation, in these probes.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of custom styrylpyridinium dyes with structural modifications for aqueous LPA binding.
• Spectroscopic investigations (UV-Vis absorption, fluorescence emission).
• Time-resolved fluorimetry and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated aggregation-induced fluorescence quenching in the presence of LPA.
• Identified specific structural features enhancing LPA affinity and probe performance in aqueous media.
• Confirmed excimer formation as a key mechanism contributing to fluorescence quenching.
• Correlated experimental findings on structure-sensitivity with DFT calculation results.

Conclusions:

• Developed novel, water-compatible fluorescent probes for LPA detection.
• Established structure-dependent fluorescence quenching mechanisms for improved probe design.
• Provided a foundation for more accessible and cost-effective LPA biomarker monitoring in biological systems.