Targeted and Long-Term Fluorescence Imaging of Plant Cytomembranes Using Main-Chain Charged Polyelectrolytes with...

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Biophysics
• Plant Cell Biology

Background:

• Fluorescent polyelectrolytes are crucial for various applications, but challenges remain in achieving long-term, specific plant cytomembrane imaging.
• Current research primarily focuses on side-chain charged polyelectrolytes, limiting advancements in plant cell visualization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and demonstrate the first main-chain charged polyelectrolytes (MCCPs) with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) for long-time and targeted plant cytomembrane fluorescence imaging.
• To design and synthesize novel MCCPs for enhanced specificity and durability in plant cell imaging.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a series of MCCPs with varying structures, including triphenylamine linkers and cyano-substituted cationic cores.
• Evaluation of fluorescence imaging performance, specificity, photostability, durability, and biotoxicity of the synthesized MCCPs in plant cells.
• Testing the probe's efficacy on onion epidermal cells, Glycine max, and Vigna radiata.

Main Results:

• A specific red-emissive, AIE-active MCCP featuring a cyano group demonstrated superior fluorescence imaging of plant cells.
• The developed conjugated polyelectrolyte specifically targets plant cytomembranes rapidly, offering wash-free staining, high photostability, and imaging integrity.
• The probe exhibited excellent durability (≥12 h) and low biotoxicity, successfully imaging various plant cell types.

Conclusions:

• Main-chain charged polyelectrolytes (MCCPs) with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) offer a novel and effective strategy for long-term, specific plant cytomembrane imaging.
• The cyano-substituted conjugated polyelectrolyte represents a significant advancement in developing high-performance fluorescence probes for plant plasma membranes.
• This AIE-active MCCP system provides a versatile design approach for future fluorescence imaging probes in plant biology.