An ESIPT-Based Fluorescent Probe for Wash-Free Cell Membrane Imaging.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Chemical Biology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Cell membrane tracking is crucial for understanding cellular functions and diagnosing diseases.
• Developing specific fluorescent probes for cell membranes is a significant research goal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize a novel fluorescent dye, BOHI, for specific cell membrane targeting and imaging.
• To investigate the photophysical properties and pH-dependent behavior of BOHI.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of the fluorescent dye BOHI.
• Spectroscopic analysis to determine pH-dependent fluorescence and solvent effects.
• Cellular imaging experiments using Hela cells to assess membrane targeting specificity.

Main Results:

• BOHI exhibits pH-dependent fluorescence via excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) under acidic/neutral conditions.
• Weak fluorescence in water facilitates wash-free imaging; anionic surfactants enhance fluorescence.
• BOHI specifically targets and illuminates cell membranes in Hela cells.

Conclusions:

• BOHI is a promising fluorescent probe for specific cell membrane imaging.
• Its pH-dependent properties and water insolubility offer advantages for biological applications.
• The dye's response to surfactants suggests potential for studying membrane-associated interactions.