Mitochondrial STED Imaging and Membrane Potential Monitoring with a Cationic Molecular Probe

Mitochondria are essential organelles that not only undergo dynamic morphological changes but also exhibit functional activities such as mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). While super-resolution techniques such as stimulated emission depletion (STED) nanoscopy can visualize the ultrastructure of mitochondria and the MMP probe can monitor mitochondria function, few dyes meet both demands. Here, a small molecule (MitoPDI-90) based on perylene diimide with cationic groups is reported and used for mitochondrial STED imaging and MMP indication. Characterized by excellent photostability, biocompatibility, and high quantum yield, MitoPDI-90 exhibits STED imaging compatibility, facilitating visualization of mitochondrial cristae and time-lapse imaging of highly dynamic mitochondria in living cells. Besides, MitoPDI-90 targets the mitochondria through electrical potential, also enabling live-cell MMP monitoring. MitoPDI-90 allows for super-resolution visualization and time-lapse imaging of mitochondria, and more importantly, indication of changes in MMP, providing insight into the functional activity of live-cell mitochondria.