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Near-Infrared Two-Photon J-Aggregation-Induced Organic Fluorescent Dots with Large Stokes-Shift for Ratiometric Imaging of Hypochlorous Acid in Living Cells and Brains of AD Mice

  • 0Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Chemical Measurement, Laboratory of Functionalized Molecular Solids, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 241002, China.
Advanced Healthcare Materials +

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November 29, 2024

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November 29, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study introduces novel PBT dots for detecting hypochlorous acid (HOCl), a biomarker for Alzheimer's disease (AD). These fluorescent dots offer improved imaging in brain tissues, aiding AD diagnosis and research.

Area Of Science

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Neuroscience
  • Chemical Biology

Background

  • Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis relies on monitoring various biomarkers, including hypochlorous acid (HOCl).
  • Existing fluorescent probes for HOCl detection face limitations like poor solubility, aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ), and low signal-to-noise ratios, hindering practical application.
  • There is a need for advanced imaging tools to accurately assess HOCl levels in brain tissues for AD progression and treatment monitoring.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To develop and characterize a novel J-aggregation-induced organic fluorescent dot (PBT dots) for sensitive and reliable detection of HOCl.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of PBT dots for imaging HOCl in living brain cells and AD mouse models.
  • To assess the potential of PBT dots as a diagnostic tool for Alzheimer's disease.

Main Methods

  • Synthesis of a new organic molecule PBT and its co-assembly with DSPE-PEG to form PBT dots.
  • Characterization of PBT dots, including two-photon properties, emission wavelength, Stokes-shift, response time, and ratiometric sensing capabilities.
  • In vitro imaging in brain-derived endothelial cells (bEnd.3) and in vivo imaging in the brain tissues of AD mouse models.

Main Results

  • The developed PBT dots exhibit near-infrared (NIR) emission at 715 nm with a large Stokes-shift of 245 nm and rapid response within 2 seconds.
  • PBT dots demonstrate effective ratiometric sensing and favorable blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration.
  • Elevated HOCl levels were observed in the brain tissues of AD mice, indicating the probe's utility in detecting disease-related changes.

Conclusions

  • PBT dots represent a significant advancement over traditional fluorescent probes for HOCl detection.
  • The developed probe shows high sensitivity, specificity, and imaging capabilities in complex biological environments.
  • PBT dots hold considerable promise as a valuable tool for understanding Alzheimer's disease pathologies and for potential clinical diagnostics.

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