Mechanistic study of tumor fluorescence response signals based on a near-infrared viscosity-sensitive probe

Tianyang Han ^1,2, Lihao Lin ³, Huizhong Jiang ⁴

⁰Joint Laboratory of Opto-Functional Theranostics in Medicine and Chemistry, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, P. R. China. zhangyueweichem@163.com.

Journal of Materials Chemistry. B +

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March 3, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This study introduces a new near-infrared fluorescence probe for measuring viscosity. The research reveals that cellular state, not the tumor microenvironment, primarily influences probe signals, advancing viscosity probe applications.

Area Of Science

Biomedical Engineering
Chemical Biology
Molecular Imaging

Background

Viscosity is a key physiological parameter linked to cellular functions and diseases.
Existing viscosity-sensitive fluorescence probes show promise for tumor imaging but lack mechanistic clarity due to environmental interference.

Purpose Of The Study

To develop and characterize a novel viscosity-responsive fluorescence probe.
To elucidate the primary mechanism driving fluorescence changes in viscosity probes within complex biological systems.

Main Methods

Development of a near-infrared (700-1200 nm) fluorescence probe utilizing the twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) mechanism.
Evaluation of probe photostability and dual targeting of mitochondria and lysosomes.
In-depth analysis to differentiate contributions of cellular state, tumor microenvironment, and cell type to probe response.

Main Results

The developed probe exhibits an ultra-wide emission range in the near-infrared spectrum with strong photostability.
The probe successfully targets both mitochondria and lysosomes.
Cellular intrinsic state was identified as the dominant factor influencing probe fluorescence changes, outweighing microenvironmental or cell-type effects.

Conclusions

The developed TICT-based probe offers a robust tool for viscosity sensing with advanced spectral properties and organelle targeting.
Understanding the primary role of cellular state provides crucial theoretical insights for the rational design and application of future viscosity-responsive probes in biomedical research.