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Live-Cell Multiplexed Imaging and Chemical Sensing with Cumulene and Polyyne Allotropes
Xueyang Bai1, Ruowei Zhang1, Yueli Yang1
1Department of Chemistry, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
Analytical Chemistry
|June 25, 2025
Summary
New polyyne molecules enable multiplexed Raman imaging and sensing in live cells. This breakthrough allows for 10-color imaging and simultaneous detection of cellular species, advancing biological research.
Area of Science:
- Chemical Biology
- Spectroscopy
- Microscopy
Background:
- Visualizing multiple species in living systems is crucial for understanding biological processes.
- Polyyne vibrational spectroscopy offers multiplexed Raman imaging in the cell-silent window (1800-2700 cm⁻¹).
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel polyyne allotropes for advanced multiplexed imaging and vibrational sensing in live cells using stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy.
- To achieve higher multiplexing capabilities and detect specific biomolecules and reactive species within live cells.
Main Methods:
- Engineering cumulenes to create a vibrational palette with 5 distinct frequencies (1900-2050 cm⁻¹).
- Developing ratiometric polyyne sensors for simultaneous detection of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂).
- Utilizing stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy for high-resolution imaging and sensing.
Main Results:
- Achieved previously inaccessible frequencies for SRS imaging with engineered cumulenes.
- Demonstrated multiplexed Raman sensing of both GGT and H₂O₂ in live cells.
- Enabled 10-color optical imaging and chemical sensing in living cells by combining cumulenes and polyynes.
Conclusions:
- Developed polyyne allotropes significantly enhance multiplexed imaging and functional sensing capabilities in live cells.
- This technology allows visualization of organelle interactions and real-time monitoring of GGT/H₂O₂ levels under drug treatment.
- Shows great potential for studying subcellular activities and interactions in live cells with unprecedented detail.
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