Programmable Multi-State Fluorescence Switching on a Dynamic Molecular System via Sequential Dynamic Covalent
Xiangkun Si1, Liren Xu1, Yifan Wen1
1The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 28 West Xianning Road, Xi'an 710049, People's Republic of China.
Precision Chemistry
|November 28, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed new dynamic fluorescent systems that change color with chemical and pH triggers. These systems enable real-time tracking of material changes and intracellular pH fluctuations for advanced sensors and diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Diagnostics
Background:
- Dynamic molecular systems are crucial for intelligent materials and sensors.
- Achieving sequential, multistate switching with distinct optical outputs on a single platform is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel dynamic fluorescent system capable of programmed molecular reconfiguration and fluorescence switching.
- To demonstrate its utility in real-time optical tracking and live-cell imaging.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing intramolecular oxa/thiol-Michael addition-elimination reactions via dynamic covalent bonding.
- Employing sequential chemical and pH-driven triggers in aqueous media.
- Developing derivatives for specific applications like live-cell imaging.
Main Results:
- Each molecular state exhibits unique, trackable absorbance and fluorescence signatures.
- Successfully monitored hydrogel degradation and reformation (gel-sol-gel) in real-time.
- Enabled dynamic visualization of intracellular pH fluctuations in live cells.
Conclusions:
- Presents a versatile platform for programmable, multistimuli-responsive molecular systems.
- Potential applications in adaptive materials, chemical sensing, and advanced biomedical diagnostics.
- Offers a novel approach for designing sophisticated molecular devices.
Keywords:
dynamic covalent chemistryfluorescence switchinglive-cell imagingsequential chemistrystimuli-responsive systemMore Related Videos
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