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Synthesis and Calibration of Phosphorescent Nanoprobes for Oxygen Imaging in Biological Systems
Published on: March 3, 2010
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Phosphorescent supramolecular systems for medicine anticounterfeiting.
Wen-Ting Wu1, Chun-Yun Deng1, Zhi-Yuan Zhang2
1Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies on Intelligent Molecules, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Structure and Performance for Functional Molecules, College of Chemistry, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, P. R. China.
Nature Communications
|February 11, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed edible phosphorescent supramolecules (VB10@α/β-CDs) for medicine anticounterfeiting. These materials offer a safe and robust solution with long phosphorescence lifetimes and high quantum yields.
Area of Science:
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Reliable anticounterfeiting solutions for medicines are crucial.
- Developing safe and robust materials for this purpose presents significant challenges.
- Existing methods may lack the necessary safety or stability for pharmaceutical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create edible phosphorescent supramolecules for effective medicine anticounterfeiting.
- To investigate the mechanism behind enhanced phosphorescence in these novel materials.
- To assess the suitability of these supramolecules as phosphorescent inks.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of supramolecular complexes (VB10@α/β-CDs) using vitamin B10 (VB10) and cyclodextrins (α/β-CDs).
- Synthesis via simple grinding with water or co-crystallization from aqueous solution.
- Characterization of photophysical properties, including phosphorescence lifetime and quantum yield.
Main Results:
- The synthesized VB10@α/β-CDs exhibit long phosphorescence lifetimes (up to 1.16 s) and high quantum yields (up to 86.5%).
- Encapsulation by α/β-CDs alters VB10's excited state energy ordering, promoting minimum energy crossing (MECP) and boosting phosphorescence.
- The supramolecules demonstrate edible nature, moisture robustness, room-temperature phosphorescence, and circularly polarized luminescence.
Conclusions:
- Edible phosphorescent supramolecules (VB10@α/β-CDs) offer a promising solution for medicine anticounterfeiting.
- The elucidated MECP-involved mechanism provides insights into phosphorescence enhancement strategies.
- These materials are attractive for developing secure and safe anti-counterfeiting technologies in the pharmaceutical industry.
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