Cell membrane-targeting AIE probe for Cancer and inflammatory imaging

Highly specific and sensitive fluorescent probes are crucial for cancer diagnosis and bio-imaging. This paper introduces a novel AIE-based fluorescent probe with a unique amphiphilic D-π-A structure, composed of triphenylamine, quinoline, and sulfonate groups. The probe exhibits excellent optical properties, including high sensitivity to viscosity changes and good photostability. Cell imaging studies demonstrate its selective targeting of cancer cell membranes with high fluorescence intensity and rapid imaging capabilities. Co-localization analysis shows a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.92, indicating high specificity. In drug-induced inflammatory environments, the probe's fluorescence response is significantly enhanced, highlighting its sensitivity to dynamic microenvironmental changes. In tumor-bearing mice, the probe accumulates preferentially in tumor tissues, with efficient metabolism within 72 h. These results suggest the probe's potential for cancer imaging, real-time monitoring, and surgical navigation.