Light-Controlled Platelet Mechanics with Tunable BODIPY Photosensitizers

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Biophysics

Background:

• Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are crucial for cellular signaling.
• The impact of ROS on platelet integrin force transmission remains unclear.
• Platelets play a vital role in hemostasis and thrombosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the mechanistic link between singlet oxygen (¹O₂) generation and platelet mechanics.
• To establish a direct correlation between ROS production and platelet force transmission.
• To explore the potential of redox-based probes for platelet studies.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of BODIPY-based photosensitizer conjugates.
• Utilized molecular spectroscopy (absorption, emission, lifetime studies).
• Employed integrin tension mapping in human platelets.

Main Results:

• An iodine-substituted BODIPY derivative exhibited high intersystem crossing efficiency and ¹O₂ quantum yield.
• Increased ROS production in platelets correlated with decreased integrin forces.
• Observed impaired platelet spreading and aggregation upon enhanced ROS generation.

Conclusions:

• Established a direct spectroscopy-to-mechanobiology correlation linking ROS generation to platelet mechanotransduction.
• Identified oxidative stress as a significant regulator of platelet force transmission.
• Provided a framework for developing novel redox-based molecular probes and therapeutic strategies for platelet disorders.