Fluorescent AIE dots encapsulated organically modified silica (ORMOSIL) nanoparticles for two-photon cellular imaging

2,3-Bis(4-(phenyl(4-(1,2,2-triphenylvinyl)phenyl)amino)phenyl) fumaronitrile (TPE-TPA-FN or TTF), which possesses aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristic, is doped in organically modified silica (ORMOSIL) nanoparticles. By increasing the weight ratio of TTF to the precursor of silica nanoparticles (the quantities of the precursors were kept the same), the fluorescence intensity of nanoparticles increased correspondingly, due to the formation of larger AIE dots in the cores of ORMOSIL nanoparticles. The fluorescent and biocompatible nanoprobes were then utilized for in vitro imaging of HeLa cells. Two-photon fluorescence microscopy clearly illustrated that the nanoparticles have the capacity of nucleus permeability, as well as cytoplasm staining towards tumor cells. Our experimental results may offer a promising method for fast and bright fluorescence imaging, as well as bio-molecule/drug delivery to cell nucleus.     

嘧啶基双光子荧光染料的设计合成与生物成像

生理条件下光学性质稳定的双光子荧光染料在生物成像领域具有广阔的应用前景。我们使用2,4-二甲基-6-羟基嘧啶与4-(N,N-二甲氨基)苯甲醛进行缩合反应,设计合成了具有双光子荧光性质的化合物2-[(1E)-2-[4-(二甲氨基)苯基]乙烯基]-6-甲基-4(3H)-嘧啶(NHP)。通过质谱(MS)、核磁共振波谱(NMR)、紫外可见吸收光谱和荧光发射光谱等技术手段表征了其结构,研究了其光物理性质,以及外部环境改变对其发射光谱的影响。结果表明,化合物NHP的最佳吸收峰位于400 nm,最佳发射峰位于540 nm左右,且荧光发射不受金属离子、氨基酸和pH等环境因素的影响。生物实验结果表明,化合物NHP细胞毒性较小,且具有很好的活细胞和果蝇脑组织成像效果,是一种较为理想的双光子荧光生物成像染料。     

Fluorescent assemblies: Synergistic of amphiphilic molecules and fluorescent elements

In recent years, fluorescent assemblies based amphiphilic molecules have gained attention as unique and powerful materials for multiple applications that cover sensors, optoelectronics and bioimaging because of amphiphilic molecules self-assembly with outstanding flexibility and diversity spanning assembly structure from micelles, vesicles and nano-assemblies to gels. Weak and noncovalent interactions are important driving force for assemblies. The combination of the structural characteristics of self-assembly and the fluorescent properties of the fluorescent building element render the fluorescent material versatility and their easy-to-tune properties. Amphiphilic molecules can be used as building elements to co-assemble with dye molecules, aggregation-induced emission (AIE) gens, fluorescent nanoparticles and new amphiphilic molecules containing fluorescent groups can also be designed and prepared with self-assembly capability. Concomitantly, the improvement of fluorescence performance including fluorescence intensity, quantum yield, stability and controllability during assembly proved outstanding properties of fluorescence assemblies. These promising fluorescent assemblies are by far not exhaustive in construction method and mechanism explanation but foreshadow their more potential applications. Here, we will understand deeper the fluorescent assemblies and inspire future developments and applications employing this emerging fluorescence soft materials.     

基于聚集诱导发光的纳米粒子用于肝癌细胞靶向成像

利用具有聚集诱导发光特性的荧光染料4,4'-[(1E,1'E)蒽-9,10-二基双(乙烯-2,1-二基)]双(N,N-二甲基苯胺)(NDSA), 通过两亲性聚合物二硬脂酰基磷脂酰乙醇胺-聚乙二醇-N-羟基琥珀酰亚胺(DSPE-PEG-NHS)包覆的方法制备了明亮的橙色荧光纳米粒子, 其最大发射波长为559 nm, 在水溶液中具有2.89%的荧光量子产率. 该纳米粒子具有优异的发光特性和良好的生物相容性. 在该纳米粒子表面修饰肝癌细胞靶向的人类婆罗双树样基因-4(SALL4)抗体后, 荧光纳米粒子NDSA@SALL4可以特异性地靶向肝癌细胞, 还可以在细胞核富集, 呈现出明亮的橙色荧光, 为早期检测肝癌细胞提供了可能.     

Fabrication of Novel Polymer Nanoparticle-Based Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer Systems and their Tunable Fluorescence Properties

In this study, two hydrophobic fluorescent dyes, nitrobenzoxadiazolyl (NBD) and 9-(diethylamino)benzo[a]phenoxazin-5-one (NR) with different doping ratios were incorporated into polymer nanoparticles to constitute novel polymer nanoparticle-based fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) systems via a facile one-step mini-emulsion polymerization. Spectroscopic characteristics demonstrate that the two fluorophores have been successfully embedded into the nanoparticles, and the fluorescence emission intensity of the two hydrophobic dyes can be greatly enhanced in aqueous media. The as-prepared fluorescent nanoparticles also display a uniform small size (ca. 55 nm), high dye load, intense fluorescence, as well as controllable amount and ratio of the two dyes. The observed FRET efficiencies (16.0–75.2%), as well as the distance (r) between NBD (donor) and NR (acceptor), is closely correlated to the doping ratio of two dyes. Moreover, by varying the doping ratio of two dyes, the fluorescent nanoparticles would exhibit multicolor through FRET upon a single wavelength excitation, and the fluorescence emission signals of the dye-doped nanoparticles could be accurately tuned. These results indicate that the as-prepared uniform FRET-mediated nanoparticles are of high interest in multiplexed bioanalysis.     

Preparation of Fluorescence Tunable Polymer Nanoparticles by One-step Mini-emulsion

Fluorescence tunable polymer nanoparticles were prepared by incorporating two hydrophobic fluorescent dyes (9, 10-diphenylanthracene: DPA and nitrobenzoxadiazolyl: NBD) into polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) nanoparticles via one-step mini-emulsion polymerization method. The prepared fluorescent nanoparticles exhibit the spectral properties of both DPA and NBD dye, indicating that the two fluorophores have been incorporated into the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles greatly enhance the fluorescence emission of the two hydrophobic dyes in aqueous media probably by providing good protection of the dye molecules in the polymer nanoparticles matrix. Moreover, by varying the doping ratio of the two hydrophobic dyes, the polymer nanoparticles exhibit tunable and distinguishable emission characteristics under a single wavelength excitation via occuring fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET).     

侧链含氨基的聚(对亚苯基亚乙炔基-对亚苯基-咔唑)三元共聚物的合成及其聚集态下荧光特性

通过Sonogashira偶联反应制备了含有4-[2-(对苯胺)乙烯基]苯(M1)、2,5-二戊烷氧基-1,4-二乙炔基苯(M2)和9-辛基咔唑(M3)3种结构单元的三元共轭聚合物PPEC,并通过核磁共振氢谱确定了3种结构单元的比例为0.54∶1.00∶0.46(M1∶M2∶M3).由于在PPEC的侧链中含有氨基基团,通过在PPEC的THF溶液中分别加入水、甲醇和正己烷,诱导其产生聚集,其聚集后的荧光性质表现出明显的不同,在THF与水的混合溶剂中,PPEC发光强度会随着水含量的增加先是急剧降低,而后在高水含量时发光强度又显著增强;在THF与甲醇的混合溶剂中,PPEC发光强度随着甲醇的加入只是逐渐降低;在THF与正己烷的混合溶剂中,PPEC的发光强度则会随着正己烷的增加而增强.该结果表明氨基通过与水,或者自身所形成氢键作用,改变了PPEC分子链之间的聚集态结构,降低了分子内旋转非辐射能量效率,从而有效改善共轭聚合物的主链发光性质,这为设计聚集态下(或固态下)高性能的荧光共轭聚合物提供了一种新思路.     

Tetrapeptide self-assembled multicolor fluorescent nanoparticles for bioimaging applications

The biocompatibility and biodegradability of peptide self-assembled materials makes them suitable for many biological applications, such as targeted drug delivery, bioimaging, and tracking of therapeutic agents. According to our previous research, self-assembled fluorescent peptide nanoparticles can overcome the intrinsic optical properties of peptides. However, monochromatic fluorescent nanomaterials have many limitations as luminescent agents in biomedical applications. Therefore, combining different fluorescent species into one nanostructure to prepare fluorescent nanoparticles with multiple emission wavelengths has become a very attractive research area in the bioimaging field. In this study, the tetrapeptide Trp-Trp-Trp-Trp (WWWW) was self-assembled into multicolor fluorescent nanoparticles (TPNPs). The results have demonstrated that TPNPs have the blue, green, red and near infrared (NIR) fluorescence emission wavelength. Moreover, TPNPs have shown excellent performance in multicolor bioimaging, biocompatibility, and photostability. The facile preparation and multicolor fluorescence features make TPNPs potentially useful in multiplex bioanalysis and diagnostics.     

Preparation and Characterization of Uniform Near IR Polystyrene Nanoparticles

Biomaterials for in vivo fluorescence imaging are required to be biocompatible, nontoxic, photostable and highly fluorescent. Fluorescence must be in the near infrared (NIR) region of the electromagnetic spectrum to avoid absorption and autofluorescence of endogenous tissues. NIR fluorescent polystyrene nanoparticles may be considered ideal biomaterials for in vivo imaging applications. These NIR nanoparticles were prepared by a swelling process of polystyrene template nanoparticles with a hydrophobic NIR dye dissolved in a water‐miscible swelling solvent, a method developed for preparation of nonbiodegradable nanoparticles, for NIR fluorescent bioimaging applications. This method overcomes common problems that occur with dye entrapment during nanoparticle formation such as loss of fluorescence and size polydispersity. Fluorescence intensity of the nanoparticles was found to be size dependent, and was optimized for differently sized nanoparticles. The resulting NIR nanoparticles were also found to be more fluorescent and highly photostable compared to the free dye in solution, showing their potential as biomaterials for in vivo fluorescence imaging.     

A Three‐Component Assembly Promoted by Boronic Acids Delivers a Modular Fluorophore Platform (BASHY Dyes)

The modular assembly of boronic acids with Schiff‐base ligands enabled the construction of innovative fluorescent dyes [boronic acid salicylidenehydrazone (BASHY)] with suitable structural and photophysical properties for live cell bioimaging applications. This reaction enabled the straightforward synthesis (yields up to 99 %) of structurally diverse and photostable dyes that exhibit a polarity‐sensitive green‐to‐yellow emission with high quantum yields of up to 0.6 in nonpolar environments. These dyes displayed a high brightness (up to 54 000 m ^?1 cm^?1). The promising structural and fluorescence properties of BASHY dyes fostered the preparation of non‐cytotoxic, stable, and highly fluorescent poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) nanoparticles that were effectively internalized by dendritic cells. The dyes were also shown to selectively stain lipid droplets in HeLa cells, without inducing any appreciable cytotoxicity or competing plasma membrane labeling; this confirmed their potential as fluorescent stains.     

Triarylethene-based extended pi-systems: programmable synthesis and photophysical properties

[reaction: see text] On the basis of an efficient Pd-catalyzed triarylation to a vinylsilane platform, four types of structurally well-defined triarylethene-based extended pi-systems have been prepared very rapidly. From a compound library constructed by the present method, it was possible to find a number of interesting fluorescent materials, as well as interesting fluorescent properties such as aggregation-induced enhanced emission. A useful method for the rapid synthesis and property evaluation has also been developed.     

Aggregation-induced emission enhancement in poly(phenylene-ethynylene)s bearing aniline groups

Poly(phenylene ethynylene)s(P1) with 4-vinylaniline pendant groups were successfully prepared by the Sonogashira coupling polymerization between l,4-diethynyl-2,5-bis(pentyloxy)benzene and 4-[2-(2,5-dibromophenyl)vinyl]-aniline. In comparison with its analogue P2 without amino group,the emission of P1 is only enhanced by aggregation when adding n-hexane into its THF solution,exhibiting an aggregation-induced emission enhancement(AIEE) effect.When methanol or water instead of hexane was added into THF solution,P1,however,didn’t show AIEE.The results indicated that amino groups strengthen the inter-chain and intra-chain interactions in P1 and restrict the non-radiative energy transition. This strategy can provide a platform for developing highly sensitive and efficient bio- and chemosensors.     

基于聚集荧光增强体系的掺杂纳米粒子的可调控荧光发射与能量传递性质研究

通过再沉淀法制备了平均粒径200 nm左右的N,N'-双[4-(2'-苯并噻唑)-3-羟苯基]-5-叔丁基异酞酰胺(DHBIA)有机纳米粒子. 纳米粒子呈现出明显的聚集诱导荧光增强(AIEE)性质. 基于DHBIA聚集体的强荧光发射强度, 当其中掺杂有红光发射化合物N,N'-双[(4-二苯胺)-苯甲醛缩]二氨基马来腈(PBDM)作为能量受体时, 可清楚地观察到掺杂纳米颗粒中两种组分间的能量传递现象. 结果表明: 通过改变分子PBDM在体系中的掺杂浓度, 可实现对体系发光由绿色到红色的调控.     

Suppression of aggregation-induced fluorescence quenching in pyrene derivatives: photophysical properties and crystal structures

Two new pyrene-based fluorophores, namely 1-[4-(2,2-diphenylvinyl)phenyl]pyrene (PVPP) and 1,3,6,8-tetrakis[4-(2,2-diphenylvinyl)phenyl]pyrene (TPVPP), were synthesized through Suzuki coupling reaction and well characterized. PVPP successfully suppresses the fluorescence quenching of pyrene units in the solid state, displaying aggregation-induced enhanced emission. Despite the same substituent, TPVPP shows a different fluorescent behavior. On the basis of the crystal structures, the distinct optical behavior is discussed and clarified. The intermolecular C-H?π interaction has a dramatic effect on their photophysical properties in the solid state.     

High-Performance Quinoline-Malononitrile Core as a Building Block for the Diversity-Oriented Synthesis of AIEgens

In vivo fluorescent monitoring of physiological processes with high-fidelity is essential in disease diagnosis and biological research, but faces extreme challenges due to aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) and short-wavelength fluorescence. The development of high-performance and long-wavelength aggregation-induced emission (AIE) fluorophores is in high demand for precise optical bioimaging. The chromophore quinoline-malononitrile (QM) has recently emerged as a new class of AIE building block that possesses several notable features, such as red to near-infrared (NIR) emission, high brightness, marked photostability, and good biocompatibility. In this minireview, we summarize some recent advances of our established AIE building block of QM, focusing on the AIE mechanism, regulation of emission wavelength and morphology, the facile scale-up and fast preparation for AIE nanoparticles, as well as potential biomedical imaging applications.     

Biocompatible organic dots with aggregation-induced emission for in vitro and in vivo fluorescence imaging

Fluorescent probes play a key role in modern biomedical research. As compared to inorganic quantum dots (QDs) composed with heavy metal elements, organic dye-based fluorescent nanoparticles have higher biocompatibility and are richer in variety. However, traditional organic fluorophores tend to quench fluorescence upon aggregation, which is known as aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) effect that hinders the fabrication of highly emissive fluorescent nanoparticles. In this work, we demonstrate the synthesis of organic fluorescent dots with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) in far-red/near-infrared (FA/NIR) region. A conventional ACQ-characteristic fluorescent dye, 3,4:9,10-tetracarboxylic perylene bisimide (PBI), is converted into an AIE fluorogen through attaching two tetraphenylethylene (TPE) moieties. The fluorescent dots with surface folic acid groups are fabricated from PBI derivative (DTPEPBI), showing specific targeting effect to folate receptor-overexpressed cancer cells. In vivo studies also suggest that the folic acid-functionalized AIE dots preferentially accumulate in the tumor site through enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect and folate receptor-mediated active targeting effect. The low cyto-toxicity, good FR/NIR contrast and excellent targeting ability in in vitro/in vivo imaging indicate that the AIE dots have great potentials in advanced bioimaging applications.     

A C4N4 Diaminopyrimidine Fluorophore

A new scaffold for producing efficient organic fluorescent materials was identified: 2,5-diamino-4,6-diarylpyrimidine featuring a C4N4 elemental composition. Single-step installation of two aryl groups at the 4,6-positions of the pyrimidine core delivered fluorescent organic materials in a modular fashion. A range of fluorescent compounds with distinct absorption/emission properties was readily accessed by changing the aromatic attachments. A generally high absorption coefficient and quantum yield were observed, including C4N4 derivatives that could fluoresce even in the solid state. The two amino groups at the 2,5-positions of the pyrimidine were essential for intense fluorescence with a large Stokes shift, which was corroborated by structural relaxation to a p-iminoquinone-like structure in the excited state. Besides live-cell imaging capabilities, fluorescent labeling of a protein involved in autophagy elucidated a new protein–protein interaction, supporting potential utility in bioimaging applications.     

pH-induced changes in electronic absorption and fluorescence spectra of phenazine derivatives

The visible electronic absorption and fluorescence spectra as well as fluorescence polarization degrees of imidazo-[4,5-d]-phenazine (F1), 2-methylimidazo-[4,5-d]-phenazine (F2), 2-trifluoridemethylimidazo-[4,5-d]-phenazine (F3), 1,2,3-triazole-[4,5-d]-phenazine (F4) and their glycosides, imidazo-[4,5-d]-phenazine-N1-beta-D-ribofuranoside (F1rib), 1,2,3-triazole-[4,5-d]-phenazine-N1-beta-D-glucopyranoside (F4gl), were investigated in aqueous buffered solutions over the pH range of 0-12, where the spectral transformations were found to be reversible. The effects of protonation and deprotonation on spectral properties of these dyes were studied. We have determined the ranges of pH, where individual ionic species are predominant. In aqueous buffered solutions the fluorescence was found only for neutral species of F1, F1rib, F2, and F4gl dyes, whereas for the ionic forms of these dyes, as well as for F3 and F4 ones, the fluorescence has not been detected. The concentrational deprotonation pKa values were evaluated from experimental data. It was shown that donor-acceptor properties of the substituent group in the second position of the pentagonal ring substantially affect the values of the deprotonation constants and the character of protonation for chromophore. The substitution of a hydrogen atom in the NH-group by the sugar residue blocks the formation of the anionic species, and results in enhancement of the dye emission intensity. The steep emission dependence for F1 and F1rib over pH range of 0-7 with intensities ratio of IpH 7/IpH 1=60 allows us to propose them as possible indicator dyes in luminescence based pH sensors for investigation of processes accompanied by acidification, e.g. as gastric pH-sensors. A comparative analysis of the studied dyes has shown that F4gl is the most promising compound to be used as a fluorescent probe for investigation of molecular hybridization of nucleic acids.     

Synthesis and Fluorescence Properties of Thiazole-Boron Complexes Bearing a β-Ketoiminate Ligand

Novel fluorescent dyes, thiazole-boron complexes bearing β-ketoiminate ligands, have been synthesized, and their fluorescence properties were investigated. The BF(2) complexes showed a pronounced aggregation-induced emission enhancement effect because of the restriction of C-Ph intramolecular rotation. The BPh(2) complexes showed higher fluorescence quantum yields than the corresponding BF(2) complexes, both in solution and in the solid state.