A photostable AIE luminogen for specific mitochondrial imaging and tracking

J Am Chem Soc. 2013 Jan 9;135(1):62-5. doi: 10.1021/ja310324q. Epub 2012 Dec 20.

Abstract

Tracking the dynamics of mitochondrial morphology has attracted much research interest because of its involvement in early stage apoptosis and degenerative conditions. To follow this process, highly specific and photostable fluorescent probes are in demand. Commercially available mitochondria trackers, however, suffer from poor photostability. To overcome this limitation, we have designed and synthesized a fluorescent agent, tetraphenylethene-triphenylphosphonium (TPE-TPP), for mitochondrial imaging. Inherent from the mitochondrial-targeting ability of TPP groups and the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics of the TPE core, TPE-TPP possesses high specificity to mitochondria, superior photostability, and appreciable tolerance to environmental change, allowing imaging and tracking of the mitochondrial morphological changes in a long period of time.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Ethylenes / chemistry*
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemistry*
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Mitochondria / chemistry*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Organophosphorus Compounds / chemistry*
  • Photochemical Processes

Substances

  • Ethylenes
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Organophosphorus Compounds