A homodimeric BODIPY rotor as a fluorescent viscosity sensor for membrane-mimicking and cellular environments

Phys Chem Chem Phys. 2014 Dec 28;16(48):27037-42. doi: 10.1039/c4cp04260c.

Abstract

Fluorescence properties of a novel homodimeric BODIPY dye rotor for Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) are reported. Steady state and time resolved fluorescence measurements established the viscosity dependent behaviour in vitro. Homodimeric BODIPY embedded in different membrane mimicking lipid vesicles (DPPC, POPC and POPC plus cholesterol) is demonstrated to be a viable sensor for fluorescence lifetime based viscosity measurements. Moreover, SKOV3 cells readily endocytosed the dye, which accumulated in membranous structures inside the cytoplasm thereby allowing viscosity mapping of internal cell components.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Boron Compounds / chemistry*
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Membrane / chemistry*
  • Cytoplasm / chemistry*
  • Dimerization
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Optical Imaging
  • Viscosity

Substances

  • 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene
  • Boron Compounds
  • Fluorescent Dyes