Fluorescence Probes Exhibit Photoinduced Structural Planarization: Sensing In Vitro and In Vivo Microscopic Dynamics of Viscosity Free from Polarity Interference

ACS Chem Biol. 2020 Jul 17;15(7):1862-1873. doi: 10.1021/acschembio.0c00100. Epub 2020 Jun 30.

Abstract

We demonstrate the construction of wavelength λ-ratiometric images that allow visualizing the distribution of microscopic dynamics within living cells and tissues by using the newly developed principle of fluorescence response. The bent-to-planar motion in the excited state of incorporated fluorescence probes leads to elongation of the π-delocalization, resulting in microviscosity-dependent but polarity-insensitive interplay between well-separated blue and red bands in emission spectra. This allows constructing the exceptionally contrasted images of cellular dynamics. Moreover, the application of probes with increased affinity toward biological membranes allowed detecting the differences in dynamics between the plasma membrane and intracellular membrane structures. Such λ-ratiometric microviscosity imaging was extended for mapping the living tissues and observing their inflammation-dependent changes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Membrane / chemistry
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism*
  • Ear, External / metabolism
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemistry*
  • Fluorescent Dyes / radiation effects
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Light
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Molecular Conformation / radiation effects
  • Sebaceous Glands / metabolism
  • Tomography, Optical
  • Unilamellar Liposomes / chemistry*
  • Viscosity

Substances

  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Unilamellar Liposomes