Enhancing Alkyne-Based Raman Tags with a Sulfur Linker

J Phys Chem B. 2023 Mar 9;127(9):1976-1982. doi: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c09093. Epub 2023 Feb 23.

Abstract

Alkyne-based Raman tags have proven their utility for biological imaging. Although the alkynyl stretching mode is a relatively strong Raman scatterer, the detection sensitivity of alkyne-tagged compounds is ultimately limited by the magnitude of the probe's Raman response. In order to improve the performance of alkyne-based Raman probes, we have designed several tags that benefit from π-π conjugation as well as from additional n-π conjugation with a sulfur linker. We show that the sulfur linker provides additional enhancement and line width narrowing, offering a simple yet effective strategy for improving alkyne-based Raman tags. We validate the utility of various sulfur-linked alkyne tags for cellular imaging through stimulated Raman scattering microscopy.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Alkynes*
  • Nonlinear Optical Microscopy
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman* / methods

Substances

  • Alkynes