Enantioselective Fluorescent Recognition of Free Amino Acids: Challenges and Opportunities

Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2020 Dec 1;59(49):21814-21828. doi: 10.1002/anie.202003969. Epub 2020 Sep 17.

Abstract

Fluorescent probes that can discriminate enantiomers of amino acids in organic media or aqueous solution are discussed. This Minireview focuses on recent progress in the studies of three classes of probes including those made of cyclodextrins, 1,1'-binaphthyl compounds, and nanomaterials, and uses them to illustrate the design strategies, applications, and limitations in this area. These probes are potentially useful for rapid analysis of asymmetric reactions for amino acid synthesis as well as the real-time imaging of amino acids in biological systems. The challenges in these applications are analyzed. Working in this field of enantioselective fluorescent recognition of amino acids offers great opportunities to make new scientific discoveries and to develop important practical applications.

Keywords: amino acids; chiral recognition; enantioselectivity; fluorescence.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids / analysis*
  • Cyclodextrins / chemical synthesis
  • Cyclodextrins / chemistry*
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemical synthesis
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemistry*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Naphthalenes / chemical synthesis
  • Naphthalenes / chemistry*
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Cyclodextrins
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Naphthalenes
  • 1,1'-binaphthyl