Aggregation-Induced Emission (AIE) Fluorophore Exhibits a Highly Ratiometric Fluorescent Response to Zn2+ in vitro and in Human Liver Cancer Cells

作者：Mehdi, Hassan; Gong, Weitao^*; Guo, Huimin; Watkinson, Michael^*; Ma, Hua; Wajahat, Ali; Ning, Guiling^*

来源：Chemistry - A European Journal, 2017, 23(53): 13067-13075.

DOI：10.1002/chem.201701948

• aggregation-induced emission
• bioimaging
• fluorophores
• sensors
• zinc

Two novel organic fluorophores, containing bis-naphthylamide and quinoline motifs, have been designed and synthesized. One of the fluorophores contains an isobutylene unit and exhibits a significant aggregation-induced emission (AIE) and a remarkable highly selective ratiometric fluorescence response towards Zn2+ in solution as well as in human liver cancer cells. The AIE behavior of this fluorophore was fully verified by fluorescence and UV/Vis spectroscopy, quantum yield calculations, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, which revealed an intricate crystal packing system. Conversely, a fluorophore that lacks the isobutylene moiety did not exhibit any significant fluorescent properties as a result of its more flexible molecular structure that presumably allows free intramolecular rotational processes to occur.

• 出版日期2017-9-21
• 单位精细化工国家重点实验室; 大连理工大学