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

Watkinson

Abstract

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.

• Acceptance Date: Jun 14, 2017
• Publication Date: Aug 1, 2017
• Journal: Chemistry: A European Journal
• Print ISSN: 0947-6539
• Publisher: Wiley
• Pages: 13067 - 13075
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.201701948
• Keywords: aggregation-induced emission, bioimaging, flurophores, sensors, zinc
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.201701948