Activatable fluorescent probes for imaging and diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is a systemic autoimmune disease that is primarily manifested as synovitis and polyarticular opacity and typically leads to serious joint damage and irreversible disability,thus adversely affecting locomotion ability and life quality.Consequently,good prognosis heavily relies on the early diagnosis and effective therapeutic monitoring of RA.Activatable fluorescent probes play vital roles in the detection and imaging of biomarkers for disease diagnosis and in vivo imaging.Herein,we review the fluorescent probes developed for the detection and imaging of RA biomarkers,namely reactive oxygen/nitrogen species(hypochlorous acid,peroxynitrite,hydroxyl radical,nitroxyl),pH,and cysteine,and address the related challenges and prospects to inspire the design of novel fluorescent probes and the improvement of their performance in RA studies.

Fluorescent probes for imaging and detection of plant hormones and their receptors

Exploring plant behavior at the cellular scale in a minimally invasive manner is critical to understanding plant adaptation to the environment.Phytohormones play vital regulatory roles in multiple aspects of plant growth and development and acclimation to environmental changes.Since the biosynthesis,modification,transportation,and degradation of plant hormones in plants change with time and space,their content level and distribution are highly dynamic.To monitor the production,transport,perception,and distribution of phytohormones within undamaged tissues,we require qualitative and quantitative tools endowed with remarkably high temporal and spatial resolution.Fluorescent probes are regarded as excellent tools for widespread plant imaging because of their high sensitivity and selectivity,reproducibility,real-time in situ detection,and uncomplicated mechanism elucidation.In this review,we provide a systematical overview of the progress in the sensing and imaging of phytohormone fluorescent probes and fluorescently labeled phytohormones to their receptors in plants.Moreover,forthcoming viewpoints and possible applications of these fluorescent probes within the realm of plants are also presented.We hold the conviction that the new perspective brought by this paper can promote the development of fluorescent probes,enabling them to have better detection performance in plant hormone imaging.

Recent progress in pyroptosis probes and inducers

Pyroptosis is a newly identified form of regulated cell death driven by pathogen-associated molecular patterns(PAMPs),environment-or host-derived damage-associated molecular patterns(DAMPs),gram-negative bacteria,and chemotherapy drugs.Emerging evidence shows the potential of pyroptosis for biosensor development and cancer therapy,particularly for treating cancers resistant to traditional therapies.However,the published pyroptosis reviews mainly focused on multiple pyroptosis mechanisms and pathways.Therefore,it is timely to summarize the application of pyroptosis-based fluorescent probes highlighted by their detection capabilities and sensitivity as well as promising pyroptosis-inducing agents(including small molecules and nanomaterials)for cancer therapy.In this review,we comprehensively reviewed the current strategies for both probes and inducers to diagnosis or fight against cancers based on pyroptosis.We also highlighted the advantages of their strategies of design,mechanism,and application and provided new insights to overcome their challenges.

Hydroxylated graphene quantum dots as fluorescent probes for sensitive detection of metal ions

Highly sensitive methods are important for monitoring the concentration of metal ions in industrial wastewater.Here,we developed a new probe for the determination of metal ions by fluorescence quenching.The probe consists of hydroxylated graphene quantum dots(H-GQDs),prepared from GQDs by electrochemical method followed by surface hydroxylation.It is a non-reactive indicator with high sensitivity and detection limits of 0.01μM for Cu2+,0.005μM for Al3+,0.04μM for Fe3+,and 0.02μM for Cr3+.In addition,the low biotoxicity and excellent solubility of H-GQDs make them promising for application in wastewater metal ion detection.

Ultrasensitive Detection of Glyphosate Using CdTe Quantum Dots in Sol-Gel-Derived Silica Spheres Coated with Calix[6]arene as Fluorescent Probes

We have developed a simple method for the preparation of highly fluorescent and stable, water-soluble CdTe quantum dots in sol-gel-derived composite silica spheres which were coated with calix[6]arene. The resulting nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized in terms of UV, fluorescence and FT-IR spectroscopy and TEM. The results show that the new NPs display more intense fluorescence intensity and are more stable than its precursors of the type SiO2/CdTe. Under the optimum, the novel NPs exhibit a higher selectivity and ultrasensitive fluorescence probes for the determination of gly-phosate over other pesticides, the fluorescence intensity increase with the concentration of glyphosate in the range from 1.0 to 25.0 nmol/L and the detection limit is low to 0.0725 nmol/L. A mechanism is suggested to explain the inclusion process by a Langmuir binding isotherm.

Development of taxonomic rRNA-targeted probes of two harmful algae: Prorocentrum minimum and Karenia mikimotoi by fluorescence in situ hybridization

Harmful algal blooms recently have been under the spotlight throughout the world, because of their nega- tive impact on the marine environment, aquaculture, fisheries as well as public health. The development of methods for rapid and precise identification and quantification of causative species is essential for the warning and monitoring of blooms, among which the techniques based on taxonomic probes are the most favored. In this study, two harmful algae, i.e., Prorocentrum minimum and Karenia mikimotoi were tak- en into consideration. The partial large subunit rDNA （D1-D2） of both species were firstly PCR-amplified, cloned and sequenced. The obtained sequences were then introduced to carry out alignment analysis for gene specific regions. Three respective candidate probes for each species were designed and used to screen the optimal probe by performing fluorescence in situ hybridization （FISH） tests. The results showed that the probes Pmin0443 and Kmik0602 displayed the best hybridization for P. minimum and K.. mikimotoi, respectively. Both the specific （taxonomic） （Pmin0443 and Kmik0602） and the control probes （UniC0512 and UniR0499） were used for cross-reactivity tests with other microalgae in our laboratory. The probes Pmin0443 and Kmik0602 are specific and could be served as taxonomic probes introduced into the tech- niques targeting rRNA, such as FISH, sandwich hybridization, and DNA-microarray assay of P minimum and K. mikimotoi in the future. Finally, FISH analyses with both probes were performed on the simulated field samples. The probes could hybridize exclusively with the target cells well, and no significant differ- ence （p 〉0.05） was observed in the cell densities of the samples determined by FISH and light microscopy （LM）. All suggest that the probes are specific and could be introduced into FISH for the monitoring of both harmful algae.

Fluorescence imaging of drug target proteins using chemical probes

Fluorescence imaging can provide valuable information on the expression,distribution,and activity of drug target proteins.Chemical probes are useful small-molecule tools for fluorescence imaging with high structural flexibility and biocompatibility.In this review,we briefly introduce two classes of fluorescent probes for the visualization of drug target proteins.Enzymatically activatable probes make use of the specific enzymatic transformations that generally produce a fluorogenic response upon reacting with target enzymes.Alternatively,specific imaging can be conferred with a ligand that drives the probes to target proteins,where the labeling relies on noncovalent binding,covalent inhibition,or traceless labeling by ligand-directed chemistry.

Application and development of fluorescence probes in MINFLUX nanoscopy(invited paper)

The MINimal emission FLUXes(MINFLUX)technique in optical microscopy,widely recognized as the next innovative fluorescence microscopy method,claims a spatial resolution of 1-3 nm in both dead and living cells.To make use of the full resolution of the MINFLUX microscope,it is important to select appropriate fluorescence probes and labeling strategies,especially in living-cell imaging.This paper mainly focuses on recent applications and developments of fluorescence probes and the relevant labeling strategy for MINFLUX microscopy.Moreover,we discuss the deficiencies that need to be addressed in the future and a plan for the possible progression of MINFLUX to help investigators who have been involved in or are just starting in the field of super-resolution imaging microscopy with theoretical support.

Computational design of ratiometric two-photon fluorescent Zn2+probes based on quinoline and di-2-picolylamine moieties

To improve two-photon absorption(TPA)response of a newly synthesized probe,a series of ratiometric two-photon fluorescent Zn^(2+) sensors based on quinoline and DPA moieties have been designed.The one-photon absorption,TPA,and emission properties of the experimental and designed probes before and after coordination with Zn^(2+) are investigated employing the density functional theory in combination with response functions.The design consists of two levels.In the first level of design,five probes are constructed through using several electron acceptors or donors to increase accepting or donating ability of the fluorophores.It shows that all the designed probes have stronger TPA intensities at longer wavelengths with respect to the experimental probe because of the increased intra-molecular charge transfer.Moreover,it is found that the probe 4 built by adding an acyl unit has the largest TPA cross section among the designed structures due to the form of longer conjugated length and more linear backbone.One dimethylamino terminal attached along the skeleton can improve TPA intensity more efficiently than two side amino groups.Therefore,in the second level of design,a new probe 7 is formed by both an acyl unit and a dimethylamino terminal.It exhibits that the TPA cross sections of probe 7 and its zinc complex increase dramatically.Furthermore,the fluorescence quantum yields of the designed probes4 and 7 are calculated in a new way,which makes use of the relation between the computed difference of dipole moment and the measured fluorescence quantum yield.The result shows that our design also improves the fluorescence quantum yield considerably.All in all,the designed probes 4 and 7 not only possess enhanced TPA intensities but also have large differences of emission wavelength upon Zn^(2+) coordination and strong fluorescence intensity,which demonstrates that they are potential ratiometric two-photon fluorescent probes.

STRUCTURAL INVESTIGATION OF A NEW POLYORGANOSILOXANE CONTAINING NANOTUBULAR CAVITIES USING ORGANIC FLUORESCENT PROBES

Fluorescent molecules - p-dimethylaminobenzonitrile (DMABN) and trans-stilbene (TSB ) - were used as probes to investigate the inner structure of the nanotubular cavities contained in a new polyorganosiloxane (POS) which was prepared by the hydrosilylation coupling reaction of cis-isotactic ladderlike polyvinylsilsesquioxane (Vi-T) with 1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxane (H-MM) as coupling agent in the presence of catalyst dicyclopentadienyldichloroplatinum (Cp2PtCl2). The results from FTIR spectra and fluorescence spectra in combination with molecular simulation reveal that the cross-section of the nanotubular cavity is nearly rectangular in shape, and is about 0.62 nm in width and about 0.38 nm in height. This work gains in-depth knowledge into the inner structure of the nanotubular cavities of POS and furthermore provides a guide to the selection of proper guest molecules in constructing functional supramolecular clathrate based upon POS.

Study on Anticoagulation Factor I from Agkistrodon Acutus Venom by Rare Earth Ion Probes

It was observed that rare earth ions (Nd 3+, Sm 3+, Eu 3+, Gd 3+, Tb 3+) have significant quenching effects on the fluorescence of anticoagulation factor I (ACF I). The results of the fluorescence titration of ACF I with rare earth ions demonstrate that ACF I has two RE 3+-binding sites, and the rare earth ions and Ca 2+ bind to ACF I competitively in the two similar sites. The association constants K 1 and K 2 of ACF I with each rare earth ions (Nd 3+, Sm 3+, Eu 3+, Gd 3+, Tb 3+) are close to each other, which indicates the structural similarity of the two binding sites in ACF I. Although the ionic radii of Nd 3+, Sm 3+, Eu 3+, Gd 3+ and Tb 3+ are different, both their K 1 and K 2 are similar, respectively. This reveals the conformational flexibility of the two binding sites in ACF I, which offers a possibility for Ca 2+ to take play in the inducing conformational changes of ACF I and the promoting the binding of ACF I with activated coagulation factor X.

Synthesis of 3-hydroxyflavone fluorescent probes and study of their fluorescence properties

Direct measurement of dipole potential in biological membranes has been impossible and 3-hydroxyflavones(3HFs) have allowed detection of changes in dipole potential in biological systems.In the present study,sixteen derivatives of 3HF with aliphatic hydrocarbon chains of different lengths at 4′-position and 6-position were synthesized.The basic fluorescence properties of 3HFs are maintained in all the probes in terms of strong blue shift in maximum fluorescence emission wavelength and>100 fold increase in quantum yield in organic solvents and in dioleoylphosphatidylcholine(DOPC) small unilamellar vesicles(SUV) in comparison to in aqueous Hepes buffer(15 mmol/L,pH 7.4).More importantly,the ability of the new compounds to report dipole potential changes in biological systems are also maintained,since all the new probes showed spectrum properties that are similar to yet different from that of F4N1,which potentially may allow more sensitive measurement of the dipole potential change in membranes.

Synthesis and Spectral Characterization of Novel Sulfhydryl-reactive Benzimidazole Fluorescent Probes

Three sulfhydryl-reactive fluorescent probes, which contain 2-（1H-benzoimidazol-2-yl）-phenol and maleimide group, were synthesized and their structures were characterized by IR and ^1H NMR. Their photo-physical properties and the specificity to sulfhydryl group in the 2-mercapto-ethanol as well as the L-cysteine adducts were indicated by fluorescence intensity. Preliminary tests revealed that the probes could react selectively with the cysteine molecules, suggesting that these probes might be generally useful in biomedical researches.

Recent development of organic small-molecule and nanomaterial fluorescent probes for hydrazine

Hydrazine,an essential chemical,has been used within a wide spectrum of industries,including pesticides,pharmaceuticals and even satellite-launching systems.However,the excessive consumption of hydrazine raised the risk of environmental pollution accidents and occurrence of diseases because of its high toxicity and volatility.This led to the discovery of diverse fluorescent probes for the monitoring of the dangerous substance,including those based on organic small molecules and emerging nanomaterials.Herein,we are going to present a comprehensive review of recently reported hydrazine fluorescent probes,and discuss their structure design strategies and detection mechanisms.In particular,both organic small-molecule and nanomaterial fluorescent probes for hydrazine will be discussed together for the first time.

An insight into the in vivo imaging potential of curcumin analogues as fluorescence probes

Curcumin and its derivatives have good electrical and optical properties due to the highly symmetric structure of delocalized π electrons. Apart from that, curcumin and its derivatives can interact with numerous molecular targets, thereby exerting less side effects on human body. The fluorescence emission wavelength and fluorescence intensity of curcumin can be enhanced by modifying its π-conjugated system and β-diketone structure. Some curcumin-based fluorescent probes have been utilized to detect soluble/insoluble amyloid-β protein, intracranial reactive oxygen species, cysteine, cancer cells, etc. Based on the binding characteristics of curcumin-based fluorescent probes with various target molecules, the factors affecting the fluorescence intensity and emission wavelength of the probes are analyzed, in order to obtain a curcumin probe with higher sensitivity and selectivity. Such an approach will be greatly applicable to in vivo fluorescence imaging.

Ester-Derivatized Indoles as Fluorescent and Infrared Probes for Hydration Environments

Tryptophan derivatives have long been used as site-specific biological probes. 4-Cyanotrypto- phan emits in the visible region and is the smallest blue fluorescent amino acid probe for bio- logical applications. Other indole or tryptophan analogs may emit at even longer wavelengths than 4-cyanotryptophan. We performed FTIR, UV-Vis, and steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy on six ester-derivatized indoles in different solvents. Methyl indole- 4-carboxylate emits at 450 nrn with a long fluorescence lifetirne, and is a promising candidate for a fluorescent probe. The ester-derivatized indoles could be used as spectroscopic probes to study local protein environments. Our measurements provide a guide for choosing esterderivatized indoles to use in practice and data for computational modeling of the effect of substitution on the electronic transitions of indole.

Optical Properties and Response Mechanism Analysis of Multi-branched Fluorescent Probes Based on Intramolecular Charge Transfer

In this work, the optical properties of fluorescent probes used for detection of biothiol were studied by employing time-dependent density functional theory. By calculating the single photon absorption and emission properties of probe Mol.1, Mol.2 and Mol.3 before and after reaction with cysteine and homocysteine, we have investigated the effect of carboncarbon triple bond and benzene ring on the properties of fluorescent probes. It is found that the oscillator strength of probe molecules increases gradually with the improvement of the structure of the electron donor triphenylamine and the addition of carbon-carbon triple bonds, and better properties of fluorescence probes have also been demonstrated. At the same time, the effect of different number of side branches on the molecular properties of the probe was also studied. The results showed that compared with single-branched molecule Z1 and tribranched probe Mol.3, two side probe molecules Z2 had higher oscillator strength and better detection effect. In addition, the new single-branched probe Mol.4 with the addition of carbon-carbon triple bonds and benzene rings has better probe properties and simpler structure than the tribranched probe Mol.3.

Responsive mechanism and molecular design of di-2-picolylamine-based two-photon fluorescent probes for zinc ions

The properties of one-photon absorption（OPA）, emission and two-photon absorption（TPA） of a di-2-picolylaminebased zinc ion sensor are investigated by employing the density functional theory in combination with response functions.The responsive mechanism is explored. It is found that the calculated OPA and TPA properties are quite consistent with experimental data. Because the intra-molecular charge transfer（ICT） increases upon zinc ion binding, the TPA intensity is enhanced dramatically. According to the model sensor, we design a series of zinc ion probes which differ by conjugation center, acceptor and donor moieties. The properties of OPA, emission and TPA of the designed molecules are calculated at the same computational level. Our results demonstrate that the OPA and emission wavelengths of the designed probes have large red-shifts after zinc ions have been bound. Comparing with the model sensor, the TPA intensities of the designed probes are enhanced significantly and the absorption positions are red-shifted to longer wavelength range. Furthermore, the TPA intensity can be improved greatly upon zinc ion binding due to the increased ICT mechanism. These compounds are potential excellent candidates for two-photon fluorescent zinc ion probes.

BRCA1 Mutation Detection Using Fluorescent Hybridization Probes and Melting Curves

The BRCA1 （Breast Cancer Anti-estrogen resistance-I）, early-onset gene is expressed in cells of breast and other tissue and helps to repair damaged DNA or destroy cells in cases DNA cannot be repaired. When the BRCA1 gene is damaged, then the DNA is not repaired appropriately and this enhances the risk for cancer. Fluorescence and UV-visible thermal studies were performed for WT （wild type） and MT （mutant type targets） full systems. The target DNAs used were in the form of short oligonucleotides, genomic DNA. The probe system was used for detection of WT and SNP alleles of human BRCAI [（170-190, G---~T） and （290-310, G---~T）]. The Cy5 dye attached to a probe oligonucleotide （10-mer） undergoes a fluorescence intensity change on hybridisation of the probe to the WT compared to MT targets. Our results indicate that the system consisting of the target sequence and the one probe oligonucleotides bearing the Cy5 dye assemble correctly at the specified target. Once the full system （probe and target） is arranged under suitable conditions, a red-shift emission and change in fluorescence intensity are seen at a suitable wavelength. Thermal studies also showed significant differences in T,, between WT and MT. The results suggest that the differences in the fluorescence intensity at 665 nm and the spectrophotometric T,,,cs） for the WT and MT can be attributed to the type of binding of the probe to the target. The systems were sensitive to single nucleotide polymorphisms and this may help in high throughput applications in genetic testing and molecular diagnostics.

Fluorescent probes for the detection of biogenic amines,nitrite and sulfite in food:Progress,challenges and perspective

Foodborne contaminants such as biogenic amines(BAs),nitrite and sulfite are harmful to human health.To safeguard food safety,the content of BAs,nitrite and sulfite should be strictly controlled.Small-molecule fluorescent probes are a promising analytical tool for monitoring BAs,nitrite and sulfite because they are highly sensitive and selective,offer simplicity of operation,and can enable optical signal visualization of the analyte.In this review,we summarize the most recent progress on the development of fluorescent probes for selectively detecting BAs,nitrite,and sulfite.In particular,we discuss the working mechanisms,sensing performance,and practical applications of various fluorescent probes that have been developed in recent years for detecting BAs,nitrite,and sulfite,with a particular emphasis on the utilization of these probes in food.Lastly,we discuss the research directions,trends,and prospects of molecular fluorescent probes in food applications in the future.We hope this review can offer conceptual and design guidance for researchers and practitioners to develop novel fluorescent probes for food safety.