Luminescent terphen[3]arene sulfate-activated FRET assemblies for cell imaging

Multicharged supramolecular assemblies based on luminescent macrocycle play an important role in extending their optical properties and functions.Herein,we reported macrocyclic supramolecular assemblies based on luminescent terphen[3]arene sulfate(TP[3]AS)and tetraphenylethylene pyridinium(TPE-4Py)through electrostatic interactions,host-guest encapsulation andπ-πstacking interactions.F?rster resonance energy transfer(FRET)process from TP[3]AS to TPE-4Py was achieved with the energy transfer efficiency of 99.9%,accompanied by TPE-4Py fluorescence emission bathochromic shifted of 15 nm and enhanced by 1.68 times in PBS solution.In contrast,other non-luminescent sulfato-β-cyclodextrin and sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin only can enhance the fluorescence intensity of TPE-4Py without bathochromic shift.Due to the strong fluorescence and good stability of TPE-4Py@TP[3]AS,it can be used for optical imaging in living cells,which provided an effective approach for the construction of assembling-confined luminescent biomaterials.

Phase separation in synthetic biology

Background:The concept of phase separation has been used to describe and interpret physicochemical phenomena in biological systems for decades.Many intracellular macromolecules undergo phase separation,where it plays important roles in gene regulation,cellular signaling,metabolic reactions and so on,due to its unique dynamic properties and biological effects.As the noticeable importance of phase separation,pioneer researchers have explored the possibility to introduce the synthetically engineered phase separation for applicable cell function.Results:In this article,we illustrated the application value of phase separation in synthetic biology.We described main states of phase separation in detail,summarized some ways to implement synthetic condensates and several methods to regulate phase separation,and provided a substantial amount of identical examples to illuminate the applications and perspectives of phase separation in synthetic biology.Conclusions:Multivalent interactions implement phase separation in synthetic biology.Small molecules,light control and spontaneous interactions induce and regulate phase separation.The synthetic condensates are widely used in signal amplifications,designer orthogonally non-membrane-bound organelles,metabolic pathways,gene regulations,signaling transductions and controllable platforms.Studies on quantitative analysis,more standardized modules and precise spatiotemporal control of synthetic phase separation may promote the further development of this field.