Ligand-protected nanocluster-mediated photoswitchable fluorescent nanoprobes towards dual-color cellular imaging

Abstract

Dual-color photoswitchable fluorescent nanoparticles are designed based on ligand-protected gold nanoclusters, which exhibit a highly reversible switching ratio and can effectively distinguish dynamic/static fluorescence signals at sub-cellular levels.

Highly intense NIR emissive Cu4Pt2 bimetallic clusters featuring Pt(i)–Cu4–Pt(i) sandwich kernel

“…The QY of MeO-Cu 4 Pt 2 in the DMSO/H 2 O solution was determined to be 10.1%, indicating promising prospects for biological applications. 49–51…”

Photoswitching the fluorescence of nanoparticles for advanced optical applications

“… 91 The different photochromic properties of MC and MCH + could potentially cause a lack of spectral overlap in the FRET pair within PF NPs. 92 Hence, preserving the characteristics of non-aqueous photochromic components is crucial when designing PF NPs. Undoubtedly, the development of hydrophilic PF NPs will be necessary and beneficial for their potential applications in biological environments.…”

“…For example, our groups recently utilized dual-emission PF NPs based on ligand-protected AuNCs for enhanced cell imaging. 92 Dual-emission photoswitching ensures the presence of at least one bright signal, which provides a more reliable tracking process with enhanced imaging resolution compared to single-emission probes. As shown in Fig.…”

Recent Advances in Photoswitchable Fluorescent and Colorimetric Probes

“…Through intricately designed molecular structures, these probes can switch states from “on” to “off” or vice versa under specific light wavelengths, enabling highly sensitive and selective detection of specific molecules or ions. In biomedical research and clinical diagnostics, photoswitchable fluorescent probe technology offers an efficient method for precise biomolecular detection and real-time imaging [ 38 , 39 ]. The core design of these probes focuses on precisely controlling the fluorescent molecule’s emission state, providing researchers with unparalleled spatial and temporal resolution to precisely control the probe’s active state at the single-cell or even sub-cellular level, revealing microscopic details of complex intracellular dynamic processes.…”