A terpy-functionalized benzodifuran-based fluorescent probe for in vitro monitoring cellular Zn(II) uptake. (25th September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Songjie; Huang, Xiao; Decurtins, Silvio; Albrecht, Christiane; Liu, Shi-Xia
• Is Part Of: Polyhedron. Volume 134(2017)
• Page Start: 287
• Page End: 294
• Publication Date: 2017-09-25
• Subjects: Benzodifuran -- Fluorescent probe -- Supramolecular assembly -- Coordination chemistry -- Biological activity; Chemistry, Inorganic -- Periodicals; Chimie inorganique -- Périodiques; Organometaalverbindingen; Anorganische chemie; 546.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.poly.2017.06.037
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0277-5387

Abstract

Graphical abstract: A new amphiphilic benzo[1, 2- b :4, 5- b′ ]difuran-based fluorophore for in vitro detection of Zn(II) ions in biological systems is presented. Abstract: High interest in the detection and quantification of (elevated) intracellular zinc levels in tumor cells has been aroused due to the crucial physiological roles and the pathophysiological implications of zinc. Despite their diverse applications, benzo[1, 2- b :4, 5- b′ ]difuran (BDF) derivatives as a fluorescent Zn(II) probe in living cells have not been reported. By careful chemical design of molecular components, we prepared and fully characterized a new amphiphilic BDF-based fluorophore. A series of experiments were carried out to test the cytotoxicity and cellular uptake behavior in human cancer derived HeLa cells. The ligand fluorescence is strongly quenched upon the addition of Zn(II) ions. The high cell membrane permeability, low cytotoxicity and significant fluorescence quenching behavior render this ligand very promising for in vitro detection of Zn(II) ions in biological systems.