A lipid droplet-targeted NIR fluorescent probe for viscosity detection in Parkinson's disease

• Published in: Sensors and actuators. B, Chemical Vol. 420; p. 136441
• Main Authors: Ma, Sufang, Li, Leyan, Wan, Pinyu, Li, Lingyu, Huang, Zhouxin, Yu, Qiang, Zhang, Boye, Guo, Lixia, Yan, Lili, Li, Lihong, Wang, Haojiang, Wang, Bin, Diao, Haipeng, Liu, Wen, Zhang, Chengwu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.12.2024
• Subjects: Lipid droplet-targeting; NIR fluorescent probe; Parkinson's disease; Viscosity detection; Lipid droplet-targeting; Parkinson's disease; NIR fluorescent probe; Viscosity detection
• ISSN: 0925-4005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2024.136441

Investigating lipid droplets (LDs) is crucial for elucidating their role in biological function and the pathogenesis of related diseases, including Parkinson's disease (PD). Therefore, developing a fluorescent probe to measure LDs viscosity is crucial. To address the challenges of complex biological environments, a chemical toolbox, F-675, was introduced based on the twisted - intramolecular charge transfer mechanism. F-675 featured a large Stokes shift of 158 nm and emitted near-infrared emission at 675 nm, facilitating LDs detection with minimal biological fluorescent background. Additionally, F-675 exhibited excellent selectivity and sensitivity to changes of LDs. Furthermore, F-675 effectively detected LDs changes in PD models, ranging from cells, C. elegans and Parkin null Drosophila. These findings indicate the potential of F-675 as an effective tool for PD diagnosis. •A chemical toolbox, F-675, was synthesized by only two steps.•F-675 featured a large Stokes shift of 158 nm and emitted near-infrared light at 675 nm.•F-675 exhibited excellent selectivity and sensitivity to changes in LDs viscosity.•F-675 effectively detected increased viscosity in PD models, ranging from cells, C. elegans and Parkin null Drosophila.