Recent Advances in Two-Photon AIEgens and Their Application in Biological Systems

Chembiochem. 2021 Jun 2;22(11):1871-1883. doi: 10.1002/cbic.202000709. Epub 2021 Mar 3.

Abstract

Two-photon fluorescence imaging technology has the advantages of high light stability, little light damage, and high spatiotemporal resolution, which make it a powerful biological analysis method. However, due to the high concentration or aggregation state of traditional organic light-emitting molecules, the fluorescence intensity is easily reduced or disappears completely, and is not conducive to optimal application. The concept of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) provides a solution to the problem of aggregation-induced luminescence quenching (ACQ), and realizes the high fluorescence quantum yield of luminescent molecules in the aggregation state. In addition, two-photon absorption properties can readily be improved just by increasing the loading content of AIE fluorogen (AIEgen). Therefore, the design and preparation of two-photon fluorescence probes based on AIEgen to achieve high-efficiency fluorescence imaging in vitro/in vivo has become a major research hotspot. This review aims to summarize representative two-photon AIEgens based on triphenylamine, tetraphenylethene, quinoline, naphthalene and other new structures from the past five years, and discuss their great potential in bioimaging applications.

Keywords: aggregation-induced luminescence; biological systems; imaging; photodynamic therapy; two-photon fluorescence.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aniline Compounds / chemical synthesis
  • Aniline Compounds / chemistry
  • Ethylenes / chemical synthesis
  • Ethylenes / chemistry
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemical synthesis
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemistry*
  • Naphthalenes / chemical synthesis
  • Naphthalenes / chemistry
  • Optical Imaging*
  • Photons*
  • Quinolines / chemical synthesis
  • Quinolines / chemistry

Substances

  • Aniline Compounds
  • Ethylenes
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Naphthalenes
  • Quinolines
  • naphthalene
  • quinoline