Dual emitters as reporter luminophores for the use in biomedical imaging

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Jens Voskuhl
• Subject Area: Biological and Biomimetic Chemistry ; Organic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation
• Term: from 2018 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 405679982

The need for novel luminophores, which combine besides facile synthesis also photophysical parameters, such as high quantum yield, photostability and easy modification of the molecules periphery, is one of the most challenging disciplines in modern bioorganic chemistry. The project involves the synthesis, characterisation as well as the application of novel dual emitters, which can serve as reporter luminophors. One central goal in this context the design of a molecular platform for the determination of the location and the binding status of a luminophore simultaneously. This dual emission is widely unknown, since classic luminophors just show emission upon binding or permanently. Questions concerning the uptake or the way through biological material (cells, bacteria) remain unclear. The planned project aims for the simultaneous determination of the location and the binding status of a luminophore in a biological sample. The method of choice in this concept is the so-called aggregation-induced emission (Emission upon restriction of intramolecular motion) in combination with classic fluorophores, which opens a novel approach for the dual imaging in bioorganic chemistry. By introducing specific binding motifs on the novel luminophors, a selective targeting of defined cell compartments can be achieved. Furthermore step by step analysis of the uptake into biological material can be achieved.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants