A NIR-BODIPY derivative for sensing copper(II) in blood and mitochondrial imaging

In order to develop NIR BODIPY for mitochondria targeting imaging agents and metal sensors, a side chain modified BODIPY (BPN) was synthesized and spectroscopically characterized. BPN has NIR emission at 765 nm when excited at 704 nm. The emission at 765 nm responded differently to Cu2+ and Mn2+ ions, respectively. The BPN coordinated with Cu2+ forming [BPNCu](2+) complex with quenched emission, while Mn2+ induced aggregation of BPN with specific fluorescence enhancement. Moreover, BPN can be applied to monitor Cu2+ in live cells and image mitochondria. Further, BPN was used as sensor for the detection of Cu2+ ions in serum with linear detection range of 0.45 mu M-36.30 mu M. Results indicate that BPN is a good sensor for the detection of Cu2+ in serum and image mitochondria. This study gives strategies for future design of NIR sensors for the analysis of metal ions in blood. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.