A combination of super-resolution fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging using a Mn(ii) compound

Abstract

Detailed information can be gathered using images acquired from multi-scale imaging at the molecular and macroscopic levels. However, the technical difficulties in combining separate functional units and the impermeability to biological barriers remain two of the biggest challenges in the development of such imaging systems. Herein, we report two manganese(II) compounds (MnFM1 and MnFM2) which showed enhanced stable fluorescence including a two-photon signal and magnetic contrast. These metal complexes were rationally constructed using terpyridine-based ligands and manganese(II) ions with small molecular weights. In particular, MnFM1 demonstrated multi-modal imaging effectiveness based on a d⁵ electron configuration: the compound displayed not only good penetration into thick tissue with an enhanced magnetic signal but also the capability of two-photon imaging and stimulated emission depletion (STED) super-resolution imaging. Compared to nano-based cross-platform systems, this candidate might open up the possibility of a revolutionised multi-modal imaging technique using metallic probes.