A fluorescent molecular rotor for biomolecular imaging analysis
Abstract
Biological macromolecules play a crucial role in information transmission, energy storage and structural support, and are closely related to the physiological state of living organisms. Disruption of the macromolecular homeostasis or anomalies of cellular microenvironment can precipitate cellular dysfunction, potentially leading to a spectrum of diseases including diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, inflammatory conditions, and cancer. Consequently, aberrations in biological macromolecules have emerged as pivotal biomarkers linked to a myriad of diseases. Fluorescent molecular rotors play an essential role in imaging and analyzing biomarkers of biological macromolecules in living cells. When the rotation of fluorescent molecular rotors is restricted within biological macromolecules, the fluorescence of the probe is turned on, serving the purpose of imaging analysis. This article reviews the design principles of fluorescent molecular rotors, focusing on their application in the imaging analysis of biological macromolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids. By elucidating their mechanisms of action and applications, it is hoped to pave a new avenue of research for researchers in various fields.