Bioimaging based on fluorescent carbon dots
Herein, we review the bioimaging application of three kinds of fluorescent carbon dots (CDs), namely, graphene quantum dots (GQDs), carbon nanodots (CNDs) and polymer dots (PDs).
Zn(II)-coordination modulated ligand photophysical processes – the development of fluorescent indicators for imaging biological Zn(II) ions
Knowledge of Zn(II) coordination-modulated ligand photophysics is the foundation for developing fluorescent indicators that help address challenges in Zn(II) biology.
Carbon-based quantum dots for fluorescence imaging of cells and tissues
On recent advances in the development of carbon-based quantum dots, carbon dots in particular, for fluorescence imaging of cells and tissues.
Utilization of the photophysical and photochemical properties of phosphorescent transition metal complexes in the development of photofunctional cellular sensors, imaging reagents, and cytotoxic agents
In this review article, we describe very recent applications of phosphorescent transition metal complexes in intracellular biosensing, bioimaging, and phototherapeutics.
Communication
Click chemistry facilitates direct labelling and super-resolution imaging of nucleic acids and proteins
We demonstrate super-resolution imaging of proteins and nucleic acids that were densely labelled with fluorophores using the concept of “click chemistry”.
One-pot synthesis, characterisation and kinetic stability of novel side-bridged pentaazamacrocyclic copper(II) complexes
Facile, one-step syntheses for novel side-bridged pentaazamacrocyclic copper(II) complexes are described. Detailed structural and spectroscopic characterisation was performed, and stability investigated, to assess their potential as bifunctional chelators for copper radiopharmaceuticals.
Paper
Two-photon phosphorescence lifetime imaging of cells and tissues using a long-lived cyclometallated Npyridyl^Cphenyl^Npyridyl Pt(II) complex
The ‘longer’ picture: emission bio-imaging over microsecond time frame with scanning, multi-photon posphorescence-lifetime-imaging-microscopy (PLIM).
Bio-imaging with neutral luminescent Pt(II) complexes showing metal⋯metal interactions
Self-assembled platinum compounds resulting in stable, highly emissive and long-lived species are reported for cell imaging.
8-TQEN (N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(8-quinolylmethyl)ethylenediamine) analogs as fluorescent cadmium sensors: strategies to enhance Cd2+-induced fluorescence and Cd2+/Zn2+ selectivity
Two 8-TQEN analogs, 6-MeO-8-TQEN (1b) and 8-TQOEPN (2c), exhibited fluorescent responses selective to Cd2+.
Wavelength and shape dependent SERS study to develop ultrasensitive nanotags for imaging of cancer cells
A systematic study of the factors contributing to SERS signal enhancement has lead to the development of ultrasensitive nanotags for cancer cell imaging.
Emissive europium complexes that stain the cell walls of healthy plant cells, pollen tubes and roots
Five europium complexes have been assessed for their ability to stain live plant cells, roots and pollen tubes using time resolved imaging and spectroscopy.
Imaging lipid order changes in endosome membranes of live cells by using a Nile Red-based membrane probe
Changes in the composition of endosome membranes during endocytosis can be imaged in live cells with the NR12S membrane probe.
A near-infrared fluorescent sensor for selective detection of cysteine and its application in live cell imaging
We develop a NIR fluorescent sensor based on cyanine dyes for the selective detection of Cys.
Salphen metal complexes as tunable G-quadruplex binders and optical probes
The quadruplex DNA affinities of a series of metal–salphen complexes have been studied as well as the cellular uptake and localisation by confocal microscopy in the case of the platinum(II) analogues.
About this collection
Welcome to this themed collection ‘Cellular and Tissue Imaging – Luminescent Tags and Probes’. Cellular and tissue imaging provides critical tools for scientists to understand cellular functions, combat disease and develop better medicines. There is a broad range of molecules/compounds that are effective in cellular imaging, including fluorescent organic dyes, phosphorescent metal complexes, luminescent lanthanide compounds and nanoparticles. Guest Edited by Professor Suning Wang (Queen’s University, Canada) and Professor J. Gareth Williams (University of Durham, UK), this collection presents exciting research emerging from this field.