Indacene-Based Fluorescent Probe for Acid Organelle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pH-sensitive fluorescent probes are ineffective in emitting intense fluorescence in acidic regions, limiting their ability to accurately measure the functions of acid organelles in live cells.
Innovation Solution
A compound with an indacene structure and two carboxyalkyl groups, combined with an aniline derivative, functions as a pH-sensitive fluorescent probe that emits intense fluorescence in acidic regions while being non-fluorescent in neutral to alkaline regions, allowing for sensitive detection of acid organelles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional pH-sensitive fluorescent probes are used, then they can measure pH in neutral to alkaline regions, but they fail to emit intense fluorescence in acidic regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the molecular structure of the fluorescent probe by introducing a specific intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) system with electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups. This structural parameter change enables the probe to exhibit enhanced fluorescence intensity specifically in acidic regions (pH 4-6) while maintaining functionality across a broader pH range, resolving the contradiction between intensity in acidic regions and overall pH range coverage.
2Measurement precision
If existing fluorescent probes are used, then they provide basic pH measurement capability, but they lack the sensitivity required for detecting weak acidity in acid organelles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces functional groups with specific electron-donating and electron-withdrawing properties at particular positions within the molecular structure. This local quality enhancement creates a highly sensitive ICT system that specifically responds to weak acidity (pH 4-6) conditions in acid organelles, thereby improving both measurement precision and detection reliability for the target environment.
3Illumination intensity
If conventional probes are used, then they can be applied in basic conditions, but they show decreased fluorescence intensity when applied in acidic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite molecular structure combining specific electron-donating groups (such as amino or hydroxyl groups) with electron-withdrawing groups (such as carbonyl or nitro groups) in a carefully designed spatial arrangement. This composite structure enables the probe to maintain effectiveness across different pH conditions while specifically enhancing fluorescence intensity in acidic regions through the ICT mechanism.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The probe effectively measures intracellular acidic regions and acid organelle functions, such as endocytosis, with high sensitivity and water solubility, enabling precise pH measurements in cells.
Implementation Method 1
a pH-sensitive fluorescent probe which emits intense fluorescence in an acidic region
Implementation Method 2
the indacene structure is introduced with two carboxyalkyl groups and further introduced with an aniline derivative moiety as a moiety for detecting acidity
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A compound represented by the following general formula (I): wherein R1 represents an amino group which may be substituted with one or two alkyl groups; R2, R3, R4 and R5 independently represent an alkyl group; and R6 and R7 independently represent a monocarboxyalkyl group, a salt thereof, or an ester thereof, which is useful as a pH-sensitive fluorescent probe which emits intense fluorescence in an acidic region.