Rational Design of a Near-Infrared Ratiometric Probe with a Large Stokes Shift: Visualization of Polarity Abnormalities in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Model Mice
Yaogeng Ma, Bingjie Guo, Jing‐Yuan Ge, Lepeng Chen, Ningning Lv, Xuan Wu, Jiuxi Chen, Zhongyan Chen
Abstract
Tracking liver polarity with noninvasive and dynamic imaging techniques is helpful to better understand the non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL). Herein, a novel near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe Cy-Mp is constructed using a “symmetry collapse” strategy. The structure modification leads to the conversion of locally excited state fluorescence to charge transfer state fluorescence. Cy-Mp emits at near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths with high photostability as well as a large Stokes shift. Cy-Mp exhibits a ratiometric response to polarity, providing more accurate analysis of intracellular polarity via the built-in internal reference correction. Most importantly, the in vivo studies indicate that Cy-Mp can accumulate in the liver and the decreased polarity in the liver of mice with NAFL is verified by the ratiometric imaging, implying the great potential of Cy-Mp in the diagnosis of NAFL.