Boron-containing two-photon-absorbing chromophores. 3. One- and two-photon photophysical properties of p-carborane-containing fluorescent bioprobes

Inorg Chem. 2011 May 16;50(10):4272-8. doi: 10.1021/ic102043v. Epub 2011 Apr 14.

Abstract

Boron-containing two-photon-absorbing fluorophores have been prepared as new bifunctional molecules, potentially useful in two-photon excited microscopy (TPEM) and boron neutron capture therapy. They are based on a one-dimensional conjugated system containing a p-carborane entity at one end of the molecule and various electron-donating groups containing oxygen or nitrogen atoms at the other end. We investigated their one- and two-photon photophysical properties. They showed efficient fluorescence in an organic solvent, as well as in water for two of them, allowing microscopy on cell cultures. High two-photon absorption cross sections were determined in the 700-900 nm range. TPEM images were obtained with these new p-carborane-containing fluorophores, with laser intensities in the submilliwatt range.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biosensing Techniques / methods*
  • Boranes / chemical synthesis*
  • Boranes / metabolism
  • Boron Neutron Capture Therapy
  • Female
  • Fluorescence
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemical synthesis*
  • Fluorescent Dyes / metabolism
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Lasers
  • Light
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence, Multiphoton
  • Photochemical Processes / radiation effects
  • Photons

Substances

  • Boranes
  • Fluorescent Dyes