Two‐Photon Uncaging with the Efficient 3,5‐Dibromo‐2,4‐dihydroxycinnamic Caging Group

Abstract

An optical syringe for targeted delivery of a substrate in vivo has been developed on the basis of the 3,5-dibromo-2,4-dihydroxycinnamic caging group. Two-photon excitation of the caged compound uncages the substrate (ethanol in the scheme) and forms a coumarin whose fluorescence allows the concentration of released substrate to be quantified. Single-cell release can be achieved with a focused laser (shown schematically for a zebrafish embryo).