Simultaneously and Selectively Imaging a Cytoplasm Membrane and Mitochondria Using a Dual-Colored Aggregation-Induced Emission Probe

Abstract

Analysis of subcellular organelles (e.g., a cytoplasm membrane and mitochondria) during cellular processes can provide particularly useful information for our understanding of cell chemistry and biology. For this purpose, fluorescent probes capable of dynamically imaging multiple organelles in a simultaneous and selective manner are highly demanded, yet such probes are scarcely reported due to the challenges in molecular design. In this study, we developed a dual-colored aggregation-induced emission (AIE) probe TPNPDA-C12 with twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) to visualize the membrane and mitochondria of the same cells through distinct fluorescence channels simultaneously. We also successfully used the probe to monitor and distinguish the dynamic changes of the organelles during cell apoptosis and necrosis induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cytotoxins.