What is it about?
Research in fluorescence microscopy has presented new challenges, especially with respect to the development of new metal-based fluorophores. In addition, we present evidence suggesting that these rhenium (I) tricarbonyl complexes may be also useful as differential fluorescent dyes in yeasts (Candida albicans and Cryptococcus spp.), with no need of antibodies.
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Why is it important?
For any imaging experiment, fluorescence microscopy needs the selection of fluorescent probes. These probes should be excitable with the available light sources and have a high brightness to be easily distinguishable from the background. Furthermore, there are no reports showing Rhenium (I) tricarbonyl complexes as good fluorophores for prokaryotic cells (i.e. bacteria). For these reasons, it becomes evident that Rhenium (I)-based fluorophores must be engineered to efficiently stain fungal cells (i.e. yeasts and other fungi) and prokaryotic microorganisms. Based on these findings, our group has been exploring new Re (I) complexes with alternative ancillary ligands L, potentially suitable as biomarkers.
Perspectives
In order to modulate the photophysical properties of Re (I) tricarbonyl core, most research has been focused in the bidentate ligand substituting the corresponding aromatic rings with different donor or acceptor groups. On the other hand, the ancillary (i.e. “secondary”) ligand has been commonly ignored, only the use of halogens at this position has been described. Accordingly, it has been postulated that the bidentate ligand is one of the most important modifier of the Re (I) tricarbonyl properties. By contrast, we propose that the ancillary ligand, depending on its nature, may be an important modulatory agent, modifying the physicochemical properties of the Re (I) tricarbonyl core, including luminescence (quantum yields, lifetime, Stokes shift), electrochemical properties and biocompatibility. In summary, in this work we reported two new Re (I) complexes with an electron withdrawing ancillary ligand (L), showing suitable properties to be used as novel fluorescent dyes for biological purposes.
Dr Alexander Carreño
UNAB
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Fluorescence probes for prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells using Re(CO)3+complexes with an electron withdrawing ancillary ligand, New Journal of Chemistry, January 2016, Royal Society of Chemistry,
DOI: 10.1039/c6nj00905k.
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