Multi-color supramolecular assemblies constructed based on single molecule fluorophore

Abstract

Supramolecular assemblies are aggregates of monomers formed by non-covalent interactions, which exhibit certain structures and functions. Combining them with multicolor fluorescent materials enables their applications in various fields such as biological imaging, chemical sensing, and intelligent anti-counterfeiting materials. Therefore, it has garnered great interest among researchers. Currently, multicolor fluorescent materials are generally prepared by incorporating multiple fluorescent groups, requiring the sophisticated synthesis of fluorescent molecules that involves cumbersome procedures. In contrast, the method based on a single fluorescent molecule to prepare multicolor supramolecular assemblies is relatively simple, for which one kind of fluorescent group synthesis could be available to achieve that. Taking advantage of the synthesis of a single fluorescent molecule only, this approach provides a more flexible tuning of the fluorescence color for supramolecular assemblies, offering rational design guidelines for novel multicolor fluorescent functional systems. This article focuses on the research and current development status of multicolor fluorescent supramolecular assemblies, and highlights the different topological structures of multicolor supramolecular assemblies prepared by our research group based on single fluorescent groups, as well as their functional applications. Lastly, this article provides an outlook for the promising future development in this field.