Ratiometric Detection of β‐Amyloid and Discrimination from Lectins by a Supramolecular AIE Glyconanoparticle

Abstract

While the development of AIE (aggregation-induced-emission) based fluorimetric probes for biological applications has been an active research area, probes with a ratiometric signal for biomolecular recognition have been rare. Here, a ratiometric AIE glyconanoparticle formed by the supramolecular assembly between a silole-based AIEgen and fluorescent glycoprobes for the detection of amyloid β (Aβ) peptides and fibrils, which are a signature of neurological disorders such as the Alzheimer's disease, is shown. Complexation of glycoprobes with the AIEgen produces an intensive fluorescence emission of the former because of a Förster resonance energy transfer between the two molecules. Subsequently, the presence of Aβ dissembles the particle, producing a fluorescence emission of the AIEgen. Interestingly, the addition of lectins that selectively recognize the glycoprobes results in a different ratiometric response of the particle, thereby enabling a discrimination from Aβ detection. This research offers insight into the simple construction of multifunctional ratiometric probes based on the supramolecular hybridization of a wide variety of AIEgens with fluorescent molecular probes.

Bio‐Conjugated Advanced Materials for Targeted Disease Theranostics

“…Self‐assembly of PDI (perylenediimide)‐based galactosyl clusters loaded DCM were used to visualize Hep‐G2 cells . Galactose/mannose DCM have been loaded into silica‐based organic particles to detect β‐amyloid (Aβ, DCM derivatives could bind to Aβ) and corresponding lectins (PNA for galactose residue and Con A for mannose) …”

Aggregation‐Induced Emission for Visualization in Materials Science

“…Molecules can assemble into an organized structure or pattern based on the varied packingm ode or arrangement of molecules. [18] To trace the equilibrium state accurately,f luorescent visualization fort he kinetic evolution duringt he self-assembly and the dissipative self-assembly is of great significance.T o solve the undesirable quenching in the assembly state of traditional fluorophores, [19] assembly based on AIE molecules showedg reat potential to achieve distinguished fluorescent imaging effects in the assembly state. [20] The molecules with differentc hirality,s tructure, and length of the chain can be assembled into different structures and morphologies under varied environments.…”

Biomacromolecule‐Functionalized AIEgens for Advanced Biomedical Studies

“…B) The chemical conjugate structure of glucose‐functionalized DES (DK1/DK2) and the process of AIE‐GNPs achieved the ratiometric detection of Aβ peptides/fibrils or lectin. Adapted with permission . Copyright 2016, John Wiley and Sons.…”

“…To avoid some intervention from the around microenvironment during the detection process, developing the fluorimetric‐functionalized AIEgens with improved sensitivity and specificity is extremely urgent. In 2016, He and co‐workers exploited a glucose‐based AIEgen consisted of a silole‐based AIEgen (DES) together with two red‐emitting glycoprobes (DK1 and DK2) for the sensitive analysis of amyloid β (Aβ) or lectin (Figure B). To achieve the ratiometric sensing, red fluorescent glycoprobes (DK1/DK2) and green fluorescent AIEgen (DES) were assembled into AIE‐GNPs.…”