Supermultiplexed optical imaging and barcoding with engineered polyynes

Abstract

Optical multiplexing impacts widely in photonics, life science, biomedicine and engineering. Despite intensive efforts, current technology is limited by a longstanding “multiplexing ceiling” from existing optical materials. Here we engineered a novel class of polyyne-based materials for optical super-multiplexing. 20 distinct Raman frequencies are achieved as “Carbon rainbow” through rational engineering of conjugation length, bond-selective isotope doping and end-capping substitution of polyynes. With further probe functionalization, we demonstrated unprecedented 10-color organelle imaging in single living cell with high specificity, sensitivity, and photo-stability. Moreover, optical data storage and identification are realized by combinatorial barcoding, yielding the largest number of distinct spectral barcodes to date. Therefore, these versatile polyynes hold great promises in live-cell imaging and sorting, high-throughput diagnostics and screening, and information technology.

Expanding the Chemical Space of Biocompatible Fluorophores: Nanohoops in Cells

“…Janelia FluorÒ 549); [16][17] however, fundamentally new types of fluorophore scaffolds could offer advantageous photophysical properties for exploitation in biological contexts. [18][19][20][21] Inspired by this prospect, we report here the first biological studies demonstrating carbon nanohoops, short macrocyclic slices of carbon nanotubes prepared by organic synthesis, as exciting new biocompatible fluorophore scaffolds (Figure 1).…”

“…For example, based on modern imaging techniques and the synthetic methods available to prepare nanohoops, simultaneous imaging of 20 nanohoops in one experiment is feasible. [19], [44] As a more long-term prospect, we anticipate that the oligomeric nature and unique electron rich cavity of the nanohoop structure can be further engineered to allow for more complex function in biological settings. In conclusion, we have taken an important first step to demonstrate nanohoops as an untapped class of fluorescent dyes that are viable for fluorescent probe development.…”

Optical Imaging Approaches to Monitor Static and Dynamic Cell‐on‐Chip Platforms: A Tutorial Review

“…Raman microscopy of living Hela cells with different carbon structures attached to them as bio labels. Reproduced with permission . Copyright 2018, Springer Nature.…”

“…Reproduced with permission. [61] Copyright 2018, Springer Nature. similar to the confocal system, except for the light source and the pinhole.…”

Reactivity of Polyynes: Complex Molecules from Simple Carbon Rods

“…This fact makes the exploration of spectroscopic and structural properties of such carbon rods very compelling and up-to-date area. [21] In addition to that, polyynes and cyanopolyynes are among the biggest molecules that were found in the interstellar matter [22][23][24][25] and are important structural motifs in many natural products. [21] In addition to that, polyynes and cyanopolyynes are among the biggest molecules that were found in the interstellar matter [22][23][24][25] and are important structural motifs in many natural products.…”