Studies On The Some Two-photon Controlled Compounds As Biological Probes

The metal ion probes are indispensable for studying the roles of small biological molecules (such as glutamic acid) and ions (such as Zn2+ and Mg2+) played in various biological processes. We first reviewed the recent development of two-photon probes of metal ions (mainly Zn2+ probes) and the photosensitive groups capable of caging and photo-releasing the bioactive small molecules. Afterwards, a series of photosensitive groups and two-photon probes of functional metal ions (mainly Zn2+ probes) designed by our group has been presented. Their physicochemical properties and abilities to cage and photo-release the bioactive small molecules were studied. And the optical properties, metal-ion selectivity and detection sensitivity of these metal ion probes were also investigated. The main purpose of our efforts is to develop the quinoline-based two-photon probes of Zn(II) and to realize their applications in living cells.By changing the positions and the properties of electron donating groups attached to the quinoline ring, we synthesized a series of new quinoline derivatives capable of caging and photo-releasing the bioactive small molecules, such as glutamic acid etc. Then a series of studies have been conducted to reveal the two-photon absorbing ability of these photosensitive groups and their potential to be used in two-photon metal ion probes. Furthermore, a new and simple 7-substituted quinoline-based two-photon probes of Zn(II) has been developed. Unlike previously reported 8-substituted quinoline-based probes, the electron donating group attached to quinoline ring did not participate in the interaction with metal ion. Finally, the application of this newly developed two-photon probes in living cells has been tested (λex=800nm). These studies are of crucial importance for the application of two-photon technology in biological systems and will provide a good reference to the development of metal ion probes.