TPE based aggregation induced emission fluorescent sensors for viscosity of liquid and mechanical properties of hydrogel

Two amphiphilic TPE E/Z isomers with aggregation induced emission (AIE) property have been synthesized and characterized. The logarithmic fluorescent intensity of the two molecules was in positive relationship with logarithmic viscosity of liquid. To note, the Z-TPE isomer exhibited more sensitivity in the viscosity of liquid sensing in comparison with the corresponding E-TPE counterpart (around 1.80 folds). Furthermore, two molecules could be used as fluorescent sensors for mechanical properties (viscosity and storage modulus) of hydrogel as well. In addition, two sensors displayed low cytotoxicity in normal tissue cell line (L929) within the concentration range of 2-10 mu mol/L. These results potentially promised their applications as fluorescent sensors for mechanical properties in the fields of biological and biomedical. (C) 2021 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.

Automated summary

Two amphiphilic TPE E/Z isomers with aggregation induced emission (AIE) property were synthesized and characterized. The molecules showed positive correlation between their fluorescent intensity and the viscosity of the liquid. The Z-TPE isomer exhibited higher sensitivity to viscosity compared to the corresponding E-TPE isomer. These molecules also served as fluorescent sensors for mechanical properties of hydrogel and displayed low cytotoxicity in normal tissue cell line.