A DNA duplex-based, tailor-made, fluorescent sensor for porphyrin derivatives

We synthesized a DNA-based fluorescent sensor, tailored to the recognition and signaling for hydrophobic guest molecules. The sensor molecule is made of three functional moieties, per-O-methylated P-cyclodextrin (per-Me-beta-CD), DNA, and pyrene as guest-binding, dimerizing, and signaling ones, respectively. Addition of a porphyrin derivative as a hydrophobic guest molecule induced emission switching of the sensor molecule from monomer to excimer due to the DNA hybridization promoted by the host-guest binding.