Energy-transfer sensitization of BODIPY fluorescence in a dyad with a two-photon absorbing antenna chromophore

A bichromophoric dyad composed of a Prodan-derived moiety and a BODIPY dye was prepared, photophysically characterized, and tested for multiphoton fluorescence microscopy of N13 microglial cells. The dyad shows highly efficient energy transfer, independent on the solvent polarity of the medium. However, in polar media photoinduced electron transfer is a competitive pathway. The Prodan-derived chromophore shows significant two-photon absorption. Hence, it can be used a two-photon-absorbing antenna for the sensitization of BODIPY fluorescence.

Automated summary

A bichromophoric dyad composed of a Prodan-derived moiety and a BODIPY dye was synthesized and characterized for multiphoton fluorescence microscopy of N13 microglial cells. The efficient energy transfer of the dyad was observed independent of solvent polarity, but in polar media, photoinduced electron transfer competed with energy transfer. The Prodan-derived chromophore also exhibited significant two-photon absorption, making it suitable as a sensitization antenna for BODIPY fluorescence.