Conformationally locked GFP chromophore derivatives as potential fluorescent sensors

We propose to use the conformationally locked GFP chromophore derivatives (4-(2(difluoroboryl)benzylidene)-1H-imidazol-5(4H)-ones) as potential fluorescent sensors. The model carbamate derivatives were synthesized and their fluorescent properties were studied. It was shown that the introduction/cleavage of the carbamate groups at the nitrogen atom led to the noticeable shifts in the absorption and emission maxima of the resultant derivatives, which makes them promising candidates for new fluorescent sensors.