Design and synthesis of intramolecular charge transfer-based fluorescent reagents for the highly-sensitive detection of proteins

Novel fluorescent molecular probes possessing both a hydroxystyryl and a cyanopyranyl moieties were designed and synthesized to detect the proteins via noncovalent bonding. These fluorescent probes indicated very weak fluorescence emission in the absence of protein. On the other hand, the fluorescence spectra of these probes showed a large Stokes shift and dramatic increase of fluorescence intensity, and red emission was observed after addition of BSA. These fluorescence spectral changes upon binding proteins were caused by the ICT process. Fluorescence intensities of the probes were plotted as a function of protein concentrations. A good linear relationship was observed up to 1000 mu g/mL of protein, and the detection limit was found to be 100 ng/mL at the given assay conditions. Similar results were observed for the measurements of not only BSA but also other proteins (BGG, etc.). The responses of these probes to various nonprotein substances (inorganic salts, chelating agents, etc.) were observed, the fluorescence intensity did not change before and after the addition of foreign substances, and correct protein monitoring was successful using these fluorescent probes. To demonstrate the application of these probes, proteins after the separation using SDS-PAGE were stained in the medium containing 1, and the imaging of the proteins in the gel was successful. The experimental results clearly showed that these probes are good protein indicators for easy and highly sensitive detection.