Development of reversible, biocompatible fluorescent probes sensitive to redox environments

Development of reversible, biocompatible fluorescent probes sensitive to redox environments

Compared to classical examples, biocompatible reversible fluorescent probes that respond reversibly to a redox signal are an emerging class of molecules especially for the detection of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species involved in oxidative stress. Accordingly, they play a crucial role to distinguish transient and chronic changes in oxidative capacity in living organisms. In this context, our goal is to develop original biocompatible and reversible redox-responsive fluorescent metallocene-based probes able to target cell membranes and/or subcellular organelles. Their design features the association of an organic fluorophore and a metallocene in order to promote a redox-switchable Photo-induced Electron Transfer (PeT) as the key-step of fluorescence control.