Small-Molecule Probes for Redox Imaging
One of our primary research interests is the development of small-molecule-based fluorescence and photoacoustic probes for the imaging of bioinorganic species, including metal ions and reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS). Through the use of these probes, we aim to not only understand the roles that ROS/RNS and metal ions play in redox activity within living systems but also to establish powerful tools for the diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and cancer.
Representative Publications (# Co-first authors, * corresponding authors)
1. A NIR-II Photoacoustic Probe for High Spatial Quantitative Imaging of Tumor Nitric Oxide in Vivo
Zhiyong Jiang, Changli Zhang, Qian Sun, Xiaoqing Wang, Yuncong Chen, Weijiang He, Zijian Guo and Zhipeng Liu*
Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 2024, 63, No. e202320072. Doi: 10.1002/anie.202320072
2. A Small-Molecular Ratiometric Photoacoustic Probe for the High-Spatiotemporal-Resolution Imaging of Copper(II) Dynamics in the Mouse Brain
Zhiyong Jiang, Changli Zhang, Xiaoqing Wang, Zongxin Lin, Yuncong Chen, Zijian Guo and Zhipeng Liu*
Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 2024, 63, No. e202318340. Doi: 10.1002/anie.202318340
3. Blood-Brain Barrier Permeable Photoacoustic Probe for High-Resolution Imaging of Nitric Oxide in the Living Mouse Brain
Zhiyong Jiang, Zhaolun Liang, Yijing Cui, Changli Zhang, Hong Wang, Tianzhu Wang, Yuncong Chen,* Weijiang He,* Zhipeng Liu,* and Zijian Guo
Journal of the American Chemical Society, 2023, 145, 7952-7961. Doi: 10.1021/jacs.2c13315
4. A Photoacoustic Probe with Blood-Brain Barrier Crossing Ability for Imaging Oxidative Stress Dynamics in the Mouse Brain
Yijing Cui,# Xiaoqing Wang,# Zhiyong Jiang, Changli Zhang, Zhaolun Liang, Yuncong Chen, Zhipeng Liu,* and Zijian Guo
Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 2023, 62, e202214505. Doi:10.1002/anie.202214505
NIR-absorbing BODIPY Dyes for Biophotonics
We are focused on the development of functional BODIPY dyes, addressing the following key areas:
1) Molecular Engineering: Designing BODIPY molecules with absorption and fluorescence in the shortwave infrared (SWIR) window.
2) J-Aggregation: Investigating the J-aggregation of BODIPY dyes to enhance their SWIR properties.
Through this research, we aim to develop novel BODIPY dyes and explore the relationship between molecular structure, aggregation behavior, and photophysical properties. Finally, we will study the potential applications of these dyes as imaging reagents in the field of chemical biology.
Representative Publications (# Co-first authors, * corresponding authors)
1. Discovery of BODIPY J-aggregates with Absorption Maxima Beyond 1200 nm for Biophotonics
Xiaoqing Wang,# Zhiyong Jiang,# Zhaolun Liang, Tianzhu Wang, Yuncong Chen and Zhipeng Liu*
Science Advances, 2022, 8, No. eadd5660. Doi: 10.1126/sciadv.add5660
2. J-Aggregates of meso-[2.2] Paracyclophanyl-BODIPY Dye for NIR-II Imaging
Kang Li,# Xingchen Duan,# Zhiyong Jiang, Dan Ding, Yuncong Chen,* Guo-qiang Zhang* and Zhipeng Liu*
Nature Communications, 2021, 12, 2376. Doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-22686-z
3. A Borondifluoride-Complex-Based Photothermal Agent with an 80% Photothermal Conversion Efficiency for Photothermal Therapy in the NIR-II Window
Zhiyong Jiang,# Changli Zhang,# Xiaoqing Wang,* Ming Yan, Zongxin Ling,* Yuncong Chen and Zhipeng Liu*
Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 2021, 60, 22376-22384. Doi: 10.1002/anie.202107836
4. Domino-like Multi-emissions Across Red and Near Infrared from Solid-State 2-/2,6-Aryl Substituted BODIPY Dyes
Dan Tian,# Fen Qi,# Huili Ma, Xiaoqing Wang, Yue Pan, Runfeng Chen, Zhen Shen,* Zhipeng Liu,* Ling Huang* and Wei Huang
Nature Communications, 2018, 9, 2688. Doi: 10.1038/s41467-018-05040-8