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
1. Dynamic Photoacoustic Imaging of Mobile Cu(II) in Vivo via Catalytic Radical Cation Formation
Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 2025, 64, e202500149. Doi: 10.1002/anie.202500149 (Read it!)
2. A NIR-II Photoacoustic Probe for High Spatial Quantitative Imaging of Tumor Nitric Oxide in Vivo
Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 2024, 63, No. e202320072. Doi: 10.1002/anie.202320072 (Read it!)
3. A Small-Molecular Ratiometric Photoacoustic Probe for the High-Spatiotemporal-Resolution Imaging of Copper(II) Dynamics in the Mouse Brain
Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 2024, 63, No. e202318340. Doi: 10.1002/anie.202318340 (Read it!)
4. Blood-Brain Barrier Permeable Photoacoustic Probe for High-Resolution Imaging of Nitric Oxide in the Living Mouse Brain
Journal of the American Chemical Society, 2023, 145, 7952-7961. Doi: 10.1021/jacs.2c13315 (Read it!)
5. A Photoacoustic Probe with Blood-Brain Barrier Crossing Ability for Imaging Oxidative Stress Dynamics in the Mouse Brain
Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 2023, 62, e202214505. Doi:10.1002/anie.202214505 (Read it!)
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
1. Discovery of BODIPY J-aggregates with Absorption Maxima Beyond 1200 nm for Biophotonics
Science Advances, 2022, 8, No. eadd5660. Doi: 10.1126/sciadv.add5660 (Read it!)
2. J-Aggregates of meso-[2.2] Paracyclophanyl-BODIPY Dye for NIR-II Imaging
Nature Communications, 2021, 12, 2376. Doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-22686-z (Read it!)
3. A Borondifluoride-Complex-Based Photothermal Agent with an 80% Photothermal Conversion Efficiency for Photothermal Therapy in the NIR-II Window
Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 2021, 60, 22376-22384. Doi: 10.1002/anie.202107836 (Read it!)
4. Domino-like Multi-emissions Across Red and Near Infrared from Solid-State 2-/2,6-Aryl Substituted BODIPY Dyes
Nature Communications, 2018, 9, 2688. Doi: 10.1038/s41467-018-05040-8 (Read it!)
5. Shortwave Infrared Absorbing and Fluorescent BODIPY J-Aggregates for High-Contrast in Vivo Imaging
Chemical Science, 2025, 16, 17779-17792. Doi: 10.1039/D5SC03864B (Read it!)