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Visualizing semipermeability of the cell membrane using a pH-responsive ratiometric AIEgen.

ABSTRACT: In clinical chemotherapy, some basic drugs cannot enter the hydrophobic cell membrane because of ionization in the acidic tumor microenvironment, a phenomenon known as ion trapping. In this study, we developed a method to visualize this ion trapping phenomenon by utilizing a pH-responsive ratiometric AIEgen, dihydro berberine (dhBBR). By observing the intracellular fluorescence of dhBBR, we found that non-ionized dhBBR can enter cells more easily than ionized forms, which is in accordance with the concept of ion trapping. In addition, dhBBR shows superior anti-photobleaching ability to Curcumin thanks to its AIE properties. These results suggest that dhBBR can serve as a bioprobe for ion trapping.

SUBMITTER: Gu Y

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7422962 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Visualizing semipermeability of the cell membrane using a pH-responsive ratiometric AIEgen.

Gu Yuan Y Zhao Zheng Z Niu Guangle G Zhang Han H Wang Yiming Y Kwok Ryan T K RTK Lam Jacky W Y JWY Tang Ben Zhong BZ

Chemical science 20200515 22

In clinical chemotherapy, some basic drugs cannot enter the hydrophobic cell membrane because of ionization in the acidic tumor microenvironment, a phenomenon known as ion trapping. In this study, we developed a method to visualize this ion trapping phenomenon by utilizing a pH-responsive ratiometric AIEgen, dihydro berberine (dhBBR). By observing the intracellular fluorescence of dhBBR, we found that non-ionized dhBBR can enter cells more easily than ionized forms, which is ...[more]

PMID: 32832051

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Dataset Information

Visualizing semipermeability of the cell membrane using a pH-responsive ratiometric AIEgen.

Publications

Visualizing semipermeability of the cell membrane using a pH-responsive ratiometric AIEgen.

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