Dual-channel fluorescent probe bearing two-photon activity for cell viability monitoring

The search for a highly sensitive and efficient method to monitor cell viability is a high-priority yet challenging. In this study, two chromophores, 1OC and 2OC, were rationally designed and fabricated to achieve excellent biocompatibility and two-photon activity in the near-infrared region. Fortunately, because of the introduction of water-soluble moieties and biocompatible triazole groups that link with the ether oxygen chain via a “Click” reaction, the obtained 2OC displayed considerable biocompatibility and two-photon activity. Moreover, it revealed dual-channel fluorescence microscopy imaging for nucleolar and mitochondrial targeting, which can be employed for cell viability monitoring.