An efficient supramolecular artificial light-harvesting system based on twisted cucurbit[15]uril and cucurbit[10]uril for live cell imaging

• Published in: Sensors and actuators. B, Chemical Chemical, 2022-09, Vol.366, p.132006, Article 132006
• Main Authors: Zhang, Wei, Luo, Yang, Jia, Meng-Hao, Ni, Xin-Long, Tao, Zhu, Xiao, Chao-Da, Xiao, Xin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anthracene; Aqueous solutions; Artificial Light-Harvesting System; Assembly; Cucurbituril; Energy transfer; Live Cell Imaging; Rhodamine; Supramolecular polymers; Twisted Cucurbituril
• ISSN: 0925-4005; 1873-3077
• DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2022.132006

The construction of highly efficient artificial light-harvesting systems in aqueous solutions is still challenging. Herein, we reported a new light-harvesting system based on the supramolecular combination of twisted cucurbit[15]uril (tQ[15]), cucurbit[10]uril (Q[10]), and an anthracene derivative (APy) with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties. The Q[n]-based linear supramolecular polymer, APy@tQ[15]@Q[10], was constructed through a two-step assembly strategy. Subsequently, a highly efficient artificial light-harvesting system with relatively high antenna effect and energy transfer efficiency was successfully constructed through non-covalent interactions between Rhodamine B (RB, acceptor) and the APy@tQ[15]@Q[10] (donor). The resulting system was compatible with HeLa cells and could be used for live-cell imaging in the red channel. This supramolecular assembly strategy has not only produced a highly efficient light-harvesting system but also expands the application of Q[n]s in the biomedical field. [Display omitted] •A new light-harvesting system based on the largest twisted cucurbit[15]uril and cucurbit[10]uril.•AIE compound fabricated a light-harvesting system with RB in a two-step self-assembly strategy.•The constructed light-harvesting system further applied into the cell imaging in red channel.