Pattern-generating fluorescent molecular probes

Cross-reactive sensor arrays, also known as chemical, optical, or electronic noses/tongues, are analytical devices that differentiate various analytes based on unique fingerprints generated by nonspecific sensors or receptors within the array. By integrating multiple recognition elements and fluorescent reporters onto a single molecular platform, we have demonstrated the feasibility of miniaturizing these devices to the scale of an individual fluorescent molecule. This approach has led to the development of a new class of fluorescent molecular probes, termed ID-probes, which generate identification (ID) fingerprints for various biomolecules. For example, we developed ID-probes capable of identifying combinations of protein biomarkers in biofluids and living cells, screening multiple protein inhibitors simultaneously, analyzing the content of Aβ aggregates, examining glycosylation, and ensuring the quality of small-molecule drugs. Furthermore, ID-probes have been applied in user authorization and data security, with applications in steganography, cryptography, and password protection.

Selected relevant publications

1. Acc. Chem. Res. 2023, 56, 1803.
2. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2022, 144, 4892.
3. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2020, 141, 15790.
4. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2019, 58, 184.
5. Nat. Nanotechnol. 2017, 12, 1161.
6. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2017, 139, 2136.
7. Nat. Commun. 2016, 7, 11374.
8. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2013, 135, 15330.
9. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2012, 51, 12477.