Subcellular discriminated distribution under diverse apoptosis phase using a two-photon active probe with indole moiety

Abstract Subcellular organelles play critical roles in the process of apoptosis. Fluorescent probes that specifically target different organelles during cell death processes to monitor cell viability has important implications. In this work, two D(donor)-π-A(acceptor) configuration molecules (A1 and A2) with considerable two-photon absorption cross section in the near infrared region have been rational designed and synthesized. Of note, the obtained two probes could target different organelles in living and fixed cells, respectively. The reasons for different organelles targeting ability of A1 and A2 are discussed in our work. It provides a promising platform for real-time monitoring of cell mortality under subcellular level.