Synthesis of fluorinated rhodamines and application for confocal laser scanning microscopy

• Four fluorescence rhodamine dyes were synthesized.
• They exhibit high quantum yields.
• They selectively stain perfluoropalmitic acid domains in DPPC mixed GUVs.

Four different fluorinated fluorescence dyes were prepared by attaching perfluoroalkyl ponytails (including CH2 or C2H4 spacer) to each of the two amine groups of rhodamine (Rh) and characterized with respect to their fluorescence properties in 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE), N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), tetrahydrofuran (THF), and toluene. They showed an excellent quantum yield in TFE. Double staining with Rh-C2H4-C10F21 and Rh-DPPE was employed to visualize the distribution of perfluoropalmitic acid in mixed giant unilamellar vesicles with 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy.

Four fluorinated rhodamines with a good quantum yield were prepared. They were used to stain fluorinated domains in mixed GUVs of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) and perfluoropalmitic acid (PFPA).Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide