MitoAIE1

MitoAIE1 is a Fluorescent probe for mitochondrial viscosity detection. MitoAIE1 contains a pyridinium structural unit, which endows it with mitochondria-targeting specificity. The detection mechanism of this probe is based on aggregation-induced emission (AIE): in low-viscosity media such as PBS buffer, intramolecular rotation leads to non-radiative energy dissipation, resulting in only weak fluorescence; however, in high-viscosity environments such as the mitochondrial matrix or the vicinity of the inner mitochondrial membrane, such intramolecular motion is restricted, thereby significantly enhancing its fluorescent signal; in addition, this probe is not interfered by changes in microenvironment polarity and pH. Its emission wavelength is 625 nm, with absorption peaks at 325 nm and 450 nm; when transferred from low-viscosity PBS to high-viscosity 99% glycerol, its fluorescence intensity at 625 nm can be increased by 38-fold. It can be used to monitor changes in mitochondrial viscosity during processes such as Stauroporine (HY-15141)-induced apoptosis and starvation-induced mitophagy in live cells, and has good biocompatibility^[1].