Developing New Photoswitchable Chromophores for Frequency-Domain Imaging: Signal Amplification, Interference Suppression, and Sensitive Detection

在化学系化学测量和成像项目的支持下，华盛顿州立大学的Alexander Li教授和他的团队将开发利用光开关探针进行敏感检测的新分析方法。具体来说，该项目将首先准备可光开关探针，旨在优化与光开关相关的特性，例如明暗对比。随后，用这种光开关探针标记的样品将使用荧光显微镜进行研究。要证明的基本原理是，与传统的荧光探针相比，光开关探针提供了更高的灵敏度。使用光开关探头的一个优点是，光开关可以有效地提供消除误报的手段，这是现实世界检测中一个非常重要的属性。另一个预期的结果是，光开关可以实现频域成像，从而放大信号，同时抑制其他噪声。成功的关键在于化学，因为这种光开关探针的制备是解决假阳性和信号放大等现实问题的焦点。参与该项目的研究生和本科生将接受化学合成、生物样品制备、光学仪器、激光光谱学和光子测量等方面的培训。通过研讨会向初高中学生推广，将有助于激发年轻一代的科学兴趣，并扩大对公众的影响。

With support from the Chemical Measurement and Imaging Program in the Division of Chemistry, Professor Alexander Li at Washington State University and his group will develop new analytical methods for sensitive detection using photoswitchable probes. Specifically, the project will first prepare photoswitchable probes, aiming at optimizing those properties associated with photoswitching, such as the bright-to-dark contrast. Subsequently, samples labeled with such photoswitchable probes will be investigated using fluorescence microscopes. The fundamental principle to be demonstrated is that photoswitchable probes offer much enhanced sensitivity while compared to conventional fluorescent probes. One of the advantages of using photoswitchable probes is that photoswitching can effectively provide means to rid of false positives, a very important attribute in real-world detections. Another anticipated outcome is that photoswitching enables frequency-domain imaging, which amplifies the signal while suppressing other noise. The key to the success resides in the chemistry because preparation of such photoswitchable probes is at the focal point at solving real-world problems like false positives and signal amplification. Graduate and undergraduate students who will be involved in this project will be trained in chemical synthesis, biological sample preparation, optical instrumentation, laser spectroscopy, and photonic measurements. Outreach to middle school and high school students through workshop will help to stimulate scientific interest of the younger generation and broaden impacts to general public.