Fluorescent Flippers: Small‐Molecule Probes to Image Membrane Tension in Living Systems

Abstract: Flipper probes have been introduced as small molecule fluorophores to image physical forces, that is, membrane tension in living systems. Their emergence over one decade is described, from evolution in design and synthesis to spectroscopic properties. Responsiveness to physical compression in equilibrium at the ground state is identified as the ideal origin of mechanosensitivity to image membrane tension in living cells. A rich collection of flippers is described to deliver and release in any subcellular membrane of interest in a leaflet‐specific manner. Chalcogen‐bonding cascade switching and dynamic covalent flippers are developed for super‐resolution imaging and dual‐sensing of membrane compression and hydration. Availability and broad use in the community validate flipper probes as a fine example of the power of translational supramolecular chemistry, moving from fundamental principles to success on the market.

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Fluorescent Flippers: Small‐Molecule Probes to Image Membrane Tension in Living Systems ; day:23 ; month:02 ; year:2023 ; extent:22 ; Angewandte Chemie ; (23.02.2023) (gesamt 22)

Contributors, Places and Time

• Creator: Chen, Xiao‐Xiao ; Bayard, Felix ; Gonzalez‐Sanchis, Nerea ; Pamungkas, Khurnia Krisna Puji ; Sakai, Naomi ; Matile, Stefan

Further information

• DOI: 10.1002/ange.202217868
• URN: urn:nbn:de:101:1-2023022314174856873051
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 14.08.2025, 10:59 AM CEST