Highly efficient discrimination of cancer cells based on in situ-activated phosphorescence energy transfer for targeted cell imaging

Abstract

Highly efficient discrimination between cancer cells and normal cells is full of challenges for precise diagnosis. Herein, we report an effective in situ-activated phosphorescence energy transfer supramolecular assembly constructed by a bromophenyl pyridine derivative (BPPY), cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]), and rhodamine B-grafted hyaluronic acid (HAR) through noncovalent interaction. As compared with BPPY, CB[8] encapsulated two BPPY molecules, resulting in a biaxial pseudorotaxane supramolecular assembly showing purely organic room-temperature phosphorescence induced by macrocyclic confinement, which when further co-assembled with HAR, formed a multivalent supramolecular assembly with phosphorescence energy transfer. Benefitting from the targeting of hyaluronic acid and the cyclolactam ring ON–OFF reaction of HAR, such supramolecular assembly with an open ring presents red delayed fluorescence through phosphorescence energy transfer in cancer cells, while the assembly showed only green phosphorescence in normal cells, realizing highly efficient discrimination between cancer and normal cells. This supramolecular assembly is responsive to the physiological environment and provides a supramolecular platform for precise diagnosis.