A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Oxidation-driven synthetic molecular networks enable dynamic assembly and fluorescence modulation in living cells




AuthorsYang, Jinghui; Wang, Xin; Wu, Xiaoxia; Lyu, Yonglei; Papageorgiou, Anastassios C.; Mäkilä, Ermei; Li, Jianwei

PublisherCell Press

Publication year2025

Journal: Cell Reports Physical Science

Article number102922

Volume6

Issue11

ISSN2666-3864

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrp.2025.102922

Publication's open availability at the time of reportingOpen Access

Publication channel's open availability Open Access publication channel

Web address https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrp.2025.102922

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/505478423


Abstract

Systems chemistry explores emergent properties from interacting molecular networks, although extending these systems into biologically relevant environments remains challenging. Here, we report a synthetic molecular network that functions dynamically inside living cells by responding autonomously to oxidative stimuli. The network is built from dithiol precursors that undergo oxidation-driven macrocyclization and co-assemble with an aggregation-induced emission luminogen to form fluorescent nanostructures selectively under oxidative conditions. This process is reversible, allowing repeated cycles of fluorescence modulation. By exploiting intracellular oxidation as a stimulus, the system links systems chemistry with biological complexity and enables real-time monitoring of cellular redox dynamics through fluorescence. The fluctuations in signal directly reflect oxidative levels in living cells, providing a tool for tracking redox states. Our work demonstrates adaptive molecular self-assembly in a biological context and opens opportunities for redox bioimaging, diagnostics, and therapeutics regulated by cellular oxidative environments.


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Funding information in the publication
We are grateful for financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (22161016), the Macau University of Science and Technology, and the Sigrid Jusélius Foundation (Senior Researcher Fellowship). J.Y. and X.W. acknowledge support from the China Scholarship Council (CSC).


Last updated on 2025-25-11 at 11:47