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




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

PublisherCell Press

2025

 Cell Reports Physical Science

102922

6

11

2666-3864

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

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

https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/505478423



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.


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 25/11/2025 11:47:54 AM