Fluorescently-labelled molecules are invaluable tools in microscopy. There is a continuing need to develop new fluorophores, particularly those that emit in the near-IR, and those in which chemical properties can be easily tuned. This project involves the rational design and synthesis of new boron-containing fluorophores, their photophysical characterisation and biological studies (with A/Prof. Liz New). For example, we have recently developed a new biological stain for lipids. Our novel carborane-coumarin selectively stains cellular lipid droplets in live adipocytes due to its unique solvent-dependent photophysical properties and lipophilic nature. The combination of these properties ensure its superior selectivity toward lipid droplets in cellulo over analogous organic (phenyl) derivatives and commonly-used dyes such as Nile Red.
