Synthesis of seleno- and telluro-BODIPY fluorophores for detection of oxidizing endogenous species

Abstract

This project consists in the preparation of Seleno- and Telluro-BODIPY derivatives and the study of their photophysical properties, aiming application a fluorescent probes for the identification of endogenous oxidizing species. Derivatization of the BODIPY core by selenium or tellurium-containing residues was idealized in order to trigger the on/off fluorescence process by Photoinduced electron transfer process (PET). The fluorescence process will be suppressed by the heavy atom effect of the chalcogen (PET) and restored by oxidation of the selenium or tellurium atoms by endogenous Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) leading to an on/off fluorescent oxidizing sensors, for biochemical applications.