Fluorogenic sensing of amorphous aggregates, amyloid fibers, and chaperone activity via a near‐infrared aggregation‐induced emission‐active probe

Abstract The presence of protein aggregates in numerous human diseases underscores the significance detecting these to comprehend disease mechanisms and develop novel therapeutic approaches for combating disorders. Despite development various biosensors fluorescent probes that selectively target amyloid fibers or amorphous aggregates, there is still a lack tools capable simultaneously both types aggregates. Herein, we demonstrate quantitative discernment by QM‐FN‐SO 3 , an aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) probe initially designed fibers. This easily penetrates membranes widely‐used prokaryotic model organism Escherichia coli enabling visualization through near‐infrared fluorescence. Notably, exhibits sensitivity distinguishing varying aggregation propensities proteins, regardless whether they form vivo. These properties contribute successful application subsequent investigation antiaggregation activities two outer membrane (OMP) chaperones, vitro their physiological environment. Overall, our work introduces chemical can quantitatively detect with high Furthermore, it demonstrates applicability chaperone biology its potential as high‐throughput screening tool inhibitors folding factors.