Selective Detection of Cu ⁺ Ions in Live Cells via Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy

Copper is an essential trace element in living organisms with its levels and localisation being carefully managed by the cellular machinery. However, if misregulated, deficiency or excess of copper ions can lead to several diseases. Therefore, it important have reliable methods detect, monitor visualise this metal cells. Herein we report a new optical probe based on BODIPY, which shows switch-on fluorescence intensity upon binding copper(I), but not presence high concentration other physiologically relevant ions. More interestingly, copper(I) leads significant changes lifetime probe, be used visualize pools lysosomes live cells via imaging microscopy (FLIM).