Fluorescence is a phenomenon in which molecules absorb light or electromagnetic radiation of a specific wavelength and then emit light with a longer wavelength. Fluorescent molecules are called fluorophores. Their properties depend on the structure of the molecule and the environment in which they are located. Among them are coumarins, which belong to the benzopyrone class. Research in the field of fluorescence focuses primarily on the development of new fluorophores with greater stability, better quantum yields, and improved labeling specificity.
The aim of the master's thesis was to synthesize coumarin-based compounds. Due to their small size, chemical stability, and great photochemical properties, they are highly valued in biochemical research. We synthesized probes for labeling lipid droplets and mitochondria. We successfully prepared probes with a free carboxyl group, which allow conjugation via amide bond formation, and probes with azide or alkyne groups, which allow copper- catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition. We also prepared a compound for the detection of thiols, but it was not sufficiently chemically stable for the intended use. The excitation and emission spectra of the final compounds were measured at the Faculty of pharmacy, and compound 10 was tested at the »Jožef Stefan« Institute. There we evaluated its ability to label lipid droplets in living cells. We found that the compound 10 is not spectrally sensitive, is not cytotoxic, and effectively labels lipid droplets.
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