Synthesis, optical properties, theoretical calculations, and related applications of small molecule fluorescent probes

Small molecule fluorescent probes are important chemical tools for studying the localization of fluorescent probes and their surrounding environmental characteristics in fields such as biochemistry, cell imaging, and materials science. Two novel fluorescent probes based on carbazole fluorophores were designed and combined in this study. The optical properties of P1 and P2 were studied by UV visible absorption spectroscopy, one-photon excited fluorescence spectroscopy, and two-photon excited fluorescence spectroscopy of P1. Meanwhile, the results of cell imaging experiments demonstrate that P1 exhibits good cell permeability and low cell toxicity, and has excellent imaging and mitochondrial localization abilities in cells. In addition, detailed spectral analysis of P2 under acidic and alkaline conditions was conducted, revealing its acid-induced color-change property in solutions through theoretical calculations. Based on its acid-base sensing characteristics, P2 demonstrates potential applications in the field of anti-counterfeiting. The design and application of P1 and P2 provide valuable information for the development of more carbazole-based fluorescent probes. • P1 has excellent two-photon optical performance. • P1 has good mitochondrial co localization ability. • Acid sensing of P2 in solution and anti-counterfeiting application of acid-base vapor.