Construction of two-dimensional supramolecular nanostructure with aggregation-induced emission effect via host-guest interactions

Abstract

A tetraphenylethene (TPE) based water-soluble molecule was synthesized. The two-dimensional supramolecular nanostructure with an evident aggregation-induced emission effect was constructed through the host-guest interactions between the TPE derivative and CB[8]. The assembly process and the 2D structure were confirmed by 1H-NMR spectroscopy, SEM, TEM and SAXS. A high affinity for DNA and significant fluorescence enhancement were observed for the TPE derivative, making it an excellent biological fluorophore stain for the intracellular DNA imaging of live cells.