Water-Soluble Triarylboron Compound for ATP Imaging In Vivo Using Analyte-Induced Finite Aggregation

Adenosine 5′‐triphosphate (ATP) is a multifunctional molecule that participates in many important biological processes. Currently, fluorescence indicators for ATP with high performance are in demand. Reported herein is a novel water‐soluble triarylboron compound which displays an apparent ATP‐dependent fluorescence enhancement when dispersed in water. It can selectively recognize ATP from other bioactive substances in vitro and in vivo. The ATP‐induced finite aggregation endows the indicator with appreciable photostability and superior tolerance to environmental electrolytes. This indicator has been successfully applied to the ATP imaging in NIH/3T3 fibroblast cells. The difference in the ATP levels within the membrane and cytosol is clearly visible. Tracking device: The triarylboron compound in the scheme displays an apparent ATP‐dependent fluorescence enhancement. The analyte, ATP, induces finite aggregation and endows the indicator with appreciable photostability and superior tolerance to environmental electrolytes, thus leading to its successful application to the monitoring of ATP levels in vitro and in vivo. ATP=adenosine 5′‐triphosphate.