Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Open Access Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Chemistry (MS)

Administrative Home Department

Department of Chemistry

Advisor 1

Haiying Liu

Committee Member 1

Tarun K. Dam

Committee Member 2

Athar Ata

Abstract

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+/NADH) plays a critical role in cellular metabolism, with abnormally elevated NADH levels linked to disrupted metabolic processes and cancer. In this study, we developed near-infrared fluorescent probes to selectively measure NADH concentrations. We present five cyanine-based probes, which were optimized by modifying the connection bridges to fine tune electronics. Two NAD(P)H-biosensing probes consisting of 1,3,3-trimethyl-3H-indolium and 3-quinolinium acceptors, linked by thiophene, A, and 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene, B, bridges are detailed. They exhibit near-infrared fluorescence at 742.1 nm and 727.2 nm for probes A and B, respectively, and generate absorbance signals at 690.6 nm and 685.9 nm. Probe A was proven to effectively detect NADH levels in A549 cells and D. melanogaster larvae, confirming sensing capabilities in a whole organism. Furthermore, we monitored NADH production during cellular respiration and in response to anticancer drug treatments. These probes show promise for advancing medical research and monitoring therapeutic interventions.

Download

Share

COinS