Molecular probes for selective sensing of membrane phospholipids

Abstract

Phospholipids are major components of the biological membranes; tools for detecting them in living cells and organisms are essential to understand the functions of different phospholipids. This thesis focuses on the development and application of novel fluorescent molecular probes to selectively detect phospholipids in membranes, aiming to provide new tools to study their dynamics and functions in biological processes. A series of probes targeting phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylcholine were synthesised and their binding evaluated using a range of techniques, advancing our understanding of how to design selective fluorescent sensors for membrane phospholipids.