New derivatives of cyclohexanone and piperidone compounds for bioluminous sensing

Abstract

We present the results of our investigation of new derivatives of cyclohexanone and piperidone compounds that have exhibited in the past anticancer effect due to biochemical destruction of cancer cells. In this study we focus on using these compounds as markers for malignant cells because of their strong two-photon excited fluorescence. Their molecular cross-section of two-photon absorption can be as high as 3000x10-50cm4s/photon and compares well with Rhodamine B, well-known fluorescent molecular probe. This provides an option for monitoring the biochemical destruction of cancer cells by means of two-photon excited fluorescence spectroscopy. Initially we studied the two-photon fluorescence of the solutions of pure compounds. Then we mixed the compounds with amino acids (Glycine and Alanine), the major building blocks of proteins in cells, hoping that the fluorescence will give some insight in the interaction between the compounds and bio substances. We discuss the solubility issues, the cross-section of twophoton absorption of the compounds, and also the features of the spectrum of the two-photon excited fluorescence. Compounds combining both properties (cytotoxicity and two-photon excited fluorescence), which are now carried by different chemical agents, are expected to improve the efficiency of cancer treatment and lower the cost.