Photophysical Characterization Research Articles

Harnessing Light for G-Quadruplex Modulation: Dual Isomeric Effects of an Ortho-Fluoroazobenzene Derivative.

G-quadruplexes (G4s) are important therapeutic and photopharmacological targets in cancer research. Small-molecule ligands targeting G4s offer a promising strategy to block DNA transactions and induce genetic instability in cancer cells. While numerous G4-ligands have been reported, relatively few examples exist of compounds whose G4-interactive binding properties can be modulated using light. Herein, we report the photophysical characterization of a novel ortho-fluoroazobenzene derivative, Py-Azo4F-3N, that undergoes reversible two-way isomerization upon visible light exposure. Using a combination of biophysical techniques, including affinity and selectivity assays, structural and computational analysis, and cytotoxicity experiments in cancer cell lines, we carefully characterized the G4-interactive binding properties of both isomers. We identify the trans isomer as the most promising form of interacting and stabilizing G4s, enhancing their ablation capability in cancer cells. Our research highlights the importance of light-responsive molecules in achieving precise control over G4 structures, demonstrating their potential in innovative anticancer strategies.

Theoretical Insight into Fluorination on Low‐Cost A‐π‐D‐π‐A Type Donor Materials for All‐Small‐Molecule Organic Photovoltaic Cells

Low‐cost organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices have shown enormous potential in large‐scale industrial applications. And it has attracted widespread attention in the past few decades. However, the photophysical characteristics of these budget‐friendly materials haven't been explored much. Here, low‐cost small materials, including small molecule 1 (asm1) with ortho‐fluorinated side chain and small molecule 2 (asm2) with meta‐fluorinated side chain were selected to probe the fluorination effect on the absorption spectra, electrochemical energy levels, electrostatic potential (ESP), etc. The results show that the molecules asm1 and asm2 have good planarity of the backbone. And the meta‐fluorinated side chain of asm2 contributes more to the highest occupied molecular orbital and less to the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital than asm1. Moreover, differences in ESP are found between donor and acceptor materials. Furthermore, strong and broad light absorption in the visible region of these low‐cost molecules is observed, resulting in a better short‐circuit current density for the devices constructed by the donors asm1, asm2, and acceptor Y6. In addition, more charge transfer mechanisms are characterized for the asm1/Y6 system. The introduction of ortho‐fluorination in the conjugated side chain of the molecule is a favorable approach, which will provide theoretical guidance for further molecular design experiments.

Conformation-Confined Organic Butterfly-Molecule with High Photoluminescence Efficiency, Deep-Blue Amplified Spontaneous Emission, and Unique Piezochromic Luminescence.

Organic fluorophores with tunable π-conjugated paths have attracted considerable attention owing to their diverse properties and promising applications. Herein, we present a tailored butterfly like molecule, 2,2'-(2,5-bis (2,2-diphenylvinyl)-1,4-phenylene)dinaphtha-lene (BDVPN), which exhibits diverse photophysical features in its two polymorphs. The BP phase crystal, with its "aligned wings" conformation, possesses emissive characteristics that are nearly identical to those in dilute solutions. In contrast, the BN phase crystal, which adopts an "orthogonal wings" conformation, exhibits an unusual hypsochromic-shifted emission compared to its dilute solution counterparts. This intriguing hypsochromic-shifted emission originates from the reduction in the effective conjugated length of the molecular skeleton. Notably, BN phase crystals also exhibit exceptional optical performance, featuring high-efficiency emission (76.6%), low-loss optical waveguides (0.571 dB mm-1), deep-blue amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) with a narrow full width at half maximum (FWHM: 6.4 nm), and a unique 200 nm bathochromic shift of piezochromic luminescence.

Charge separation in a copper(I) donor-chromophore-acceptor assembly for both photoanode and photocathode sensitization.

A copper(I) donor-chromophore-acceptor triad bearing 1,8-napthalenemonoimide as the electron acceptor and triphenylamine as the electron donor was synthesized. Photophysical and electrochemical characterization suggest stepwise photoinduced charge separation upon excitation of the copper(I)-based metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) transition. Analyses of femtosecond transient absorption data of the triad show that intersystem crossing from the 1MLCT to the 3MLCT state is followed by two electron-transfer steps with time constants of 20 ps and 722 ps yielding a presumed final charge-separated state with a radical cation on the donor and radical anion on the acceptor that has an 18 ns lifetime in acetonitrile. Finally, this triad was anchored onto n-type (ZnO) and p-type (NiO) semiconductor surfaces to construct a photoanode and photocathode respectively. Successful photocurrent generation from both electrodes upon white light illumination confirms the potential utilization of such systems in dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical cells.

Synthesis and Optical Characterization of Hydrazone-Substituted Push-Pull-Type NLOphores.

Two distinct families of NLOphores featuring hydrazone donors were synthesized using click-type [2 + 2] cycloaddition retroelectrocyclizations (CA-RE). Despite the limitations in the substrate scope, it was shown for the first time that hydrazone-activated alkynes could undergo reactions with TCNE/TCNQ. The electrochemical, photophysical, and second-order nonlinear optical (NLO) characteristics of the chromophores were analyzed utilizing experimental and computational approaches. Chromophores 17-21 and 23-27 exhibited two reduction waves, along with one oxidation wave that can be attributed to the hydrazone moiety. All chromophores exhibit charge-transfer bands extending from the visible to the near-infrared region. The λmax of hydrazone-based chromophores falls within the range of 473 to 725 nm. Additionally, all chromophores exhibited positive solvatochromism. Computational studies have been performed to elucidate the origin of the low-energy absorption bands. Parameters such as dipole moment, band gaps, electronegativity, global chemical hardness/softness, average polarizability, and first hyperpolarizability were calculated to obtain information about NLO properties of the target structures. The thermal stabilities of the NLOphores were assessed through TGA. Experimental NLO measurements were conducted using the electric field-induced second harmonic generation (EFISHG) technique. The studied structures demonstrated NLO responses, with μβ values between 520 × 10-48 esu and 5300 × 10-48 esu.

Achieving deep red to near-infrared emission in dinuclear platinum (II) complexes with the donor-π-acceptor-type cyclometalated ligand

A novel deep red-emitting dinuclear platinum (II) complex, (TPA2niq)2Pt2(C8OXT)2, featuring a donor-π-acceptor (D-π-A) type ligand, was synthesized and characterized. Here, TPA2niq represents the 4-(tert-butyl)-N-(4-(tert-butyl)phenyl)-N-(4-(6-(isoquinolin-1-yl)naphthalen-2-yl)phenyl)aniline unit, while C8OXT was the abbreviation for the bridging ligand 5-(4-octyloxyphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thiol. Its photophysical, electrochemical, and electroluminescent characteristics were primarily studied. It was found that (TPA2niq)2Pt2(C8OXT)2 exhibited a saturated deep red emission with a peak at 686 nm in dichloromethane. Furthermore, the (TPA2niq)2Pt2(C8OXT)2-doped polymer electroluminescent devices (PLEDs), fabricated through a solution process, exhibited outstanding electroluminescence (EL) properties, with an emission peak at 684 nm, a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 3.78%, and a maximum radiant emittance of 4478 mW/Sr/m2. By incorporating the D-π-A type ligand into the dinuclear platinum (II) complex, the PLEDs achieved efficient deep red emission.

MoO3/HAp nanocomposites encapsulated in Graphene Oxide nanoparticle: Development of a novel ternary nanostructure and evaluation of its photocatalytic activity for the treatment of wastewater in environmental remediation

The growing problem of water contamination can be efficiently addressed using easily recoverable photocatalysts. Graphene Oxide (GO) is a well-studied photocatalyst for industrial effluent remediation, pharmaceutical degradation, and dye degradation. Its photophysical characteristics are morphology-dependent and show enhanced activity in MoO3/HAp nanocomposites. Hydrothermal synthesis of MoO3/HAp nanocomposites encapsulated in graphene formed a unique ternary nanostructure. XRD and XPS confirmed the crystalline phase and oxidation states, while FT-IR and EDAX validated atomic bonds and component dispersion. FE-SEM and HR-TEM showed a mesoporous surface and narrow size distribution. The visible-light-active MoO3/HAp/GO had a bandgap of 2.6 eV and low recombination rate. Photodegradation tests on antibiotics (Ciprofloxacin and Levofloxacin) and dyes (Congo Red and Methylene Blue) demonstrated high photocatalytic ability. Solar light achieved 98% degradation for Ciprofloxacin, 88% for Levofloxacin, 91% for Congo Red, and 93% for Methylene Blue. Post-photocatalytic analysis showed high catalyst reusability (13% and 7% reduction after 4 cycles for antibiotics; 13% decrease after 5 cycles for dyes). Trapping experiments revealed that •OH and O2•- were key for antibiotic breakdown, while e- and h+ were crucial for dye degradation. This research highlights MoO3/HAp/GO's potential to eliminate persistent pollutants.

The Role of Alkylammonium Bromides on the Surface Passivation of Stable Alcohol‐Dispersed CsPbX3 Nanocrystals and on the Stability Enhancement in Light‐Emitting Applications

AbstractThe ligand passivation is considered an attractive strategy to prepare high‐quality perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) with improved photophysical features in polar media. However, the long‐term stabilization of PNCs in these environments is still challenging, being pivotal to understanding the protection mechanism given by prominent surface ligands and avoiding material deterioration in polar solvents. In this work, how the nature of diverse alkylammonium bromides used during surface passivation influences the photophysical properties and quality of CsPbX3 PNCs fully dispersed in alcohol environments, exhibiting stability up to 10 months are investigated. By adding didodecyldimethylammonium benzyldodecyldimethylammonium and tetrabutylammonium bromides (DDAB, BDAB, and TBAB, respectively), DDAB and BDAB promote a suitable and partial surface coverage are observed, respectively, suppressing defect sites in the nanocrystals. Conversely, TBAB shows poor surface protection, decreasing the PL features of PNCs. The presence of DDAB and BDAB favors the fabrication of color converters, and efficient light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) with external quantum efficiencies (EQE) of ≈23%. Interestingly, significant device stability with BDAB capping shows an LED half‐life of 20‐fold longer than for DDAB. This contribution offers a promising approach for preparing highly luminescent and stable alcohol‐dispersed PNCs, useful for fabricating efficient optoelectronic devices.

Emissively enhanced novel azo compounds featuring with ESIPT core

This study presents the synthesis and detailed characterization of novel azo compounds featuring Excited State Intramolecular Proton Transfer (ESIPT) cores derived from orcinol, resorcinol, and 2-naphthol. Using a comprehensive suite of spectroscopic techniques, including Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), Ultraviolet-Visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy, we explored the unique photophysical properties of these compounds. Notably, the synthesized compounds exhibited exceptionally large Stokes shifts, with values recorded at 204 nm, 251 nm, and 168 nm for compounds 1A, 2A, and 3A, respectively. These shifts indicate significant potential for applications in areas such as optical sensing and fluorescent imaging. Furthermore, Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were employed to investigate the nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of the enol and keto tautomeric forms of these compounds. The findings revealed that compound 2A, in particular, demonstrated impressive first-order hyperpolarizability, especially in chloroform, underscoring its suitability for advanced nonlinear optical applications. The study highlights the pivotal role of the ESIPT mechanism, where efficient intramolecular hydrogen bonding facilitates proton transfer upon excitation, leading to enhanced fluorescence properties. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in compound 2A, where dual O—H interactions contribute to its remarkable fluorescence behavior, making it a standout candidate for use in high-performance optical materials. These findings not only advance our understanding of azo compounds and their versatile photophysical characteristics but also open new avenues for their application in cutting-edge technologies such as optical sensors, imaging agents, laser materials, and other fluorescence-based devices. By strategically leveraging the ESIPT process and the unique structural features of these compounds, this research paves the way for future innovations in the field of advanced optical materials and photonic devices.

Fine-Tuning the Microstructure and Photophysical Characteristics of Fluorescent Conjugated Copolymers Using Photoalignment and Liquid-Crystal Ordering.

Replicating the microstructural basis and the near 100% excitation energy transfer efficiency in naturally occurring light-harvesting complexes (LHCs) remains challenging in synthetic energy-harvesting devices. Biological photosynthesis regulates active ensembles of light-absorbing and funneling chlorophylls in proteins in response to fluctuating sunlight. Here, use of long-range liquid crystal (LC) ordering to tailor chain orientation and packing structure in liquid crystalline conjugated polymer (LCCP) layers for bio-mimicry of certain structural basis and light-harvesting properties of LHCs is reported. It is found that long-range orientational ordering in an LC phase of poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene-co-benzothiadiazole) (F8BT) copolymer stabilizes a small fraction of randomly-oriented F8BT nanocrystals dispersed in an amorphous matrix of F8BT chains, resembling a self-doped host-guest system whereby excitation energy funneling and photoluminescence quantum efficiencies are enhanced significantly by triggering 3D donor-to-acceptor Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) and dominant intrachain emission in the nano-crystal acceptor. Further, photoalignment of nematic F8BT layers is combined with LC orientational ordering to fabricate large-area-extended monodomains exhibiting >60% crystallinity and ≈20nm-long interchain packing order. Remarkably, these monodomains demonstrate strong linearly polarized emission, whilst also promoting a new band-edge absorption species and an extra emissive interchain excited state as compared to the non-aligned films.

Synthesis and Catalytic Activity of Novel Complexes Based on Cyano-Substituted Phthalocyanines as Promising Drug Conversion Agents

This paper presents the results of obtaining new cobalt and zinc complexes based on dicyanophenoxy-substituted carboxypthalocyanine. The original method of synthesis and isolation of the compound is shown; its spectroscopic and photophysical characteristics are studied. Studies show the absence of aggregation processes in organic media for solutions of complexes in working concentration ranges. This shows the possibility of the practical application of structures as catalysts. The high catalytic activity of cobalt complexes with dicyanophenoxy-substituted carboxyphthalocyanine ligand in the conversion reaction of sodium diethyldithiocarbamate to disulfiram, which is an active component of drugs for the treatment of alcohol dependence, is determined.

Molecular aggregates of merocyanine 540 with different surfactant systems

Merocyanine 540 (MC540) is a dye molecule that displays diverse photophysical features in varying environments. Micelle environments exert intriguing influences on the behavior of such molecules. This study’s primary objective is to examine the spectroscopic and thermodynamic consequences with different surfactants on the aggregation tendency of MC540. Interactions of MC540 with negatively charged sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), neutral triton X-100 (TX100) and positively charged hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) surfactants were investigated by using molecular absorption spectroscopy. The interactions of MC540 with the SDS, CTAB, and TX100 under and above critical micelle concentration (CMC) were studied and H aggregate formation was observed under CMC. This H aggregate structure leaded to a shift towards monomer band above the CMC of SDS, TX100, CTAB according to the H aggregate-monomer equilibrium. Moreover, it was firstly observed that MC540 has trimer type aggregate structures as well with varying CTAB concentrations. In addition, by using temperature studies, thermodynamic function ΔH⁰dis values, dimer and trimer structures, were calculated as 6.10 kcal/mol, and 8.94 kcal/mol, respectively, and ΔS⁰dis values for dimer and trimer structures as −3.87 cal/Kmol, and −18.39 cal/Kmol, respectively. The calculated thermodynamic functions showed that disaggregation of aggregates is endothermic in nature and entropy is the driving force.

Exploring the Photophysical and Mechanical Behavior of Fluorescent Metal-Organic Framework Monoliths.

Luminescent metal-organic frameworks exhibit great potential as materials for nanophotonic applications because of their programmable properties and tunable structures. In particular, luminescent guests (LG) can be hosted by metal-organic frameworks due to their porosity and guest confinement capacity, forming LG@MOF composite systems. However, such guest-host systems are mainly produced as loose powders, preventing their widespread use in practical devices and technological applications that require implementation of a stable continuum solid. In this regard, using monolithic MOF hosts might be a workable option to solve this challenge. Herein, we reported the facile synthesis and fabrication of novel prototypical sol-gel monolithic systems, designated as LG@monoMOF. Red (rhodamine B), blue (7-methoxycoumarin), and yellow (fluorescein) emitting dyes were encapsulated in a robust UiO-66 monolithic host, resulting in the red, blue, and yellow light-emitting luminescent monoliths. The mechanical and photophysical characterization of the three LG@monoMOF systems was systematically carried out in order to unravel the role of guest-host interactions in the mechanical and optical response of the bespoke LG@monoMOF composites.

Stimuli-Responsive Chiral Cellulose Nanocrystals Based Self-Assemblies for Security Measures to Prevent Counterfeiting: A Review.

The proliferation of misleading information and counterfeit products in conjunction with technical progress presents substantial worldwide issues. To address the issue of counterfeiting, many tactics, such as the use of luminous anticounterfeiting systems, have been investigated. Nevertheless, traditional fluorescent compounds have a restricted effectiveness. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), known for their renewable nature and outstanding qualities, present an excellent opportunity to develop intelligent, optically active materials formed due to their self-assembly behavior and stimuli response. CNCs and their derivatives-based self-assemblies allow for the creation of adaptable luminous materials that may be used to prevent counterfeiting. These materials integrate the photophysical characteristics of optically active components due to their stimuli-responsive behavior, enabling their use in fibers, labels, films, hydrogels, and inks. Despite substantial attention, existing materials frequently fall short of practical criteria due to limited knowledge and poor performance comparisons. This review aims to provide information on the latest developments in anticounterfeit materials based on stimuli-responsive CNCs and derivatives. It also includes the scope of artificial intelligence (AI) in the near future. It will emphasize the potential uses of these materials and encourage future investigation in this rapidly growing area of study.

Plasmon-mediated photocatalytic conversion in Au or Ag nanorod aggregates by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) hold considerable potential as photocatalysts owing to their robust light–matter interactions across diverse electromagnetic wavelengths, which significantly influence the photophysical characteristics of the adjacent molecular entities. Despite the widespread use of noble-metal NPs in surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) applications, little is known about the kinetics of nanoparticle aggregation and how it affects their configurations. This study investigates the plasmon-driven photochemical conversion of 4-nitrobenzenethiol (NBT) to 4,4′-dimercaptoazobenzene (DMAB) on Au and Ag nanorods (NRs) through SERS. Significantly, photoconversion phenomena were observed on Ag NRs but not on Au NRs upon laser excitation at 633 nm. Finite-difference time-domain simulations revealed the presence of stronger electromagnetic fields on Ag NRs than on Au NRs. The aspect ratios and gaps between individual NPs in dimer configurations were determined to elucidate their effects on electromagnetic fields. The Ag NR dimer with an end-to-end configuration, an aspect ratio of 3.3, and a 1-nm gap exhibited the highest enhancement factor of 1.05 × 1012. Our results demonstrate that the primary contribution from diverse configurations in NR aggregates is the end-to-end configuration. The proposed NP design with adjustable parameters is expected to advance research in plasmonics, sensing, and wireless communications. These findings also contribute to the understanding of plasmon-driven photochemical processes in metallic nanostructures.

Versatile Metal-Free Arylation of BODIPY and Bis(BF2) Chromophores by Using Arylazosulfones in a Sunflow System.

BODIPYs have a well-established role in biological sciences as chemosensors and versatile biological markers due to their chemical reactivity, which allows for fine-tuning of their photophysical characteristics. In this work, we combined the unique reactivity of arylazo sulfones with the advantages of a "sunflow" reactor to develop a fast, efficient, and versatile method for the photochemical arylation of BODIPYs and other chromophores. This approach resulted in red-shifted emitting fluorophores due to extended electronic delocalization at the 3- and 5-positions of the BODIPY core. This method represents an advantageous approach for BODIPY functionalization compared to existing strategies.

High-Detectivity All-Polymer Photodiode Empowers Smart Vitality Surveillance and Computational Imaging Rivaling Silicon Diodes.

Near-infrared (NIR) organic photodetectors (OPDs), particularly all-polymer-based ones, hold substantial commercial promise in the healthcare and imaging sectors. However, the process of optimizing their active layer composition to achieve highly competitive figures of merit lacks a clear direction and methodology. In this work, celebrity polymer acceptor PY-IT into a more NIR absorbing host system PBDB-T:PZF-V, to significantly enhance the photodetection competence, is introduced. The refined all-polymer ternary broadband photodetector demonstrates superior performance metrics, including experimentally measured noise current as low as 6 fA Hz-1/2, specific detectivity reaching 8×1012 Jones, linear dynamic range (LDR) of 145 dB, and swift response speed surpassing 200 kHz, striking a fair balance between sensitivity and response speed. Comprehensive morphological and photophysical characterizations elucidate the mechanisms behind the observed performance enhancements in this study, which include reduced trap density, enhanced charge transport, diminished charge recombination, and balanced electron/hole mobilities. Moreover, the practical deployment potential of the proof-of-concept device in self-powered mode is demonstrated through their application in a machine learning-based cuffless blood pressure (BP) estimation system and in high-resolution computational imaging across complex environments, where they are found to quantitatively rival commercial silicon diodes.

Highly Fluorescent π-Conjugated Azomethines and Divalent Metal Complexes as Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Nominees.

π-Conjugated azomethine ligands differing in the naphthalene or phenylmethane-centered core structure and their divalent cobalt, nickel, copper, and zinc metal complexes were prepared and well-characterized by spectral analyses in solid state. Magnetic natures of the complexes were determined by magnetic susceptibility measurements in solid-state. Their remarkable photophysical characteristics were recorded by Uv-vis and Fluorescence spectroscopic techniques. At their excitation wavelenght of 265 nm, all molecules exhibited triple fluorescence emission bands with promising intensities above 673 nm in near infra-red region. Antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of the π-conjugated azomethines are promising for potential applications in medical and healthcare settings. Hence, the antibacterial/antibiofilm activity of the π-conjugated azomethine ligands and their metal complexes against some clinically important bacteria namely Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis was investigated, and the obtained results have shown that the ligands and complexes had a remarkable antibacterial effect, especially on Proteus mirabilis. Metal complexes have been found to have a significant inhibitory effect on biofilm formation by MRSA, MSSA, and P. mirabilis compared to ligands. The copper (II) complex of ligand-2 showed the highest inhibition percentage, significantly reducing biofilm formation for MRSA and MSSA. Furthermore, cobalt (II) complexes of the ligands selectively inhibited the growth of the opportunistic pathogen P. mirabilis biofilms, indicating that metal complexes might be a good choice for future antibiofilm studies.

Phase identification and photophysical characteristics of vanadate-based nanophosphors for lighting and latent fingerprinting applications

Monoclinic structure-based Er3+-activated Ba2BiV3O11 nanophosphors have been developed via an easy and cost-efficacious urea-aided solution combustion (SC) procedure. Various spectroscopic and structural investigations thoroughly examine the produced powders. The crystal structure has been resolved by employing a combination of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the Rietveld refinement practice. The developed powdered nanosamples are crystallized in a monoclinic crystal system with P21/a space group. Further, to evaluate the composition of elements and their relative distribution, energy dispersive X-ray (EDAX) analysis was performed. The band gap values for the host matrix and the optimal nanophosphors were measured using a DR spectrophotometer; the obtained values were 3.47 eV and 3.40 eV, respectively. The strongest excitation peak at 381 nm is closely-matched with the characteristic wavelength of commercialized near ultraviolet (NUV) based LEDs. The characteristic emission spectra of Ba2Bi1-xErxV3O11 (x = 0.01–0.1) phosphors show the strongest emission at 553 nm (4S3/2 → 4I15/2). Additionally, photometric parameters such as quantum efficiency (86 %), color coordinates (x = 0.2568 and y = 0.4551), and correlated color temperature (CCT = 7722 K) are obtained from PL data and are strongly advised for use in wLEDs, color displays, imaging, lighting, and latent fingerprint applications.

Merging of a Supramolecular Ligand with a Switchable Luminophore - Light-Responsiveness, Photophysics and Bioimaging.

: In this contribution we report on a novel approach towards luminescent light-responsive ligands. To this end, cyanostilbene- guanidiniocarbonyl-pyrrole hybrids were designed and investigated. Merging of a luminophore with a supramolecular bioactive ligand bears numerous advantages by overcoming the typical drawbacks of drug-labelling, influencing the overall performance of the active species by attachment of a large luminophore. Here we were able to establish a simple and easily accessible synthesis route to different cyanostyryl-guanidininiocarbonyl-pyrrole (CGCP) derivatives. These compounds were investigated regarding their light-responsive double bond isomerisation, their molecular structures in single crystals by means of X-ray diffractometry, their emission properties by state of the art photophysical characterisation as well as bioimaging and assessment of cell toxicity.