Photon-induced electron transfer engineering for low-laser-power STED imaging probes in mitochondrial membrane potential quantification

Authors:

Shiqing Zhang, Xuqian Zhao, Zhangyue Wu, Yi Zou, Zhihui Huang, Ziyan Zhang, Shah Faisal, Fucheng Zhong, Weikang Chen, Jiarong Lian, Gengwen Chen, Zhigang Yang

Keywords:

STED; fluorescent probe; low laser power; photon-induced electron transfer; PeT; mitochondria membrane potential; MMP

Abstract:

Mitochondria are essential organelles regulating metabolism and cell death, with their activity indicated by the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). However, real-time high-resolution visualization of MMP dynamics remains challenging due to the limitations of conventional imaging. Here, we report a stimulated emission depletion (STED) probe, Spoe_2, based on photoinduced electron transfer (PeT) with ultra-low depletion power. This design enables minimally invasive, long-term imaging of mitochondrial cristae at nanoscale resolution. The strategy allows both fine structural visualization and quantitative mapping of MMP fluctuations using an optimized Nernst equation. Furthermore, it links mitochondrial ultrastructure with functional states, such as fusion and fission, providing a versatile platform to investigate mitochondrial physiology and dysfunction in living cells.

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