Phenylalanine-based hydrophobic carbon dot for exploring the lipid phase-dependent distinct emission behavior and detection of biomolecular self-assembled structures

To understand the dynamic characteristics of lipid membranes, such as lipid bilayer fluidity, lipid movement, and biomolecular diffusion, several fluorescent dye-based bioanalytical methods have been employed over the years. However, the fluorescent dyes have several limitations, like inefficient insertion into lipid bilayers, low fluorescence intensity, and rapid photobleaching, among many. Here, we explore a novel and unique application of phenylalanine-based hydrophobic carbon dot (FHCD). It showcases quite a remarkable and distinct emission when embedded in the ordered and disordered lipid membranes. Apart from the lipid bilayer, FHCD can successfully capture biomolecular self-assembly, as well as detect metastable intermediates and membraneless biomolecular condensates. This work can further pave the way in designing other synthetic probes to monitor the lipid membrane dynamics, as well as the biomolecular self-assembly.