Supramolecular probes with force-induced luminescence for the detection of chlortetracycline (CTC) and application in cellular imaging studies

An A-D-A π-conjugated fluorescent probe CBTOP, synthesized via Suzuki coupling and Knoevenagel condensation, serves as a specific tool for chlortetracycline (CTC) analysis. It emits fluorescence over 495–622 nm (blue-to-red). Mechanical grinding triggers its microstructure transformation from columnar to coral-like aggregates, identifiable by fluorescence intensity and color. Under varying water contents, CBTOP self-assembles into nanostructures (sheets, vesicles) via π-π stacking and hydrogen bonding. It specifically recognizes CTC with significant fluorescence quenching and emission blue shift, driven by the ICT mechanism (spectroscopically confirmed). With low cytotoxicity, it enables CTC fluorescent imaging in biological systems, offering a novel specific detection strategy with promising applications.