Fluorescent probes have revolutionised our ability to visualise and quantify biological structures with high spatial and temporal resolution. These tools enable researchers to interrogate complex molecular assemblies and dynamic processes within living systems, providing insights that are inaccessible through conventional imaging approaches. Despite significant advances, challenges remain in decoding nanoscale organisation and physicochemical properties of biomolecular assemblies in their native environments.
In this presentation, I will discuss our work in developing and applying fluorescent strategies to address three key biological questions:
(i) Amyloid assemblies in neurodegenerative diseases – fluorescent sensors to visualise and quantify the nanoscale morphology of protein aggregates implicated in dementia;
(ii) Polarity and viscosity mapping – molecular rotors and environment-sensitive probes to decode local physicochemical properties in biology;
(iii) Plasma membrane labelling – fluorophores that selectively target and report on membrane organisation and dynamics.
By integrating super-resolution imaging with tailored fluorescent chemistries, these approaches provide powerful means to explore structural heterogeneity, probe nanoenvironments, and uncover functional roles of biomolecular assemblies. Such tools not only advance fundamental understanding of cellular processes but also open new avenues for diagnostics and therapeutic strategies.