Development of photoswitchable fluorescent molecules using arylazopyrazole

Photoswitchable fluorescent molecules (PSFMs) are important tools for fluorescence imaging of biomolecules. To date, PSFMs have been applied for pulse-chase experiments and super-resolution imaging. However, most have limitations in that their fluorophores have low photostability or require cytotoxic additives. Here, we have developed PSFMs using a photochromic compound, arylazopyrazole, to overcome these limitations. These molecules showed reversible changes in fluorescence intensity upon photoirradiation and high photostability in aqueous solutions.