Sevincli, Zekiye SeymaAmudi, KarinaOncel, Buse CeydaYurtcu, ErkanIseri, Ozlem DarcansoyMenges, Nurettin2025-06-012025-06-0120251386-14251873-355710.1016/j.saa.2025.1263822-s2.0-105004876154https://doi.org/10.1016/j.saa.2025.126382We report the synthesis and characterization of novel imidazopyrazine-based fluorescent molecules 5a and 5b targeting RNA and DNA binding. Molecule 5b showed superior photophysical properties with stable fluorescence and high quantum yield in various solvents. UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy revealed strong RNA binding with time-dependent fluorescence quenching and increasing absorbance, suggesting groove binding or it-it stacking interactions. Furthermore, agarose gel electrophoresis further confirmed selective RNA binding of 5b. Imaging studies demonstrated that 5b penetrated into viable MCF-7 cells and selectively stained RNA and retained fluorescence for up to 8 h under ambient conditions. These findings advance the study of RNA dynamics in living cells, highlighting the potential of 5b for RNA-specific bioimaging and sensing applications.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessRna BindingHeterocyclic MoleculesFluorescence SpectroscopyBioimagingCancer Cell LineArticle340Q1Q140373550WOS:001493397200001