A fluorescent and solvatochromic 1,8-naphthalimide probe for detection of lipid droplet trafficking and biogenesis

We present a highly fluorescent, solvatochromic, 1,8-naphthalimide for simultaneous imaging of lipid droplets and endoplasmic reticulum, with distinguishable emission maxima. By delineating organelles based on their emission profiles, lipid droplet biogenesis and intercellular trafficking events are visualised. The probe also stains myelin lipids in ex vivo brain tissue, indicating histochemical applications.