Molecular tubes for lipid sensing: tube conformations control analyte selectivity and fluorescent response.

Two fluorescent sensors for lipids have been prepared and tested for detection of a number of hydrophobic compounds of varying shape and size. The data suggest that the two sensors have a different mode of fluorescent response. Yet, the two sensors are only different in the bridging group--one having a flexible amide and one having a rigid allyl bridge. The fluorescence data are explained based on a difference in conformation of the two sensors in aqueous solution.