Coronene diimide-based self-assembled (fibre-to-disc) fluorescent aggregates for visualization of latent fingerprints.

Graphical abstract Self-assembled fibre-to-disc fluorescent aggregates of coronene diimide were explored for tuning of their emission color, visualization of latent fingerprints (solution and powder dusting methods) and bio-labeling of HeLa cells. Highlights • Two novel coronene diimides have been synthesized. • Controlled transformation of fibre-to-disc-like aggregates alongside tuning of their emission color has been achieved. • Red fluorescent aggregates of CDI 3 show application in visualization of latent fingerprints. • For the first time CDI 3 were used in powder dusting method to visualize the latent fingerprints on porous surfaces. • CDI 3 was also explored for bio imaging of HeLa cells. Abstract Coronenediimide (CDI 3) forms long fibrillar nanostructure when dissolved in DMF. On addition of >70% water in DMF, CDI 3 undergo fibre-to-disc morphological transformation alongside onset of different emission colors in water-DMF binary mixtures. These self-assembled red emitting aggregates of CDI 3 applied for visualization of latent fingerprints using solution spray and powder dusting methods on porous and non-porous surfaces commonly found in home such as aluminium, stainless steel, glass, metal coins, compact discs (CDs), OHP films, ceramic tiles and paper sheets. In an attempt to explore the application of CDI 3 in the forensic cases, 2nd level of information was used for distinguishing different fingerprints from different subjects. These disc-like fluorescent red aggregates of CDI 3 were also used for staining of HeLa cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]