Benzo[De]Isoquinoline-1,3-Dione Based Compound and Use thereof

A rapid, wash-free, fluorescence-based diagnostic probe that enables detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis within ~15 minutes, while simultaneously targeting a validated mycobacterial enzyme (DprE1). The technology offers high specificity, minimal background signal, low operational complexity, and potential integration into point-of-care diagnostic platforms, particularly suited for resource-limited settings.

The technology is based on a naphthalimide (benzodeisoquinoline-1,3-dione) solvatochromic fluorophore conjugate that selectively binds to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Upon interaction with the bacterial cell wall enzyme DprE1, the probe exhibits a distinct fluorescence turn-on response, enabling rapid and wash-free detection of live mycobacteria. In addition to diagnostic capability, the probe demonstrates intrinsic antitubercular activity, establishing a dual diagnostic–therapeutic (theranostic) function.

• Rapid detection of M. tuberculosis (~15 minutes)
• Wash-free detection with negligible background fluorescence
• High specificity towards Actinobacteria, reducing false positives
• Dual diagnostic and therapeutic (theranostic) functionality via DprE1 targeting
• Chemically stable, room-temperature storage compatible
• pH-independent fluorescence response across physiological range
• Cost-effective, scalable one-pot synthetic route
• Suitable for translation into point-of-care diagnostic formats