HKOCl-4: a rhodol-based yellow fluorescent probe for the detection of hypochlorous acid in living cells and tissues

Abstract

In order to understand the production and functions of HOCl in biological systems, a sensitive and selective detection method is urgently needed, especially for HOCl visualization in living cells and tissues. Herein we report a highly sensitive and selective rhodol-based fluorescent probe HKOCl-4 for HOCl detection. HKOCl-4r and HKOCl-4m, which were designed for better cellular uptake and mitochondria-targeting, respectively, have been successfully applied in detecting endogenous HOCl in macrophages. Furthermore, HOCl production in ischemic rat brain tissues has been visualized with HKOCl-4r in a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. These probes would serve as powerful imaging tools for delving into the roles of HOCl in health and disease.