An endoplasmic reticulum-targetable fluorescent probe for highly selective detection of hydrogen sulfide

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), a critical endogenous signaling molecule, is widely involved in many physiological processes. Endoplasmic reticulum, an important organelle with a sac-like structure, plays crucial roles in maintaining the normal function of cells. Accordingly, monitoring the H₂S levels in endoplasmic reticulum is of great importance. Herein, we have developed an endoplasmic reticulum-targetable fluorescent probe, ER-CN, for H₂S detection. ER-CN features excellent sensing properties, such as high sensitivity and selectivity. In addition, ER-CN exhibits low cytotoxicity and a fine endoplasmic reticulum targeting property (with a Pearson's colocalization coefficient of 0.95). Significantly, visualization of H₂S in the endoplasmic reticulum of living HeLa cells by using ER-CN was successfully realized.