Mitochondria-targeting near-infrared fluorescent probe for selective detection and imaging of endogenous/exogenous H2S in breast cancer models

Abstract

We developed 152T, a biotinylated near-infrared fluorescent probe with high H₂S selectivity and mitochondrial targeting. Biotinylation enhances water solubility and tumor retention, while a specific reaction trigger enables distinct H₂S recognition. Colocalization (0.892 with MitoTracker) and in vivo imaging in MCF-7 tumors—showing rapid signal onset, peak at 150 min, and tumor-specific fluorescence—support its use for real-time H₂S imaging and cancer diagnosis.