A mitochondria-targeted and deep-red emission ratiometric fluorescent probe for real-time visualization of SO2 in living cells, zebrafish and living mice

Abstract

Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) plays a vital role in physiological and pathological processes. Excessive inhalation of SO₂ is associated with several diseases. However, the potential physiological mechanisms of SO₂ in living systems are still unclear due to the lack of an effective technique for imaging SO₂ in real time in living mice. Herein, a ratiometric fluorescent probe CSP has been constructed for monitoring SO₂. The novel probe CSP displayed fast sensing of SO₂, excellent selectivity and photostability. More importantly, CSP was effectively employed for the detection of mitochondrial SO₂ not only at the cellular level but also in zebrafish and living mice.