An excitation ratiometric Zn2+ sensor with mitochondria-targetability for monitoring of mitochondrial Zn2+ release upon different stimulations

Abstract

A mitochondria-targeted fluorescent sensor (Mito-ST), constructed by integrating a sulfamoylbenzoxadiazole fluorophore with a phosphonium group, displays the specific Zn²⁺-induced hypsochromic shifts of both excitation (69 nm) and emission (35 nm) maxima. Its ratiometric Zn²⁺ imaging ability via dual excitation mode has been applied in MCF-7 cells to clarify the different behaviours of mitochondrial Zn²⁺ release stimulated by H₂O₂ and SNOC.