A probe for ratiometric near-infrared fluorescence and colorimetric hydrogen sulfide detection and imaging in live cells

Abstract

A ratiometric, near-infrared (NIR), fluorescence and colorimetric probe DNPOCy for hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has been developed. The chemical basis for the operation of the probe is thiolysis of a dinitrophenyl ether, which liberates a cyanine dye chromophore. The probe exhibits a rapid response and high sensitivity to H₂S in pure aqueous media, in the near infrared optical window. DNPOCy is highly selective for H₂S over other biologically relevant species including biothiols. This probe can be conveniently used for monitoring H₂S without the interference from pH dependent effects of physiological media. The practical utility of the probe was demonstrated by its application to the detection of H₂S in live cells.