Cell-specific activation of gemcitabine by endogenous H2S stimulation and tracking through simultaneous fluorescence turn-on

Abstract

The endogenous H₂S-driven theranostic H₂S-Gem has been invented. The theranostic prodrug H₂S-Gem is selectively activated in cancer cells, releasing active gemcitabine with a simultaneous fluorescence turn-on. H₂S-Gem selectively inhibited cancer cell growth compared to the mother chemotherapeutic gemcitabine. Overall, it is a unique protocol for tracking and transporting chemotherapeutic agents to tumor areas without the guidance of tumor-directive ligands.