One-step synthesis of PY-NBD to distinguish Cys/Hcy and GSH in aqueous solutions and living cells by dual channels

Abstract

Common biothiols including Cys/Hcy and GSH are critical to the occurrence of both physiological and pathological processes; thus, the selective identification of Cys, Hcy and GSH is essential. In this study, by anchoring 7-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole (NBD) with pyrene in a single step, an easy-to-synthesize probe PY-NBD was obtained. It showed dual-channel emission in response towards the biothiols, Cys/Hcy in blue and green and GSH in blue. In addition, in HeLa cells, PY-NBD was also effectively employed in the identification and differentiation of Cys/Hcy and GSH.