Sensitive detection of bisulfite by a novel quinoxaline-based fluorescent probe and its applications in food detection and bioimaging

Abstract

Bisulfite (HSO₃⁻) is a widely used food additive that plays a crucial role in many physiological processes. Nevertheless, excessive amounts of HSO₃⁻ can bring about incalculable harm to human health. Hence, monitoring the residual HSO₃⁻ in food samples is of utmost significance for human health. In this work, a ratiometric fluorescent probe (DPTI), derived from camphorquinone, was synthesized for detecting HSO₃⁻. This probe showed a colorimetric and fluorescence dual response to HSO₃⁻ within 10 min, with high selectivity (LOD = 0.07 μM). In addition, the probe DPTI could be used for detecting HSO₃⁻ content in food samples. Additionally, the good biocompatibility of probe DPTI makes it suitable for fluorescence bioimaging of HSO₃⁻ in living organisms.