Recent advances in small-molecule fluorescent probes for simultaneous dual detection of HClO/ClO− and analytes/microenvironment

Abstract

Hypochlorous acid/hypochlorite (HClO/ClO⁻) is one of the most crucial reactive oxygen species that exert effective antibacterial effects in living organisms. Real-time monitoring of HOCl/ClO⁻ changes in the local regions will help to further reveal its biological functions. However, the alterations of HClO/ClO⁻ and other analytes/microenvironment often fluctuate simultaneously in the occurrence and progress of certain diseases. That is to say, a large number of pathological processes are controlled by various biological species and microenvironment. Therefore, exploring the interactive relationship and co-regulation mechanism between HClO/ClO⁻ and analytes/microenvironment is vital. Fluorescence imaging techniques have been broadly applied in detecting HClO/ClO⁻ and analytes/microenvironment in biological systems due to their outstanding performance, including non-invasiveness, in situ capability, and high spatial–temporal resolution. Fluorescent probes have been considered as one of the most efficient instruments for studying molecular events. Herein, this review offers a comprehensive statement of dual-responsive small-molecule fluorescent probes for simultaneous monitoring of HClO/ClO⁻ and analytes/microenvironment. Furthermore, the levels, distributions and relationship of HClO/OCl⁻ and analytes were revealed in depth, especially latent functions in numerous diseases. In particular, this review may offer valuable references for the preparation and application of simultaneous dual-detection fluorescent probes in the future.