Sensitive detection of bisulfite by a novel quinoxalinyl-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, the excessive amounts of HSO3 can bring about an 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) for detecting HSO3 was synthesized, derived from camphorquinone. This probe showed a colorimeteric 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 the fluorescence bioimaging of HSO3 in living organisms.