A PET and ESIPT based fluorescent probe for the imaging of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in live cells and zebrafish

Abstract

H₂S is an important signaling molecule in living systems and participates in a series of physiological and pathological processes. In situ and rapid detection of H₂S levels in living systems is of great importance to the in-depth study of its physiological and pathological roles. Herein, we present a new fluorescent probe (DFAN) for the detection of H₂S in live cells and zebrafish. The probe DFAN utilized the auxiliary action of the ortho-aldehyde group to promote the thiolysis of 2,4-dinitrophenyl ether, and achieved a highly sensitive and selective response to H₂S. The response mechanism of the probe DFAN to H₂S is an integration of PET and ESIPT mechanisms. Moreover, the probe DFAN was successfully used for the fluorescence imaging of H₂S in live cells and zebrafish.