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Updated: May 2, 2026
ReAsH/FlAsH Labeling and Image Analysis of Tetracysteine Sensor Proteins in Cells
Published on: August 31, 2011
Flavone-based ESIPT ratiometric chemodosimeter for detection of cysteine in living cells
Bin Liu1, Junfeng Wang, Ge Zhang
1Department of Chemistry & Maurice Morton Institute of Polymer Science, and §Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Akron , Akron, Ohio 44325, United States.
Abstract:
We have designed and synthesized a novel ratiometric fluorescent chemodosimeter MHF-based ESIPT process for specific detection of cysteine among the biological thiols. The probe MHF shows very weak blue fluorescence under UV excitation. Upon addition of cysteine (Cys), the reaction of Cys with MHF induces acrylate hydrolysis, thereby enabling the ESIPT process to shift the weak blue emission to a strong green emission with about 20-fold enhancement. We utilized (1)H NMR spectra to elucidate the fluorescence sensing mechanism. Moreover, the cellular imaging experiment indicated the MHF possessed excellent selectivity, low cytotoxicity, and desirable cell permeability for biological applications.
