Detection and differentiation between peroxynitrite and hydroperoxides using mitochondria-targeted arylboronic acid

The development of boronic probes enabled reliable detection and quantitative analysis of hydrogen peroxide and peroxynitrite. The major product, in which boronate moiety of the probe is replaced by the hydroxyl group, is however common for both oxidants. Here, we describe how ortho-isomer of mitochondria-targeted phenylboronic acid can be used to detect and differentiate peroxynitrite-dependent and peroxynitrite-independent probe oxidation. This method highlights the detection and quantification of both the major, phenolic product and the minor, peroxynitrite-specific nitrated product of probe oxidation.