A fluorescent turn-on H2S-responsive probe: design, synthesis and application

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Chemical Biology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is recognized as a crucial endogenous signaling molecule involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes.
• Accurate detection of H2S in biological systems is essential for understanding its diverse roles, including vasodilation, apoptosis, and inflammation.
• Existing methods for H2S detection often lack the required selectivity and sensitivity for complex biological environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel probe for the selective and sensitive detection of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in biological samples.
• To evaluate the probe's capability for real-time bioimaging of H2S in living cells.
• To establish an efficient tool for investigating H2S-related biological functions at the cellular level.

Main Methods:

• Development of a dual-mode (colorimetric and fluorescent) probe designed for H2S recognition.
• Assessment of the probe's selectivity and sensitivity towards H2S in aqueous solutions.
• Application of the probe for intracellular bioimaging of H2S in living cells, evaluating its biocompatibility and cell-penetration properties.

Main Results:

• The developed probe exhibited a highly selective and sensitive response to H2S.
• The probe demonstrated effective 'turn-on' fluorescence signaling upon reaction with H2S.
• Successful bioimaging of H2S in living cells was achieved without significant interference from other biological species.

Conclusions:

• A novel H2S-selective probe with excellent water-solubility, biocompatibility, and cell-penetration capabilities has been successfully developed.
• The probe serves as an efficient tool for monitoring H2S levels at the cellular level.
• This advancement facilitates further research into the physiological and pathological roles of H2S.