A ratiometric two-photon fluorescent probe for fluoride ion imaging in living cells and zebrafish

Using 6-hydroxyl-quinoline-2-benzothiazole (HQB) as a two-photon fluorophore and tert-butyldiphenylsilyl as a recognition domain for F(-), a ratiometric two-photon fluorescent fluoride probe, QF, was synthesized and fully characterized. QF displays both one- and two-photon ratiometric responses towards fluoride ions in aqueous solution. QF was enabled to detect exogenous fluoride ions in living cells by a ratiometric method. Two-photon microscopic imaging of fluoride ions in living HeLa cells and zebrafish has also been achieved. QF has been demonstrated to be an excellent fluorescent probe with high selectivity, low cytotoxicity and good photostability.