A fast detection of peroxynitrite in living cells

Peroxynitrite (ONOO^-) plays a crucial role in the regulation of diverse pathophysiological processes, and high level of ONOO^- is profound association with numerous diseases. Herein, we developed an anthraquinone-based fluorescent probe L for ONOO^- determination by a new recognition mechanism: amido oxidized nitroso-group by ONOO^-. Probe L with amine-based recognition receptor is more selective to ONOO^- than other reactive oxygen species, including H₂O₂ and ClO^-. Furthermore, ONOO^- could be rapidly detected by probe L with a Limit of Detection of 13 nM. More importantly, L could be used to monitor intracellular ONOO^- in SMMC-7721 cells.