A ratiometric water-soluble fluorescent probe for the detection of sulfur dioxide derivative in sinusitis mice model

Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) plays an extremely important role in the basic processes of physiology and pathology. As an antioxidant, SO₂ can maintain the redox homeostasis in the cell. Excessive inhalation of SO₂ would lead to irreparable respiratory damage, resulting in respiratory diseases, neurological disorders, and even cardiovascular disease. Thus, it is urgent to exploit an excellent way to monitor SO₂ derivatives in biological system. Herein, we design a water-soluble ratiometric fluorescent probe to fast detect the level of SO₂ derivatives in living cells in vivo. The probe displays obvious fluorescence signal at long wavelength, which is helpful for imaging of biological system. After respond to SO₂ derivatives, the fluorescence signal at 465 nm increases rapidly due to the Michael addition reaction is triggered, further causing the disruption of large conjugated system. The probe exhibits high selectivity and fast respond to SO₂ derivatives, which can be able to sensitive and real-time monitoring of SO₂ derivatives level in living cells. Moreover, the probe reveals a low detection limit and a great linear relationship to SO₂ derivatives. Based on the negligible cytotoxicity and good biocompatibility of the probe, which is employed to detect exogenous and endogenous SO₂ derivatives in living cells. In addition, it is also served as a potential chemical tool to detect SO₂ derivatives in mice model of sinusitis.