An aggregation induced emission chalcone fluorescent probe with large Stokes shift for biothiols detection

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Biothiol homeostasis is vital for organismal health.
• Biothiols play critical roles in various biological processes.
• Sensitive and selective detection methods for biothiols are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a "turn on" Aggregation-Induced Emission (AIE) fluorescent probe for intracellular biothiols.
• To utilize a chalcone fluorophore (7HIN) modified with a biothiol-specific quencher (DNBS).
• To enable sensitive and selective detection of biothiols in biological systems.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of the 7HIN-D fluorescent probe.
• Characterization of the probe's photophysical properties, including ESIPT and AIE.
• Evaluation of probe selectivity and sensitivity towards biologically relevant biothiols (GSH, Cys, Hcy).
• Application of the probe for detecting endogenous biothiols in living cells.

Main Results:

• The probe 7HIN-D exhibits "turn on" AIE fluorescence upon reaction with biothiols.
• A large Stokes shift of 113 nm was observed.
• High sensitivity and selectivity were demonstrated with low detection limits (e.g., 0.384 μmol/L for GSH).
• Successful detection of endogenous biothiols in living cells was achieved.

Conclusions:

• The developed 7HIN-D probe is effective for sensitive and selective detection of intracellular biothiols.
• The probe exhibits excellent performance, biocompatibility, and low cytotoxicity.
• 7HIN-D holds promise for biomedical research and diagnostics involving biothiol analysis.