A novel fluorescent probe based on naphthimide for H₂S identification and application

Area of Science:

• Chemical Biology
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a crucial signaling molecule with diverse biological roles.
• Developing selective and sensitive probes for H2S detection is essential for biological and medical research.
• Existing H2S probes often lack sufficient sensitivity, rapid response, or stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize a novel fluorescent probe (NapSe) for the specific detection of H2S.
• To investigate the optical properties and sensing performance of the NapSe probe.
• To evaluate the applicability of NapSe for H2S detection in biological samples and imaging.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a novel fluorescent probe (NapSe) incorporating naphthimide fluorophores and a selenoether linkage.
• Characterization of the probe's optical properties, including Stokes shift and pH stability.
• Evaluation of the probe's selectivity, sensitivity, and response time for H2S detection.
• Application of the probe for H2S detection in test papers and fluorescence imaging of MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

Main Results:

• NapSe exhibits a near-rectangular structure with a super-large Stokes shift (190 nm) and good pH stability.
• The probe demonstrates a highly selective "turn-on" fluorescence response to H2S with a 42-fold increase in intensity and strong anti-interference.
• NapSe shows rapid response time (3 min) and high sensitivity with a low limit of detection (LOD) of 5.4 μM.
• Successful application of NapSe for H2S detection in test papers and for fluorescence imaging of exogenous and endogenous H2S in MCF-7 cells.

Conclusions:

• The novel NapSe probe offers superior performance for H2S detection compared to existing methods.
• NapSe's excellent optical properties, sensitivity, and rapid response make it a valuable tool for biological research.
• The probe's successful application in cellular imaging highlights its potential for in vivo H2S monitoring.