A New Fluorescent Probe for Hydrogen Sulfide Detection in Solution and Living Cells

Since Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S) was recognized as a gas transmitter, its detection and quantification have become a hot research topic among chemists and biologists. In this area, fluorescent probes have shown great advantages: fast and strong response, low detection limit and easy manipulation. Here we developed a new fluorescent probe that detected H₂S selectively among various bioactive and inorganic salts. This probe was based on the core structure of fluorescein and reacted with H₂S through azide-reduction. Great linearity was achieved correlating fluorescence intensity and H₂S concentrations in solution. The detection of H₂S in cancer cells was also achieved.