High-selective two-site fluorescent probe for Cys/SO₂ detection and cell imaging.

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Chemical Sensing

Background:

• Cysteine (Cys) and sulfite (SO2) are crucial biological molecules.
• Selective and sensitive detection methods for Cys-SO2 are needed for biological research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize a novel fluorescent probe (NBPI) for selective detection of Cys-SO2 components.
• To evaluate the probe's performance in vitro and in cell imaging.

Main Methods:

• Design and synthesis of a fluorescent probe incorporating cyanine phenothiazine and 7-nitro-1,2,3-benzoxadiazole (NBD).
• Spectroscopic analysis to determine probe specificity and sensitivity.
• In vitro experiments to assess linearity and detection limits.
• Cellular imaging studies to visualize endogenous and exogenous Cys and SO2.

Main Results:

• The NBPI probe demonstrated high selectivity for Cys-SO2 components.
• The probe achieved excellent linearity and very low detection limits in vitro.
• NBPI enabled separate detection of Cys-SO2 even when both were present.
• Successful imaging of Cys and SO2 in living cells was achieved.

Conclusions:

• The developed NBPI probe is a powerful tool for selective Cys-SO2 detection.
• NBPI facilitates separate quantification and imaging of Cys and SO2 in biological systems.
• This probe holds potential for advancing research in biological sulfur metabolism and signaling.