An efficient dual-function fluorescent probe for sulfites and sulfides and its imaging application in cells

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Chemical Biology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Sulfur dioxide (SO2) derivatives and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) are vital gas signaling molecules in physiological processes.
• Accurate monitoring of SO2 derivatives and H2S concentrations within cells is essential for disease research and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and develop a bifunctional probe for simultaneously detecting SO2 derivatives and H2S in biological systems.
• To evaluate the probe's performance, including response time, selectivity, and applicability in cellular environments.

Main Methods:

• A novel bifunctional probe, SN-F, was designed utilizing the Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) mechanism.
• The probe's performance was assessed for SO2 and H2S detection, including response kinetics, selectivity, and linearity.
• Cellular imaging experiments were conducted to evaluate the probe's targeting ability and monitoring capacity for endogenous and exogenous H2S.

Main Results:

• The SN-F probe demonstrated a rapid response time of 2 minutes for SO2 detection.
• SN-F exhibited excellent anti-interference capabilities and selectivity in a non-organic solvent system (pH 7.4), suitable for cellular SO2 determination.
• The probe showed a wide linear range for H2S detection and successfully targeted the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) for cell imaging, monitoring both endogenous and exogenous H2S.

Conclusions:

• The bifunctional SN-F probe is a valuable tool for accurately quantifying SO2 derivatives and H2S in cellular settings.
• SN-F's ability to target the ER and monitor H2S in live cells opens new avenues for investigating the roles of these gasotransmitters in health and disease.