Novel NIR fluorescent probe for hypochlorite ion detection in biological systems

Area of Science:

• Chemical Biology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Hypochlorite ion (ClO-) is a reactive oxygen species involved in various physiological and pathological processes.
• Accurate detection of ClO- is crucial for understanding cellular functions and disease mechanisms.
• Existing detection methods often lack sensitivity, selectivity, or real-time monitoring capabilities in biological systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a novel fluorescent probe, NR-ClO, for sensitive and selective detection of hypochlorite ions.
• To evaluate the probe's performance in complex biological environments, including in vitro and in vivo models.
• To establish NR-ClO as a reliable tool for real-time ClO- monitoring in biological research.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of the NR-ClO probe via nucleophilic substitution between Nile red and dimethylcarbamothioic chloride.
• Spectroscopic characterization of the probe's photophysical properties and its response to hypochlorite ions.
• Validation of the probe's efficacy in vitro using HepG2 cells and in vivo using a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis.

Main Results:

• The NR-ClO probe exhibited high sensitivity and selectivity for hypochlorite ions, with a low detection limit of 75 nM and a broad linear range (0.1-200 μM).
• The probe demonstrated successful real-time monitoring of hypochlorite ions in HepG2 cells and in a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis.
• No significant cytotoxicity was observed for the probe in the tested cellular and animal models.

Conclusions:

• The novel NR-ClO fluorescent probe is a highly sensitive and selective tool for detecting hypochlorite ions in biological systems.
• NR-ClO enables reliable real-time monitoring of hypochlorite ions in both in vitro and in vivo settings.
• This probe holds significant potential for advancing research in oxidative stress-related diseases and biological processes.