Rational design of a rapidly responsive and highly selective fluorescent probe for SO₂ derivatives detection and...

Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is emerging as a double-edged molecule, while plays vital roles in food and biological system. However, the fast, highly sensitive, and versatile fluorescent probe still remains a tough challenge among current reports. Herein, we developed a novel aggregation-induced emission (AIE) fluorescent probe TPE-PN for specifically sensing SO₂ derivatives with high sensitivity (150 nmol/L) and rapid response time (10 s) based on intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) mechanism. And the fluorescence at 575 nm decreased tremendously with 31-fold after the probe was treated with HSO₃^-. Employing the probe, the accurate analysis of HSO₃^- was successfully realized in food samples, cells, plant tissues, and zebrafishes. Furthermore, we successfully demonstrate the eruption of SO₂ derivatives within plant during drought and salt stress processes. Therefore, probe TPE-PN illustrates significant potential for applications in food analysis and monitoring of SO₂ derivatives levels in biological systems under stress conditions.