Bodipy-Based highly sensitive hydrogen sulfide fluorescent probe and its fluorescence imaging in cells and zebrafish

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a crucial endogenous gasotransmitter that plays a role in various physiological and pathological processes. Therefore, accurate and rapid monitoring of H₂S in organisms is highly significant for understanding the underlying pathological mechanisms and facilitating early diagnosis of related diseases. In this study, we developed a novel fluorescent probe, B-CHO-NO₂, based on a bodipy fluorophore, which exhibits excellent sensitivity and selectivity towards H₂S. The design of the probe exploits the nucleophilicity of H₂S by introducing a formyl group as the ortho-participating moiety, significantly enhancing the reaction rate with H₂S. In cellular and zebrafish models, the probe B-CHO-NO₂ successfully achieved fluorescence imaging of endogenous and exogenous H₂S. The development of probe B-CHO-NO₂ provides a powerful tool for biological studies of H₂S and diagnosis of related diseases.