Polydimethylsiloxanes - Based Fluorescent Probe for H₂S Detection in Living Cells

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Materials Science
• Chemical Biology

Background:

• Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a crucial signaling molecule in biological systems, necessitating sensitive detection methods.
• Polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS) offer a versatile and biocompatible scaffold for developing fluorescent probes, yet their application for H2S detection remains unexplored.
• 4-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole (NBD) derivatives are known for their excellent fluorescent properties and environmental sensitivity, making them suitable for probe design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize a novel fluorescent probe for H2S detection utilizing PDMS.
• To investigate the probe's performance, including its detection limit and applicability in cellular imaging.
• To explore the potential of PDMS-based materials in the development of advanced biosensors.

Main Methods:

• A novel H2S fluorescent probe, P-NBD, was synthesized via a one-step nucleophilic substitution reaction between a PDMS derivative and Cl-NBD.
• The probe's detection mechanism was elucidated, involving a cleavage reaction strategy and intramolecular charge transfer.
• The probe's performance was evaluated using colorimetric methods, and its utility for H2S imaging in HeLa cells was demonstrated.

Main Results:

• The synthesized P-NBD probe exhibited a low limit of detection for H2S, reaching 93 nM.
• P-NBD demonstrated effective colorimetric detection of H2S, comparable to existing probes.
• Successful H2S imaging in HeLa cells confirmed the probe's capability for biological applications.

Conclusions:

• A novel PDMS-based fluorescent probe (P-NBD) was successfully developed for sensitive H2S detection.
• The probe utilizes a unique cleavage reaction and intramolecular charge transfer mechanism for colorimetric sensing.
• This study highlights the potential of PDMS as a scaffold for fluorescent probes and demonstrates its utility in cellular H2S imaging.