A biocompatible fluorescent probe for endogenous hydrogen sulfide detection and imaging

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Chemical Biology
• Molecular Imaging

Background:

• Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a crucial messenger molecule with diverse physiological roles.
• Existing methods for detecting endogenous H2S lack selectivity and accuracy.
• Development of specific and biocompatible probes is needed for H2S detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, reaction-based fluorescent probe for selective detection of endogenous H2S.
• To characterize the probe's performance, including selectivity, sensitivity, and biocompatibility.
• To demonstrate the probe's utility in biological imaging applications.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a novel H2S fluorescent probe, 4-(2-(6-hydroxy-2-naphthyl) ethyl)-1-methylpyridinium (DSNP).
• Evaluation of DSNP's selectivity, sensitivity (detection limit), and reaction kinetics.
• Application of DSNP for intracellular H2S imaging in myeloma cells and zebrafish.

Main Results:

• DSNP exhibits high selectivity, large Stokes shifts, and good biocompatibility.
• The probe achieves a low detection limit of 28.4 nM with rapid reaction times of 30 min.
• Successful imaging of intracellular H2S in myeloma cells and zebrafish was demonstrated.

Conclusions:

• DSNP is a promising fluorescent probe for sensitive and selective H2S detection.
• The probe's performance supports its application in biological and biomedical research.
• DSNP offers potential for detailed H2S localization studies, particularly in osteosarcoma.