Fluorescent probes for sensing peroxynitrite: biological applications

Peroxynitrite (ONOO^-) is a quintessential reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), renowned for its potent oxidizing and nitrifying capabilities. Under normal physiological conditions, a baseline level of ONOO^- is present within the body. However, its production escalates significantly in response to oxidative stress. ONOO^- is highly reactive with various biomolecules in vivo, particularly proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, thereby playing a role in a spectrum of physiological and pathological processes, such as inflammation, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Consequently, detecting ONOO^- in vivo is of paramount importance for understanding the etiology of various diseases and facilitating early diagnosis. Fluorescent probes have become a staple in the identification of biomolecules due to their ease of use, convenience, and superior sensitivity and specificity. This review highlights the recent advancements in the development of fluorescent probes for the detection of ONOO^- in diverse disease models and provides an in-depth examination of their design and application.