Probing Deep Hydrogen Polysulfides Fluctuations In Vivo by Engineering Activatable Fluorescence Reporters with Second...

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Chemical Biology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) plays crucial roles in various biochemical processes.
• Distinguishing between H₂S and H₂S is vital for understanding these roles.
• Existing fluorescent probes lack specificity for H₂S over H₂S and struggle with deep tissue imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop the first activatable near-infrared-II (NIR-II) fluorescent probe for H₂S-specific imaging.
• To enable sensitive and selective detection of H₂S in deep tissues.
• To facilitate a better understanding of H₂S's physiological implications.

Main Methods:

• Molecular engineering strategies were employed to design the probe.
• Electron-absorbing moieties were incorporated to redshift emission.
• Leaving groups with varying dissociation capacities were used to tune selectivity for H₂S over H₂S.

Main Results:

• The developed probe demonstrated specific and sensitive activation by H₂S.
• Deep tissue imaging of endogenous H₂S fluctuations was achieved.
• The probe enabled accurate identification of acute inflammation in animal models.

Conclusions:

• The novel H₂S-activated NIR-II probe represents a significant advancement in bioimaging.
• This probe facilitates specific and deep imaging of H₂S, aiding in understanding its biological functions.
• The technology holds promise for advancing research into H₂S-mediated physiological and pathological processes.