A TPP-OH-based near-infrared fluorescent nanoprobe for cellular and in vivo H₂S detection and imaging

Shanshan Fan ¹, Shengsheng Cui ¹, Cheng Cao ¹

⁰Institute of Intelligent Health Diagnosis and Treatment, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China.

Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces +

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June 13, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

A novel near-infrared fluorescent probe (TPNPs) was developed to detect hydrogen sulfide (H2S). This probe exhibits a "turn-on" fluorescence response, enabling sensitive detection of H2S in biological samples.

Area Of Science

Biochemistry
Chemical Biology
Medical Diagnostics

Background

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a crucial signaling molecule influencing physiological and pathological processes.
Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probes offer high specificity, sensitivity, and safety for biological detection.
Developing sensitive probes for H2S is vital for understanding its role in disease.

Purpose Of The Study

To design and synthesize a novel NIR fluorescent probe (TPNPs) for sensitive detection of H2S.
To investigate the sensing mechanism and performance of TPNPs for H2S.
To evaluate the applicability of TPNPs for detecting H2S in biological systems.

Main Methods

Synthesis of TPNPs from 4-(10,15,20-triphenylporphyrin-5-yl)phenol (TPP-OH).
Investigation of the "turn-on" fluorescence response upon reaction with Na2S (H2S donor).
Quantitative analysis of H2S detection using fluorescence spectroscopy and determination of the detection limit.
Application of TPNPs for detecting exogenous and endogenous H2S in live cells and mice.

Main Results

TPNPs exhibited a significant "turn-on" NIR fluorescence enhancement upon reaction with Na2S, attributed to hydroxyl group formation via ether thiolation.
The fluorescence intensity at 650 nm showed a strong linear correlation with Na2S concentration (0-50 μM).
A low detection limit of 0.88 μM for H2S was achieved.
TPNPs were successfully employed to visualize exogenous and endogenous H2S in biological models.

Conclusions

The developed TPNPs probe is highly sensitive and selective for detecting H2S.
TPNPs demonstrate potential as a valuable tool for H2S-related biological and biomedical research.
This probe facilitates the study of H2S in complex biological environments, including live cells and animal models.

Keywords:

Fluorescence imaging Hydrogen sulfide Near-infrared fluorescent probes Selectivity “Turn-on” response

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