Ratiometric Pyrene-Based Fluorescent Probe for Rapid Visualization of Hypochlorous Acid in Cells

Hypochlorous acid (HClO) is generated during normal metabolic processes in the organisms and serves as a crucial indicator for detecting inflammatory processes. Research studies indicate that elevated levels of HClO in the body can lead to various diseases. In this context, we introduced a pyrene-based ratiometric fluorescence probe, designated as (Z)-2-(4-(1-isocyano-2-(pyren-1-yl)vinyl)-1-pyridin-1-yl)ethan-1-ol (PNE), specifically designed for the detection of HClO. The probe PNE can effectively capture low concentrations of HClO through direct interaction with the C = C bond, resulting in a significant alteration in the fluorescent signal that transitions from red to blue. Notably, PNE is capable of rapidly sensing HClO within only 7 s, with a low limit of detection calculated at 48.8 nM. Furthermore, PNE demonstrates excellent selectivity towards HClO. By leveraging its superior properties, this probe enabled successful ratiometric monitoring of HClO within living cells.