A benzothiazole-based fluorescent probe for hypochlorite - highly sensitive detection and live-cell imaging research

Area of Science:

• Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Immunology

Background:

• Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is vital for innate immunity but its dysregulation is linked to diseases.
• Real-time tracking of HOCl is challenging due to its reactivity and short lifespan.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize a novel fluorescent probe for sensitive and selective HOCl detection.
• To investigate the probe's mechanism and its application in biological systems.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of benzothiazole-based fluorescent probe (BZDC).
• Detection limit and selectivity assays for OCl-.
• Mechanism elucidation using UV-Vis, fluorescence, NMR titration, and mass spectrometry.
• Cytotoxicity assessment and live-cell imaging.

Main Results:

• BZDC probe demonstrated high sensitivity (detection limit 0.953 µM) and selectivity for OCl-.
• A visible color change from colorless to light yellow was observed.
• Successful application of BZDC for imaging OCl- in living cells with low cytotoxicity.

Conclusions:

• BZDC is a promising fluorescent probe for HOCl detection.
• The probe facilitates real-time monitoring of HOCl in biological environments.
• BZDC offers potential for developing new hypochlorite sensors for various applications.