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A pH-responsive probe for sulfide ion detection and intracellular pH/sulfide sensing
Xiao-Hui Wang1, Jun-Yu Luan1, Zhi-Shi Feng1
1State Key Laboratory of Advanced Optical Polymer and Manufacturing Technology, Key Laboratory of Optic-electric Sensing and Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, MOE, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China.
Spectrochimica Acta. Part A, Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy
|February 5, 2026
Summary
Sul-pH is a novel fluorescent probe for detecting alkaline conditions and sulfide ions (S2-). It offers rapid, stable, and specific detection in real water samples and living cells.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Chemical Sensing
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Mildly alkaline environments require sensitive detection methods.
- Sulfide ions (S2-) play crucial roles in various chemical and biological processes.
- Existing methods for S2- detection can suffer from interference and lack specificity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a pH-sensitive fluorescent probe, Sul-pH, for detecting mildly alkaline environments.
- To enable quantitative detection of sulfide ions (S2-) by correlating probe response with S2- hydrolysis.
- To assess the probe's performance in real-world samples and biological systems.
Main Methods:
- Design and synthesis of Sul-pH based on an ICT-based molecular design with a cyclic chalcone fluorophore.
- Characterization of the probe's pH-responsive behavior, including fluorescence intensity changes and visual color shifts.
- Correlation of probe response with sulfide ion (S2-) hydrolysis for quantitative analysis.
- Evaluation of probe's specificity, response time, stability, and performance in water samples and living cells.
Main Results:
- Sul-pH exhibits a significant fluorescence enhancement (nearly 250-fold) in the pH range of 7-10.
- The probe shows a rapid response (<6 s) and excellent pH cycling stability and photostability.
- Sul-pH accurately quantifies sulfide ions (S2-) by detecting the alkaline conditions from S2- hydrolysis, without interference from HS-.
- The probe demonstrated successful detection of S2- and pH in real water samples and within living cells.
Conclusions:
- Sul-pH is a highly effective fluorescent probe for sensitive and specific detection of mildly alkaline environments and sulfide ions (S2-).
- Its rapid response, stability, and applicability in complex samples and biological systems make it a valuable tool for chemical sensing and biological monitoring.
- Sul-pH offers a reliable method for monitoring intracellular pH dynamics and sulfide ion fluctuations.
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