Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026
08:23
Chemiluminescence-based Assays for Detection of Nitric Oxide and its Derivatives from Autoxidation and Nitrosated Compounds
Published on: February 16, 2022
NIR chemosensor for rapid tracking and evaluating hypochlorous acid level within biosystem and inflammatory DILI
Weijie Si1, Yuzhe Zhang1, Guo Zhishan1
1Henan Key Laboratory of New Optoelectronic Functional Materials, Anyang Normal University, Henan, Anyang 455000, China.
Bioorganic Chemistry
|June 23, 2026
Summary
A new near-infrared fluorescent probe, HY720, enables selective and sensitive detection of hypochlorous acid (HOCl). This probe visualizes HOCl in cells and animal models, offering a valuable tool for biological and environmental monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biomedical Engineering
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a reactive oxygen species regulating biological processes but also linked to inflammation and hepatic damage.
- Accurate detection of HOCl is crucial for understanding its role in physiological and environmental contexts.
- Existing methods for HOCl detection often lack the required selectivity and sensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and synthesize a novel near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe, HY720, for the selective detection of hypochlorous acid.
- To evaluate the probe's performance, including response time, selectivity, sensitivity, and stability.
- To demonstrate the probe's utility in visualizing HOCl in biological systems and disease models.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of the HY720 fluorescent probe.
- Spectroscopic analysis to characterize the probe's response to HOCl.
- Testing selectivity against various reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS), metal ions, amino acids, and thiols.
- In vitro and in vivo imaging experiments in cells, zebrafish, and a mouse liver injury model.
Main Results:
- HY720 exhibited a rapid fluorescence response (within 20 s) with a notable emission shift at 591 nm upon interaction with HOCl.
- The probe demonstrated high selectivity for HOCl over other ROS, RNS, metal ions, and biomolecules, with a low detection limit of 80 nM.
- HY720 showed stable fluorescence across a wide pH range and was successfully used to visualize HOCl in living cells, zebrafish, and a mouse model of liver injury.
- An increase in HOCl levels was observed in the liver injury model, correlating with fluorescence signal changes.
Conclusions:
- HY720 is a highly selective and sensitive NIR fluorescent probe for detecting hypochlorous acid.
- The probe's excellent biocompatibility, tissue permeability, and stability make it suitable for real-time physiological and environmental monitoring.
- HY720 represents a promising tool for precise detection and imaging of HOCl in complex biological systems and disease states.
