Living cells imaging for copper and hydrogen sulfide by a selective on-off-on fluorescent probe

A novel highly selective and sensitive fluorescent probe (NJ1) had been designed and synthesized for Cu2+ detection by fluorescence quenching mechanism, and then the enhancement of fluorescence intensity with the addition of hydrogen sulfide in complex NJ1Cu aqueous solution at physiological conditions were described. This on-off-on type fluorescence recognition system was a reversible process, which could be utilized to monitor copper ion and hydrogen sulfide based on a complex Nj1Cu formation-Cu2+ displacement approach. Importantly, this real-time recognition process of Cu2+ and hydrogen sulfide exhibited excellent anti-interference ability. In addition, this new fluorescent probe also has potential utility for Cu2+ and hydrogen sulfide detection in living cells, providing a potential tool for investigating copper ion and hydrogen sulfide in living systems or environment. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.