Selective Detection and Visualization of Exogenous/endogenous Hypochlorous Acid in Living Cells using a BODIPY-based Red-emitting Fluorescent Probe

Herein, a red-emitting fluorescent probeDM-BDP-OClcontaining apara-DMTC benzyl pyridinium moiety at themesoposition of BODIPY as self-immolative portion for the detection of HOCl was designed and synthesized.DM-BDP-OClexhibited excellent specificity and a fast response for HOCl beyond other ROS/RNS. It was used for the accurately measurable detection of HOCl with a linear range from 0 mu M to 50 mu M, and the detection limit for HOCl reached 60 nM. Moreover, the probe could directly monitor fluctuations of exogenous and endogenous HOCl in living HeLa and RAW 264.7 cells. This work provided a powerful and convenient imaging tool for probing pathological and physiological actions of HOCl.