Near-infrared cyanine-based fluorescent probe: Rapidly visualizing the in situ release of hydrazine in living cells and zebrafish

Visualizing the in situ release of hydrazine in living systems would give impetus to understand the hydrazine production in the course of drug metabolism in vivo, which is very meaningful but challenging due to the lack of appropriate analytical tools. Here, inspired by the advantages of real-time, non-destructive, and visualization of fluorescence imaging technology, we rationally designed near-infrared cyanine-based fluorescent probe B-CyAS, which possessed outstanding biological compatibility, and a fast response toward (1-100 mu M) N2H4 within 7 min. With isoniazid as a model medicine, the dynamic metabolic process of isoniazid to N2H4 in HepG(2) cells and zebrafish was successfully in situ visualized, which might provide a promising tool and method for monitoring and evaluating toxic metabolites in biological systems.

Automated summary

Researchers successfully visualized the in situ release of hydrazine in living systems using the designed cyanine-based fluorescent probe B-CyAS, providing important insights into drug metabolism in vivo. Their study offers a promising tool and method for monitoring and evaluating toxic metabolites in biological systems.