A sensitive fluorescent probe based on coumarin for detection of cysteine in living cells

Herein, we report a novel fluorescent probe based on coumarin to detect cysteine (Cys). The probe can react rapidly and selectively with Cys but not with the other amino acids. When the Cys was added to the solution of the probe, we could observe obvious color change from pale green to bright green. The detection limit of this probe for Cys was found to be 0.06 mu M. Additionally, bioimaging of intracellular Cys by this probe was successfully applied in living cell's, which indicating that this probe holds great potential for biological applications. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.