Extremely selective turn-on fluorescence detection of hypochlorite confirmed by proof-of-principle neurological studies via esterase action in living cells

Highly specific and sensitive fluorescence detection of hypochlorite in nonbiotic pure water (rapid turn-on, similar to 400 fold, lambda(em) similar to 560 nm) as well as in living neuronal cell cultures (neutral pH) involves oxidation of a 2-sulfide-2-benzoic acid pendent group in a new meso-thienyl-BODIPY donor-acceptor probe.