A mitochondria-targeting highly specific fluorescent probe for fast sensing of endogenous peroxynitrite in living cells

Peroxynitrite (ONOO-), an endogenous reactive oxygen species, acts an important role in various physiological and pathological processes. Herein, we designed a mitochondria targeting fluorescent probe MBTBE for sensitive determination of ONOO-. MBTBE exhibits rapid response ( < 1 min) and high selectivity towards peroxynitrite with distinct color changing (colorless to orange). The fluorescence intensity at 569 rim was linearly correlated with the concentration of ONOO- (0-10 mu M) with a detection limit of 16 nM. Additionally, MBTBE possesses good biocompatibility and mitochondria-targeting. Furthermore, MBTBE was successfully applied to monitor fluctuations in ONOO-levels and H2S-induced ONOO- clearing in HeLa cells, indicating excellent potential applications in bioanalysis analysis.