A chromene based fluorescence probe: Accurate detection of peroxynitrite in mitochondria, not elsewhere

A novel fluorescent probe (BC-PN-2) for the detection of ONOO- was synthesized by conjugating dicyano-vinyl with benzopyran-chromone. The dicyano-vinyl group can be destructed by ONOO- to generate an aldehyde group resulting in strong fluorescence. Compared with the general fluorescence probes, a novel reactive site to detect ONOO- in mitochondria is used in this probe and the results show short response time, high sensitivity and excellent selectivity toward ONOO- among reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in PBS. Subsequent fluorescence imaging shows the high membrane permeability, a certain mitochondrial targeting and localization effect of the probe. In addition, the product BC-aldehyde cannot permeate through the membrane. Meanwhile, BC-PN-2 can accurately identify ONOO- in mitochondria by imaging of exogenous ONOO- in HepG2 cells and prove detected ONOO- are from mitochondria.

Automated summary

The novel fluorescent probe BC-PN-2 is used for detecting ONOO- with short response time, high sensitivity, and excellent selectivity. Fluorescence imaging shows high membrane permeability and mitochondrial targeting effect of the probe.