A salicylaldehyde benzoyl hydrazone based near-infrared probe for copper(ii) and its bioimaging applications

Developing highly sensitive and selective methods for Cu2+ detection in living systems is of great significance in clinical copper-related disease diagnosis. In this work, a near infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe, CySBH, with a salicylaldehyde benzoyl hydrazone group as a selective and sensitive receptor for Cu2+ was designed and synthesized. The specific coordination of the salicylaldehyde benzoyl hydrazone group in CySBH with Cu2+ can induce a distinct quench of the fluorescence intensity, allowing for real-time tracking of Cu2+. We have demonstrated that CySBH could rapidly recognize Cu2+ with good selectivity and high sensitivity. Moreover, on the basis of low cell cytotoxicity, the probe was used to visualize Cu2+ in two cell lines by fluorescence imaging. Furthermore, CySBH can also be used to monitor Cu(2+)in vivo due to its NIR emission properties. These overall results illustrate that the NIR fluorescent probe CySBH provides a novel approach for the selective and sensitive monitoring of Cu2+ in living systems.

Automated summary

Developing highly sensitive and selective methods for Cu2+ detection in living systems is of great significance in clinical copper-related disease diagnosis. In this study, a near infrared fluorescent probe CySBH was designed and synthesized for real-time tracking and visualization of Cu2+ in living cells, showing excellent selectivity and sensitivity.