Water-soluble ratiometric fluorescent probes for exogenous and endogenous sulfur dioxide derivatives

Abnormal SO2 derivatives level induces mitochondrial and lysosomal dysfunction, which is associated with a variety of diseases. Therefore, it is imperative to develop fluorescent probes which are suitable for detection of SO2 derivatives in biological systems. Herein, we developed two new ratiometric fluorescent probes, MByn and HByn, which can respond to HSO3- in PBS buffer solution accurately and rapidly on basis of Michael addition reaction. After addition of HSO3-, ratiometric response signal increases by 5 folds, accompanied by a macroscopic change of fluorescence color. What's more, the two novel fluorescent probes MByn and HByn exhibited low detection limit (LOD = 0.96/0.79 mu M), good photostability and low cytotoxicity. Cell imaging experiments showed that MByn and HByn were able to localize mitochondria and lysosomes accurately and detect both exogenous and endogenous SO2 derivatives in living cells.

Automated summary

Abnormal levels of SO2 derivatives can cause mitochondrial and lysosomal dysfunction, leading to various diseases. Therefore, the development of fluorescent probes for the detection of SO2 derivatives in biological systems is crucial. In this study, two new ratiometric fluorescent probes, MByn and HByn, were developed to accurately and rapidly respond to HSO3- in PBS buffer solution through a Michael addition reaction. The probes showed a 5-fold increase in ratiometric response signal and a macroscopic change in fluorescence color upon addition of HSO3-. Additionally, MByn and HByn exhibited low detection limit (LOD = 0.96/0.79 μM), good photostability, and low cytotoxicity. Cell imaging experiments demonstrated that MByn and HByn accurately localized mitochondria and lysosomes and detected both exogenous and endogenous SO2 derivatives in living cells.