A BODIPY-based mitochondria-targeted turn-on fluorescent probe with dual response units for the rapid detection of intracellular biothiols

A novel reaction-based turn-on fluorescent BODIPY probe for the detection of biothiols was designed and synthesized. The sensitivity and selectivity of the probe were greatly enhanced by introduction of dual reactive groups, which simultaneously acted as fluorescence quenching units. The probe had fluorescence enhancement of up to 106-fold, 56-fold and 77-fold in the presence of Hcy, Cys and GSH, respectively. This probe had stable fluorescence emission within physiological pH range and exhibited low cytotoxicity. The background of the probe was quite low and medium wash was not required in cell imaging. This probe could rapidly image intracellular biothiols in ca. 10 min, and selectively accumulated in mitochondria.