Time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy for the detection of cysteine and other thiol containing amino acids in complex strongly autofluorescent media

A thiol probe based on an iridium complex with long-lived photoluminescence was synthesized, which can be used for the detection of thiols even in the presence of strong background fluorescence. This system provides an easy and fast methodology for detecting thiol containing amino acids, which has potential applications in clinical diagnostics.