A Simple Methoxyquinoline-Based Ratiometric Fluorescent Probe for Specific Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide in Living Cells and Zebrafish

Abstract

A simple methoxyquinoline-based ratiometric fluorescent probe was synthesized for detecting hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). After the probe reacted with H₂O₂, 6-methoxyquinoline fluorescence dye was released, and the fluorescence intensity increased at 366 nm and decreased at 450 nm. And the fluorescence ratio of the probe at 366 and 450 nm is linearly related to the concentration of H₂O₂ in the range of 0–100 μM; it shows a good ratiometric fluorescence signal. In addition, the probe has good characteristics such as rapid response speed and high sensitivity and selectivity. This fluorescent probe with low biotoxicity and excellent cell membrane permeability was further used to image H₂O₂ in HeLa cells and zebrafish.