A fluorescent probe with large Stokes shift for detecting biothiols in living cells and zebrafish

Abstract

Abnormal levels of biothiols in organisms can cause physiological disorders, which are closely associated with the occurrence and development of various diseases. Therefore, a novel fluorescent probe (TMN-Cl-S) with large Stokes shift was designed for in vivo detection of biothiols. The probe was characterized by a large Stokes shift (150 nm) and displayed a prominent activation response at physiological pH, enabling highly selective and sensitive detection of Cys, Hcy and GSH. Furthermore, the probe exhibited high stability, low cytotoxicity, and good cell membrane permeability, hence it was available for imaging biothiols in living cells and zebrafish.