Construction of a sequence activated fluorescence probe for simultaneous detection of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase and peroxynitrite in acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) can result in a sudden decline in kidney function and, if not promptly diagnosed and treated, can lead to a high mortality rate. Therefore, there is a critical need for the development of a non-invasive and dependable early diagnostic method for AKI to prevent its progression and deterioration. To address the risk of misdiagnosis or overlooked diagnosis due to reliance on a single biomarker, we developed a novel molecular fluorescent probe (HX-GP) to simultaneously detect and image two biomarkers, γ-Glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GGT) and Peroxynitrite (ONOO⁻), in the AKI process. HX-GP can specifically detect γ-GGT in the red fluorescence channel (λ_em = 613 nm) and ONOO⁻ in the green fluorescence channel (λ_em = 518 nm). HX-GP demonstrated high sensitivity, selectivity, and rapid response, showing excellent biocompatibility and detection performance. In addition, HX-GP was successful in imaging experiments in a cell model of cisplatin-induced AKI, a result that highlights its potential application value in early diagnosis of AKI.