A near-infrared multifunctional fluorescent bio-probe with large stokes shift and high quantum yield for effective determination of heavy metal lead and pesticide glyphosate in vitro and vivo

Heavy metal contamination and pesticide residues pose significant threats to human health and ecosystems. Despite its broad applications, fluorescence imaging technology often struggles in complex ecological and biological environments due to disadvantages of background autofluorescence and low quantum yield. This study introduced a near-infrared (NIR) multifunctional “off-on-off” isophorone-based fluorescent bio-probe, DHB, characterized by a high fluorescence quantum yield (10.22 %), a large Stokes shift (220 nm), exceptional selectivity, and remarkable multi-cycle reversibility. It is capable of continuously and sensitively detecting Pb^2 + and glyphosate (Glyp). Notably, DHB and DHB-Pb²⁺ ensemble have demonstrated exceptional detection capabilities for Pb²⁺ and Glyp in various real samples, including living HeLa cells, rice roots, zebrafish and mice, due to its enhanced metabolic rate and low toxicity. When combined with advanced imaging technology, this fluorescent biological probe serves as a powerful tool for the rapid and accurate detection of Pb²⁺ and Glyp in intricate environmental monitoring and biological systems.