Dual-channel fluorescent probe for simultaneously visualizing ONOO− and viscosity in epilepsy, non-alcoholic fatty liver and tumoral ferroptosis models

Intracellular peroxynitrite anion (ONOO⁻) and viscosity play a major part in sustaining redox homeostasis, modulating substance transport and signal transduction. Abnormalities in these factors are closely associated with multiple physiological and pathological processes. Nevertheless, due to the absence of appropriate multifunctional fluorescent sensors, concurrent identification of ONOO⁻ and viscosity has not been achieved in many diseases, such as epilepsy and tumoral ferroptosis models. Herein, a new near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe (QX-DP) was rationally conceived for concurrent detection of ONOO⁻ and viscosity. QX-DP was highly sensitive to viscosity at 668 nm and ONOO⁻ at 752 nm which exhibited significant “turn-on” fluorescence signals, respectively. Making use of the QX-DP with dual-channel imaging capability, the ONOO⁻ and viscosity elevated levels in brain tissue of epileptic mice were revealed for the first time, and the visualization diagnosis of non-alcoholic liver injury (NAFL) disease model was achieved. Most importantly, the concurrent utilization of viscosity and ONOO⁻ for visualizing tumor ferroptosis has been successfully achieved not only in cancer cells and zebrafish but also in tumor mice models. Undoubtedly, in comparison with detection of a single biomarker, monitoring dual biomarkers at the same time may offer a more sensitive and dependable strategy in the diagnosis and image-assisted surgery of oxidative stress and viscosity related diseases.