Design of a quinoxalinone-based AIE probe for the detection of ROS in in vitro and in vivo sepsis models†

Sepsis is one of the major causes of long-term mortality; the identification of potential biomarkers and developing specific and sensitive imaging and detection methods are crucial for timely diagnosis and progression evaluation. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) may serve as a potential detection and imaging marker for sepsis. Herein, we designed and synthesized a near-infrared quinoxalone framework-based aggregation-induced emission probe (QuinoNS NPs). We evaluated the selectivity, cytotoxicity, and detection and imaging ability in an in vitro LPS induced inflammatory model and an in vivo sepsis model. The probe can respond to ROS, causing a blue shift in the fluorescence emission wavelength. The probe can achieve real-time imaging and detection of ROS in LPS induced sepsis models both in vitro and in vivo with quick response and a superior duration time without significant toxicity. This study provides new strategies and theoretical basis for imaging and diagnosis of inflammatory diseases such as sepsis.