Dual-function fluorescent sensor enabling real-time tracking of cellular viscosity and biothiols levels

Biothiols, as a biomarker, play an important role in regulating physiological metabolism and maintaining redox homeostasis. Viscosity, as a microenvironment factor of cells, is closely related to many human diseases. As a powerful tool, fluorescent probes have been widely used in the detection of biomarkers. In this paper, a dual-function fluorescent probe IDH-NBD integrating real-time detection of viscosity and biothiols levels was constructed. The probe showed good response efficiency and sensitivity to biothiols and viscosity in vitro, and the preliminary mechanism of action was also explored. Further biological imaging experiments also showed that the probe could monitor the biothiols levels and viscosity of cells and zebrafish. Here, we provided a new tool for the prevention and early diagnosis of related diseases in organisms.