An efficient dual-function fluorescent probe for sulfites and sulfides and its imaging application in cells.

As gas signaling molecules in organisms, SO₂ derivatives and H₂S play crucial regulating roles in a series of physiological processes. Therefore, developing an assay that can accurately monitor the concentration of SO₂ derivatives and H₂S in cells is extremely important for the research and treatment of related illnesses. A bifunctional probe SN-F based on FRET mechanism for SO₂ derivatives and H₂S was designed. SN-F had a short response time to SO₂ (2 min), excellent anti-interference capability and selectivity in the non-organic solvent system (pH = 7.4), which was suitable for the determination of SO₂ derivatives in cells. SN-F had a wide linear range for H₂S. Moreover, SN-F was applied in cell imaging successfully with high targeting ability to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and could monitor endogenous and exogenous H₂S in cells.