Dual-response near-infrared fluorescent probe for detecting cyanide and mitochondrial viscosity and its application in bioimaging

Viscosity has a significant impact on aerobic respiration in mitochondria. Many foods contain cyanide (CN-) and can cause serious toxicity when consumed in excess. This study discusses the design and synthesis of a dual-response coumarin-based near-infrared fluorescent probe (CCB) for the simultaneous detection of mitochondrial viscosity and CN-. CCB and viscosity have a strong log-linear relationship with a correlation coefficient of 0.997. Additionally, CN- detection can be visualized using a colorimetric method with a detection limit as low as 0.22 µM. Test strips were prepared to facilitate CN- detection in plants. Additional studies have shown the remarkable biocompatibility of CCB, which may be used for real time detection of exogenous CN- and intracellular mitochondrial viscosity and in vivo bioimaging of viscosity in mice. The probe is crucial for understanding disorders connected with mitochondrial viscosity and identifying CN- in daily living.