Synthesis and application of a “turn on” fluorescent probe for glutathione based on a copper complex of coumarin hydrazide Schiff base derivative

Discrimination and quantification of intracellular biothiols, such as cysteine (Cys), homocysteine (Hcy), glutathione (GSH) under physiological conditions is significant for academic research and disease diagnosis. A new fluorescent probe (complex 1-Cu2+) for discriminate detection of GSH was prepared by copper ions coordinate with coumarin carbohydrazide Schiff base derivative 1. In suitable buffer solution (CH3CN: HEPES = 3:2, v/v) and under appropriate pH condition (pH = 7.2-7.4), the UV-vis spectroscopy experiments showed that compound 1 and copper ion exhibited a 1:1 ratio binding mode and moderate binding ability. Fluorescence quenching of compound 1 was observed when it complexed with Cu2+ ions. An obviously fluorescence restoration appeared after addition of GSH to the solution of probe, which also exhibited a highly selectivity relative to cysteine (Cys) and homocysteine (Hcy) in the amino acid competitive experiments. The minimum detection limit was calculated to 0.12 μM by fluorescent method, which was distinctly below the physiological concentration of GSH in live cells. Its biological application to detect the endogenous GSH was further proved by the HepG2 cell fluorescence image test.