A novel dual-function fluorescent probe for the rapid detection of bisulfite and hydrogen peroxide in aqueous solution and living cells

Abstract In this work, Hcy-OB, a novel hemicyanine-based biocompatible dual-function fluorescence probe for bisulfite and H2O2 detection is designed and synthesized. Based on a 1,4-addition reaction, Hcy-OB can be used for bisulfite detection with fast response, high sensitivity and low detection limit (120 nM). In addition, the probe is successfully applied to the detection of bisulfite in aqueous solution. Furthermore, Hcy-OB shows excellent performance for hydrogen peroxide detection with the oxidation of phenylboronic acid. Hcy-OB shows excellent selectivity to H2O2 over other interfering substances with detection limit of H2O2 is calculated to be 70 nM. Most importantly, due to its good cell membrane permeability and low cytotoxicity, Hcy-OB has been applied to monitor and image H2O2 in living cells and mice.