Aza-BODIPY based probe for photoacoustic imaging of ONOO− in vivo

The effective detecting ONOO− variations in vivo is of great importance to well understand the complex pathophysiological processes. We reported here a photoacoustic (PA) probe AZB-1 for imaging ONOO− in vivo. AZB-1 showed an originally strong photoacoustic signal at 660 nm. And its PA signal can be turned off by shutting the ICT effect caused by the conjugated electron withdrawing group at 2-position of the aza-BODIPY core. Moreover, the probe was successfully employed to imaging ONOO− variations in inflammatory mice models. Wisely utilized this strategy may serve as powerful platforms for the preparation of novel PA chemosensors.