Dual-channel versatile molecular sensing platform for individual and successive HClO and H2S detection: Applicable in toxic alerts of environmental samples and living organisms

In this study, we have successfully developed a novel dual-response fluorescent probe, NACou, designed for the visual and quantitative detection of HClO/H2S in real water samples and liquid beverages by a thin-film sensing platform. Additionally, NACou demonstrated efficacy for sensing HClO/H2S in HeLa cells, plants and zebrafish through distinct fluorescent channels, yielding satisfactory results. NACou exhibited a multi-modal fluorescence response mechanism for detecting HClO and H2S with remarkable low detection limits of 27.8 nM and 34.4 nM, accompanied by outstanding fluorescent enhancement (209-fold and 148-fold, respectively). These advantages position NACou as a potent molecular tool for HClO and H2S sensing. The specific recognition performance of NACou towards HClO/H2S were confirmed through fluorescence spectroscopy, mass analysis and UV–vis spectroscopy. Importantly, the thin-film sensing platform with the visible fluorescence change can enable rapid assays for water quality and food safety monitoring, showcasing significant practical application value. Impressively, NACou has been employed in warning against liver injury induced by multiple drugs, allowing for the exploration of the pathogenesis and degree of drug-induced injury.