Novel fluorescent probes based on NBD-substituted imidazole amino to sequentially detect H2S and Zn2+

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), as an important participant in physiological processes, affects the function of many cells and plays a significant role in freshness indicator of protein foods. In order to improve the detection of H2S in vitro and in vivo, fluorescent ‘off-on’ chemodosimeter for sequential detecting H2S and Zn2+ with low detection limit was designed and synthesized in this study. Results showed that, in the detection of H2S, Probe 2 released Probe 1 with “AIE + ESIPT” and reversible mechanofluorochromic properties with the addition of Zn2+. Furthermore, the Probe 2-based test kit was successfully prepared to detect the freshness of pork. As Probe 2 could be used to detect H2S and Probe 1 could be used to detect Zn2+ with strong fluorescence change in both water and living cells, Probe 1 and Probe 2 could be great candidates in the detection of H2S and Zn2+ both in vitro and in vivo.