Based ‘successive’ nucleophilic substitution mitochondrial-targeted H2S red light emissive fluorescent probe and its imaging in mice

The research of endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) biology function, pathological and pharmacological effects has been active in the field of chemists and biologists in recent years. Especially, consequent H2S detection mechanisms and biological applications based on fluorescence probe emerged in endlessly, competing ideas, each had its advantage. In facts, the reaction mechanism and luminescence properties play a decisive role in the biology application of H2S fluorescence probe. In this despite booming season, in the process of research we still skillfully conceived, in view of H2S with small structure being able to do successive nucleophilic substitution in the same molecules, high selective H2S subcellular detection was realized. Specifically, we take the cyanine (Cy7) with positive charge as a red fluorophore, through the introduction of disulfide bond and carbonate to build the specific reaction sites of H2S, thus avoiding the interference of other sulfur-containing substances in biological systems. After reaction with H2S, the Probe released red fluorophore, realizing mitochondria target H2S detection. Because the advantages of red fluorescence emission probe, the Probe successfully was applied imaging in mice.