In Vivo Fluoride Ion Detection and Imaging in Mice Using a Designed Near-Infrared Ratiometric Fluorescent Probe Based on IR-780

A ratiometric near-infrared fluorescence probe based on IR-780 is developed and applied to fluoride anion (F–) detection in potable water and white flour as well as fluorescence imaging in living cells and mice. The proposed probe not only displays a linear ratiometric (F740/F690 nm) fluorescence response but also possesses near-infrared wavelengths to F– with a detection limit of 0.2 μM. Moreover, the designed probe displays high selectivity toward F–, which makes it feasible for F– detection in potable water and white flour. More importantly, applied to monitor F– in living HepG2 cells and male BALB/c mice, the probe indicates good biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity. However, no study for F– detection has been reported by a ratiometric NIR fluorescent probe so far. We expect that this probe with superior properties has great potential for use in F– detection in biological systems and in vivo studies.