Recent progress in the development of small-molecule fluorescent probes for the detection of hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), as one kind of the most significant reactive oxygen species (ROS), is associated with many physiological and pathological processes in biological systems. Therefore, in order to understand the vital roles of H2O2 in living systems, many small-molecule fluorescent probes for its detection in biological field have been reported in recent years. To highlight the recent advances in fluorescence imaging of H2O2, in this review, small-molecule fluorescent probes that detect H2O2 over the recent years (2003–2018) were summarized and organized based on their different response mechanisms. We divided the probes into nine categories. The design strategies of different combinations between fluorophores, recognition groups, and detection mechanisms were all discussed. Finally, we briefly scoped the challenges and future directions in this field. We believe that the essential role of H2O2 in living systems will be understood along with more novel probes or mechanisms coming to light.