A reversible fluorescence probe for detection of ClO−/AA redox cycle in aqueous solution and in living cells

• A NBD-based reversible fluorescent probe was synthesized.
• Probe displayed selective On–Off–On fluorescent responses to ClO−/AA redox cycle.
• Fluorescent bioimaging of ClO−/AA in HeLa cells was enabled.

Based on the reversible redox reaction of 4-amino-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidin-1-ol with oxidative ClO− and reductive ascorbic acid (AA), a reversible fluorescent probe, incorporating 4-amino-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidin-1-ol group into a 7-nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD) fluorophore, was synthesized and studied for the cyclic detection of ClO−/AA in aqueous solution. The NBD-based probe displayed sensitive and selective On–Off–On fluorescent responses to ClO−/AA and was successfully applied to monitor the ClO−/AA redox cycle in living HeLa cells under physiological conditions.

A reversible fluorescence probe has been developed and was successfully applied to monitor the ClO−/AA redox cycle in both aqueous solutions and living HeLa cells.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide