A benzothiazole-based fluorescent probe for selective detection of H2S in living cells and mouse hippocampal tissues

This study reports a benzothiazole-based fluorescent probe EPS-HS for real-time detection of H2S. The probe is characterized in a large red-shift, good selectivity, high sensitivity and favorable biocompatibility. We measured the detection limit of EPS-HS in PBS buffer and fetal bovine serum. Moreover, in HT22 living cell imaging studies, EPS-HS showed good cell permeability and H2S could be detected within the cells. Furthermore, in situ visualization of H2S was performed on the hippocampal slices of normal mice with EPS-HS. We were also able to estimate the concentration of sulfide in mouse hippocampus tissues. The probe will be applied for better treatment of neurological deficits caused by damage to the hippocampus.