Fluorimetric and colorimetric detection of nitric oxide in living cells by rhodamine derivatives assisted by Cu2+

Two rhodamine-based NO probes were designed and synthesized. Both RB-TP and RB-Py can detect NO by spectroscopic and 'naked-eye' methods in HEPES buffer assisted by Cu2+. The detection limits for NO were 5 nM and 20 nM, respectively. Other biologically relevant reactive species, such as NO2−,NO3−,OONO−, H2O2, 1O2, and ClO− did not give any obvious interferences. RB-TP and RB-Py have been also applied to detect the intracellular NO by fluorescence imaging method.

Two rhodamine derivatives were developed for the detection of NO in aqueous solution and living systems assisted by Cu2+.