A colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent probe for quantitative detection of GSH at physiologically relevant levels

A naphthalene derivate containing piazselenole (NDP) has been developed as an example of colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent probes for glutathione (GSH) at physiologically relevant concentration. Upon addition of GSH, the probe displayed a ratiometric fluorescent response with an enhancement of the ratios of emission intensities at 436 and 615 nm, accompanied with the solution color change from jacinth to colorlessness. The detection range is 0–80 mM with the detection limit of 0.178 mM. Moreover, the probe showed good selectivity and satisfying results in the determination of GSH. As the linear response range covers the concentration range of biological samples, the probe may have the potential to determine GSH directly in biological samples in the future.