Heat-initiated detection for reduced glutathione with 19F NMR probes based on modified gold nanoparticles

We report the 19F NMR probe for detecting reduced glutathione (GSH). The activation system was loaded onto the probe to realize the time-specific detection. We constructed the probes based on gold nanoparticles modified with the fluorinated groups via the thermally-cleavable linkers composed of the Diels-Alder adducts of maleimide and furan derivatives. By heating, the maleimide moiety was produced via retro Diels-Alder reaction. From this moment, GSH can be reacted with the probe via Michael addition to the maleimide moiety, and the chemical shift of 19F NMR signals occurred.