A highly specific fluorescent probe for hypochlorite based on fluorescein derivative and its endogenous imaging in living cells

•A fluorescein-based probe is developed for detection of hypochlorite.•This probe can detect hypochlorite with a detection limit of 7.3 nM.•The probe is applicable for monitoring hypochlorite produced endogenously.

A new fluorescein-based probe is found to be sensitive and selective for the detection of hypochlorite anion in aqueous buffer solution. The probe displays high water solubility, pH-independent fluorescence, and biocompatibility. A possible detection mechanism is that HOCl oxidizes the CN bond into aldehyde, resulting in bright emission. Results show that the probe has a 7.3 nM detection limit to hypochlorite anion. In addition, the probe is successfully utilized for monitoring endogenously produced hypochlorite in living macrophage cells upon stimulation.

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