Ratiometric and colorimetric detection of hydrogen sulfide with high selectivity and sensitivity using a novel FRET-based fluorescence probe

•A novel FRET-based ratiometric and colorimetric fluorescence probe for hydrogen sulfide was designed and synthesized.•The probe is high sensitive to H2S with 15-fold fluorescence enhancement.•The probe displays H2S selectivity with a detection limit of 0.4 μM.•The probe can image H2S in living cells.

With recognition of the biological significance of H2S, we have designed and synthesized a novel ratiometric and colorimetric fluorescence probe, CR-DNP based on a H2S induced thiolysis reaction as well as the fluorescence resonance energy transfer process. It displayed some desirable properties, such as good photostability, high selectivity and excellent sensitivity. Also, a considerably fluorescence enhancement (15-fold) and distinct visible color change (colorless to bright orange) was observed. A good linear relationship between the emission intensity ratios and NaHS concentrations suggested that it can detect H2S quantitatively with a detection limit as low as 0.4 μM. Furthermore, due to its biocompatibility, the sensor could easily permeate through the cell membrane and trace the intracellular H2S levels change.

Graphical abstractA novel ratiometric and colorimetric fluorescence probe CR-DNP for qualitative and quantitative detection of H2S was designed and synthesized based on a H2S induced thiolysis reaction as well as the fluorescence resonance energy transfer process.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide