β-galactosidase activatable chemiluminescent probe for in vivo imaging and point-of care test

Abstract

As a highly effective tool with a superior signal-to-noise ratio, chemiluminescent probes find extensive utility in the in vivo detection of diverse biochemical aspects, including inflammation and the tumor microenvironment. However, the widespread adoption of chemiluminescence detection is hindered by the requirement of large precision instruments, thereby limiting its application scope. Consequently, further development and improvement of the chemiluminescence detection method are imperative. This study presents a novel chemiluminescent probe that enables precise detection of β-galactosidase (β-gal) both in vitro and in vivo by modifying the specific cleavage recognition groups of β-gal to the hydroxyl group of the dioxane-based chemiluminescent scaffold. In comparative tests against traditional chemical probes, this probe exhibited an exceptional signal-to-background ratio that significantly surpasses its counterparts. To enhance detection capabilities, a customized Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) instrument specifically designed for chemiluminescence detection was developed. This compact, user-friendly, and cost-effective instrument demonstrated comparable performance to large precision instruments. Notably, the structural characteristics of the probe, utilizing the 'hydroxyl deprotection' strategy, allow for convenient, real-time, and accurate detection of diverse targets by modifying the recognition groups tailored to specific targets, in conjunction with the POCT instrument. This research introduces a pioneering approach for generating optical signal tests in the laboratory using chemiluminescent probes, thereby unlocking the potential for rapid clinical detection and self-diagnosis of certain diseases in a home setting.