Dual-site lysosome-targeted fluorescent sensor for fast distinguishing visualization of HClO and ONOO– in living cells and zebrafish

Abstract

As two of important highly reactive species / nitrogen species, hypochloric acid (HClO) and peroxynitrite (ONOO−) are involved in various pathological and physiological processes, which are important factors that affect and reflect the functional state of lysosome. Nevertheless, many of their roles are still indefinite because of lack of suitable analytical methods for HClO and ONOO− detection in lysosome. Herein, we designed a lysosome-targeted probe to monitor HClO and ONOO−, which was a hydrid of the benzothiazole derivative, methyl thioether (HClO recognition site) and morpholino hydrazone (ONOO− recognition and lysosome target site). The probe exhibited high sensitivity, good selectivity and fast response toward HClO and ONOO− without spectral crosstalk, and can be employed for quantitative monitoring HClO and ONOO− with LOD of 63 and 83 nM, respectively. In addition, the dual-site probe was lysosome targetable and could be used for detection of HClO and ONOO− in living cells. Furthermore, the excellent behavior made it was suitable for imaging of HClO and ONOO− in zebrafish. Thus, the present probe provides a potent tool for distinguishing monitoring HClO and ONOO− and exploring the role of HClO and ONOO− in biological systems.