Recent advances in the boric acid/boronate-based fluorescent probes for detection of hydrogen peroxide

Abstract

The physiological level of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is believed to be indispensable in regulating diverse cellular processes. However, excessive hydrogen peroxide generation is involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurological disorders. Thus, it is of significance to detect hydrogen peroxide in vivo. Fluorescent probe method, combined with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) can be used in real-time, visible and quantitative detection of hydrogen peroxide in living cells and tissues, which provides powerful tools for the understanding of hydrogen peroxide in physiological and pathological processes. This critical review highlights recent advances of design, mechanisms and applications of boric acid/boronate-based fluorescent probes employed to monitor hydrogen peroxide.