Rational design of a rapidly responsive and highly selective fluorescent probe for SO2 derivatives detection and imaging
Shiyi Zhang, Xiaopeng Yang, Ying Xu, Haiyang Wang, Fei Luo, Guangming Fu, Dingwei Yan, Miao Lai, Yu Ke, Yong Ye, Xiaoming Ji
Abstract
Sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) is emerging as a double-edged molecule, while plays vital roles in food and biological system. However, the fast, highly sensitive, and versatile fluorescent probe still remains a tough challenge among current reports. Herein, we developed a novel aggregation-induced emission (AIE) fluorescent probe TPE-PN for specifically sensing SO 2 derivatives with high sensitivity (150 nmol/L) and rapid response time (10 s) based on intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) mechanism. And the fluorescence at 575 nm decreased tremendously with 31-fold after the probe was treated with HSO 3 − . Employing the probe, the accurate analysis of HSO 3 − was successfully realized in food samples, cells, plant tissues, and zebrafishes. Furthermore, we successfully demonstrate the eruption of SO 2 derivatives within plant during drought and salt stress processes. Therefore, probe TPE-PN illustrates significant potential for applications in food analysis and monitoring of SO 2 derivatives levels in biological systems under stress conditions.