Real-time monitoring of a photoactivated hydrogen persulfide donor for biological entities

Abstract

Hydrogen persulfide (H₂S₂) plays an important role in sulfur-based redox signaling mechanisms. Herein, we developed a visible light activated ESIPT based H₂S₂ donor using a p-hydroxyphenacyl phototrigger. The unique feature of the designed H₂S₂ donor system is the ability to monitor the H₂S₂ release in real time through a non-invasive fluorescence color change approach, with the color changing from green to blue. Next, we demonstrated the detection and quantification of H₂S₂ using a fluorescein based “turn-on” fluorescent probe. Furthermore, in vitro studies of the designed H₂S₂ donor demonstrated the real-time monitored H₂S₂ release and cytoprotective ability in the highly oxidizing cellular environment of MDA-MB-468 cells.