A fluorescence probe with targeted mitochondria for detecting hydrogen peroxide in vitro and in diabetic mice

Abstract

We designed and prepared probe W-1 for the detection of H₂O₂. W-1 showed excellent selectivity for H₂O₂ and was accompanied by colorimetric signal changes. The excellent linear relationship between fluorescence intensity and H₂O₂ concentration (0–100 μM) provided favorable conditions for its quantitative detection. In addition, the combination of portable test strips with a smartphone platform provided great convenience for on-site visual detection of H₂O₂. Moreover, W-1 possessed targeting mitochondria property and could be applied to image the exogenous and endogenous H₂O₂ in cells to distinguish normal cells and cancer cells. Lastly, W-1 was used for monitoring the H₂O₂ fluctuation of the diabetic process in mice, and the results showed an increase in H₂O₂ levels in diabetes. Therefore, the probe provided a tool for understanding the pathological and physiological mechanisms of diabetes by imaging H₂O₂.