A colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent probe for highly selective detection of glutathione in the mitochondria of living cells.

A new water-soluble fluorescent probe 1 based on hemicyanine dye is designed for selective detection of glutathione (GSH). Probe 1 shows a tremendous colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescence response toward GSH with high selectivity over cysteine/homocysteine. After nucleophilic aromatic substitution reaction with GSH, probe 1 undergoes an intramolecular aldimine condensation that leads to forming a ring, which is accompanied by 107 and 41 nm red-shifts in the absorption and fluorescence spectra, respectively. Subsequent experiments in living cells indicate that probe 1 has a good photostability and response to mitochondrial GSH level in a ratiometric manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]