A Microenvironment-responsive small-molecule probe and application in quick acute myocardial infarction imaging.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients are at an elevated risk for life-threatening myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. Early-stage nonradioactive and noninvasive diagnosis of AMI is imperative for the subsequent disease treatment, yet it presents substantial challenges. After AMI, the myocardium typically exhibits elevated levels of peroxynitrite (ONOO−), constituting a distinct microenvironmental feature. In this context, the near-infrared imaging probe (BBEB) is employed to precisely delineate the boundaries of AMI lesions with a high level of sensitivity and specificity by monitoring endogenous ONOO−. This probe allows for the early detection of myocardial damage at cellular and animal levels, providing exceptional temporal and spatial resolution. Notably, BBEB enables visualization of ONOO− level alterations during AMI treatment incorporating antioxidant drugs. Overall, BBEB can rapidly and accurately visualize myocardial injury, particularly in the early stages, and can further facilitate antioxidant drug screening. [Display omitted] • We have developed a novel fluorescent probe called BBEB for the detection of ONOO−. • BBEB can detect the dynamic change of ONOO− in living cells. • Using BBEB enables the visualization of early myocardial injury at both the cellular and animal levels. • BBEB can accurately identify the boundaries of myocardial damage. • BBEB is a valuable tool for screening antioxidant drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]