As an important metabolic intermediate of sulfur-containing
amino
acids in human body, homocysteine (Hcy) is regarded as an independent
risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Therefore,
real-time monitoring of the fluctuation of Hcy level is of great importance
for the early diagnosis as well as the treatment of atherosclerosis.
Herein, a new two-photon (TP) fluorescent probe (RH-2) was developed via a hydrogen bond-assisted strategy, which had
a high specificity for detecting Hcy over cysteine (Cys) and glutathione
(GSH) in solution, cells, and tissue. Probe RH-2 was
applied to the quantitative determination of Hcy in human serum successfully.
Moreover, the two-photon fluorescence (TPF) imaging of abnormal expression
of Hcy in aortic vessels and liver of atherosclerotic model mice were
fulfilled by RH-2. Therefore, probe RH-2 can be served as a potential tool to understand the function of
Hcy in atherosclerosis, supplying a clinical promise for the early
diagnosis of atherosclerosis (AS).
Recent decades have witnessed the rapid progress of nanozymes and their high promising applications in catalysis and bioclinics. However, the comprehensive synthetic procedures and harsh synthetic conditions represent significant challenges for nanozymes. In this study, monodisperse, ultrasmall gold clusters with peroxidase-like activity were prepared via a simple and robust one-pot method. The reaction of clusters with H2O2 and 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) followed the Michaelis-Menton kinetics. In addition, in vitro experiments showed that the prepared clusters had good biocompatibility and cell imaging ability, indicating their future potential as multi-functional materials.
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