A review: Red/near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescent probes based on nucleophilic reactions of H₂S since 2015

Abstract

The topics of human health and disease are always the focus of much attention. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), as a double‐edged sword, plays an important role in biological systems. Studies have revealed that endogenous H2S is important to maintain normal physiological functions. Conversely, abnormal levels of H2S may contribute to various diseases. Due to the importance of H2S in physiology and pathology, research into the effects of H2S has been active in recent years. Fluorescent probes with red/near‐infrared (NIR) emissions (620–900 nm) are more suitable for imaging applications in vivo, because of their negligible photodamage, deep tissue penetration, and maximum lack of interference from background autofluorescence. H2S, an ‘evil and positive’ molecule, is not only toxic, but also produces significant effects; a ‘greedy’ molecule, is not only a strong nucleophile under physiological conditions, but also undergoes a continuous double nucleophilic reaction. Therefore, in this tutorial review, we will highlight recent advances made since 2015 in the development and application of red/NIR fluorescent probes based on nucleophilic reactions of H2S.

Deep-Red/Near-Infrared Turn-On Fluorescence Probes for Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1A1 in Cancer Stem Cells

“…11−16 The autofluorescence generated by endogenous biomolecules in living systems can be significantly lower in the DR/NIR emission range. 11,17,18 Moreover, DR/NIR photons can penetrate deeper into tissues with less damage to biological specimens. In this context, DR/NIR fluorescence probes for in vitro and in vivo CSC imaging are highly desirable.…”

Fluorescent AIE-Active Materials for Two-Photon Bioimaging Applications

“…As a signal gas transmitter, H 2 S plays a vital role in regulating the different functions of life systems (Hong et al, 2018 ; Lv L. et al, 2020 ; Wang J. et al, 2020 ; Zhang D. et al, 2020 ). Yoon's group developed a two-photon AIE probe 1 based on the mechanism of excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) for fluorescent turn-on detection of H 2 S ( Figure 2A ) (Chen et al, 2017 ).…”

Fe‐doped MOF‐derived N‐rich porous carbon nanoframe for H2S cataluminescence sensing

“…To date, many analytical methods, including electrochemistry, fluorescence, gas chromatography, colorimetry, ultraviolet-visible absorption, cataluminescence, and surface-enhanced Raman scattering etc., have been adopted for H 2 S detection. [7][8][9][10] With respect to other methods, cataluminescence, a well known chemiluminescence phenomenon occurring at the gas-solid interface, has the advantages of fast response/recovery time, high sensitivity, outstanding selectivity, long lifetime, and low cost. [11,12] Since 2004, Zhang and colleagues [13] have opened up a new avenue in H 2 S CTL gas sensors based on Fe 2 O 3 at 360 C. Subsequently, many CTL-based H 2 S sensors have been constructed over time and different catalysts have been exploited.…”