An efficient dual-function fluorescent probe for sulfites and sulfides and its imaging application in cells.

As gas signaling molecules in organisms, SO2 derivatives and H2S play crucial regulating roles in a series of physiological processes. Therefore, developing an assay that can accurately monitor the concentration of SO2 derivatives and H2S in cells is extremely important for the research and treatment of related illnesses. A bifunctional probe SN-F based on FRET mechanism for SO2 derivatives and H2S was designed. SN-F had a short response time to SO2 (2 min), excellent anti-interference capability and selectivity in the non-organic solvent system (pH = 7.4), which was suitable for the determination of SO2 derivatives in cells. SN-F had a wide linear range for H2S. Moreover, SN-F was applied in cell imaging successfully with high targeting ability to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and could monitor endogenous and exogenous H2S in cells.