A mitochondria-targeted and FRET-based ratiometric fluorescent probe for detection of SO2 derivatives in water.

A mitochondria-targeted ratiometric fluorescent probe based on the fluorophore pyrido[1,2-a]benzimidazole was developed. It showed high sensitivity and selectivity toward SO2 derivatives in water. The probe was also successfully applied to detect intrinsically generated SO2 derivatives in living glioma cells, which may be helpful in ascertaining the biological roles of SO2 in mitochondria.