A naphthalimide derivative can release COS and form H2S in a light-controlled manner and protect cells against ROS with real-time monitoring ability.

As an important gasotransmitter, hydrogen sulfide having multiple biological roles cannot be easily probed in cells. In this study, a light controllable H2S donor, Nap-Sul-ONB, derived from naphthalimide was developed. Under the irradiation of 365 nm light, a readily controlled stimulus, the donor could release COS to form H2S and exhibit turn on fluorescence to indicate the release of payload and its cellular location. Besides, the ROS scavenging ability and cell protective effect of Nap-Sul-ONB against endogenous and exogenous ROS were studied. The results showed that upon 365 nm light irradiation, Nap-Sul-ONB could reduce the cellular ROS level and increase the survival rate of PMA-treated cells.