Mitochondria-targeted near-infrared probe for Dual-Channel fluorescence imaging of H₂O₂ and viscosity in diabetic pathophysiology.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health threat marked by metabolic dysfunction. Its pathogenesis involves redox imbalance, mitochondrial dysfunction, and overproduction of H₂O₂, with altered intracellular viscosity associated with disease progression. Thus, monitoring both H₂O₂ and viscosity is key to understanding DM progression. Herein, a near-infrared, mitochondria-targeted dual-responsive fluorescent probe, TPTY-Q-H₂O₂, was designed for concurrent detection of H₂O₂ and viscosity. The probe utilizes a pentafluorobenzenesulfonyl moiety for H₂O₂ recognition, enabling a turn-on fluorescence response in the near-infrared region (∼700 nm) with a detection limit as low as 73.2 nM. For viscosity sensing, a twistable vinyl segment is incorporated, facilitating fluorescence enhancement in the near-infrared region (∼829 nm) through the twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) mechanism. This design allows for independent dual-channel fluorescence signals with minimal spectral overlap. TPTY-Q-H₂O₂ demonstrates high sensitivity, specificity, and biocompatibility, facilitating its application in living cells, zebrafish, and diabetic mouse models. The probe reveals significant increases in H₂O₂ levels and viscosity in liver and kidney tissues, highlighting its potential for exploring diabetes-related pathological mechanisms.