A fluorescent naphthalimide NADH mimic for continuous and reversible sensing of cellular redox state

A fluorescent, naphthalimide-based, NADH mimic has been synthesised as a reversible, biocompatible, “off-on” pobe for the detection of changes in intracellular redox environment (both oxidation and reduction). Interconversion was confirmed by means of 1H NMR spectroscopy, electrochemistry and this reversibility was measured in cells under simulated redox stress.