Mitochondria-targeting turn-on fluorescent probe for HClO detection and imaging in living cells

Abstract Hypochlorous/hypochlorite (HClO/ClO−), one of the most important signal molecule, plays a crucial role in many cellular signaling pathways. It is reported that the HClO/ClO− level in mitochondria is important to maintain the normal mitochondrial function. Herein, we present two simple fluorescent probes BAC and mitochondria-targeting fluorescent probe TACB for the detection of ClO−. Probes BAC & TACB could be sensitively and selectivity detecting ClO− at the nanomolar levels with the detection limit of 1.64 × 10−9 M and 9.86 × 10−8 M, respectively. Additionally, probes BAC & TACB with the response unit of C O moiety could selectively detect ClO− over other various analytes such as anions, metal ions and OH, 1O2, H2O2. The response time of probe TACB for ClO− (