An isophorone-based far-red emitting ratiometric fluorescent probe for selective sensing and imaging of polysulfides

Recent studies have shown that as members of the reactive sulfur species family and the oxidized forms of H2S, hydrogen polysulfides (H2Sn) play important roles in physiological and pathological processes. Therefore, accurate detection of H2Sn levels in living systems is of great significance. In this study, we report an isophorone-based far-red emitting fluorescent probe (RPHS1) for selective ratiometric sensing and imaging of H2Sn. RPHS1 shows specific ratiometric response towards H2Sn with fast reaction rate and low detection limit in aqueous media. Furthermore, confocal fluorescence microscopy experiments demonstrate that RPHS1 can be applied for H2Sn imaging in living cells.