Small-molecule fluorescent probes for H2S detection: Advances and perspectives

Abstract Since attributed to the involvement in important physiological and pathological processes, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is regarded as another gasotransmitter like nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO). Traditional H2S detection methods are limited by the fast volatility and catabolism of H2S and difficult to real-time detect H2S in biological systems. Hence, numerous small-molecule fluorescent probes have been developed. Besides high sensitivity, the selectivity, response capability and optical performance are improved by combining new response groups and extending the emission wavelength to near infrared (NIR) region. Moreover, probes tend to selectively locate in a specific organelle, which detect H2S more accurately and contribute to understand the physiological roles of H2S in diseases. In this review, recent developments of small-molecule fluorescent probes for H2S imaging were summarized, focusing on researches conducted between January 2018 and June 2020, and their structures and biological applications were highlighted.