A novel NIR fluorescent probe for the highly sensitive detection of HNO and its application in bioimaging

Nitroxyl (HNO) is an important reactive nitrogen species (RNS), which plays an important role in multiple physiological processes. Therefore, it is urgent to exploit reliable and efficient detection methods for the selective and sensitive monitoring of endogenous HNO. Based on a novel xanthene dye, we designed a highly sensitivite near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe PITC-HNO. PITC-HNO could effectively detect HNO with a maximum emission peak at 714 nm among other coexistent analytes. At the same time, PITC-HNO exhibits a fast response (8 min) and outstanding sensitivity. Furthermore, the fluorescence imaging studies of HNO in HeLa cells reveal that PITC-HNO has potential application value in living systems.