title: A fluorescent probe for simultaneous discrimination of GSH and Cys/Hcy in human serum samples via distinctly-separated emissions with independent excitations.
abstract: Biothiols like Cys, Hcy and GSH play important roles in various physiological and pathological processes, and it is still challenging to simultaneously and discriminatively detect GSH and Cys/Hcy due to their similar structures and reaction activities. Hence, it would be highly desirable to design a fluorescent probe for simultaneously discriminating GSH and Cys/Hcy in biological samples with no spectral crosstalk, few interferences and rapid response. Herein, through coupling two fluorophores with biothiol-sensitive linker, we developed a fluorescent probe, which has two biothiol-responsive and distinctly-separated emissions via independent visible-light excitations, for simultaneously discriminating GSH and Cys/Hcy with near-infrared and green emissions. The probe is operable in human serum samples, thus holding promise for diagnostic-related applications. Moreover, the probe shows quite good properties. First, it exhibits a rapid response (within a few minutes) with highly selective and sensitive detection for GSH and Cys/Hcy. Second, it offers an apparent colorimetric and two fluorescence emission signals without spectral crosstalk. Third, it shows low cytotoxicity. Therefore, it would provide a useful method for further elucidating the roles of biothiols as well as for conducting pathological analysis for diseases involving biothiols.
authors.affiliation: College of Materials Science & Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials & Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China.
authors.forename: Qinghua
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Hu
authors.affiliation: College of Materials Science & Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials & Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China.
authors.forename: Changmin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.affiliation: College of Materials Science & Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials & Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China.
authors.forename: Xitao
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Xia
authors.affiliation: College of Materials Science & Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials & Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China. Electronic address: mcfzeng@scut.edu.cn.
authors.forename: Fang
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Zeng
authors.affiliation: College of Materials Science & Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials & Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China. Electronic address: shzhwu@scut.edu.cn.
authors.forename: Shuizhu
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wu
mesh_terms: D001583:Benzoxazoles / Q000737:chemistry*; D015374:Biosensing Techniques; D003545:Cysteine / Q000097:blood*; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes / Q000737:chemistry*; D005978:Glutathione / Q000097:blood*; D006367:HeLa Cells; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D057230:Limit of Detection; D013050:Spectrometry, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D001583:Benzoxazoles; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds; D006710:Homocysteine; C020160:benzofurazan; D005978:Glutathione; D003545:Cysteine
keywords: Biothiols; Fluorescence; Human serum; Near infrared emission; Rapid response