An AIE fluorescent probe with a naphthalimide derivative and its application for detection of hypochlorite and imaging inside living cells

Hypochlorite (ClO−) is a highly reactive oxygen species that plays an important role in resistance to attacks by microorganisms. Herein, we report the preparation of a fluorescence probe (NIB-M) through the integration of a naphthalimide moiety and ClO− to capture diaminomaleonitrile and employ it for the aggregation-induced emission-based (AIE-based) monitoring of ClO−. In the presence of ClO−, NIB-M undergoes sequential nucleophilic substitution and HCl elimination reactions that allow it to possess high selectivity, a fast response, and a low detection limit (0.032 μM). Due to the good AIE properties of the parent molecule, a ClO− test board was facilely prepared by loading NIB-M on a Whatman paper strip-based portable device. The test plate can conveniently and sensitively detect hypochlorite onsite. In addition, the NIB-M probe was used for the imaging of exogenous/endogenous ClO− inside living cells. [Display omitted] •An AIE-based fluorescent probe (NIB-M) was designed to detect hypochlorite inside living cells.•The ClO- test board loading NIB-M can sensitive and facile detect hypochlorite onsite.•This probe can be used to visualize the endogenously produced ClO- in Raw 264.7 macrophage cells.