A cyanine based fluorescent probe for detecting hypochlorite in vitro and in vivo

[Display omitted] •A novel fluorescent probe (Cy-F) based on cyanine group was successfully synthesized.•This probe Cy-F exhibits specific recognition performance for hypochlorite based on fluorescence signal response of OFF-ON.•The probe showed low biological toxicity and was successfully applied to the imaging of ClO- in live cells and zebrafish. Hypochlorite (ClO−) is recognized as a bioactive substance that plays a crucial role in various physiological and pathological processes. The increase of ClO− content in cells is a key factor in the early atherosclerosis lesions, which are closely linked to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Therefore, the development of an efficient and sensitive method for detecting hypochlorite in tap water, serum, and living cells, including animal model in vivo is of paramount importance. In this study, a novel fluorescent probe (Cy-F) based on the cyanine group was designed for the specific detection of ClO−, demonstrating exceptional selectivity, high sensitivity, and rapid response. The probe successfully detected ClO− in tap water and serum with a limit of detection (LOD) of 2.93 × 10−7 M, showcasing excellent anti-interference capabilities. Notably, the probe exhibited good biocompatibility, low biological toxicity, and proved effective for detecting and analyzing ClO− in live cells and zebrafish. This newly developed probe offers a promising approach and valuable tool for detecting ClO− with biosafety considerations, paving the way for the design of functional probes tailored for future biomedical applications.