A lysosome-targeting colorimetric and fluorescent dual signal probe for sensitive detection and bioimaging of hydrogen sulfide

In this study, we developed a lysosome-targeting fluorescent probe, 3-(2,4-dinitrophenoxy)-2-(4-morpholinophenyl)-4 H -chromen-4-one ( DMC ), for the detection of hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) based on excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT). Upon the treatment with H 2 S, a significant enhancement in the fluorescence was observed along with a distinct color change from yellow to colorless. This probe shows a low background spectroscopic signal, large Stokes shift, good sensitivity, and high selectivity towards H 2 S. Most importantly, DMC has low toxicity and excellent cell permeability, and could be applied to visualizing H 2 S in lysosomes. In this study, we developed a lysosome-targeting fluorescent probe, 3-(2,4-dinitrophenoxy)-2-(4-morpholinophenyl)-4 H -chromen-4-one ( DMC ), for the detection of hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) based on excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT).