A sensitive fluorescent probe based on coumarin for detection of cysteine in living cells

A novel fluorescent probe based on coumarin was designed and synthesized for highly sensitive and selective detection of cysteine with the detection limits as 0.06μM. The probe exhibited a visible color change from pale green to bright green, displaying high selectivity and sensitivity toward cysteine over other various metal ions and amino acids. [Display omitted] •A new cysteine probe based on coumarin was synthesized.•The detection limit of this probe BTCA for Cys was found to be 0.06μM.•The probe can be further applied to cells imaging owing to its photostability and low cytotoxicity. Herein, we report a novel fluorescent probe based on coumarin to detect cysteine (Cys). The probe can react rapidly and selectively with Cys but not with the other amino acids. When the Cys was added to the solution of the probe, we could observe obvious color change from pale green to bright green. The detection limit of this probe for Cys was found to be 0.06μM. Additionally, bioimaging of intracellular Cys by this probe was successfully applied in living cells, which indicating that this probe holds great potential for biological applications.