A novel mitochondria-targeted near-infrared fluorescence probe for ultrafast and ratiometric detection of SO2 derivatives in live cells

A novel mitochondria-targeted ratiometric near-infrared fluorescence probe NDMBT for Sulfur dioxide (SO2) derivatives was constructed based on the SO2 derivatives-triggered Michael addition reaction. It displayed ultrafast response time (within 10s), large hypsochromic shift (260nm), high photostability, excellent selectivity and high sensitivity in aqueous media with a detection limit of 43nM. More importantly, it was successfully applied to imaging of the enzymatically generated SO2 derivatives in mitochondria of live cells. [Display omitted] •Probe NDMBT is mitochondria-targeted.•Probe NDMBT displays an ultrafast response time, large blue shift, high selectivity and sensitivity for SO2 derivatives.•Probe NDMBT exhibits low cytotoxicity, high photostability, excellent cell permeation.•Probe NDMBT has been successfully applied to imaging both exogenous and endogenous SO2 derivatives in live cells.