Sulfenic Acid-Mediated on-Site-Specific Immobilization of Mitochondrial-Targeted NIR Fluorescent Probe for Prolonged Tumor Imaging

Mitochondria plays pivotal roles in energy production and apoptotic pathways. Mitochondria-targeting strategy has been recognized as a promising way for cancer theranostics. Thus, spatiotemporally manipulating the prolonged retention of theranostic agents within mitochondria is considerably significant in cancer diagnosis and therapy. Herein, as a proof-of concept, we for the first time report a sulfenic acid-responsive platform on controlled immobilization of probes within mitochondria for prolonged tumor imaging. A novel near-infrared (NIR) probe DATC constructed with a NIR dye (Cy5) as signal unit, a cationic triphenylphosphonium (TPP) for mitochondria targeting, and a sulfenic acid-reactive group (1,3-cyclohexanedione) for mitochondrial fixation was rationally designed and synthesized. This probe displayed good target ability to mitochondria and could act as a promising fluorescent probe for specific visualization of endogenous protein sulfenic acids expressed in the mitochondria. Moreover, the probe could be spontaneously fixed on site through the specific reaction and covalent binding to the sulfenic acids of oxidized proteins under oxidative stress, resulting in enhanced intracellular uptake and prolonged retention. We thus believe that this mitochondria-targeted and locational immobilization strategy may offer a new insight for long-term tumor imaging and effective therapy.