A mitochondria-targeted near-infrared probe for colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescence detection of hypochlorite in living cellsElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Spectroscopic properties and characterization data. See DOI: 10.1039/c6ra22868b

In this study, we report a near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe ( CMBI ) for the detection of hypochlorite (ClO − ), which displays colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescence dual responses towards ClO − . The probe can detect ClO − with high selectivity, fast response (within 90 s) as well as low detection limit (33 nM). An oxidation reaction was proposed for the sensing mechanism, which was confirmed by 1 H NMR and HR-MS spectra. Fluorescence co-localization studies demonstrated that CMBI was a specific mitochondria-targeted fluorescent probe for ClO − with excellent cell membrane permeability. Furthermore, confocal fluorescence images of HeLa cell indicated that CMBI could be used for monitoring intracellular ClO − in living cells by ratiometric fluorescence imaging. A mitochondria-targeted near-infrared probe for rapid, sensitive and specific detection of hypochlorite with colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescence dual responses.