A mitochondria-targeting ratiometric fluorescent probe for the detection of hypochlorite based on the FRET strategy

Abstract

In this study, a ratiometric fluorescent probe (IRP) for ⁻OCl was designed based on the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) platform. The probe was fabricated by integrating an imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine moiety (donor) with a rhodamine moiety (acceptor). We evaluated its properties for recognizing ⁻OCl and the results implied that IRP possessed high selectivity, a real-time detection possibility and brilliant photostability. The fluorescence intensity ratios (I₅₇₅/I₄₆₇) of IRP displayed desirable ⁻OCl-dependent performance and responded linearly to ⁻OCl in the concentration range of 0.5–3.5 μM. Also, IRP was applied to image endogenous ⁻OCl with a mitochondria-targeting ability, due to the introduction of the quaternized pyridine moiety. Therefore, IRP may be used for further mitochondrial ⁻OCl-related studies.