A novel fluorescent probe for rapid and sensitive detection of hydrogen sulfide in living cells

A novel fluorescent probe for H 2 S was developed based on a far-red emitting indole-BODIPY, which was decorated with morpholine and 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonyl (DNBS) group. This probe showed rapid response (t 1/2   =   3   min), high selectivity and sensitivity for H 2 S with significant colorimetric and fluorescence OFF–ON signals, which was triggered by cleavage of 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonyl group. This probe could quantitatively detect the concentrations of H 2 S ranging from 0 to 60   μM, and the detection of limit was found to be as low as 26   nM. Cell imaging results indicated that the probe could detect and visualize H 2 S in the living cells.