A novel dual functional near-infrared fluorescent probe based on BODIPY for detecting hypobromous acid and cell imaging

In this study, a novel near-infrared fluorescent probe was designed and constructed based on a cyano-substituted BODIPY dye through a one-step synthesis approach. The amidoxime group on the probe structure enables a rapid and specific reaction with HOBr, regenerating the cyano-containing BODIPY dye accompanied by a significant fluorescence quenching effect. The quenching intensity exhibits a positive correlation with increasing HOBr concentration, thereby achieving quantitative detection of HOBr with a detection limit of 1.17 μM. At the cellular level, the probe demonstrates excellent biocompatibility and stability, successfully enabling the visualization of both endogenous and exogenous HOBr in living cells. Furthermore, the probe exhibits superior lipid droplet-targeting capability, providing a powerful molecular tool for investigating the physiological functions of lipid droplets, particularly the role of HOBr in lipid metabolism.