Engineering of a dual-site molecular probe for logical bioimaging of lysosomal H2S and pH.

Lysosomes contains numerous enzymes and proteins closely linked with cellular metabolism. The variation of lysosomal pH is closely related to cell homeostasis while hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) has been regarded as an important gasotransmitter. Herein, via rational design, a high-sensitivity fluorescent probe ANp-Rh-Lys was synthesized for logical detection and bioimaging of H 2 S and pH in lysosomes of living cells. The probe showed different fluorescence signals towards H 2 S and lysosomal pH. Significantly, ANp-Rh-Lys is membrane-permeable and suitable for visualization of both pH variations and endogenous H 2 S in lysosomes. This logical design strategy may have great potential for detection of multiple analytes in complicated biological systems. A promising ratiometric fluorescent probe for logical imaging of H 2 S and pH in lysosomes was first proposed. Image 1 • As a proof-of-concept, to design the dual-sites for orthometric response by two species is of great challenge. • With different output fluorescence signals, a single fluorescent probe can realize logical imaging of pH and H 2 S in lysosome. • Our probe may serve as the basis for independently or concurrently detection of key biomolecules in the signal transduction and diseases formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]