A ratiometric fluorescence probe for bisulfite detection in live cells and meat samples.

[Display omitted] • A responsive probe EHDI for ratiometric fluorescence analysis of bisulfite (HSO 3 -) and sulfite (SO 3 2-) is developed. • The probe EHDI exhibits blue shifts in both the UV–Vis and emission spectra upon responding to HSO 3 -. • The probe EHDI features high sensitivity and selectivity for HSO 3 - detection in buffer and imaging in live cells. • Detection of HSO 3 - in beef samples by probe EHDI is validated by HPLC. The development of reliable probe technology for the detection of bisulfite (HSO 3 -) in situ in food and biological samples is contributing significantly to food quality and safety assurance as well as community health. In this work, a responsive probe, EHDI, is developed for ratiometric fluorescence detection of HSO 3 - in aqueous solution, meat samples, and living cells. The probe is designed based on the HSO 3 - triggered 1,4-addition of electron deficit C = C bond of EHDI. As a result of this specific 1,4-addition, the π-conjugation system was destructed, resulting in blue shifts of the emission from 687 to 440 nm and absorption from 577 to 355 nm. The probe has good water solubility, high sensitivity and selectivity, allowing it to be used for imaging of HSO 3 - internalization and production endogenously. The capability of probe EHDI for HSO 3 - was then validated by traditional HPLC technology, enabling accurately detect HSO 3 - in beef samples. The successful development of this probe thus offers a new tool for investigating HSO 3 - in situ in food and biological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]