A Near-Infrared Fluorescent Probe with Large Stokes Shift for Sensitive Detection of Hydrogen Sulfide in Environmental Water, Food Spoilage, and Biological Systems

J Phys Chem B. 2024 Jun 20;128(24):5846-5854. doi: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.4c02258. Epub 2024 Jun 3.

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an important endogenous gas transmitter that plays a critical role in various physiological and pathological processes and can also cause a negative impact on foodstuffs. In this study, we designed and synthesized a simple, easily available, high-yield, and low-cost near-infrared (λem = 710 nm) fluorescent probe, DEM-H2S, with a substantial Stokes shift (205 nm) for the detection of H2S. DEM-H2S features high selectivity and sensitivity (LOD = 80 nM) toward H2S, accompanied by a noticeable color change. Upon interaction with H2S, DEM-H2S exhibits a restored ICT (Intramolecular Charge Transfer) process, thereby manifesting near-infrared fluorescence. DEM-H2S has been successfully utilized to detect H2S in actual water samples and to monitor the spoilage of food items, such as pork, shrimp, and eggs. Furthermore, DEM-H2S enables the imaging of endogenous and exogenous H2S in living MCF-7 cells and zebrafish. Hence, DEM-H2S provides an attractive method for the detection of H2S in environmental, food, and biological systems, holding potential value in physiological and pathological research.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Eggs / analysis
  • Fluorescent Dyes* / chemical synthesis
  • Fluorescent Dyes* / chemistry
  • Food Contamination / analysis
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen Sulfide* / analysis
  • Limit of Detection
  • MCF-7 Cells
  • Optical Imaging
  • Spectrometry, Fluorescence
  • Water / chemistry
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / analysis
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / chemistry
  • Zebrafish*

Substances

  • Hydrogen Sulfide
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Water
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical