Ratiometric fluorescence probes based on a Michael acceptor type of coumarin and their application for the multichannel imaging of in vivo glutathione

A series of Michael acceptors based on a coumarin moiety, were developed as fluorescent probes for ratiometric detection of in vivo glutathione. The alpha,beta-unsaturated Michael acceptors were transformed into non-conjugated molecules through the Michael addition of biothiols. The resulting UV-vis and fluorescence spectra of the probes revealed characteristic ratiometric responses, which were successfully applied for the multichannel imaging of in vivo glutathione.