A lysosome-targeting colorimetric and fluorescent dual signal probe for sensitive detection and bioimaging of hydrogen sulfide

In this study, we developed a lysosome-targeting fluorescent probe, 3-(2,4-dinitrophenoxy)-2-(4morpholinophenyl)-4H-chromen-4-one (DMC), for the detection of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) based on excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT). Upon the treatment with H2S, a significant enhancement in the fluorescence was observed along with a distinct color change from yellow to colorless. This probe shows a low background spectroscopic signal, large Stokes shift, good sensitivity, and high selectivity towards H2S. Most importantly, DMC has low toxicity and excellent cell permeability, and could be applied to visualizing H2S in lysosomes.