A simple and sensitive fluorescent probe for specific detection of cysteine

Abstract

Abstract: A fluorescent probe, with simplicity of structure and convenience of synthesis, is capable of detecting cysteine over other biothiols, such as homocysteine and glutathione. The detection limit of 60 nM and 190-fold increase in fluorescence intensity offer advantage for detection of Cys in biological systems. Furthermore, the probe 1 could be applied in bioimaging. Graphical abstract: We designed and synthesized the fluorescent probe 1, which displayed a highly selective and sensitive response to Cys over Hcy/GSH. The detection limit of 60 nM and 190-fold increase in fluorescence intensity offer advantage for detection of Cys in biological systems. Furthermore, the probe 1 could be applied in bioimaging. [Figure not available: see fulltext.].