'AND'-based fluorescence scaffold for the detection of ROS/RNS and a second analyte

Abstract

Traditionally, fluorescence probes have focused on the detection of a single biomarker for a specific process. In this work, we set out to develop a number of fluorescence probes that enable the detection of a chosen analyte in the presence of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS). These fluorescence probes when activated result in the formation of the highly fluorescent pink dye, resorufin. Therefore, we have labelled these fluorescent probes as -Pinkments'. Our first -Pinkment' was shown to detect biologically relevant concentrations of ONOO- and have an excellent selectivity against other ROS/RNS. Pinkment-OH was developed to provide a core unit which could be easily functionalised to produce a range of -AND' based fluorescence probes for the detection of ROS/RNS and a second analyte. For proof of concept, we synthesised Pinkment-OTBS and Pinkment-OAc. These -AND'-based probes were successfully shown to detect ROS/RNS and F- or esterase, respectively.