Fluorescent probes for hydrogen sulfide detection and bioimaging  

In comparison with other biological detection technologies, fluorescence bioimaging technology has
become a powerful supporting tool for intracellular detection, and can provide attractive facilities for
investigating physiological and pathological processes of interest with high spatial and temporal
resolution, less invasiveness, and a rapid response. Due to the versatile roles of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in
cellular signal transduction and intracellular redox status regulation, fluorescent probes for the detection
of this third signalling gasotransmitter have rapidly increased in number in recent years. These probes
can offer powerful means to investigate the physiological actions of H2S in its native environments
without disturbing its endogenous distribution. In this feature article, we address the synthesis and
design strategies for the development of fluorescent probes for H2S based on the reaction type
between H2S and the probes. Moreover, we also highlight fluorescent probes for other reactive sulfur
species, such as sulfane sulfurs and SO2 derivatives.

Fabiao Yu, Xiaoyue Han and Lingxin Chen* Chem. Commun., 2014, 50, 12234.