A novel HPQ-based fluorescent probe for the visualization of carbon monoxide in zebrafish

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an important gas transporter and is closely associated with a series of physiological and pathological processes. So far, it is clear that plenty of fluorescent probes have been prepared, but most of them still have some disadvantages and is unsuitable for imaging in vivo. Herein, a novel fluorecent probe named HPQ-BI−CO is synthesized and used to detect CO. In this probe, the benindole group is introduced to extend the wavelength. This probe possess a variety of advantages such as long emission wavelength, high sensitivity and selectivity, and rapid response capability. Moreover, the probe possesses a low cytotoxicity, which make it apply in the imaging of exogenous and endogenous CO in living 4T1 cells. Furthermore, this probe can be utilized as a promising tool for fluorescent bioimaging of CO in vivo like zebrafish.