Fluorescent probes for detecting cysteine

Cysteine plays a crucial role in physiological processes. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a method for detecting cysteine. Fluorimetry has the advantages of convenient detection, short response time, high sensitivity and good selectivity. In this review, fluorescent probes that detect cysteine over the past three years are summarized based on structural features of fluorophores such as coumarin, BODIPY, rhodamine, fluorescein, CDs, QDs, etc and reaction groups including acrylate, aldehyde, halogen, 7-nitrobenzofurazan, etc. Then, effects of different combinations between fluorophores and response groups on probe properties and detection performances are discussed.