A novel activatable AIEgen fluorescent probe for peroxynitrite detection and its application in EC1 cells

Peroxynitrite (ONOO−), as one type of reactive nitrogen species (RNS), is closely related to multiple pathophysiological processes. Visualization of ONOO− in living system is essential for further study of its physiological functions. However, most existing ONOO− fluorescent probes continuously display the aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ). In present research, a new activatable AIEgen fluorescent probe QM-ONOO− for ONOO− recognition and imaging was proposed. Activation of the probe by ONOO−, induced aggregation of QM−OH. This sensor showed fast response time (<4 min) and high sensitivity (DL, 27.5 nM), large Stock's shift (190 nm), long emission wavelength. Furthermore, the outcomes indicate that QM-ONOO− as an activatable AIEgen fluorescent sensor was robust chemical tool to detect endogenous peroxynitrite in living biological system.