A near infrared two-channel fluorescent probe for the detection of hydrogen sulfide and viscosity with a negligible crosstalk influence

Both imbalance of H2S production and the change of viscosity in cells are associated with many diseases such as inflammation, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Thus, the development of two-channel fluorescent probes for the detection of H2S and viscosity is of great significance for the study of pathogenic mechanisms. Herein, we design a two-channel NIR fluorescent probe RHO-DCO-DNP, which was able to selectively respond to H2S in one channel (λex = 580 nm, λem = 760 nm) and to viscosity in another channel (λex = 400 nm, λem = 585 nm). It should be emphasized that there is a negligible impact from the crosstalk between the two optical channels and the two targets. In addition, with the low cytotoxicity and unique dual lysosome/mitochondria targeting capability, the probe was successfully applied to the sensing of H2S and viscosity in normal cells and inflammation cells through fluorescent imaging. The probe could be a promising molecular tool for exploring the pathological role of H2S, viscosity, and both of them.