Design and applications of fluorescent detectors for peroxynitrite

Peroxynitrite (ONOO−) is one of the endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS), which causes damage to a wide array of molecular components in the cells, including DNA and proteins, owing to its high oxidizing as well as nitrating properties. However, the precise pathogenic roles played by this substance in biological systems have not yet been elucidated completely owing to its short lifetime, high reactivity, low concentration and elusive nature in the in vivo applications. Thus, the development of more sensitive and selective techniques for detecting ONOO−, with high biocompatibilities, sensitivities, and site-specificities, is a significant goal. This review summarizes the recent advances that have been made in developing fluorescent sensors for ONOO− and their biological applications in diverse living systems.