Living cells imaging for copper and hydrogen sulfide by a selective "on-off-on" fluorescent probe.

A novel highly selective and sensitive fluorescent probe (NJ1) had been designed and synthesized for Cu(2+) detection by fluorescence quenching mechanism, and then the enhancement of fluorescence intensity with the addition of hydrogen sulfide in complex NJ1Cu aqueous solution at physiological conditions were described. This "on-off-on" type fluorescence recognition system was a reversible process, which could be utilized to monitor copper ion and hydrogen sulfide based on a complex NJ1Cu formation-Cu(2+) displacement approach. Importantly, this real-time recognition process of Cu(2+) and hydrogen sulfide exhibited excellent anti-interference ability. In addition, this new fluorescent probe also has potential utility for Cu(2+) and hydrogen sulfide detection in living cells, providing a potential tool for investigating copper ion and hydrogen sulfide in living systems or environment.