A lysosome-targeted two-photon fluorescence probe for imaging of sulfur dioxide derivatives in living cells and zebrafish

Sulfur dioxide (SO2), as one of the most dangerous atmospheric pollutants, is associated with several respiratory and neurological diseases. Meanwhile, lysosomes, as scavenger of living cells, play a pivotal role in the metabolic process. However, the pathologic mechanisms of sulfur dioxide at the subcellular level remain elusive in part due to the lack of methods for detecting of SO2 in the organelles. Accordingly, the study of SO2 in lysosome is of high interest. Herein, a two-photon fluorescence probe (Na-SO2-Lyso) for detecting of SO2 derivatives was developed based on a unique C=N isomerization mechanism. The probe Na-SO2-Lyso could respond to SO2 rapidly in less than 15 s with excellent sensitivity. Significantly, Na-SO2-Lyso was effectively applied to image of SO2 in lysosomes of living cells for the first time. Moreover, Na-SO2-Lyso also can be used for detecting of SO2 derivatives in living zebrafish. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.