Fluorescent sensors based on [12]aneN3-modified BODIPY: Discrimination of different biological thiols in aqueous solution and living cells.

Two fluorescent probes, 1 and 2, derived from borondipyrromethene (BODIPY) modified with macrocyclic polyamine [12]aneN3, were synthesized and applied in the discrimination of cysteine (Cys), homocysteine (Hcy), and glutathione (GSH) with absorption and fluorescent spectroscopy in comparison. It was found that Boc-protected 1 showed highly sensitive and selective recognition of GSH over Cys and Hcy; while probe 2 was able to distinguish the three different thiols due to their different reactivities. With its water-solubility, rapid responsiveness, high sensitivity and low cytotoxicity, probe 2 was successfully applied in the fast detection of three biothiols in living cells.