A NIR fluorescent probe for the detection of fluoride ions and its application in in vivo bioimaging.

A novel near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe for the detection of fluoride ions has been developed, which is based on the F-triggered cleavage reaction of the Si-O bond. This probe exhibits excellent selectivity and sensitivity towards fluoride ions. The results of bioimaging experiments with HepG2 cells and mice show that the fluoride probe is available for visualizing exogenous fluoride ions in vitro and in vivo.