Detection and imaging of hydrogen sulfide and biological thiols in colorectal cancer WS480 cells

Objective To design and synthesize a novel fluorescent probe for the detection and imaging of biothiols and hydrogen sulfide in colorectal cancer cells, with the expectation of providing new tools and methods for the early diagnosis of colorectal cancer.Methods The designed probe, WZL-1, was synthesized from commercially available and inexpensive raw materials through a four-step reaction. Its optical properties, cytotoxicity, and fluorescence imaging in living cells were evaluated in detail. The probe's fluorescence characteristics, sensitivity to biothiols and hydrogen sulfide, and its suitability for live cell imaging were analyzed.Results Under the physiological conditions, the probe WZL-1 exhibited significantly enhanced emission intensities at 630 nm for thiols cysteine, homocysteine, glutathione, and hydrogen sulfide. The probe demonstrated excellent sensitivity, and rapidly and accurately detected target molecules within a short period of time of 30 s, with fluorescence intensity maintained for at least 50 min. The WZL-1 fluorescence probe had a wide linear range, with a detection limit as low as 554 nm for GSH. The cell survival rate was more than 90% over the concentration range of 0-30 μmol/L.Conclusions The fluorescent probe WZL-1 can specifically react with bio thiols and hydrogen sulfide in colorectal cancer WS480 cells, emitting red fluorescence signals, while other substances do not react. It can be used for real-time monitoring and imaging of various biothiols and hydrogen sulfide in cells.