A dual-response fluorescent hemicyanine probe for the detection of mitochondrial hypochlorite and viscosity based on ESIPT/AIE and TICT

Viscosity and hypochlorite (ClO − ) are two important factors affecting the physiological activity and function of mitochondria. Hypochlorite (ClO − ) is a vital reactive oxygen species, and endogenous ClO − acts as an important germicidal oxidant in the immune system at low concentrations. While, fluctuations in viscosity can cause mitochondrial dysfunction that is linked to several diseases. We herein report on a hemicyanine-based probe ( BDTB-PA ) for the detection of hypochlorite (ClO − ) and viscosity. The probe exhibits a very low fluorescence background in an aqueous solution due to twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) and blocked excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT). In a viscous solution, the TICT of the probe was inhibited, generating a strong emission at 580 nm. In contrast, upon treatment with ClO − , the phenylboronic acid pinacol ester group of probe BDTB-PA was removed, and the hydroxyl group was released, activating the ESIPT process. Coupled with its aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics, the product of BDTB-PA with ClO − exhibited a distinct emission at 540 nm. As such a solution of the probe BDTB-PA exhibited a distinct fluorescent color change from colourless to green under UV light with the addition of ClO − . More importantly, probe BDTB-PA was used for monitoring ClO − and viscosity in the mitochondria of living cells, plants and zebrafish. • A hemicyanine-based probe for mitochondrial ClO- concentrations and viscosity detection was developed. • The detection limit for ClO- is 0.013 μM. • The probe exhibits aggregation-induced emission after reacting with ClO-. • The probe has been successfully used for detecting ClO- and viscosity in HeLa cells, zebrafish, and plants.