Design of a dual-function prodrug fluorescence probes for melanoma detection and anticancer drug release

Melanoma is a common malignant tumor, and its accurate detection and treatment are very important in the early stage of the tumor. However, there is no fluorescent probe that can simultaneously detect and treat melanoma. Here, we developed a novel prodrug fluorescent probe (OAC) that can not only visually track tyrosinase in melanoma but also release anticancer drugs on demand. First, when the probe detects tyrosinase, its fluorescence signal changes from blue to green and makes melanoma visible. Secondly, the detected melanoma is subjected to precise light irradiation to induce the release of anticancer drugs. This process is accompanied by a fluorescence transition from green to blue (signal 2), which can monitor drug release in real time. Therefore, the probe can not only detect melanoma in real time, but also release anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells. Furthermore, the probe has high affinity (K m = 30 µM), high selectivity and low detection limit (0.05 U/mL) for tyrosinase. We also found that the probe showed high phototoxicity in HeLa cells. Finally, we hope that the prodrug fluorescent probe can become an effective tool for biomedical diagnosis and treatment.