Fluorescent probe for tumor imaging and prognostic assessment via multi-response to biothiols, viscosity, and pH values

Abstract

Accurate tumor diagnosis and drug efficacy assessment are crucial aspects of cancer treatment. Tumor cells typically display aberrant levels of biothiols, higher viscosity, and lower acidity compared to normal cells. Thus, precise monitoring of biothiol levels in the intricate cellular environment is essential for early tumor detection. We have developed a novel near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence probe AX-DNBS for the simultaneous detection of biothiols, viscosity, and pH through multi-channel imaging. With the treatment of biothiol, AX-DNBS triggers the release of AX-OH, resulting in enhanced fluorescence emission at 710 nm. Both AX-DNBS and AX-OH exhibit sensitive responses to changes in viscosity, with fluorescence emissions at 475 nm and 640 nm, respectively. In the pH range of 3–10, an increase in alkalinity leads to a ratiometric fluorescence signal of AX-OH with a significant emission red-shift from 640 nm to 710 nm. Significantly, in subsequent biological trials, AX-DNBS proved effective in monitoring alterations in biothiol levels, viscosity, and pH within live cells, facilitating the diagnosis of tumors and the evaluation of the therapeutic effects of paclitaxel in tumor mice models.