High resolution two photon fluorescence probe monitoring ClO− based on anion exchange for the synergistic ROS and ferroptosis activated by thermal energy

Abstract

Ferroptosis, closely correlated with hypochlorite (ClO⁻), is an emerging form of iron-dependent cell death. Exploring the ClO⁻ content in living cells will help to further reveal the biological function of ferroptosis. In this work, we have developed a two-photon excited fluorescent probe (CMI-ClO) which can detect the ClO⁻ changes during ferroptosis. CMI-ClO can specifically response to ClO⁻ by exchanging with I⁻. The multiple reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced simultaneously in the ClO⁻ identification process. More significantly, CMI-ClO produces ROS through thermal energy, breaking the limitation of light trigged conventional photosensitizers. CMI-ClO can achieve high resolution tracking of ferroptosis under NIR II excitation, where ROS and ferroptosis combine to cause mitochondrial damage and cell death. This work provides a synergistic strategy for enhancing ROS and ferroptosis therapy.