Novel diaminomaleonitrile-based fluorescent probe for ratiometric detection and bioimaging of hypochlorite

Highly sensitive and selective detection for hypochlorite anion (OCl-) is of extreme significance due to its important role and function in biological systems. Herein, a diaminomaleonitrile derivative (DMD) has been developed as a novel ratiometric and colorimetric fluorescent probe for OCl- detection. Consistent with the UV-vis spectral change, the probe DMD exhibited promptly a color change from canary yellow to gules upon the addition of OCl-, which could be easily observed by naked-eyes. In addition, the detection limit was found to be 0.5 nM, which is much lower than that of many reported OCl- probes. More importantly, owing to its excellent sensing properties and negligible cytotoxicity, probe DMD can be conveniently applied to image intracellular OCl- in living cells, indicating it a promising tool in biological applications. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.