Development of a xanthene-based NIR fluorescent probe for accurate and sensitive detection of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

γ-Glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) regulates glutathione (GSH), essential for cell functions and linked to cancer. High GGT levels in tumors make it a valuable cancer biomarker. Current GGT detection methods often lack sensitivity and specificity.

A nano-molar fluorescent turn-on probe for copper(II) detection in living cells.

The development of fluorescent probes to detect trace metal ions in biological samples has been in great need. Herein, a fluorescence turn-on sensor (PHC) was designed for highly selective detection of Cu ions. The probe PHC shows weak fluorescence due to imine isomerization.