A Microenvironment-responsive small-molecule probe and application in quick acute myocardial infarction imaging.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients are at an elevated risk for life-threatening myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. Early-stage nonradioactive and noninvasive diagnosis of AMI is imperative for the subsequent disease treatment, yet it presents substantial challenges. After AMI, the myocardium typically exhibits elevated levels of peroxynitrite (ONOO), constituting a distinct microenvironmental feature. In this context, the near-infrared imaging probe (BBEB) is employed to precisely delineate the boundaries of AMI lesions with a high level of sensitivity and specificity by monitoring endogenous ONOO. This probe allows for the early detection of myocardial damage at cellular and animal levels, providing exceptional temporal and spatial resolution. Notably, BBEB enables visualization of ONOO level alterations during AMI treatment incorporating antioxidant drugs. Overall, BBEB can rapidly and accurately visualize myocardial injury, particularly in the early stages, and can further facilitate antioxidant drug screening.