A Novel Benzothiazole-Based Fluorescent AIE Probe for the Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide in Living Cells.

A benzothiazole-based derivative aggregation-induced emission (AIE) fluorescent 'turn-on' probe named 2-(2-((4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)benzyl)oxy)phenyl)benzo[]thiazole (probe ) was developed and synthesized successfully for detecting hydrogen peroxide (HO) in living cells. The synthesis method of probe is facile. Probe demonstrates a well-resolved emission peak at 604 nm and the ability to prevent the interference of reactive oxygen species (ROS), various metal ions and anion ions, and good sensitivity. Additionally, the probe boasts impressive pH range versatility, a fast response time to HO and low cytotoxicity. Finally, probe was applied successfully to image A549 and Hep G2 cells to monitor both exogenous and endogenous HO.