Near-infrared fluorescence imaging platform with ultra large Stokes shift for monitoring and bioimaging of hydrogen peroxide in the process of ferroptosis.

Hydrogen peroxide (HO), as a strong oxidant, is crucial for the aerobic metabolism of organisms and is intricately linked to the onset of numerous diseases. Real-time monitor HO levels in the environment and biological microenvironment is of paramount importance for environment protection and elucidating HO-related physiological and pathological processes. In this study, a novel near-infrared fluorescence imaging platform was developed and a near-infrared fluorescent probe FBMH was constructed based on the platform with photoinduced electron transfer mechanism. A series of experiments to evaluate its spectral properties and bioimaging capabilities proved that the probe demonstrated near-infrared emission, excellent selectivity and anti-interference capability in complex environments, along with high sensitivity (LOD = 2.6 × 10 mol/L), large Stokes shift (220 nm) and rapid response (15 min). In addition, the detection of HO in actual water samples was realized with the probe. Furthermore, the implement of bioimaging of exogenous and endogenous HO in Hela cells, Raw264.7 cells, zebrafish and BALB/c nude mice, especially the visualization of HO level changes in the process of ferroptosis, testified its excellent potential in monitoring HO in HO-related diseases.