A selective, cell-permeable optical probe for hydrogen peroxide in living cells

HPLC study of oxidation products of hydroethidine in chemical and biological systems: ramifications in superoxide measurements

Methods for the detection and quantitation of hydroethidine (HE) and its oxidation products by HPLC analysis are described. Synthetic methods for preparation of authentic standards (2-hydroxyethidium and diethidium) are provided. Potential applications of the HPLC methods to chemical and biological systems are discussed. Specific examples of chromatograms obtained using UV-Vis absorption, fluorescence, electrochemical, and mass spectrometry detectors are provided. The development of a dual electrochemical and fluorescence detection methodology and its applications are described. The HPLC-based method enables analyses of HE and its oxidation products such as ethidium and the dimeric products of HE. The ramifications of HPLC measurement of HE and its oxidation products in the detection and quantitation of 2-hydroxyethidium, the diagnostic marker product of superoxide and HE, in the intracellular milieu are discussed. Similarly, mitochondria-targeted HE conjugated to a triphenylphosphonium group (Mito-HE or Mito-SOX) also forms oxidation products (dimers of Mito-HE and Mito-E+) that can affect the detection and quantitation of 2-hydroxy-mito-ethidium, the diagnostic marker product of Mito-HE and superoxide in mitochondria.

Detection of hydrogen peroxide with chemiluminescent micelles

The overproduction of hydrogen peroxide is implicated in the progress of numerous life-threatening diseases and there is a great need for the development of contrast agents that can detect hydrogen peroxide in vivo. In this communication, we present a new contrast agent for hydrogen peroxide, termed peroxalate micelles, which detect hydrogen peroxide through chemiluminescence, and have the physical/chemical properties needed for in vivo imaging applications. The peroxalate micelles are composed of amphiphilic peroxalate based copolymers and the fluorescent dye rubrene, they have a 'stealth' polyethylene glycol (PEG) corona to evade macrophage phagocytosis, and a diameter of 33 nm to enhance extravasation into permeable tissues. The peroxalate micelles can detect nanomolar concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (>50 nM) and thus have the sensitivity needed to detect physiological concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. We anticipate numerous applications of the peroxalate micelles for in vivo imaging of hydrogen peroxide, given their high sensitivity, small size, and biocompatible PEG corona.

A red-emitting naphthofluorescein-based fluorescent probe for selective detection of hydrogen peroxide in living cells

We report the synthesis, properties, and cellular application of Naphtho-Peroxyfluor-1 (NPF1), a new fluorescent indicator for hydrogen peroxide based on a red-emitting naphthofluorescein platform. Owing to its boronate cages, NPF1 features high selectivity for hydrogen peroxide over a panel of biologically relevant reactive oxygen species (ROS), including superoxide and nitric oxide, as well as excitation and emission profiles in the far-red region of the visible spectrum (>600nm). Flow cytometry experiments in RAW264.7 macrophages establish that NPF1 can report changes in peroxide levels in living cells.

Fluorophotometric determination of hydrogen peroxide and other reactive oxygen species with fluorescein hydrazide (FH) and its crystal structure

Methods for the fluorophotometric determination of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) and other reactive oxygen species (ROS) were proposed by using the fluorescence reaction between H(2)O(2) or other ROS and fluorescein hydrazide (FH). In the determination of H(2)O(2), the calibration curve exhibited linearity over the H(2)O(2) concentration range of 2.1-460 ng ml(-1) at an emission wavelength of 527 nm with an excitation of 460 nm and with the relative standard deviations (n=6) of 4.06%, 1.78%, and 2.21% for 3.1 ng ml(-1), 30.8 ng ml(-1), and for 308 ng ml(-1) of H(2)O(2), respectively. The detection limit for H(2)O(2) was 0.7 ng ml(-1) due to three blank determinations (rho=3). The calibration curves for ROS-related compounds were also constructed under the optimum conditions. This method was successfully applied in the assay of H(2)O(2) in human urine. In addition, we performed the characterization of FH, and interesting information was obtained with regard to the relationship between the chemical structure and fluorescence.

A targetable fluorescent probe for imaging hydrogen peroxide in the mitochondria of living cells

We present the design, synthesis, and biological applications of mitochondria peroxy yellow 1 (MitoPY1), a new type of bifunctional fluorescent probe for imaging hydrogen peroxide levels within the mitochondria of living cells. MitoPY1 combines a chemoselective boronate-based switch and a mitochondrial-targeting phosphonium moiety for detection of hydrogen peroxide localized to cellular mitochondria. Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry experiments in a variety of mammalian cell types show that MitoPY1 can visualize localized changes in mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide concentrations generated by situations of oxidative stress.

Rational Design of a Fluorescent Hydrogen Peroxide Probe Based on the Umbelliferone Fluorophore

In this study, we report a novel water-soluble umbelliferone-based fluorescent probe for hydrogen peroxide. This probe shows very large increases (up to 100 fold) in fluorescent intensity upon reaction with hydrogen peroxide, and good selectivity over other reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Pristine (C60) and hydroxylated [C60(OH)24] fullerene phototoxicity towards HaCaT keratinocytes: type I vs type II mechanisms

The increasing use of fullerene nanomaterials has prompted widespread concern over their biological effects. Herein, we have studied the phototoxicity of gamma-cyclodextrin bicapped pristine C 60 [(gamma-CyD) 2/C 60] and its water-soluble derivative C 60(OH) 24 toward human keratinocytes. Our results demonstrated that irradiation of (gamma-CyD) 2/C 60 or C 60(OH) 24 in D 2O generated singlet oxygen with quantum yields of 0.76 and 0.08, respectively. Irradiation (>400 nm) of C 60(OH) 24 generated superoxide as detected by the EPR spin trapping technique; superoxide generation was enhanced by addition of the electron donor nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (reduced) (NADH). During the irradiation of (gamma-CyD) 2/C 60, superoxide was generated only in the presence of NADH. Cell viability measurements demonstrated that (gamma-CyD) 2/C 60 was about 60 times more phototoxic to human keratinocytes than C 60(OH) 24. UVA irradiation of human keratinocytes in the presence of (gamma-CyD) 2/C 60 resulted in a significant rise in intracellular protein-derived peroxides, suggesting a type II mechanism for phototoxicity. UVA irradiation of human keratinocytes in the presence of C 60(OH) 24 produced diffuse intracellular fluorescence when the hydrogen peroxide probe Peroxyfluor-1 was present, suggesting a type I mechanism. Our results clearly show that the phototoxicity induced by (gamma-CyD) 2/C 60 is mainly mediated by singlet oxygen with a minor contribution from superoxide, while C 60(OH) 24 phototoxicity is mainly due to superoxide.

Fluorescent probes for nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide in cell signaling

Nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) have emerged as essential small molecules for cellular signal transduction owing largely to their ability to mediate oxidative posttranslational modifications (PTMs). Inventing new ways to track these small, diffusible, and reactive species with spatial and temporal resolution is a key challenge in elucidating their chemistry in living systems. Recent progress in the development of fluorescent probes that respond selectively to NO and H(2)O(2) produced at cell signaling levels offers a promising approach to interrogating their physiological production, accumulation, trafficking, and function.

In vivo imaging of hydrogen peroxide with chemiluminescent nanoparticles

The overproduction of hydrogen peroxide is implicated in the development of numerous diseases and there is currently great interest in developing contrast agents that can image hydrogen peroxide in vivo. In this report, we demonstrate that nanoparticles formulated from peroxalate esters and fluorescent dyes can image hydrogen peroxide in vivo with high specificity and sensitivity. The peroxalate nanoparticles image hydrogen peroxide by undergoing a three-component chemiluminescent reaction between hydrogen peroxide, peroxalate esters and fluorescent dyes. The peroxalate nanoparticles have several attractive properties for in vivo imaging, such as tunable wavelength emission (460-630 nm), nanomolar sensitivity for hydrogen peroxide and excellent specificity for hydrogen peroxide over other reactive oxygen species. The peroxalate nanoparticles were capable of imaging hydrogen peroxide in the peritoneal cavity of mice during a lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response. We anticipate numerous applications of peroxalate nanoparticles for in vivo imaging of hydrogen peroxide, given their high specificity and sensitivity and deep-tissue-imaging capability.

Design of a practical fluorescent probe for superoxide based on protection-deprotection chemistry of fluoresceins with benzenesulfonyl protecting groups

A strategy for designing probes based on protection-deprotection chemistry involving fluoresceins and their benzenesulfonyl (BES) derivatives has led to the development of a much more practical superoxide (O(2) (-.)) probe than the previously reported bis(2,4-dinitro-BES) tetrafluorofluorescein (6 a). Examination of various BES derivatives, developed from the starting point of the prototype probe 6 a, yielded 4,5-dimethoxy-2-nitro-BES tetrafluorofluorescein (BESSo; 7 j) as the optimal reagent. A microtiter plate assay with BESSo showed a tenfold improved detection limit for O(2) (-.) compared with such an assay based on 6 a. BESSo showed markedly better specificity for O(2) (-.) than for GSH or other reactive oxygen species, and this specificity was significantly higher than that of Fe(2+) and some reducing enzymes. These features have resulted in the development of an assay based on BESSo that is capable of providing more unambiguous results for O(2) (-.) release from neutrophils, with or without stimulation by phorbol myristate acetate, as compared with an assay based on 6 a. Intracellular generation of O(2) (-.) in human Jurkat T cells stimulated by butyric acid has been measured by using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy utilizing the acetoxymethyl derivative of BESSo.

A phosphinate-based red fluorescent probe for imaging the superoxide radical anion generated by RAW264.7 macrophages

4',9'-Bis(diphenylphosphinyl)naphthofluorescein (PNF-1) has been designed and synthesized as a highly selective, sensitive, cell-permeable, red fluorescent probe for detecting O(2) (.-) in biological systems. The design strategy for the probe is based on the nucleophilic mechanism of O(2) (.-) to mediate deprotection of the probe to naphthofluorescein, the emission spectrum of which is just in the spectral region of low background fluorescence interference in biological systems. Upon treatment with O(2) (.-), the probe exhibits a strong fluorescence response and high selectivity for O(2) (.-), rather than other reactive oxygen species or biological compounds. A linear calibration curve for PNF-1 showed a detection limit of 0.1 nM O(2) (.-). This new type of fluorescent probe allows nanomolar changes in O(2) (.-) concentrations in living cells to be detected by confocal microscopy.

Molecular imaging of hydrogen peroxide produced for cell signaling

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is emerging as a newly recognized messenger in cellular signal transduction. However, a substantial challenge in elucidating its diverse roles in complex biological environments is the lack of methods for probing this reactive oxygen metabolite in living systems with molecular specificity. Here we report the synthesis and application of Peroxy Green 1 (PG1) and Peroxy Crimson 1 (PC1), two new fluorescent probes that show high selectivity for H2O2 and are capable of visualizing endogenous H2O2 produced in living cells by growth factor stimulation, including the first direct imaging of peroxide produced for brain cell signaling. The combined features of reactive oxygen species selectivity, sensitivity to signaling levels of H2O2, and live-cell compatibility presage many new opportunities for PG1, PC1 and related synthetic reagents for exploring the physiological roles of H2O2 in living systems with molecular imaging.

H2O2 signaling in the nigrostriatal dopamine pathway via ATP-sensitive potassium channels: issues and answers

The role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as signaling agents is increasingly appreciated. Studies of ROS functions in the central nervous system, however, are only in their infancy. Using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry and fluorescence imaging in brain slices, the authors discovered that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an endogenous regulator of dopamine release in the dorsal striatum. Given the key role of dopamine in motor, reward, and cognitive pathways, regulation by H2O2 has implications for normal dopamine function, as well as for dysfunction of dopamine transmission. In this review, data are summarized to show that H2O2 is a diffusible messenger in the striatum, generated downstream from glutamate receptor activation, and an intracellular signal in dopamine neurons of the substantia nigra, generated during normal pacemaker activity. The mechanism by which H2O2 inhibits dopamine release and dopamine cell activity is activation of ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels. Characteristics of the neuronal and glial antioxidant networks required to permit H2O2 signaling, yet prevent oxidative damage, are also considered. Lastly, estimates of physiological H2O2 levels are discussed, and strengths and limitations of currently available methods for H2O2 detection, including fluorescence imaging using dichlorofluorescein (DCF) and the next generation of fluorescent probes, are considered.

A Fluorescein-based Fluorogenic Probe for Fluoride Ion Based on the Fluoride-induced Cleavage of tert-butyldimethylsilyl Ether

A highly sensitive and selective fluorogenic probe for fluoride ion, fluorescein di-tert-butyldimethylsilyl ether (FTBS), was designed and synthesized. FTBS was a colorless, non-fluorescent compound and was synthesized via the one-step reaction of fluorescein with tert-butyldimethylsilyl chloride. Upon incubation with fluoride ion in DMF-water solution (7 : 3, V/V), the Si-O bond of FTBS was cleaved, causing a large increase in fluorescence intensity and thereby allowing a selective detection of fluoride ion. The fluorescence increase is linearly with fluoride concentration in the range 0.1-2.0 mumol L(-1) with a detection limit of 0.041 mumol L(-1) (3sigma). The excellent selective signaling behavior of the proposed probe was found to originate from the high affinity of silicon toward fluoride ion. The method has been successfully applied to the fluoride determination in multi-trace elements injection and toothpaste samples, and the results are agreed well with those obtained by the fluoride-ion selective electrode method.

New chromogenic and fluorogenic reagents and sensors for neutral and ionic analytes based on covalent bond formation–a review of recent developments

To date, hydrogen bonding and Coulomb, van der Waals and hydrophobic interactions are the major contributors to non-covalent analyte recognition using ionophores, ligands, aptamers and chemosensors. However, this article describes recent developments in the use of (reversible) covalent bond formation to detect analyte molecules, with special focus on optical signal transduction. Several new indicator dyes for analytes such as amines and diamines, amino acids, cyanide, formaldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, organophosphates, nitrogen oxide and nitrite, peptides and proteins, as well as saccharides have become available. New means of converting analyte recognition into optical signals have also been introduced, such as colour changes of chiral nematic layers. This article gives an overview of recent developments and discusses response mechanisms, selectivity and sensitivity.

Recent advances in fluorescent probes for the detection of reactive oxygen species

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have captured the interest of many researchers in the chemical, biological, and medical fields since they are thought to be associated with various pathological conditions. Fluorescent probes for the detection of ROS are promising tools with which to enhance our understanding of the physiological roles of ROS, because they provide spatial and temporal information about target biomolecules in in vivo cellular systems. ROS probes, designed to detect specific ROS with a high selectivity, would be desirable, since it is now becoming clear that each ROS has its own unique physiological activity. However, dihydro-compounds such as 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein (DCFH), which have traditionally been used for detecting ROS, tend to react with a wide variety of ROS and are not completely photostable. Some attractive fluorescent probes that exhibit a high degree of selectivity toward specific ROS have recently been reported, and these selective probes are expected to have great potential for elucidating unknown physiological mechanisms associated with their target ROS. This review focuses on the design, detection mechanism, and performance of fluorescent probes for the detection of singlet oxygen ((1)O(2)), hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), hydroxyl radicals ((.)OH), or superoxide anion (O(2) (-.)), a field in which remarkable progress has been achieved in the last few years.

Boronate-based fluorescent probes for imaging cellular hydrogen peroxide

The syntheses, properties, and biological applications of the Peroxysensor family, a new class of fluorescent probes for hydrogen peroxide, are presented. These reagents utilize a boronate deprotection mechanism to provide high selectivity and optical dynamic range for detecting H2O2 in aqueous solution over similar reactive oxygen species (ROS) including superoxide, nitric oxide, tert-butyl hydroperoxide, hypochlorite, singlet oxygen, ozone, and hydroxyl radical. Peroxyresorufin-1 (PR1), Peroxyfluor-1 (PF1), and Peroxyxanthone-1 (PX1) are first-generation probes that respond to H2O2 by an increase in red, green, and blue fluorescence, respectively. The boronate dyes are cell-permeable and can detect micromolar changes in H2O2 concentrations in living cells, including hippocampal neurons, using confocal microscopy and two-photon microscopy. The unique combination of ROS selectivity, membrane permeability, and a range of available excitation/emission colors establishes the potential value of PR1, PF1, PX1, and related probes for interrogating the physiology and pathology of cellular H2O2.

Simple and Rapid Determination of Hydrogen Peroxide Using Phosphine-based Fluorescent Reagents with Sodium Tungstate Dihydrate

A simple batch method for the fluorometric determination of hydrogen peroxide using phosphine-based fluorescent reagents has been developed. A rapid, mild and selective derivatization reaction was achieved by adding sodium tungstate dihydrate to the reaction mixture of hydrogen peroxide and a phosphine-based fluorescent reagent. When 4-diphenylphosphino-7-methylthio-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole was used as a reagent, the derivatization reaction was completed after 2 min at room temperature. The calibration curve was linear between 12.5 and 500 ng hydrogen peroxide in a 10 microL sample solution. This method is accurate and has potential for on-line applications.

Strong red fluorescent probes suitable for detecting hydrogen peroxide generated by mice peritoneal macrophages

This paper reports the synthesis, fluorescence properties, and biological applications of naphthofluorescein disulfonate (NFDS-1), as a red fluorescence imaging probe to detect intracellular H2O2.