University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed a fluorogenic probe that undergoes a Mislow-Evans rearrangement with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), producing a green fluorescent molecule in seconds. This fast-acting probe has enabled real-time imaging of H2O2 produced in endothelial cells and in a zebrafish wound healing model, providing an accurate platform for endogenous H2O2 detection in real time with chemical probes.
Description
Hydrogen peroxide mediates various biological processes such as wound healing, apoptosis, and inflammation. While H2O2 has been fluorometrically imaged with protein- or small molecule-based probes, only protein-based probes have afforded temporal insights within seconds. Small molecule-based electrophilic probes for H2O2 require many minutes for a sufficient response in biological systems. The newly developed probe acts as a nucleophile and responds to hydrogen peroxide at least 7 times faster than existing technology. The fast kinetics enabled real-time imaging of H2O2 produced in endothelial cells in 8 seconds (much earlier than previously shown) and H2O2 in a zebrafish wound healing model. This work may provide a platform for endogenous H2O2 detection in real time with chemical probes.
Applications
- Real-time imaging tool
- Biomedical research
- Wound healing studies
- Inflammation studies
Advantages
The probe’s fast kinetics have enabled real-time imaging of H2O2 produced in endothelial cells in 8 seconds, much earlier than previously shown. This work may provide a platform for endogenous H2O2 detection in real time with chemical probes, offering a significant advantage over existing technologies. The ability to detect and image H2O2 in real time could lead to novel discoveries and advancements in biomedical research, particularly in the areas of wound healing, apoptosis, and inflammation.
Invention Readiness
The probe has been tested in vitro and has shown promising results. It has been used to image H2O2 in a zebrafish wound healing model, demonstrating its potential for use in a variety of research applications. The probe responds to hydrogen peroxide at least 7 times faster than existing technology, providing a significant advantage over existing technologies.
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/US11987595B2
