A Highly Selective Low-Background Fluorescent Imaging Agent for Nitric Oxide

We introduce a novel sensing mechanism for nitric oxide (NO) detection with a particular easily synthesized embodiment (NO₅₅₀), which displays a rapid and linear response to NO with a red-shifted 1500-fold turn-on signal from a dark background. Excellent selectivity was observed against other reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, pH, and various substances that interfere with existing probes. NO₅₅₀ crosses cell membranes but not nuclear membranes and is suitable for both intra- and extracellular NO quantifications. Good cytocompatibility was found during in vitro studies with two different cell lines. The high specificity, dark background, facile synthesis, and low pH dependence make NO₅₅₀ a superior probe for NO detection when used as an imaging agent.