Detection of H2S in Living Cells Using Escape Lysosome Technology Based on the Swelling Effect of Polymeric Nanomicelles

The conventional fluorescent probe for sensitive detection of bioactive substance in living cells are still challenging due to the degradation and destruction of lysosomes to probes. Here, we develop a new method based on escape lysosome technology for detection of bioactive small molecules like hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in living cells. It relies on the swelling effect of polymeric nonomicelles. Specifically, PEG-PEI/DP-NBD complex probes were designed and prepared by integrating polyethyleneimine (PEI) and fluorescent probe dansylpiperazine nitrobenzo(c)-(1,2,5) oxadiazole (DP-NBD) into poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) nanogel, which possessed lysosome-escape ability based on swelling effect of PEG nanomicelles. Results indicate the probes we proposed can be used for sensitive tracking and long-term visualization of H2S in living cells, and the detection limit of H2S is 0.1 mu M. The multifunctional nanoprobes based on escape lysosome technology by help of swelling effect of polymeric micelles offers an important strategy for detecting bioactive substance in living cells.