Two-Photon and Deep-Red Emission Ratiometric Fluorescent Probe with a Large Emission Shift and Signal Ratios for Sulfur Dioxide: Ultrafast Response and Applications in Living Cells, Brain Tissues, and Zebrafishes

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a dangerous environmental pollutant. Excessive intake of it may cause some respiratory diseases and even lung cancer. The development of effective methods for detection of SO2 is of great importance for the environment and physiology. Herein, we have designed and synthesized a novel two-photon (TP) and deep-red emission ratiometric fluorescent probe (CP) for detection of SO2. Notably, the novel probe CP exhibited ultrafast response to SO2 in less than 5 s and displayed a great emission shift (195 nm) and a large emission signal ratio variation (enhancement from 0.1347 to 100.14). In addition, the unique probe was successfully employed for imaging SO2 not only in the mitochondria of living cells but also in brain tissues and zebrafishes.