Boronate based fluorescence (ESIPT) probe for peroxynitrite

Abstract

A simple probe for the detection of peroxynitrite was developed incorporating a benzyl boronic ester "protecting'' unit. The "protecting'' unit of the probe is removed by peroxynitrite to "turn-on'' ESIPT fluorescence (4.5 fold enhancement). Furthermore, the probe was cell permeable and was used in cell imaging experiments showing an off-on response towards peroxynitrite, in HeLa and RAW 264.7 cells.