Ample evidence suggests that H₂S is an important biological mediator, produced by endogenous enzymes and microbiota. So far, several techniques including colorimetric methods, electrochemical analysis and sulfide precipitation have been developed for H₂S detection. These methods provide sensitive detection, however, they are destructive for tissues and require tedious sequences of preparation steps for the analyzed samples. Here, we report synthesis of a new fluorescent probe for H₂S detection, 4-methyl-2-oxo-2H-chromen-7-yl 5-azidopentanoate (1). The design of 1 is based on combination of two strategies for H₂S detection, i.e., reduction of an azido group to an amine in the presence of H₂S and intramolecular lactamization. Finally, we measured salivary H₂S concentration in healthy, 18⁻40-year-old volunteers immediately after obtaining specimens. The newly developed self-immolative coumarin-based fluorescence probe (C15H15N₃O₄) showed high sensitivity to H₂S detection in both sodium phosphate buffer at physiological pH and in saliva. Salivary H₂S concentration in healthy volunteers was within a range of 1.641⁻7.124 μM.
Keywords: Ellman’s Reagent; assay; azide; biological systems; fluorescent probe; halitosis; hydrogen sulfide; saliva.