BODIPY-Based Fluorescent Probes for Biothiols

Abstract

Fluorescent probes for biothiols have aroused increasing interest owing to their potential to enable better understanding of the diverse physiological and pathological processes related to the biothiol species. BODIPY fluorophores exhibit excellent optical properties, which can be readily tailored by introducing diverse functional units at various positions of the BODIPY core. In the present review, the development of fluorescent probes based on BODIPYs for the detection of biothiols are systematically summarized, with emphasis on the preferable detection of individual biothiols, as well as simultaneous discrimination among cysteine (Cys), homocysteine (Hcy), reduced glutathione (GSH). In addition, organelle-targeting probes for biothiols are also highlighted. The general design principles, various recognition mechanisms, and biological applications are elaboratively discussed, which could provide a useful reference to researchers worldwide interested in this area.

Keywords: BODIPY; biothiols; fluorescent probes; organelle-targeting.