γ-Glutamyltranspeptidase fluorescence lifetime response probe for precision tumor detection unveiling A549 cancer cell specificity.

γ-Glutamyltranspeptidase (γ-GGT), as a key enzyme, exhibits markedly higher expression levels in tumor cells compared to normal cells. Under normal conditions, γ-GGT activity on the cell membrane is relatively low, but it undergoes a significant upregulation in cancer cells, making it a potential cancer biomarker. Particularly in A549 cells, a prominent cancer cell line, the pronounced upregulation of γ-GGT expression emphasizes its potential as a unique recognition target and a robust marker for A549 cells. This study successfully synthesized a highly selective γ-GGT fluorescent probe, the exhibits commendable sensitivity (LOD = 0.0021U/mL) and selectivity, achieving efficient detection at the cellular level and providing accurate insights into differential expression between normal and cancer cells. The alterations in fluorescence lifetime observed before and after the probe's reaction with γ-GGT serve as a crucial foundation for fluorescence lifetime imaging on living cells. The probe has become a powerful tool for precise localization of tumor cells, particularly demonstrating its capability for specific recognition in A549 cells. Overall, this research highlights the potential of γ-GGT as a target for fluorescent probes, emphasizing its prospects in specific recognition, particularly in A549 cells, with profound implications for advancing early cancer diagnosis and treatment methods.