Dual-channel fluorescent probe for detecting SO and Hg, and dynamic imaging SO under Cd in alfalfa (Medicago sativa).

BACKGROUND

As an antioxidant, SO plays a critical role in maintaining the plant's redox balance. At the same time, Hg as heavy metals, will accumulate in plants through soil, often disrupting physiological processes in plants. However, few studies have been reported to examine changes in Hg and SO in plants. Here, we developed a dual-channel fluorescent probe NYD, which can differentiate between the detection of Hg and SO.

RESULTS

The probe exhibits high sensitivity (LOD, 44 nM for Hg and 26 nM for SO). When Hg and HSO deprotect and attack the double bond by nucleophilic addition, significant emission of fluorescence at 475 nm and 574 nm with blue and red fluorescence respectively. In addition, NYD has the capability to detect the levels of Hg and SO in cells and alfalfa seedlings. Meanwhile, the findings indicated that alfalfa seedlings were exposed to Cd, which led to redox imbalance and increased endogenous SO production.

SIGNIFICANCE

We anticipate that this research will contribute to a better understanding of the functions of SO under oxidative stress induced by Cd.