Fluorescent Probes for Reactive Nitrogen Species Detection in Biological Systems

Reactive nitrogen species (RNS) such as peroxynitrite and nitric oxide play pivotal roles in cell signalling, host defence and the pathogenesis of cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and inflammatory disorders. Their fleeting nature and low steady-state concentrations call for highly sensitive and selective molecular tools. Fluorescent probes have emerged as versatile reporters, converting chemical reactions with RNS into bright optical signals. Strategies include boronate oxidation, oxidative cleavage of protective groups and reaction-based logic gates that yield turn-on or ratiometric fluorescence. Advances target longer excitation and emission wavelengths, enabling deep-tissue and in vivo imaging, and multi-analyte detection through dual-channel formats. By integrating near-infrared fluorophores, two-photon excitation and organelle-targeting motifs, recent designs permit real-time monitoring of RNS dynamics in live cells, tissues and whole organisms. Such probes not only illuminate fundamental redox biology but also offer diagnostic and drug-screening applications in models of liver injury, inflammation and metabolic dysfunction.

Research from Nature Portfolio

No recent Nature Portfolio content available.

Fluorescent Probes for Reactive Nitrogen Species Detection in Biological Systems publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in fluorescent probes for reactive nitrogen species detection in biological systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Reactive nitrogen species (RNS): A family of nitrogen-centred radicals and oxidants formed in biological environments, implicated in signalling and oxidative damage.

Peroxynitrite (ONOO−): A potent oxidant generated by the rapid reaction of nitric oxide with superoxide, capable of oxidising proteins, lipids and nucleic acids.

Fluorescent probe: A small molecule or bioconjugate that produces a detectable fluorescence change upon interaction with a specific analyte.

Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF): Emission in the 650–900 nm range, offering reduced background and deeper tissue penetration.

Two-photon excitation fluorescence (TPEF): Nonlinear optical process using simultaneous absorption of two lower-energy photons for localized fluorescence excitation in thick samples.

References

1. Peroxynitrite, a Stealthy Biological Oxidant*. Journal of Biological Chemistry (2013).
2. A water-soluble boronate-based fluorescent probe for the selective detection of peroxynitrite and imaging in living cells. Chemical Science (2014).
3. The development of a novel AND logic based fluorescence probe for the detection of peroxynitrite and GSH. Chemical Science (2018).
4. NIR in, far-red out: developing a two-photon fluorescent probe for tracking nitric oxide in deep tissue. Chemical Science (2016).
5. Imaging Dynamic Peroxynitrite Fluxes in Epileptic Brains with a Near‐Infrared Fluorescent Probe. Advanced Science (2019).
6. Fluorescent probe for the imaging of superoxide and peroxynitrite during drug-induced liver injury. Chemical Science (2021).
7. Dual-Channel Fluorescent Probe for the Simultaneous Monitoring of Peroxynitrite and Adenosine-5′-triphosphate in Cellular Applications. Journal of the American Chemical Society (2021).