Sulfur-based Fluorescent Probes for Biological Analysis: A Review

The widespread adoption of small-molecule fluorescence detection methodologies in scientific research and industrial contexts can be ascribed to their inherent merits, including elevated sensitivity, exceptional selectivity, real-time detection capabilities, and non-destructive characteristics. In recent years, there has been a growing focus on small-molecule fluorescent probes engineered with sulfur elements, aiming to detect a diverse array of biologically active species. This review presents a comprehensive survey of sulfur-based fluorescent probes published from 2017 to 2023. The diverse repertoire of recognition sites, including but not limited to N, N-dimethylthiocarbamyl, disulfides, thioether, sulfonyls and sulfoxides, thiourea, thioester, thioacetal and thioketal, sulfhydryl, phenothiazine, thioamide, and others, inherent in these sulfur-based probes markedly amplifies their capacity for detecting a broad spectrum of analytes, such as metal ions, reactive oxygen species, reactive sulfur species, reactive nitrogen species, proteins, and beyond. Owing to the individual disparities in the molecular structures of the probes, analogous recognition units may be employed to discern diverse substrates. Subsequent to this classification, the review provides a concise summary and introduction to the design and biological applications of these probe molecules. Lastly, drawing upon a synthesis of published works, the review engages in a discussion regarding the merits and drawbacks of these fluorescent probes, offering guidance for future endeavors.