A near-infrared turn-on probe for in vivo chemoselective photoacoustic detection of fluoride ion

The detection of fluoride ion (F−) in living subjects is of value for healthcare and environmental fields. Here, a near-infrared (NIR) turn-on photoacoustic (PA) probe composed of naphthalimide unit, namely LET-1, was developed for chemoselective photoacoustic detection (PAD) of F−. The response and mechanism of the interaction between F− and LET-1 were evaluated through kinetic optical studies, 1HNMR spectra analysis and docking calculations. The results demonstrated that LET-1 could rapidly recognize F− with good selectivity and high sensitivity. Upon the interaction with F−, this non-photoacoustic LET-1 probe could produce a turn-on PA signal at 680 nm, which was used as an indicator for PAD of F− in living subjects, such as soybean sprout and mouse. The present study provides a new approach for in vivo chemoselective PA detection of anions.