Development of non-modified long-wavelength fluorescent-emission carbon dots for the imaging of intracellular hypochlorous acid (ClO-) during ferroptosis

• Published in: Sensors and actuators. B, Chemical Chemical, 2025-04, Vol.428, p.137265, Article 137265
• Main Authors: Bian, Xia, Lu, Xia, Huang, Yongfei, Wen, Xiaoye, Fan, Zhefeng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bioimaging; ClO; Ferroptosis; Long-wavelength fluorescent carbon dots
• ISSN: 0925-4005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2025.137265

Ferroptosis is a form of cell death that relies on iron and involves the disruption of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, leading to abnormal changes in cellular hypochlorous acid (ClO-) levels. Investigating the fluctuations in ClO- levels within living cells during ferroptosis can provide insights into the biological functions of ClO- in this process. In this study, we propose the use of long-wavelength fluorescent -emission carbon dots (LF-CDs) for intracellular imaging of ClO- during ferroptosis. LF-CDs were synthesized through a one-pot hydrothermal method using basic violet 8 and citric acid as precursors. The proposed LF-CDs demonstrate exceptional specificity towards ClO-, surpassing other reactive oxygen species in selectivity, and exhibit rapid fluorescence response time to ClO-. They are capable of detecting both exogenous and endogenous ClO- within living cells. Furthermore, LF-CDs enable monitoring of changes in endogenous ClO- levels during ferroptosis. Bioimaging results indicate that erastin-induced ferroptosis leads to excessive production of endogenous ClO-, while ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) prevents the accumulation of excessive ClO-. [Display omitted] •The LF-CDs with long-wavelength fluorescent emission were proposed adopting basic violet 8 and citric acid as the precursors.•Outstanding performance of LF-CDs with superior water-solubility, high photostability, and favorable biocompatibility.•The LF-CDs were used for label-free determination of ClO- of bioimaging in cellular.•Fluorescence bioimaging demonstrated that erastin-induced ferroptosis could increase ClO- level in living cells.