Graphene quantum dots based fluorescence turn-on nanoprobe for highly sensitive and selective imaging of hydrogen sulfide in living cells

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), being an important gaseous signaling molecule, has been gaining increasing attention for its involvement in a wide range of physiological processes. Herein, we developed a novel fluorescence turn-on nanoprobe for selective and sensitive detection of H2S based on graphene quantum dots (GQDs) conjugated with (2,4-dinitrophenoxy)tyrosine (DNPTYR). Taking advantage of its high fluorescence quantum yield, biocompatibility, photostability, and ease to be uptaken by cells, the GQD-based fluorescence probe was further employed for real-time monitoring of the triggered dynamic change of the intracellular H2S level in live cells.