A Mitochondrial Surface‐Specific Fluorescent Probe Activated by Bioconversion

Cell-based image screening of 12 000 small molecules with aromatic groups was carried out, and 31 were identified as having potential as fluorescent probes for living cells. One candidate is the first fluorescent probe that specifically stains mitochondrial surfaces. Spectroscopic analyses indicate that the molecule undergoes bioconversion to be fluorescent within cells.