An ICT-based fluorescent probe for the detection of fluoride ions in cellular mitochondria

•A novel fluorescent probe Mito-PF was constructed base on ICT strategy, which showed a turn-on fluorescence response with a 30-fold enhancement of fluorescence intensity toward F−.•Probe Mito-PF showed high selectivity and sensitivity for F− even in the micromole level which was proved by preliminary fluorescence imaging experiments in cells.•The response of Mito-PF to F− is ascribed to the cleavage reaction of SiO bond, which has high sensitivity and low cytotoxicity.•Probe Mito-PF is cell membrane permeable, mitochondria-targetable and can successfully be applied for detecting fluoride ion in living cells.•Probe Mito-PF can also be used to detect fluoride ion by the “naked-eye” in solution, the color of probe solution changed from purple to light yellow in the presence of F−.