Organic fluorescent probe for concurrent imaging and apoptosis induction in cancer cells in vivo and in vitro by utilizing endogenous hydrogen sulfide

•A bifunctional probe for concurrent imaging and apoptosis induction was reported.•The probe has negligible cytotoxicity and shown anti-interference performance.•The probe can detect H2S with high selectivity and sensitivity.•The fluorophore could inhibit MCF-7 cell proliferation with an IC50 of 10.12 μM.•The probe could use in vivo imaging and treatment of tumor-bearing nude mouse.