An AIE-based Ratiometric Fluorescent Probe for Highly Selective Detection of H2S in Plant Stress Responses

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has emerged as a crucial signaling molecule in plant stress responses, playing a significant role in regulating various physiological and biochemical processes. In this study, we report an aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-based ratiometric fluorescent probe TPN-H2S for the highly selective detection of H2S in plant tissues. The probe exhibited excellent sensitivity and selectivity towards H2S over other analytes, enabling real-time monitoring of H2S dynamics in living cell. Furthermore, the AIE-based ratiometric probe TPN-H2S allowed for accurate quantification of H2S levels, providing valuable insights into the spatiotemporal distribution of Cys metabolism produces H2S. Importantly, the physiological pathways and signaling mechanisms of H2S production of was investigated in plant tissues under Cr and nano-plastics stress. Utilizing a high-throughput screening approach, we identified exogenous substances such as calcium chloride (CaCl2) and abscisic acid (ABA) that could induce higher level of H2S production during the stress response in plants. Overall, those findings demonstrate the potential of the AIE-based ratiometric fluorescent probe TPN-H2S as a powerful tool for unraveling the role of H2S in plant stress responses and pave the way for further exploration of H2S-mediated signaling pathways in plants.