Hemicyanine-based near-infrared fluorescent probe for the ultrasensitive detection of hNQO1 activity and discrimination of human cancer cells

NAD(P)H: Quinone Oxidoreductase 1 (hNQO1) is a cytosolic flavin two-electron reductase involved in many physiological and pathological processes that is overexpressed in many cancers and recognized as a potential cancer biomarker. However, it is still challenging for highly sensitive and selective monitoring hNQO1 in living cells. Here, we developed a highly selective and ultrasensitive hemicyanine-based near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence probe...