Advances and Opportunities in H₂S Measurement in Chemical Biology

Abstract

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an important biological mediator across all kingdoms of life and plays intertwined roles in various disciplines, ranging from geochemical cycles to industrial processes. A common need across these broad disciplines is the ability to detect and measure H2S in complex sample environments. This Perspective focuses on key advances and opportunities for H2S detection and quantification that are relevant to chemical biology. Specifically, we focus on methods for H2S detection and quantification most commonly used in biological samples, including activity-based H2S probes, the methylene blue assay, the monobromobimane assay, and H2S-sensitive electrode measurements. Our goal is to help simplify what at first may seem to be an overwhelming array of detection and measurement choices, to articulate the strengths and limitations of individual techniques, and to highlight key unmet needs and opportunities in the field.

Nonheme binuclear transition metal complexes with hydrosulfide and polychalcogenides

“…[25][26][27][28] An overview of the detection and quantification of this important gasotransmitter has appeared recently. 29 The pKa of H 2 S (B7) ensures that it may undergo partial deprotonation with an H 2 S/HS À ratio of B1 : 3 at the biological temperature (37 1C) and pH (7.4). Therefore, it is possible for either any or both of these species to interact with the metal ions available in the biological systems.…”

Activity-Based Fluorescent Probes for Hydrogen Sulfide and Related Reactive Sulfur Species

“…Common examples of this approach include electrophilic trapping assays (methylene blue assay, monobromobimane, iodoacetamide, etc. ), H 2 S-selective electrodes, or other instrumental approaches. − One challenge with these approaches is that they generally lack temporal resolution, do not allow for direct H 2 S detection in intact samples, and cannot provide cellular-level spatiotemporal resolution for H 2 S generation. For example, electrophilic trapping methods generally require sample homogenization prior to analysis, can alter the RSS pools, and fail to provide information on the precise locus of H 2 S generation .…”

Construction of a coumarin-based fluorescent probe for accurately visualizing hydrogen sulfide in live cells and zebrafish

“…Although the above methods can detect the concentration of H 2 S in vitro , they can cause damage to biological samples. 15,16 Fluorescence imaging, with its high sensitivity, high accuracy, and non-invasiveness, enables real-time, non-invasive monitoring of H 2 S in organisms. Based on chemical properties such as reducibility, nucleophilicity and metal coordination, researchers have developed a series of H 2 S fluorescent probes.…”