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.