Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with a high mortality rate worldwide. The therapeutic outcomes can be significantly improved if diagnosis and treatment are initiated earlier in the disease process. Recently, the carboxylesterase (CaE) activity/level in human plasma was reported to be a novel serological biomarker candidate for HCC. In this article, we fabricated a new fluorescent probe with AIE characteristics for the rapid detection of CaE with a more reliable ratiometric response mode. The TCFISE probe showed high sensitivity (LOD: 93.0 μU/mL) and selectivity toward CaE. Furthermore, the good pH stability, superior resistance against photobleaching, and low cytotoxicity highlight the high potential of the TCFISE probe for application in the monitoring of CaE activity in complex biological samples and in live cells, tissues, and animals.
Keywords: aggregation-induced emission; carboxylesterase; fluorescent probe; hepatocellular carcinoma; ratiometric.