FRET-based fluorescence probes for hydrolysis study and pig liver esterase activity

New fluorescent probes based on simple organic synthesis were designed and synthesized, and their hydrolysis catalyzed via base and pig liver esterase (PLE) was studied using FRET (fluorescence resonant energy transfer), with 1-naphthylacetic group as a donor and dansyl group as an acceptor. By simultaneous recording of changes of the donor fluorescence intensities, kinetic parameters for base-catalyzed and PLE-catalyzed hydrolysis can be determined. The presented FRET assay is a convenient and simple method and both fluorescent probes are good real-time indicators for the analysis of ester hydrolysis such as PLE activities.