Abstract Cy-NiSe and Cy-TfSe were designed and synthesized as sensitive near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probes for detecting thiols on the basis of Se [BOND] N bond cleavage both in cells and in tissues. Since a donor-excited photoinduced electron transfer (d-PET) process occurs between the modulator and the fluorophore, Cy-NiSe and Cy-TfSe have weak fluorescence. On titration with glutathione, the free dye exhibits significant ...