Paper-Based Fluorescence Chemosensors for Metal Ion Detection in Biological and Environmental Samples

Chromium dynamics in soil and detoxification of chromite belts using rhizospheric soil-plant interface

The chromium-contaminated soil expresses its severe eco-toxicity on living organisms of the locality and adjoining regions. This review has focused on the chemical interactions of chromium variants in soil and the sequestration of chromium using the soil-plant interface in the rhizosphere. The application of plant hyper-accumulators on chromium-contaminated soil for chromium sequestration is an attempt to minimize chromium toxicity of mining and industrial belts. This review utilized the PRISMA 2009 systematic review methodology. The literature screening was conducted by searching databases such as Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science up to 2025 using specific keywords. In countries like Kazakhstan, South Africa, and India, more than 90% of world shipping-grade mine reserves of chromium are present. The mining and metallurgy of chromium can threaten the environmental quality and the region's public health. The Sukinda chromite mines in India are globally known for their rich chromite mining, metallurgy, and eco-toxicity. The present article analyzes the ecological challenges and searches for possible interactions of chromium variants in soil. The solution to mitigate chromium toxicity is possible using the rhizospheric soil-plant interface. This article's findings and discussion section help solve ecological challenges and strive for healthy soil at chromium-polluted sites. This review article can contribute to sustainable soil quality improvement at mining and industrial belts. Further research on the isotopic tracer technique is recommended to enhance the understanding of chromium dynamics in soil.

Carbazole-Based Colorimetric and Fluorescent Chemosensors for Metal Ions Detection : A Comprehensive Review ( 2012 to till date )

This review focuses on the development of carbazole based colorimetric and fluorescent chemosensors for the detection of metal ions including, mercury (Hg), iron (Fe), aluminium (Al) chromium (Cr) zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co) and copper (Cu) ions detection. Traditional analytical methods for detecting these metal ions, while widely used, present several draw backs such as high cost, low sensitivity, time consuming and the requirement for skilled technician. To overcome these limitations, more efficient alternatives such as colorimetric and fluorescent chemosensors have been developed. These sensors offer advantages like cost effectiveness, high sensitivity, rapid detection, and ease of use without requiring specialized technical expertise. In this review, we emphasize the applications of carbazole based colorimetric and fluorescence chemosensors. Carbazole and its derivatives are well-suited for this purpose due to their unique properties including excellent solubility, a highly conjugated structure, chemical stability, intramolecular charge transfer capabilities, and sensitivity to structural changes. These features make them ideal candidates for use as optical materials and fluorescence chemosensors in metal ion detection. The applications of carbazole- based colorimetric and fluorescent chemosensors. are summarized in tabular format for clarity.

A rapid and specific fluorescent probe based on ESIPT-AIE-active for copper ion quantitative detection in food and environmental samples

In the field of food safety, the identification and measurement of active components in food is a pressing issue. The concentration of copper ions (Cu2+) in the environment is closely linked to food safety, and overall biological health. Therefore, developing rapid and accurate analytical techniques to monitor Cu2+ in food is of great significance. In this study, two fluorescent probes L-2 and L-3 were synthesized through a simple Schiff base condensation reaction. And L-3 demonstrated better anti-interference ability to Cu2+ than that of L-2. Meanwhile, spectroscopic experiments showed that L-3 possessed an extremely low detection limit (LOD) and low limits of quantification (LOQ) (LOD = 92.79 nM, LOQ = 309.33 nM), and quickly respond time (<30 s). Probe L-3 for monitoring effectively quantitatively identified Cu2+ in food and environmental samples, achieving an accuracy rate ranging from 84.42% to 117.45% and precision with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of less than 6.0%. The accuracy had been validated using the inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Simultaneously, a WeChat Mini Program has been developed to detect total copper content in food samples based on fluorescence values, enabling consumers to evaluate food safety more intuitively. Moreover, L-3 also facilitated the quantitative visualization of Cu2+ in biological systems, underscoring its compatibility and practicality.

Dual Metal Ion Sensing by an Azo Compound Derived from Thiazolo[3,2-a] Indole: A Selective and Sensitive Approach

In this study, we report the synthesis and photophysical evaluation of hydrazone 7 and azo 9 compounds of a thiazolo[3,2-a] indole derivative 5; latter synthesized as per our earlier report. Of the two compounds, the azo compound 9 showed exceptional selectivity and sensitivity as a dual sensor for detecting Fe2+ and Cu2+ ions via a turn-off fluorescence mechanism with limit of detection 0.09 µM and 0.14 µM respectively which are much lower than the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guideline, 5.36 µM for Fe2+ and WHO guideline, 31.5 µM for Cu2+ in the drinking water. DFT calculations revealed that both Fe2+ and Cu2+ complexes with compound 9, and possess low HOMO-LUMO gap of 1.63 eV and 2.94 eV respectively. The binding stoichiometry for both metals was determined to be 1:1 by Job's plot. Stern-Volmer plot (plotted after applying correction to emission intensity), which showed a linear pattern, and fluorescence lifetime measurements indicated primarily a static quenching mechanism for both ions. The chemosensor 9 demonstrated exceptional reversibility and restorability in detecting both Fe2+ and Cu2+, highlighting its potential for practical applications.

Ratio Fluorescence Sensor Based on Bimetal MOFs for the Detection of Hg2+and H2O2

In this work, a dual-emission material based on lanthanide metals was synthesized and used as a ratio fluorescence sensor to respond to Hg2+ and H2O2, respectively. Tb-BDC-NH2 as a bimetal MOFs had double ligands and exhibited double fluorescence emission peaks at 550 nm and 450 nm. The two emission peaks of Tb-BDC-NH2 can be quenched by Hg2+ and H2O2 respectively, forming a built-in calibration signal for ratio fluorescence detection. Based on the different detection conditions of the Hg2+ and H2O2, the simultaneous detection of the two detection substances can be achieved with simple operation. This detection system had good stability and anti-interference ability. Under optimal conditions, the detection limit for Hg2+ detection was 0.2 µM. Meanwhile, for the detection of H2O2, the detection limit was 11 µM and large linear ranges were obtained. Through actual sample testing, it had been proven that the ratio fluorescence sensor based on Tb-BDC-NH2 had good application prospects. And the work also provided a new idea for double substances detection.

Cellulose as Source and Matrix for Fluorescent Chemo-Sensors

The review explores the pivotal role of cellulose in enhancing the sensing capabilities of fluorescent chemo-sensors, particularly carbon dots (CDs) and delineates cellulose's multifaceted contributions as both a precursor and stabilizing matrix, highlighting its structural adaptability across varied forms-hydrogels, aerogels, films-to bolster the stability, sensitivity, and selectivity of these sensors. Cellulose's structural versatility enables advanced functionalization, fostering a robust platform that amplifies the stability and functional efficiency of CDs across diverse sensing paradigms. The investigation encompasses utilization of cellulose as precursor for CDs, cellulose nanocrystals and matrix for the integration of CDs, elucidating their collective impact on advancing fluorescence-based detection technologies.

A Dual-Functional Fluorescent Chemosensor Derived from Naphthalene Dithiouryl for Cu2+: Applications in Water Analysis, Logic Gates, Swab Tests, and Pesticide Monitoring

A chemosensor (CNS) built on a naphthalene fluorophore was developed, featuring a disulfide-bridged dimer structure. The probe CNS was completely characterized by the usual spectral analysis methods like 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and HR-MS. The CNS probe selectively detects Cu2+ ions and subsequently recognizes the amino acid tryptophan in a semi-aqueous medium of DMF:H2O solution. The detection of Cu2+ ions occur via three distinct mechanisms: suppression of the photoinduced electron-transfer process (PET), arrested rotation of diuryl groups leading to conformational change, and a blue-shifted fluorescence enhancement through intramolecular charge-transfer (ICT). With a 1:1 complexation ratio and a detection limit of 2.14 x 10-4 M, the CNS probe has been successfully applied in various practical scenarios, including real water sample analysis, glyphosate detection, smartphone-based color detection, and Cu2+ ion testing using a cotton-swab method.

Synthesis, Characterization and Application of Iron (III) Complex of Schiff Base Ligand as a Novel Enhancement Fluorescent Sensor for Al3+ Ion Detection

This study highlights the importance of developing sensitive and selective sensors for use in pharmaceutical applications for the first time. A novel iron(III)-complex, constructed from unsymmetrical tetradentate NNN'O type Schiff base ligand (E)-3-((6-aminopyridin-2-yl)imino)-1-phenyl butane-1-one (LH) and its structure of it characterized by using various spectroscopic techniques such as FT-IR, UV-Vis, elemental analysis, conductivity, magnetic susceptibility measurements and the TGA method. The correlation of all results revealed that the coordination of the (LH) with the metal ion in a molar ratio of 1:1 leads to the formation of an octahedral geometry around the metal ions. Conductivity data showed the electrolytic nature of the complex. Its fluorescence properties were thoroughly investigated by introducing aluminium ions in deionized water, which increased fluorescence intensity at 460 nm. The detection limit for Al3+ was optimized and found to be 1.5 µM. Notably, the fluorescent sensor successfully monitored Al³⁺ in pharmaceutical formulations. This fluorescence-based analytical method is an alternative to other methods due to its high selectivity, sensitivity, and speed. These results suggest the high potential of this system for pharmaceutical monitoring applications.

Fumed-Si-Pr-PNS as a Photoluminescence sensor for the Detection of Hg2+ in Aqueous Media

Fumed silica was functionalized by piperazine followed by the reaction with 2- naphthalenesulfonyl chloride to prepare Fumed-Si-Pr-Piperazine-Naphthalenesulfonyl chloride (Fumed-Si-Pr-PNS), which was characterized to demonstrate the effective attachment on the surface of fumed silica. The optical sensing ability of Fumed-Si-Pr-PNS was studied via diverse metal ions in H2O solution by photoluminescence spectroscopy. The results showed that Fumed-Si-Pr-PNS detected selectively Hg2+ ions. The prepared sensor showed almost high absorption at different pH for Hg ion. After drawing various diagrams, The detection limits were calculated at about 12.45 × 10-6 M for Hg2+.

Metal-organic frame material encapsulated Rhodamine 6G: A highly sensitive fluorescence sensing platform for the detection of picric acid contaminants in water

As a water pollutant with excellent solubility, 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (also known as picric acid, PA) poses a potential threat to the natural environment and human health, so it is crucial important to detect PA in water. In this study, a novel composite material (MIL-53(Al)@R6G) was successfully synthesized by encapsulating Rhodamine 6G into a metal-organic frame material, which was used for fluorescence detection of picric acid (PA) in water. The composite exhibits bright yellow fluorescence emission with a fluorescence quantum yield of 58.23 %. In the process of PA detection, the composite has excellent selectivity and anti-interference performance, and PA can significantly quench the fluorescence intensity of MIL-53(Al)@R6G. MIL-53(Al)@R6G has the advantages of fast detection time (20 s), wide linear range (1-100 µM) and low detection limit (4.8 nM). In addition, MIL-53(Al)@R6G has demonstrated its potential for the detection of PA in environmental water samples with satisfactory results.

Shedding Light on Heavy Metal Contamination: Fluorescein-Based Chemosensor for Selective Detection of Hg2+ in Water

This article discusses the design and analysis of a new chemical chemosensor for detecting mercury(II) ions. The chemosensor is a hydrazone made from 4-methylthiazole-5-carbaldehyde and fluorescein hydrazide. The structure of the chemosensor was confirmed using various methods, including nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy with Fourier transformation, mass spectroscopy, and quantum chemical calculations. The sensor's ability in the highly selective and sensitive discovery of Hg2+ ions in water was demonstrated. The detection limit for mercury(II) ions was determined to be 0.23 µM. The new chemosensor was also used to detect Hg2+ ions in real samples and living cells using fluorescence spectroscopy. Chemosensor 1 and its complex with Hg2+ demonstrate a significant tendency to enter and accumulate in cells even at very low concentrations.

Selective Fluorescent Sensing for Iron in Aqueous Solution by A Novel Functionalized Pillar[5]arene

Iron ion is one of the most physiologically important elements in metabolic processes, indispensable for all living systems. Since its excess can lead to severe diseases, new approaches for its monitoring in water samples are urgently needed to meet requirements. Here, we firstly report a novel and universal route for the synthesis of a series of pillar[n]arene derivates containing one benzoquinone unit by photocatalysis. With this in hand, an anthracene - appended water - soluble pillar[5]arene (H) with excellent fluorescence sensing potency was prepared. H enabled the ultrasensitive detection of iron ions in aqueous solution with limits of detection of 10-8  M. Over a wide range of metal ions, H exhibited specific selectivity toward Fe3+ . More importantly, H could still properly operate in a simulated sewage sample, coexisting with multiple interference ions.

Development of an image-based fluorometer with smartphone control for paper analytical devices

This work describes the construction and evaluation of a fluorometer for use in paper analytical devices, using a smartphone to operate the instrument and to perform real-time image-based detection. In this approach, a circular PAD containing twenty analytical plates is rotated at 18° increments under a UV LED source, providing a sequential irradiation of plates and the detection of the luminescence with a lab-made application, capable of automatically identifying the analytical zones and collecting the RGB intensities from the selected pixels. As a proof of concept, the fluorometer performance was evaluated for the determination of quinine in beverages and riboflavin (B2 vitamin) in supplements. Quinine, which is less photoreactive, provided steady-state signals, while riboflavin, which rapidly degrades under UV photons, presented transient responses for RGB detection. For both analytes, linear calibration ranges (R2 > 0.99) were observed from 2.0 mg L-1 to 10.0 mg L-1 with limits of detection estimated at approximately 1.0 mg L-1. Nevertheless, it was demonstrated that successive additions of standard solutions to a single analytical plate of PAD could enhance the signal-to-noise ratios for less concentrated samples, acting as a pre-concentration step. In addition, suitable deviations for the signals (ca. 4.0%) and the absence of systematic errors for most samples (9 out of 11), when compared with a reference method at 95% confidence level, indicates that the proposed strategy is precise and accurate enough to be used as analytical tool for fluorescence detection in PAD.

Quantification of Polymer Surface Degradation Using Fluorescence Spectroscopy

One solution to minimizing plastic pollution is to improve reuse and recycling strategies. Recycling, however, is limited by the overall degradation of plastics being used, and current techniques for monitoring this plastic degradation fail to observe this in its early stages, which is key for optimizing reusability. This research seeks to develop an inexpensive, reproducible, and nondestructive technique for monitoring degradation of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) materials using Nile red as a fluorescent probe. Changes in Nile red's fluorescence spectra were observed upon exposure to stained, aged PE and PP samples. As the surface hydrophobicity of the plastic decreases, Nile red's fluorescence signal undergoes a corresponding signal shift to longer wavelengths (lower energy). The trends seen in the fluorescent profile were related to more commonly used measurements of plastic degradation, namely, the carbonyl index from infrared spectroscopy and bulk crystallinity from calorimetry. Results demonstrate clear trends in fluorescence spectra shifts as related to the chemical and physical changes to the plastics, with trends dependent on the polymer type but independent of polymer film thickness. The strength of this technique is divided into two defined fits of the fluorescence signal; one fit characterizes the degradation throughout the whole range of degradative oxidation and the other is tailored to provide insight into the early stages of degradation. Overall, this work establishes a characterization tool that assesses the extent of plastics' degradation, which may ultimately impact our ability to recover plastics and minimize plastic waste.

Gold Nanoparticles as Exquisite Colorimetric Transducers for Water Pollutant Detection

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are useful nanomaterials as transducers for colorimetric sensors because of their high extinction coefficient and ability to change color depending on aggregation status. Therefore, over the past few decades, AuNP-based colorimetric sensors have been widely applied in several environmental and biological applications, including the detection of water pollutants. According to various studies, water pollutants are classified into heavy metals or cationic metal ions, toxins, and pesticides. Notably, many researchers have been interested in AuNP that detect water pollutants with high sensitivity and selectivity, while offering no adverse environmental issues in terms of AuNP use. This review provides a representative overview of AuNP-based colorimetric sensors for detecting several water pollutants. In particular, we emphasize the advantages of AuNP as colorimetric transducers for water pollutant detection in terms of their low toxicity, high stability, facile processability, and unique optical properties. Next, we discuss the status quo and future prospects of AuNP-based colorimetric sensors for the detection of water pollutants. We believe that this review will promote research and development of AuNP as next-generation colorimetric transducers for water pollutant detection.

Gold nanostructure-integrated conductive microwell arrays for uniform cancer spheroid formation and electrochemical drug screening

Cancer spheroids, which mimic distinct cell-to-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions of solid tumors in vitro, have emerged as a promising tumor model for drug screening. However, owing to the unique characteristics of spheroids composed of three-dimensionally densely-packed cells, the precise characterizations of cell viability and function with conventional colorimetric assays are challenging. Herein, we report gold nanostructure-integrated conductive microwell arrays (GONIMA) that enable both highly efficient uniform cancer spheroid formation and precise electrochemical detection of cell viability. A nanostructured gold on indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate facilitated the initial cell aggregation and further 3D cell growth, while the non-cytophilic polymer microwell arrays restricted the size and shape of the spheroids. As a result, approximately 150 human glioblastoma spheroids were formed on a chip area of 1.13 cm² with an average diameter of 224 μm and a size variation of only 5% (±11.36 μm). The high uniformity of cancer spheroids contributed to the stability of electrical signals measuring cell viability. Using the fabricated GONIMA, the effects of a representative chemotherapeutic agent, hydroxyurea, on the glioblastoma spheroids were precisely monitored under conditions of varying drug concentrations (0-0.3 mg/mL) and incubation times (24-48 h). Therefore, we conclude that the newly developed platform is highly useful for rapid and precise in vitro drug screening, as well as for the pharmacokinetic analyses of specific drugs using 3D cellular cancer models.

Optical Sensing of Toxic Cyanide Anions Using Noble Metal Nanomaterials

Water toxicity, one of the major concerns for ecosystems and the health of humanity, is usually attributed to inorganic anions-induced contamination. Particularly, cyanide ions are considered one of the most harmful elements required to be monitored in water. The need for cyanide sensing and monitoring has tempted the development of sensing technologies without highly sophisticated instruments or highly skilled operations for the objective of in-situ monitoring. Recent decades have witnessed the growth of noble metal nanomaterials-based sensors for detecting cyanide ions quantitatively as nanoscience and nanotechnologies advance to allow nanoscale-inherent physicochemical properties to be exploited for sensing performance. Particularly, noble metal nanostructure e-based optical sensors have permitted cyanide ions of nanomolar levels, or even lower, to be detectable. This capability lends itself to analytical application in the quantitative detection of harmful elements in environmental water samples. This review covers the noble metal nanomaterials-based sensors for cyanide ions detection developed in a variety of approaches, such as those based on colorimetry, fluorescence, Rayleigh scattering (RS), and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Additionally, major challenges associated with these nano-platforms are also addressed, while future perspectives are given with directions towards resolving these issues.

Incorporation of Rhodamine into a Host Polymer via In-Situ Generated Isocyanato Group and Application for the Detection of Cu2+ Ion

A rhodamine-based fluorescent polymer P(MMA-co-RB) has been synthesized via an intermediate NCO-containing polymer generated by the Lossen rearrangement reaction. The fluorescent property of P(MMA-co-RB) with regard to metal ions, such as Cu2+, Fe3+, Cr3+, Al3+, Zn2+, Co2+, Sn2+ and Ag+, was studied by fluorescence emission spectroscopy. The results demonstrate that the fluorescence intensity of P(MMA-co-RB) decreased gradually with an increase of the concentration of Cu2+ ion. Furthermore, a test strip made of P(MMA-co-RB) can be used for fast and quantitative determination of Cu2+ ion. In the presence of Cu2+ ion, the sensory tester undergoes distinct changes in fluorescence intensity and visible color.

Emerging bismuth-based direct Z-scheme photocatalyst for the degradation of organic dye and antibiotic residues

Organic dye and antibiotic residues are some of the key substances that can contaminate the environment due to their wide usage in various industries and modern medicine. The degradation of these substances present in waterbodies is essential while contemplating human health. Photocatalysts (PSs) are promising materials that develop highly reactive species instantly by simple solar energy conversion for degrading the organic dye and antibiotic residues and converting them into nontoxic products. Among numerous semiconductors, the bismuth (Bi)-containing PS has received great attention due to its strong sunlight absorption, facile preparation, and high photostability. Owing to the technology advancement and demerits of the traditional methods, a Bi-containing direct Z-scheme PS has been developed for efficient photogenerated charge carrier separation and strong redox proficiency. In this review, a synthetic Bi-based Z-scheme heterojunction that mimics natural photosynthesis is described, and its design, fabrication methods, and applications are comprehensively reviewed. Specifically, the first section briefly explains the role of various semiconductors in the environmental applications and the importance of the Bi-based materials for constructing the Z-scheme photocatalytic systems. In the successive section, overview of Z-scheme PS are concisely discussed. The fourth and fifth sections extensively explain the degradation of the organic dyes and antibiotics utilizing the Bi-based direct Z-scheme heterojunction. Eventually, the conclusions and future perspectives of this emerging research field are addressed. Overall, this review is potentially useful for the researchers involved in the environmental remediation field as a collection of up-to-date research articles for the fabrication of the Bi-containing direct Z-scheme PS.

Optical Detection of Copper Ions via Structural Dissociation of Plasmonic Sugar Nanoprobes

Heavy metal ions are known to cause environmental pollution and several human diseases because of their inherent toxicity. Among them, Cu²⁺ is an essential element for the human body, but its continuous exposure and accumulation may cause adverse effects. Thus, copper ion levels in aquatic environments are strictly regulated by international standards. Herein, we demonstrate a simple optical method for detecting Cu²⁺ using plasmonic sugar nanoprobes (PSNs) composed of gold nanoparticles and polysaccharides. Gold precursors were reduced to nanoparticles and spontaneously embedded in the sugar-based polymeric network with the sulfated residues of carrageenan during the polymerization procedure. Owing to the abundant functional residues of PSNs and their affinity toward Cu²⁺, we observed the Cu²⁺-mediated preferential dissociation of the PSNs, resulting in absorbance spectral shifts and scattering shifts of the PSNs. Based on these plasmon band shifts, Cu²⁺ below the EPA regulation level of 20 μM can be easily detected by the optimized experimental condition. Additionally, the reaction mechanism between the PSNs and Cu²⁺ was elucidated by indepth spectroscopic analyses, which revealed that the increased binding of Cu²⁺ to the sulfate groups in the PSNs induces the eventual decomposition of the PSNs.

Zinc(ii) Schiff base complexes as dual probes for the detection of NH4+ and HPO42− ions

Three novel Zn(ii) Schiff base complexes were obtained by solvent evaporation technique. 1 and 2 show selectively recognition of NH4+ and HPO42− accompanied with an efficient fluorescence “turn off” phenomenon.