Novel Benzothiazole-Based Highly Selective Ratiometric Fluorescent Turn-On Sensors for Zn2+ and Colorimetric Chemosensors for Zn2+, Cu2+, and Ni2+ Ions

A highly selective indole-based sensor for Zn2+, Cu2+, and Al3+ ions with multifunctional applications

A wide range of chemosensors has been developed for detecting specific metal ions at trace levels, attracting considerable research interest. However, despite the significant role of indole-based molecules in the biological domain, only a few chemosensors incorporating this moiety have been reported. In this work, a novel indole-based receptor [R = (Z)-3-((((1H-indol-4-yl)methyl)imino)methyl)benzene-1,2-diol], was synthesized and characterized using single-crystal X-ray diffraction, NMR, IR, and ESI-MS techniques. Sensing studies conducted in a CH3CN/H2O (7 : 3, v/v) solvent system demonstrated that the receptor R exhibits selectivity towards Zn2+, Cu2+, and Al3+ ions, with turn-on fluorescence and UV-Vis spectral responses while showing insensitivity to other cations and anions. Binding studies revealed the formation of 1 : 2 stoichiometric complexes between R and the respective metal ions. The interaction with Zn2+ resulted in enhanced fluorescence emission at 497 nm, whereas Al3+ and Cu2+ ions caused significant bathochromic shifts in the absorption maxima from 290 nm to 308 nm and 318 nm, respectively. The calculated detection limits were 0.056 μM for Zn2+, 0.57 μM for Cu2+, and 0.45 μM for Al3+. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirmed that R coordinates effectively with these metal ions, stabilizing the complexes by reducing the HOMO-LUMO energy gap. Molecular docking studies further indicated strong binding affinities of R and its metal complexes to DNA and bovine serum albumin (BSA), elucidating the potential binding sites within these biomolecules. The receptor R exhibits outstanding potential for detecting Zn2+ ions in the Caenorhabditis elegans model system. Its excellent membrane permeability and biocompatible nature enable efficient intracellular uptake, ensuring accurate and reliable detection of Zn2+ ions in living organisms. Furthermore, the receptor was employed in designing molecular logic gates and keypad lock systems, demonstrating its utility in developing functional molecular devices.

Detection of Selected Heavy Metal Ions Using Organic Chromofluorescent Chemosensors

Heavy and transition metal (HTM) ions have significant harmful effects on the physical environment and play crucial roles in biological systems; hence, it is crucial to accurately identify and quantify any trace pollution. Molecular sensors which are based on organic molecules employed as optical probes play a crucial role in sensing and detecting toxic metal ions in water, food, air, and biological environments. When appropriate combinations of conduction and selective recognition are combined, fluorescent and colorimetric chemosensors are appealing instruments that enable the selective, sensitive, affordable, portable, and real-time investigation of the possible presence of heavy and transition metal ions. This feature article aims to provide readers with a more thorough understanding of the different methods of synthesis and how they work. As noted in the literature, we will highlight colorimetric and fluorometric sensors based on their receptors into multiple categories for heavy metal ion detection, such as Hg2+, Ag2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, and In3+, and simultaneous multiple-ion detection.

Modern Approaches in Organic Chromofluorescent Sensor Synthesis for the Detection of Considered First-Row Transition Metal Ions

The development of optical chemosensors for the sensitive and selective detection of trace-level metal ions in aqueous solutions has drawn a lot of attention from the scientific community in recent years. Organic sensors offer a number of advantages over traditional identification techniques, including low cost, high sensitivity, selectivity, and simplicity of synthesis. We will focus on colorimetric and fluorometric sensors based on their receptors for the real-time detection of certain first-row transition metal ions like Cr3+, Mn2+, Fe2+, Co2+, Ni2+ Cu2+, and Zn2+. The development of these sensors will aid in the rapid and simple resolution of several problems linked to the detection of potentially hazardous metal ions at trace levels in diverse biological and environmental components. This review article not only gives a comprehensive understanding of the existing techniques, but also encourages more research efforts to address the evolving demands in the field of trace transition metal ion detection.

A highly selective and sensitive rhodamine B-based chemosensor for Sn4+ in water-bearing and biomaging and biosensing in zebrafish

A novel colorimetric-fluorescent dual-mode chemosensor (JT5) based on rhodamine B has been produced for monitoring Sn4+ in the DMSO/H2O (4:1, v/v) medium. It has high sensitivity, a low detection limit, a short response time (1 s) and high stability, and can still be maintained after two weeks with the red dual fluorescence/ colorimetric response. Enhancement of red fluorescence (591 nm) and red colorimetric (567 nm) response of JT5 by Sn4+ addition. The electrostatic potential of the sensor JT5 molecule was simulated to speculate on the sensing mechanism, and the IR, mass spectrometry and 1H NMR titration were utilized to further demonstrate that JT5 was coordinated to Sn4+ with a 1:1 type, the rhodamine spironolactam ring of JT5 opens up to form a penta-membered ring with Sn4+, meanwhile, its system may have chelation enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) effect. In addition, theoretical calculations were carried out to give the energy gaps of JT5 and [JT5 + Sn4+] as well as to simulate the electronic properties of the maximal absorption peaks. Notably, the sensor JT5 was successfully applied to monitoring Sn4+ in zebrafish, and the JT5-loaded filter paper provided a solid-state platform for detecting Sn4+ by both naked eye and fluorescent methods. In summary, this work contributes to monitoring Sn4+ in organisms and solid-state materials and promotes understanding of Sn4+ functions in biological systems, environments, and solid-state materials.

Bright ESIPT emission from 2,6-di(thiazol/oxazol/imidazol-2-yl)phenol derivatives in solution, aggregation and solid states

Most luminophores often suffer from the problem of aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) or fluorescence disappearance in dilute solution. It is significant to bridge the gap between ACQ and AIE. In this work, a facile but effective strategy was proposed for the fabrication of always-on luminophores based on the excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) mechanism, and six luminophores emitting bright fluorescence in solution, aggregation and solid states were synthesized from 5-tert-butyl-2-hydroxyisophthalaldehyde. All these ESIPT systems show only keto emission owing to their congested structures which block the breakage of intramolecular hydrogen bond (O-H⋯N) by solvation, and subsequently make enol emission impossible. Three of these luminophores are prone to convert into the corresponding phenolate anions emitting blue-shifted emission, which enable them to sense pH variation in the weakly basic range. Furthermore, white-light emission was achieved by combining two of them which show complementary-color fluorescence, and one of them was utilized for bioimaging of living Hela cells and the high-resolution image was obtained.

Unexpected enrichment of DNA aptamers for Zn2+ ions from an insulin selection

We serendipitously discovered Zn2+-binding DNA aptamers when selecting insulin aptamers. The Zn-1 aptamer binds to Zn2+ with a dissociation constant (Kd) of ∼1 μM, and has 450-fold higher selectivity for Zn2+ over Cd2+. A strand-displacement based fluorescent sensor achieved a limit of detection of 0.2 μM Zn2+.

Development of a water-soluble fluorescent Al3+ probe based on phenylsulfonyl-2-pyrone in biological systems

BACKGROUND

Al exists naturally in the environment and is an important component in acidic soils, which harm almost all plants. Furthermore, Al is widely used in food additives, cosmetics, and medicines, resulting in living organisms ingesting traces of Al orally or dermally every day. Accordingly, Al accumulates in the body, which can cause negative bioeffects and diseases, and this concern is gaining increasing attention. Therefore, to detect and track Al in the environment and in living organisms, the development of novel Al-selective probes that are water-soluble and exhibit fluorescence at long wavelengths is necessary.

RESULTS

In this study, an Al3+-selective fluorescent probe PSP based on a novel pyrone molecule was synthesized and characterized to detect and track Al in biological systems. PSP exhibited fluorescence enhancement at 580 nm in the presence of Al3+ in aqueous media. Binding analysis using Job's plot and structural analysis using 1H NMR showed that PSP formed a 1:1 complex with Al3+ at the two carbonyl groups of the dimethyl malonate of the pyrone ring. Upon testing in biological systems, PSP showed good cell membrane permeability, detected intracellular Al3+ in human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231), and successfully imaged accumulated Al3+ in Microcystis aeruginosa and the larvae of Rheocricotopus species.

SIGNIFICANCE

The novel Al3+-selective fluorescent probe PSP is highly effective and is expected to aid in elucidating the role of Al3+ in the environment and living organisms.

A pyrene-induced PET-based chemosensor for biologically important Zn(II) ions: application in test strips and live cell imaging studies

Cation and anion sensing is vital owing to their universal dispersion in ecosystems and biological functions. It has been shown that fluorescent receptors based on organic platforms are efficient for detecting a number of ions and have many advantages such as low cost, superior sensitivity and simplicity in installation. This study demonstrates the design and synthesis of a novel receptor (E)-3-[(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxybenzylidene)amino]-2-(pyren-1-yl)-2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-one (DTQ) for the rapid recognition of Zn(II) ions. DTQ exhibited a significant fluorometric "turn-on" characteristic towards Zn(II) at λmax 444 nm in aqueous acetonitrile by inhibiting the photo-induced electron transfer (PET) and -CN- process. The ESI-MS analysis and Job's plot experimental results confirmed stoichiometric 1 : 1 complex formation between DTQ and Zn(II). Fluorometric investigations revealed the detection limit and association constant of DTQ towards Zn(II), which were found to be 13.4 nM and 1.47 × 105 M-1, respectively. DTQ was employed to sense Zn(II) on low-cost test strips. The present research findings imply that DTQ can function as an effective sensor for Zn(II).

A very rare fluorescent chemosensor of zinc(II) exhibiting AIEE, ESIPT and TICT: Spectroscopic, crystallographic and theoretical exploration

The basic systems in this study are HL (1; 1:2 condensation product of 2,6-diformyl-4-ethylphenol and o-anisidine) and its ZnII and CdII complexes of composition [ZnII(LH)Cl2]·CH3OH (2) and [CdII(LH)Cl2] (3), all of which are synthesized and characterized by CHN elemental analyses, single crystal X-ray crystallography, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum. It has been established from the following experimental and theoretical studies that 1 is a fluorescent turn on sensor of ZnII ion and it exhibits all of excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT), photoinduced electron transfer (PET), twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) and aggregation induced enhanced emission (AIEE): (i) Detailed absorption and emission (steady state / time resolved) studies in various single solvents, in solvent mixtures, with pH variation, with various single metal ions, with mixtures of metal ions, on varying temperature and on varying viscosity; (ii) dynamic light scattering (DLS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in solvent mixtures; (iii) density functional theory (DFT) and time dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations in ground and excites states of 1-3. It is shown that 1 can be efficaciously applied in inkless writing with the "write - erase - write" facility. The mechanisms/reasons of the observed properties have been addressed. The difference in fluorescence of ZnII and CdII complexes, unusual case of crystal structures of probe and complexes with ZnII and CdII, unusual features in the structures of 2 and 3 as well as a structure-property correlation have been discussed.

Meglumine-based Sustainable Three-component Deep Eutectic Solvent Applicable for the Synthesis of Pyrazolo[5,1-b]quinazoline-3-carboxylates as a Sensing Probe for Cu2+ Ions

An unprecedented meglumine-based three-component deep eutectic solvent (3c-DES) (MegPAc) was synthesized using meglumine, p-toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA), and acetic acid as a renewable, and non-toxic solvent. The exploitation of the MegPAc as an eco-friendly reaction media to construct a selective and sensitive small organic molecular sensing probe, namely, pyrazolo[5,1-b]quinazoline-3-carboxylates (PQCs) was executed. Captivatingly, the MegPAc served the dual role of solvent and catalyst, and it delivered the title components with 69-94 % yields within 67-150 minutes. Furthermore, a UV-visible study unfolds the selective detection of Cu2+ ions with our synthetic probe 4 ba and resulted in hypsochromic shift due to electrostatic interactions. Additionally, 1 H NMR titration study and density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to attest the binding mechanism of sensing probe 4 ba and Cu2+ ions. Worthy of mention, this protocol unveils the efficacy of meglumine-based 3c-DES for the first time as a bio-renewable system to synthesize the PQCs.

Fluorescent and chromogenic organic probes to detect group 10 metal ions: design strategies and sensing applications

Group 10 metals including Ni, Pd and Pt have been extensively applied in various essential aspects of human social life, material science, industrial manufactures, medicines and biology. The ionic forms of these metals are involved in several biologically important processes due to their strong binding capability towards different biomolecules. However, the mishandling or overuse of such metals has been linked to serious contamination of our ecological system, more specifically in soil and water bodies with acute consequences. Therefore, the detection of group 10 metal ions in biological as well as environmental samples is of huge significance from the human health point of view. Related to this, considerable efforts are underway to develop adequately efficient and facile methods to achieve their selective detection. Optical sensing of metal ions has gained increasing attention of researchers, particularly in the environmental and biological settings. Innovatively designed optical probes (fluorescent or colorimetric) are usually comprised of three basic components: an explicitly tailored receptor unit, a signalling unit and a clearly defined reporter unit. This review deals with the recent progress in the design and fabrication of fluorescent or colorimetric organic sensors for the detection of group 10 metal ions (Ni(II), Pd(II) and Pt(II)), with attention to the general aspects for design of such sensors.

Biomedical applications of selective metal complexes of indole, benzimidazole, benzothiazole and benzoxazole: A review (From 2015 to 2022)

Indole, benzoxazole benzothiazole and benzimidazole are excellent classes of organic heterocyclic compounds. These compounds show significant application in pharmacy, industries, dyes, medicine, polymers and food packages. These compounds also form metal complexes with copper, zinc, cadmium, nickel, cobalt, platinum, gold, palladium chromium, silver, iron, and other metals that have shown to be significant applications. Recently, researchers have attracted enormous attention toward heterocyclic compounds such as indole, benzimidazole, benzothiazole, benzoxazole, and their complexes due to their excellent medicinal applications such as anti-ulcerogenic, anti-cancer, antihypertensive, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antitubercular, antiparasitic, anti-obesity, antimalarial, antiglycation, antiviral potency, antineuropathic, analgesic antioxidant, antihistaminic, and antibacterial potentials. In this article, we summarize the medicinal applications of these compounds as well as their metal complexes. We hope this article will help researchers in designing and synthesizing novel and potent compounds with significant applications in various fields.

Synthesis of a novel hydrazone-based compound applied as a fluorescence turn-on chemosensor for iron(iii) and a colorimetric sensor for copper(ii) with antimicrobial, DFT and molecular docking studies

Hydrazone-hydrazide-based linkers perform a crucial role in environmental as well as biological fields. Such linkers are employed to detect exact metal ions at a minute level; hence, numerous probes are available. Even though thiophene-based molecules have a unique position in the medicinal arena, only very few chemosensors are reported based on such a moiety. In this current work, a novel hydrazide-hydrazone-based fluorogenic molecule 5-bromo-2-hydroxy-N'-[(1E)-1-(thiophen-2-yl)ethylidene]benzohydrazide (L) has been successfully designed and synthesized. The sensing studies of L demonstrated a ratio metric as well as turn-on-enhanced fluorescence and colorimetric response toward Fe3+ and Cu2+ ions, respectively and it was observed to be insensitive toward various metal ions. The Job plots revealed that the binding stoichiometry of L and metal ions is 2 : 1. In addition, density functional theory (DFT) results strongly suggested that L can be used as a powerful colorimetric sensor for the detection of Cu2+ ions. In vitro antimicrobial activities of L were evaluated by disk diffusion and results revealed good antibacterial activities against E. coli. Further, molecular docking was executed with DNA gyrase (PDB ID: 1KZN) of E. coli and the calculated interaction energy value was found to be -7.7 kcal mol-1. Finally, molecular docking, fluorescence, colorimetry and the HOMO-LUMO energy gap of the compound can provide new insights into developing drugs and detecting metals in biomolecules.

Synthesis of Bis-tetraphenylethene as a Novel Turn-On Selective Zinc Sensor

The main purpose of this study is the synthesis of novel fluorescent Bis-TPE and the investigation of its wide range of photochemical behaviors. For this purpose, initially, Bis-TPE was synthesized. Following this, the interactions of Bis-TPE with a wide range of ions were studied in EtOH using ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) and fluorescence spectroscopy. As a result of all UV-vis and fluorescence studies, it was determined that Bis-TPE showed turn-on sensor features against Zn²⁺ ions. Moreover, the limit of detection (LOD) and K_a values of Bis-TPE/Zn²⁺ were calculated as 0.97 μM (970 nM) and 3.76 × 10⁵ M^-1, respectively. Moreover, all reversal studies resulted in switchable on/off variation of the alternative addition of ZnCl₂ and [Bu₄N]OH to Bis-TPE. This result also implies that the probe Bis-TPE also exhibits specific OH^- sensor properties in the presence of zinc.

Rhodamine 6G derivative for the selective copper detection and remediation using nanoporous diatomaceous earth-engineered functional receptor

A rhodamine-derived receptor was synthesized and comprehensively characterized for structural confirmation. The receptor was able to distinguish the copper ions (Cu²⁺) from other competing cations. The yellow color of the receptor changed to pink upon adding Cu²⁺ ions, however, other competing cations ions were impotent towards any color variation. The UV-visible titration studies revealed the binding stoichiometry of a 1:1 ratio with a detection limit of 9.663 × 10^-8 M. Additionally, a novel idea of the work resides in the use of diatom for the practical application, where the receptor has been tethered on nanoporous diatomaceous earth microparticles (P2D) to remove Cu²⁺ ions. The results confirmed that 50 mg receptor functionalized DE could adsorb 10 mL of 1 ppm Cu²⁺ ions from water. Furthermore, a proof-of-concept device that is inexpensive, simple to operate, and continuously removes Cu²⁺ ions from water has been developed. The efficiency of the device in Cu²⁺ ion removal could be realized through the naked eye by observing the color change of P2D particles, which has excellent potential for application in remote locations where water contamination is a significant issue.

Benzothiazole-based novel fluorescence probe sensing 1, 3-diaminopropane

Amines are extensively present in biological systems and are abundantly used in research, industries and agriculture. Systematic detection and quantification of certain amines can help us in food quality control and diagnosis of many diseases. A Schiff base probe HL was designed and successfully synthesized. It was proposed as a sensor for the exclusive detection of 1, 3- diaminopropane through turn-on fluorescence response in a variety of solvents including water. Micromolar limits of detection was achieved in all these solvents. Mechanism of detection was proposed by investigating mass spectrometric and NMR results. These were corroborated with DFT/TD-DFT calculations. Spiking experiments performed in various real water samples revealed the potential of the sensor to be used in day-to-day applications. Paper strip experiments demonstrated the suitability of the probe for real-life applications.

N-doped carbon nanomaterials as fluorescent pH and metal ion sensors for imaging

Herein we describe the facile synthesis of new N-doped carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) obtained from 1,10-phenanthroline by the solvothermal method. Characterization of CNPs were carried out with transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), UV-vis absorption spectra, and luminescence spectra. CNPs were pH sensitive and exploited as fluorescent chemosensors and imaging agents for Al(III) and Zn(II) ions in real-life samples. Remarkably, we show that CNPs can be used for the detection of Al(III) and Zn(II) ions in water samples. Accordingly, the results indicate that CNPs are highly effective in detecting Zn(II) content of cosmetic creams. We also demonstrated that the CNPs could be used for in vitro imaging of Al(III) and Zn(II) in Human Larynx Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Hep-2). Finally, Al(III) imaging in Angelica Officinalis root tissue was also achieved successfully. The CNPs are promising as luminescent multianalyte (pH, Al(III) and Zn(II)) sensors.

A quinazolin-based Schiff-base chemosensor for colorimetric detection of Ni2+ and Zn2+ ions and 'turn-on' fluorometric detection of Zn2+ ion

Herein, we have reported a novel quinazolin-based Schiff base chemosensor (E)-2-benzamido-N'-(1-(pyridin-2-yl)ethylidene)benzohydrazide (L). L has been designed, synthesised and characterised by 1H-NMR, IR spectroscopy, ESI-MS spectrometry and theoretical studies. The receptor showed appreciable colorimetric λ max shift for both Ni2+ and Zn2+ ions and fluorometric "turn on" response in presence of only Zn2+ ion. The Jobs plot analysis revealed that receptor forms 2 : 1 complex with both the ions Ni2+ and Zn2+, further confirmed by ESI-MS analysis. The single crystal structure of L-Ni2+ complex (1) has also been determined. The colorimetric detection limits were calculated to 7.9 nM and 7.5 nM respectively for Ni2+ and Zn2+ in methanol-Tris-HCl buffer medium (10 mM, pH 7.2, 1 : 1 v/v). The chemosensor L can be applied for the recovery of contaminated water samples.

Zinc ion detection using a benzothiazole-based highly selective fluorescence "turn-on" chemosensor and its real-time application

A new photochromic fluorescence chemosensor was devised and effectively synthesized using benzothiazole and imidazopyridine derivatives. A "turn-on" fluorescence sensor BIPP for Zn2+ detection was developed and has a quick response, excellent sensitivity, and remarkable selectivity over other metal ions. When Zn2+ was added to the BIPP solution, a new strong fluorescence emission peak at 542 nm formed with a considerable increase in intensity. The fluorescence color of the BIPP solution changed from blue to bright green. The binding ratio 8 : 2 was found between BIPP and Zn2+ by the results of Job's plot, HRMS and 1H-NMR. The detection limit (LOD) of BIPP towards Zn2+ was determined to be 2.36 × 10-8, which is remarkably low. The ability to detect Zn2+ in real water samples demonstrates that BIPP may also be used in environmental systems. Additionally, BIPP can be used to measure Zn2+ levels in living cells.

An efficient turn-on fluorescence chemosensor system for Zn(II) ions detection and imaging in mitochondria

Mitochondria-targetable fluorescent chemosensors, Rhodamine-B and rhodamine 6G bearing syringaldehyde based receptors were designed and synthesized for efficient chemosensing of Zinc(II) ions. The probes showed the very selective naked eye color change to pink from colorless upon addition of Zinc(II) ions, further these probes showing turn-on fluorescence enhancement with Zn(II) ions by opening of rhodamine spirolactam. The probes are very sensitive towards Zn(II) ions among other ions. These probes RBS and R6S will be applicable to detect zinc ions upto the low level concentration 0.18 and 0.19 nano molar respectively. The affinity of these sensors RBS and R6S for Zinc (II) ions was found to be in the range of 1.12 × 10⁴ M^-1 and 7.28 × 10⁴ M^-1 respectively. ¹H-nmr titrations of the probes with Zn(II) ions clearly indicating the spiroring opening of the spirolactam. DFT calculations supporting that the perceived photophysical changes of the probes on appendage of the zinc ions. Probes RBS and R6S are useable for selective staining mitochondria. Both of the probes are applicable to reveal labile Zn(II) in live Hela and MCF-7 cells via fluorescence imaging. RBS and R6S are also finding application on quantification of Zinc(II) ions inside mitochondria via fluorescence imaging.

Chalcone-Based Colorimetric Chemosensor for Detecting Ni2+

The first chalcone-based colorimetric chemosensor DPP (sodium (E)-2,4-dichloro-6-(3-oxo-3-(pyridine-2-yl)prop-1-en-1-yl)phenolate) was synthesized for detecting Ni2+ in near-perfect water. The synthesis of DPP was validated by using 1H, 13C NMR and ESI-MS. DPP selectively sensed Ni2+ through the color variation from yellow to purple. Detection limit of DPP for Ni2+ was calculated to be 0.36 μM (3σ/slope), which is below the standard (1.2 μM) set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).The binding ratio of DPP to Ni2+ was determined as a 1:1 by using a Job plot and ESI-mass. The association constant of DPP and Ni2+ was calculated as 1.06 × 104 M−1 by the non-linear fitting analysis. In real samples, the sensing application of DPP for Ni2+ was successfully performed. DPP-coated paper-supported strips could also be used for detecting Ni2+. The binding mechanism of DPP to Ni2+ was proposed by ESI-MS, Job plot, UV-vis, FT-IR spectroscopy, and DFT calculations.

a Versatile Schiff Base Chemosensor for the Determination of Trace Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+ in the Water and Its Bioimaging Applications

In this work, a simple and versatile Schiff base chemosensor (L) was developed for the detection of four adjacent row 4 metal ions (Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Zn²⁺) through colorimetric or fluorescent analyses. L could recognize the target ions in solutions containing a wide range of other cations and anions. The recognition mechanisms were verified with a Job's plot, HR-MS assays, and ¹H NMR titration experiments. Then, L was employed to develop colorimetric test strips and TLC plates for Co²⁺. Meanwhile, L was capable of quantitatively measuring the amount of target ions in tap water and river water samples. Notably, L was used for imaging Zn²⁺ in HepG2 cells, zebrafish, and tumor-bearing mice, which demonstrated its potential biological applications. Therefore, L can probably serve as a versatile tool for the detection of the target metal ions in environmental and biological applications.

A highly potential acyclic Schiff base fluorescent turn on sensor for Zn2+ ions and colorimetric chemosensor for Zn2+, Cu2+ and Co2+ ions and its applicability in live cell imaging

Herein, we report two acyclic Schiff base receptors CS-1 and CS-2 capable of being selective fluorescent turn on for Zn2+ions and colorimetric chemosensor for Zn2+, Cu2+, and Co2+ ions by showing a colour change from colourless to yellow in 1:1 ratio of acetonitrile and HEPES buffer (1:1, v/v, pH 7.4) without the interference from other metal ions screened (Cd2+, Hg2+, Sn2+, Ni2+, Cr3+, Mn2+, Pb2+, Ba2+, Al3+, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+ and Na+). The fluorescence turn on enhancement towards Zn2+ ions is ascribed to PET blocking, suppression of -C=N- isomerisation, and the ESIPT process. The selectivity, competitivity and reversibility of the synthesised probes (CS-1 and CS-2) made them promising chemosensors for the detection of Zn2+, Cu2+, and Co2+ ions. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations have theoretically endorsed the colorimetric changes in the examined absorption spectra and binding mode of both CS-1/CS-2 with metals ions. In addition, 1H NMR titrations were also consistent with the recognition mechanism of Zn2+ ions with the CS-1/CS-2. Further, the Jobs plot analysis infers a 1:1 stoichiometric ratio for both evaluating receptors CS-1 and CS-2 with Zn2+, Cu2+ and Co2+ ions and was supported by DFT, NMR (only for Zn2+ ions), UV-Visible, and fluorescence spectroscopic studies. Moreover, the detection limits of CS-1 and CS-2 for Zn2+ ions were determined to be 7.69 and 5.35 nM, respectively, which is less compared to the detection limit of Cu2+, Co2+ ions as well as the limit approved by the United State Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). The probes CS-1 and CS-2 found to show high fluorescence quantum yields at pH = 7 during the titration with Zn2+ as compared with other pHs (5-6 and 8-11). Gratifyingly, fluorescence microscopy imaging in HeLa cells revealed that the pair of receptors can be employed as an excellent fluorescent probe for the detection of Zn2+ions in living cells, indicating that this facile chemosensor has a huge potential in cellular imaging.

Idiosyncratic recognition of Zn2+ and CN- using Pyrazolyl-Hydroxy-Coumarin scaffold and live cell imaging: Depiction of Luminescent Zn(II)-Metallocryptand

Multi-responsive sensitive and selective sensor design is one of the stimulating researches in sensor field. We have designed a pyrazolyl-hydroxy-coumarin scaffold, 7-hydroxy-4-methyl-8-(((5-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)imino)methyl)-2H-chromen-2-one (H2L) and characterized by spectroscopic data (1H-NMR,13C-NMR, ESI-MS,...

A luminescent terbium(iii) probe as an efficient ‘Turn-ON’ sensor for dipicolinic acid, a Bacillus Anthracis biomarker

This work drives the potential of lanthanide luminescence in the quantification and detection of the B. Anthracis bacterial spore by targeting dipicolinic acid (DPA), a principal component of anthrax spores.

Eumelanin pigment precursor 2-carboxy-5,6-dihydroxyindole and 2-amino-6-methylbenzothiazole chromophore integration towards melanin inspired chemoresponsive materials: the case of the Zn2+ ion

The 2-amino-6-methylbenzothiazole chromophore is introduced at the carboxyl group of the melanin precursor 2-carboxy-5,6-dihydroxyindole achieving a novel dihydroxyindole derivative with metal chelation properties not involving the catechol moiety.

A novel ratiometric fluorescent and colorimetric sensor based on a 1,8-naphthalimide derivative for nanomolar Cu2+ sensing: smartphone and food applications

A novel 1,8-naphthalimide-based chemical sensor with ratiometric fluorescence behavior, as well as “naked-eye” response was developed for the sensitive and specific determination of Cu2+ at nanomolar levels.