A highly Selective Fluorescent Sensor for Monitoring Cu2+ Ion: Synthesis, Characterization and Photophysical Properties

AIEE Active Azomethine-Based Rhodamine Derivative For Ultrasensitive Multichannel Detection of Au3+ Through a Fluorimetrically, Electrochemically, and RGB-Based Sensing Assay

In this study, a novel rhodamine-based optically and electrochemically active chemosensor, integrated with a p-DMAC moiety, demonstrated extremely selective identification of Au³⁺ ions relative to other metal species, including (Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Ba²⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Co²⁺, Mn²⁺, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺, Ni²⁺, Fe²⁺, Hg²⁺, Fe³⁺, Cd²⁺, Pd²⁺, Al³⁺, Cr³⁺, Cu²⁺, and nitrate salt of Ag⁺). These compounds demonstrated a novel and outstanding aggregation-induced emission enhancement (AIEE) behavior by aggregating in DMF/H₂O medium. Furthermore, the degree of quenching was varying linearly with a Au³⁺ concentration from 0 to 40 nM, with a lower detection limit by RH-DMAC nanoaggregates of 118.79 picomolar (40.35 ppm). The Stern-Volmer plots, Job's plot, Benesi-Hildebrand plot, ¹H NMR titrations, ESI-mass, and FTIR all revealed significant interactions between the sensor and Au³⁺. Moreover, the proposed electrochemical sensor afforded a linear correlation before the peak current and concentration of Au³⁺ in the range of 0-40 nM, with a detection limit of 483.73 pM or 164.36 ppt (by cyclic voltammetry method) and 298.0 pM or 101.24 ppt (by the Differential Pulse Voltammetry method). Furthermore, the proposed sensing assay was used to measure Au³⁺ ion in spiked water samples (tap, drinking, waste, and river water), achieving acceptable accuracy and precision with high recovery rates. Furthermore, RH-DMAC-coated fluorescence paper test strips were designed for on-site Au³⁺ detection. Apart from this, the use of smartphone-based RGB (Red Green Blue) color analysis shortened the operating process, accelerated the detection technique, and provided a novel methodology for the instantaneous, real-time examination of Au³⁺ in real water samples.

Dualistic Fluorescence as Well as Portable Smartphone-Assisted RGB-Relied Sensing Assay for the Ultra-Sensitive Determination of Pendimethalin in Food and Water Samples by AIEE Active Organic Probes

Herein, a peculiar fluorometric as well as smartphone-assisted RGB-relied sensing assay is introduced for determining pendimethalin (PDM) herbicide contents (in parts per trillion level) based on the anthracene-incorporated pyrimidinone/thione probes (S1 to S4). These compounds offered a unique and impressive aggregation-induced emission enhancement (AIEE) behavior by aggregation in H₂O-dimethylformamide medium. Furthermore, these AIEE active compounds were found to display superior selectivity and extraordinary sensitivity for PDM detection via fluorescence quenching response. The extent of quenching degree was found to be linearly varied with the PDM concentration ranging from 0 to 20 nM, with a lower limit of detection of 367.8 pM (103.4 ppt) by S3 nanoaggregates. The detailed investigation revealed that such a high sensitivity of the designed sensor toward PDM is attributable to the existence of dual "photoinduced charge transfer and Förster resonance energy transfer process mechanisms". The Stern-Volmer plots, Job's plot, Benesi-Hildebrand plot, and ¹H NMR titrations as well indicated the existence of substantial interactions between the sensor and PDM. The conducted selectivity tests provided distinguishable selectivity for PDM detection over various other insecticides/pesticides as well as other structural nitro analogues. Additionally, the presented sensing assay was also applied to quantify the PDM residues in spiked food (vegetables, fruits, and grains) and water samples. In addition, the sensor-coated fluorescent paper test strips were also fabricated for on-site detection of PDM. The applicability of smartphone-relied RGB analysis significantly streamlined the operation process, speeds up the detection procedure, and also offered a novel methodology for real-time analysis of PDM in real samples.

Self-Assembled Nanodot Actuator with Changeable Fluorescence by π-π Stacking Force Based on a Four-Armed Foldable Phthalocyanine Molecule and Its Supersensitive Molecular Recognition

Designing intelligent molecules and smart nanomaterials as molecular machines is becoming increasingly important in the nanoscience fields. Herein, we report a nanodot actuator with changeable fluorescence by π-π stacking force based on a four-armed foldable phthalocyanine molecule. The assembled nanodot possessed a three-dimensional molecular space structure and multiple supramolecular interactions. The arms of the nanodot could fold and open intelligently in response to environmental molecular stimuli such as natural plant mimosa, which could lead to multiple variable fluorescence emissions. The nanodot was highly sensitive to the biomolecule thyroxine at the molecular level. The accurate molecular recognition and the changeable fluorescence conversion of the nanodot were attributed to multiple supramolecular interactions, including photoinduced electron transfer (PET), intramolecular fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), and π-π stacking of the nanodots, resulting in an intelligent "nanodot machine with folding arms". The self-assembled nanodot actuators with changeable fluorescence have potential applications in advanced intelligent material fields.

A new 1,8-naphthalimide-based fluorescent “turn-off” sensor for detecting Cu2+ and sensing mechanisms

In this article, a new “turn-off” fluorescent sensor N- n-butyl-4-{2-[(ethylimino)methyl]phenol}-1,8-naphthalimide (HL) for CuII ions is synthesized, which contains a 1,8-naphthalimide moiety as the fluorophore and a Schiff base as the recognition group. As expected, it exhibits high selectivity and sensitivity for detecting CuII ions over other common metal ions in acetonitrile–2-(4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazinyl)-ethanesulfonic acid (HEPES) (1:1 v/v, pH = 7.4) solution. In addition, the fluorescence intensity for HL showed a good linearity with the concentration of CuII ions in the range of 0.5–5.0 μM. The 2:1 binding stoichiometry between HL and CuII ions was established on the basis of combined fluorescence titrations, a Job’s plot, single-crystal X-ray analysis and mass spectrometry. The quenching response of HL toward CuII ions is attributed to the reverse photoinduced electron transfer mechanism. The proposed sensor HL is preliminarily applied to quantify CuII ions in water samples from the Yellow River and tap water.

A selective fluorescence probe for copper(II) ion in aqueous solution based on a 1,8-naphthalimide Schiff base derivative

In order to realize real-time monitoring of Cu2+, a new fluorescent probe HL, a Schiff base derivative of N-n-butyl-4-[2]-1,8-naphthalimide, has been designed and synthesized. In methanol-HEPES [2-(4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazinyl)-ethanesulfonic acid] solution (1:1, v/v, pH = 7.4) HL showed excellent selectivity towards Cu2+ over other common coexisting metal ions. The fluorescence intensity for HL showed a good linearity with the concentration of Cu2+ ions in the range of 0.5–5.0 μm. Based on combined fluorescence titration, Job’s plot analysis, and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry results, Cu2+ forms a 1:2 complex with L. The fluorescence intensity of HL exhibits significant quenching after binding with Cu2+, owing to the strong, intrinsic paramagnetic behavior of Cu2+. Ultimately, in order to test the performance of the synthesized probe, HL was preliminarily applied to the determination of Cu2+ in the Yellow River and in tap water with satisfying results.

A highly selective fluorescent chemosensor for CN- based on a novel bis(salamo)-type tetraoxime ligand

The optical properties of a novel chemosensor for cyanide anions based on a symmetric bis(salamo)-type ligand (H₃L) were investigated by UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy in MeOH/H₂O (1:1 v/v) solution. Sensor H₃L can selectively sense CN^- based on prominent color changes among other anions. The chemosensor exhibits an apparent fluorescence enhancement at 482nm to CN^- which because cyanide ions interact with CN bonds. Combining the corrected Benesi-Hildebrand formula, the binding constant of the formed host-guest complex was calculated as 2.42×10⁵M^-1. Meanwhile, the detection limit of the sensor toward CN^- was 8.91×10^-7M. It is worth noting that the designed sensor can be used for rapid detection of cyanide anions in basic pH range, and has great practical value.

A simple, reversible, colorimetric and water-soluble fluorescent chemosensor for the naked-eye detection of Cu2+ in ~100% aqueous media and application to real samples

A simple, reversible, colorimetric and water-soluble fluorescent chemosensor ADA for the naked-eye detection of Cu²⁺ was developed. Sensor ADA showed high selectivity and sensitivity toward Cu²⁺ in ~100% aqueous media over wide pH range. Sensor ADA exhibited a red-shift in the absorption spectra from 466 to 480nm that is accompanied by significant color change from light yellow to yellowish brown instantaneously. The Cu²⁺ recognition is based on the chelation-enhanced fluorescence quenching (CHEQ) effect of the paramagnetic nature. The lowest detection limit is determined to be 15.8nM, which is much lower than the allowable level of Cu²⁺ in drinking water set by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (~20μM) and the World Health Organization (~30μM). The 1:1 binding process was confirmed by fluorescence measurements, IR analysis and DFT studies. Moreover, sensor ADA was successfully applied for determination of trace level of Cu²⁺ with 4 reuse cycles in various water samples, which affords promising potential in ion-detection field.

Synthesis, fluorescence-sensing and molecular logic of two water-soluble 1,8-naphthalimides

Two novel highly water-soluble fluorescence sensing 1,8-naphthalimides are synthesized and investigated. The novel compounds are designed on the "fluorophore-receptor₁-spacer-receptor₂" model as a molecular fluorescence probe for determination of cations and anions in 100% aqueous media. The novel probes comprising N-imide and N-phenylpiperazine or morpholine substituents are capable to operate simultaneously via ICT and PET signaling mechanism as a function of pH and to recognize selectively Cu²⁺ and Hg²⁺ over the other representative metal ions. Due to the remarkable fluorescence changes in the presence of protons, hydroxyl anions, Hg²⁺ and Cu²⁺, INH and doubly disabled INH logic gates are executed and the systems are able to act as a single output combinatorial logic circuit with four chemical inputs.