Selective ratiometric pH-sensing PAMAM light-harvesting dendrimer based on Rhodamine 6G and 1,8-naphthalimide

A Study of Small Molecule-Based Rhodamine-Derived Chemosensors and their Implications in Environmental and Biological Systems from 2012 to 2021: Latest Advancement and Future Prospects

Rhodamine-based chemosensors have sparked considerable interest in recent years due to their remarkable photophysical properties, which include high absorption coefficients, exceptional quantum yields, improved photostability, and significant red shifts. This article presents an overview of the diverse fluorometric, and colorimetric sensors produced from rhodamine, as well as their applications in a wide range of fields. The ability of rhodamine-based chemosensors to detect a wide range of metal ions, including Hg+2, Al3+, Cr3+, Cu2+, Fe3+, Fe2+, Cd2+, Sn4+, Zn2+, and Pb2+, is one of their major advantages. Other applications of these sensors include dual analytes, multianalytes, and relay recognition of dual analytes. Rhodamine-based probes can also detect noble metal ions such as Au3+, Ag+, and Pt2+. They have been used to detect pH, biological species, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, anions, and nerve agents in addition to metal ions. The probes have been engineered to undergo colorimetric or fluorometric changes upon binding to specific analytes, rendering them highly selective and sensitive by ring-opening via different mechanisms such as Photoinduced Electron Transfer (PET), Chelation Enhanced Fluorescence (CHEF), Intramolecular Charge Transfer (ICT), and Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET). For improved sensing performance, light-harvesting dendritic systems based on rhodamine conjugates has also been explored for enhanced sensing performance. These dendritic arrangements permit the incorporation of numerous rhodamine units, resulting in an improvement in signal amplification and sensitivity. The probes have been utilised extensively for imaging biological samples, including imaging of living cells, and for environmental research. Moreover, they have been combined into logic gates for the construction of molecular computing systems. The usage of rhodamine-based chemosensors has created significant potential in a range of disciplines, including biological and environmental sensing as well as logic gate applications. This study focuses on the work published between 2012 and 2021 and emphasises the enormous research and development potential of these probes.

A terpyridyl-rhodamine hybrid fluorescent probe for discriminative sensing of Hg (II) and Cu (II) in water and applications for molecular logic gate and cell imaging

Sensitive and discriminative sensing of more than one analyte with a single fluorescent probe is significant and challenging. Herein a new terpyridyl-rhodamine hybrid, namely TRH, has been rationally designed and prepared with two responsive groups in the molecular structure, which facilitate the discriminative detection of Hg2+ and Cu2+ ions in water with detection limits of 4.9 and 53.3 nM by ratiometric fluorescence change (F595/F485) and fluorescence quenching, respectively. Investigations show that the selectivity to Hg2+ ions can be attributed to Hg2+-promoted spirolactam ring opening and further hydrolysis, followed by a through-bond energy transfer (TBET) process. The selective fluorescence quenching to Cu2+ ions probably can be ascribed to the binding Cu2+ to terpyridyl that triggers a ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) process, which can also efficiently inhibit the TBET process induced by Hg2+ ions and promotes the discriminative sensing of Cu (II) and Hg (II). In addition, the fluorescent responses to Hg2+ and Cu2+ ions cover a wide pH range. Moreover, a combinatorial logic gate with the functions of NOR and INHIBIT has been fabricated by using Hg2+ and Cu2+ ions as chemical input signals, and fluorescence at 485 and 595 nm as output signals. Besides, TRH also exhibits sensitive and discriminative sensing ability to Hg2+ and Cu2+ ions by the fluorescence of rhodamine fluorophore. Significantly, based on the fluorescence signal output of rhodamine moiety, TRH can be used as a tracer for the discriminative sensing of Hg2+ and Cu2+ ions by using living cells.

Design and Synthesis of a Novel ICT Bichromophoric pH Sensing System Based on 1,8-Naphthalimide Fluorophores as a Two-Input Logic Gate and Its Antibacterial Evaluation

The synthesis, sensor activity, and logic behavior of a novel 4-iminoamido-1,8-naphthalimide bichromophoric system based on a "fluorophore-receptor" architecture with ICT chemosensing properties is reported. The synthesized compound showed good colorimetric and fluorescence signaling properties as a function of pH and proved itself as a promising probe for the rapid detection of pH in an aqueous solution and base vapors in a solid state. The novel dyad is able to work as a two-input logic gate with chemical inputs H⁺ (Input 1) and HO^- (Input 2) executing INHIBIT logic gate. The synthesized bichromophoric system and the corresponding intermediates demonstrated good antibacterial activity toward Gram (+) and Gram (-) bacteria when compared with the Gentamycin standard.

Exploring the Aggregation and Light-Harvesting Aptitude of Naphthalimide-Based Amphiphile and Non-amphiphile AIEgen

Herein, we report a comparative study of two naphthalimide-tethered amphiphile and non-amphiphile with their aggregation-induced emission properties. A synthetic modulation of a hydrophobic tail on the framework repressed the ACQ-phoric fluorophore to an AIEgen. L₁ and L₂ remain in the dispersed form in DMF and exhibits aggregation and intense emission signal in aqueous media. Microscopy detailing of the aggregating process has been analyzed. Not only the AIEgens are emissive in water but also they are emissive in the solid state. The natural light-harvesting process is mimicked by the aggregated state, establishing an energy transfer process between L₁ and commercial dye. Disaggregation of the AIEgen has also been utilized in the detection of nitroaromatics. Analytical utility of the AIE-gen is being demonstrated concerning the detection of explosives in aqueous media.

Low Molecular Weight Probe for Selective Sensing of PH and Cu2+ Working as Three INHIBIT Based Digital Comparator

A novel simple molecular chemosensor 2 was synthesized and examined for pH, cations and anions detection. At pH values higher than 10, probe 2 switches on a green emission where the excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) is ceased. Also, the probe absorption spectrum shows a clear pH dependence, and the probe aqueous solution (ethanol/water = 1:2, borate buffer) responds selectively and sensitively through its fluorescence spectrum to the presence of Cu²⁺. Job's plot gave a 2:1 stoichiometry of Probe-2/Cu²⁺ complex, which responds to the presence of S^2- and H₂PO₄^- in aqueous solution (ethanol/water = 1:2, borate buffer) by its absorption and fluorescence spectra. In addition, probe 2 mimics a digital comparator based on three INHIBIT logic gates by different outputs using HO^- and H⁺ as inputs. Moreover, probe 2 also executes AND and NOT TRANSFER logic gates using Cu²⁺ and S^2- as inputs.

A dual-functional probe for sensing pH change and ratiometric detection of Cu2

A series of benzothiazole-based compounds were synthesized and characterized. Among them, probe Z showed significant dual-functional performance which was capable of sensing pH change and Cu²⁺. Probe Z displayed fluorescent turn-on under alkaline conditions due to deprotonation of the hydroxyl group along with the obviously color change from colorless to mint green. Interestingly, it further achieved in ratiometric detection of Cu²⁺ through absorbance or fluorescence signals in strong alkaline condition. The limit of detection was calculated correspondingly as 0.37 μM and 1.35 μM, respectively. Especially, the combination of the XNOR and INHIBIT logic gates could be used to confirm that one medium was in neutrality or alkalinity condition. Moreover, Z was successfully used in real water samples and test paper for fast identification of Cu²⁺, respectively.

A smart chemosensor: Discriminative multidetection and various logic operations in aqueous solution at biological pH

A novel rhodamine-pyrazole based molecular probe was designed and easily synthesized. The probe could to detect several analytes in aqueous solution at biological pH (HEPES, pH = 7.2). Several heavy metal cations, including Cu²⁺, Fe³⁺, Al³⁺, Hg²⁺ and Ni²⁺ were detected discriminately by the probe. Also, the novel compound exhibited a good sensory selectivity towards S₂O₅^2- by both absorption and emission spectra. Moreover, probe/Cu²⁺ complex could to detect several anions, including F^-, CN^-, S^2-, CH₃COO^-, CO₃^2- and NO₂^-. Furthermore, the probe exhibited a high potential to work as a molecular system able to perform a number of logical operations such as AND, NAND, NOR and INHIBIT logic gates.

An efficient TP-FRET-based lysosome-targetable fluorescent probe for imaging peroxynitrite with two well-resolved emission channels in living cells, tissues and zebrafish

Peroxynitrite (ONOO^-), an important role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vivo, and studies showed abnormal of ROS can induce lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) and lead to the death of cells. Thus, it is of great significance for designing an effective method for investigating relationship between physiology and pathology between ONOO^- and lysosome. Herein, for the first time, we adopted a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) strategy to construct a lysosome-targetable small molecular ratiometric two-photon (TP) fluorescent probe (NpRh-ONOO) for detecting ONOO^- in living cells, tissues and zebrafish. Specifically, a TP fluorophore and a rhodamine B fluorophore are directly connected by a flexible piperidine linker to form the TP-FRET-scaffold, a hydrazide as ONOO^- reactive set, and a dimethylamino as lysosome targeting-group, which shows a target-modulated ratiometric TP fluorescence response, two well-resolved emission peaks separated by 73 nm, rapid response (<10 s), high selectivity and sensitivity with the detection limit is as low as 3.3 nM for ONOO^-. These prominent features of probe were then applied for ratiometric bioimaging both exogenous and endogenous peroxynitrite in living cells, tissues and zebrafish, demonstrating it can be used as a powerful tool for biological research of lysosomal peroxynitrite in biological systems.

Synthesis and photophysical properties of a bichromophoric system hosting a disaccharide spacer

The synthesis of an efficient energy donor-acceptor system is reported, together with its photophysical properties. The bichromophoric species has been conceived to show potentialities for biological applications since a biocompatible disaccharide spacer, constituted of d-galactose and d-glucose derivatives, was used in compound 12 to connect two BODIPY units with different absorption/emission properties. The luminescence spectrum in acetonitrile of 12 shows an intense fluorescence band with a maximum at about 770 nm that is almost identical to that of the lowest-energy BODIPY, regardless of the excitation wavelength used. The quantum yield is 0.2 with an excited state lifetime of 2.5 ns. Excitation and ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy demonstrates that a very efficient energy transfer takes place in 12 from the highest-energy lying BODIPY subunit to the lowest-energy emissive BODIPY moiety, with a time constant of about 31 ps. Noteworthily, the emission of 12 falls in the near infrared window, suitable for potential biological applications.

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.

Novel fluorescent anthracene–bodipy dyads displaying sensitivity to pH and turn-on behaviour towards Cu(ii) ions

The effect of the nature of the spacer in three new bichromophoric compounds showing intramolecular PET and EET processes has been studied.

A FRET-based fluorescent probe for mercury ions in water and living cells

On the basis of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), a new rhodamine derivative (DRh) was synthesized as a ratiometric fluorescent probe for detecting Hg(2+) in water and living cells samples. The recognition properties of the probe DRh with metal ions had been investigated in H2O/CH3CN (9:1, v/v; Tris-HCl 50mmolL(-1); pH=7.0) solution by the UV-Vis spectrophotometry and the fluorescence spectrophotometry. The results showed that the probe DRh exhibited the selective recognition of Hg(2+). Upon the addition of Hg(2+), the spirolactam ring of probe DRh was opened. The 1:1 stoichiometric structure between DRh and Hg(2+) were supported by Job's plot, MS and DFT theoretical calculations. The linearly fluorescence intensity ratio (I582/I538) is proportional to the concentration of Hg(2+) in the range 0-30μmolL(-1). The limit of detection (LOD) of Hg(2+) is 0.008μmolL(-1) (base on S/N=3). The present probe was applied to the determination of Hg(2+) in neutral water samples and gave recoveries ranging from 104.5 to 107.9%. Furthermore, the fluorescent probe also can be applied as a bioimaging reagent for Hg(2+) detection in HeLa cells.

Rhodamine-based ratiometric fluorescent probes based on excitation energy transfer mechanisms: construction and applications in ratiometric sensing

Rhodamine is a convenient platform for the construction of “OFF–ON” ratiometric excitation energy transfer fluorescent probes.

Novel nanosized water soluble fluorescent micelles with embedded perylene diimide fluorophores for potential biomedical applications: cell permeability, localization and cytotoxicity

Novel biocompatible water-soluble fluorescent micelles with embedded perylene diimides (PDI) for intracellular applications have been prepared by self assembling of amphiphilic poly(vinyl alcohol)-b-poly(acrylonitrile) (PVA-b-PAN) copolymers in the presence of synthesized fluorophores. Amphiphilic PVA-b-PAN copolymers were obtained by selective hydrolysis of well-defined poly(vinyl acetate)-b-poly(acrylonitrile) (PVAc-b-PAN) copolymer. The preparation of the novel fluorescence micelles consisting of PVA hydrophilic shell and PAN hydrophobic core with incorporated PDI fluorophores has been confirmed by DLS and TEM analysis. The cytotoxicity of the water-soluble fluorophores and their internalization into living cells depending on the micellar concentration have been tested. It was shown that they could successfully enter in living cells without destroying their morphology. The results obtained indicate that the novel water-soluble fluorescent micelles with embedded PDI fluorophores would be suitable for potential intracellular biomedical applications.

A novel triple-mode fluorescent pH probe from monomer emission to aggregation-induced emission

A tetraphenylenlene (TPE)-based fluorescent probe could selectively monitor pH in THF–H₂O media in wide-range pH. From acidic to basic conditions, it displayed monomer emission, ratiometric fluorescence and aggregation-induced emission successively.

Synthesis and sensor activity of a PET-based 1,8-naphthalimide Probe for Zn(2+) and pH determination

A novel blue-emitting 1,8-naphthalimide fluorophore designed as a molecular PET-based probe for determination of pH and detection of transition metal ions in the environment was successfully synthesized. Novel compound was configured on the "fluorophore-spacer-receptor" format. Due to the tertiary amine receptor the novel system showed "off-on" switching properties under the transition from alkaline to acid media (FE = 3.2) and in the presence of Zn(2+) ions (FE = 2.5). The results obtained illustrate the high potential of the synthesized blue-emitting 1,8-naphthalimide fluorophore as an efficient pH chemosensing material and a selective probe for Zn(2+) ions.