A simple coumarin based “fluorescent On” probe for the selective detection of Al3+ along with its application in live cell imaging via AGS cell line

Fabrication of a New Coumarin Based Fluorescent "turn-on" Probe for Distinct and Sequential Recognition of Al3+ and F- Along With Its Application in Live Cell Imaging

A new coumarin based fluorescent switch PCEH is fabricated which displays high selective sensing towards Al3+ among other metal cations at physiological pH. On gradual addition of Al3+, PCEH shows a brilliant "turn-on" emission enhancement in MeOH/H2O (4/1, v/v) solution. This new fluorescent switch is proven to be a reversible probe by gradual addition of F- into the PCEH-Al3+ solution. Detection limit as well as binding constant values are calculated to be in the order of 10-9 M and 104 M-1 respectively. We have also explored its potential as a biomarker in the application of live cell imaging using breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231 cell).

A pH-Sensitive Fluorescent Chemosensor Turn-On Based in a Salen Iron (III) Complex: Synthesis, Photophysical Properties, and Live-Cell Imaging Application

pH regulation is essential to allow normal cell function, and their imbalance is associated with different pathologic situations, including cancer. In this study, we present the synthesis of 2-(((2-aminoethyl)imino)methyl)phenol (HL1) and the iron (III) complex (Fe(L1)2Br, (C1)), confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. The absorption and emission properties of complex C1 were assessed in the presence and absence of different physiologically relevant analytes, finding a fluorescent turn-on when OH- was added. So, we determined the limit of detection (LOD = 3.97 × 10-9 M), stoichiometry (1:1), and association constant (Kas = 5.86 × 103 M-1). Using DFT calculations, we proposed a spontaneous decomposition mechanism for C1. After characterization, complex C1 was evaluated as an intracellular pH chemosensor on the human primary gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) and non-tumoral gastric epithelia (GES-1) cell lines, finding fluorescent signal activation in the latter when compared to AGS cells due to the lower intracellular pH of AGS cells caused by the increased metabolic rate. However, when complex C1 was used on metastatic cancer cell lines (MKN-45 and MKN-74), a fluorescent turn-on was observed in both cell lines because the intracellular lactate amount increased. Our results could provide insights about the application of complex C1 as a metabolic probe to be used in cancer cell imaging.

A portable front face fluorescent system for in situ detection of aluminum in flour foods

A simple and rapid method for in situ detection of aluminum in flour food was developed by using a self-made portable front face fluorescent system (PFFFS). The effects of pH, temperature, reaction time, protective agent and masking agent on the detection of Al³⁺ were investigated. The use of fluorescent probe protective agent, interfering ion masking agent, multi-point collection measurements and the working curves based on the analyte content in the real samples makes the present method have high accuracy, selectivity and reliability for in situ detection of Al³⁺ in flour foods. By comparison with the ICP-MS the accuracy and reliability of the present method were verified. The results showed that when 97 real samples were analyzed the Al³⁺ content values obtained by the present method and those obtained by ICP-MS method reached a highly significant correlation, with r ranging from 0.9747 to 0.9844. The self-made PFFFS combined with fluorescent probe does not require sample digestion, and can quickly detect Al³⁺ in flour food within 10 min. Therefore, the present method based on using FFFS has good practical application value for in-situ rapid detection of Al³⁺ in flour foods.

A novel phenolphthalein-based fluorescent sensor for Al3+ sensing in drinking water and herbal tea samples

In this study, 3,3-bis(4-hydroxy-3-((E)-((4-hydroxyphenyl)imino)methyl) phenyl)isobenzofuran-1(3H)-one (HMBP) was designed as a ''turn-on″ fluorogenic chemosensor to detect Al³⁺. Studies were performed in C₂H₅OH-HEPES (v/v, 9/1, pH 7.0) media at λ_em = 475 nm. The LOD value was found to be 0.113 µM. The stoichiometric ratio of HMBP-Al³⁺ was determined as 1:2 by Job's plot and ESI-MS as well as ¹H NMR titration. The binding constant of chemosensor HMBP with Al³⁺ from the Benesi-Hildebrand equation was determined to be 1.21 × 10⁸ M^-1. The quantum (Φ) yields were obtained as 0.040 and 0.775 for the chemosensor HMBP and HMBP-Al³⁺, respectively. The response of the chemosensor HMBP towards Al³⁺ was attributed to the strategies of blocking the photo-induced electron transfer (PET) and CN isomerisation mechanisms. Finally, the sensing of the chemosensor HMBP for the determination of Al³⁺ in real food samples, drinking waters and herbal teas, were employed.