A dual-site fluorescent probe for sensitive detection of mercury(II)

Highly selective and sensitive detection of Hg2+ by a novel fluorescent probe with dual recognition sites

A novel thionocarbonate-coumarin-thiourea triad-based probe with dual recognition sites for sensing mercury (Hg²⁺) ion was developed. The synthesized probe possessed both fluorogenic ("off-on") and chromogenic (from colorless to blackish brown) sensing performance towards Hg²⁺ ions. The fluorescence intensity was increased by 70 fold after the addition of Hg²⁺. As expected, the probe exhibited excellent selectivity and sensitivity for Hg²⁺ compared to other common competitive metal ions. The fluorescence intensity of the probe improved linearly with the increase of the concentration of Hg²⁺ (0-40 μM). Also, the minimum limit of detection (LOD) of the synthesized probe was 0.12 μM. Considering the importance of test feasibility in the harsh environment, the developed probe was applicable for detecting Hg²⁺ ions over a broad working pH range of 3-11. It is reliable and qualifies for the quantitative determination of Hg²⁺ concentrations in actual water samples. Finally, the probe achieved the bioimaging performance of Hg²⁺ in living cells and plants with good biocompatibility.

Cost-Effective and Selective Fluorescent Chemosensor (Pyr-NH@SiO2 NPs) for Mercury Detection in Seawater

The release of mercury into the environment has adverse effects on humans and aquatic species, even at very low concentrations. Pyrene and its derivatives have interesting fluorescence properties that can be utilized for mercury (Hg²⁺) ion sensing. Herein, we reported the highly selective pyrene-functionalized silica nanoparticles (Pyr-NH@SiO₂ NPs) for chemosensing mercury (Hg²⁺) ions in a seawater sample. The Pyr-NH@SiO₂ NPs were synthesized via a two-step protocol. First, a modified Stöber method was adopted to generate amino-functionalized silica nanoparticles (NH₂@SiO₂ NPs). Second, 1-pyrenecarboxylic acid was coupled to NH₂@SiO₂ NPs using a peptide coupling reaction. As-synthesized NH₂@SiO₂ NPs and Pyr-NH@SiO₂ NPs were thoroughly investigated by ¹H-NMR, FTIR, XRD, FESEM, EDS, TGA, and BET surface area analysis. The fluorescent properties were examined in deionized water under UV-light illumination. Finally, the developed Pyr-NH@SiO₂ NPs were tested as a chemosensor for Hg²⁺ ions detection in a broad concentration range (0–50 ppm) via photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The chemosensor can selectively detect Hg²⁺ ions in the presence of ubiquitous ions (Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Ba²⁺, Ag⁺, and seawater samples). The quenching of fluorescence properties with Hg²⁺ ions (LOD: 10 ppb) indicates that Pyr-NH@SiO₂ NPs can be effectively utilized as a promising chemosensor for mercury ion detection in seawater environments.

An ultrasensitive ratiometric fluorescent probe for the detection of Hg2+ and its application in cell and zebrafish

Mercury is a highly toxic metal element, and the accumulation of mercury in the human body can cause great harm, including but not limited to brain damage, kidney damage and behavioral disorders. Therefore, an effective way to detect mercury ions in the environment is urgently needed. In this study, a novel fluorescent probe (CP-Hg) was synthesized with coumarin as the fluorophore and propanethiol as the recognition receptor. The probe was characterized with high sensitivity (detection limit is approximately 0.5 nM) and selectivity. Note that the probe can react with mercury ions with a distinct color change. In addition, it has been proved to have low toxicity and successfully applied to detect mercury in water samples, macrophages and zebrafish model.