Turn-on fluorescent detection of nickel and zinc ions by two related chemosensors containing naphthalimide ring(s)

Turn-on detection of Al3+ ions using quinoline-based tripodal probe: mechanistic investigation and live cell imaging applications

In this study, an easily synthesizable Schiff base probe TQSB having a quinoline fluorophore is demonstrated as a fluorescent and colorimetric turn-on sensor for Al3+ ions in a semi-aqueous medium (CH3CN/water; 4 : 1; v/v). Absorption, emission and colorimetric studies clearly indicated that TQSB exhibited a high selectivity toward Al3+, as observed from its excellent binding constant (Kb = 3.8 × 106 M-1) and detection limit (7.0 nM) values. TQSB alone was almost non-fluorescent in nature; however, addition of Al3+ induced intense fluorescence at 414 nm most probably due to combined CHEF (chelation-enhanced fluorescence) and restricted PET effects. The sensing mechanism was established via Job's plot, NMR spectroscopy, ESI-mass spectrometry, and density functional theory (DFT) analyses. Furthermore, to evaluate the applied potential of probe TQSB, its sensing ability was studied in real samples such as soil samples and Al3+-containing Digene gastric tablets as well as on low-cost filter paper strips. Fluorescence microscopy imaging experiments further revealed that TQSB can be used as an effective probe to detect intracellular Al3+ in live cells with no cytotoxicity.

Recent Advances in Organic Small-Molecule Fluorescent Probes for the Detection of Zinc Ions (Zn2+)

Zinc(II) ions (Zn2g) play crucial roles in the growth, propagation, and metabolism of animals, plants, and humans. Abnormal concentrations of Zn2+ in the environment and living organisms pose potential risks to environmental protection and human health. Therefore, it is imperative to develop rapid, reliable and in-situ detection methods for Zn2+ in both environmental and biological contexts. Furthermore, effective analytical methods are required for diagnosing diseases and understanding physiological metabolic mechanisms associated with Zn2+ concentration levels. Organic small-molecule fluorescent probes offer advantages such as fast, reliable, convenient, non-destructive detection capabilities and have significant application potential in Zn2+ detection and bioimaging; thus garnering extensive attention. Over the past two years alone, various organic small-molecule probes for Zn2+ based on different detection mechanisms and fluorophores have been rapidly developed. However, these probes still exhibit several limitations that need further resolution. In light of this context, we provide a comprehensive summary of the detection mechanisms, performance characteristics, and application scope of Zn2+ fluorescence probes since year 2022 while highlighting their advantages. We also propose solutions to address existing issues with these probes and outline future directions for their advancement. This review aims to serve as a valuable reference source offering insights into the development of advanced organic small-molecule-based fluorescence probes specifically designed for detecting Zn2+.

A Review on Pyrazolines as Colorimetric Fluorescent Chemosensors for Cu2

The Pyrazoline derivatives display promising potential as sensitive and selective chemosensors for detecting Cu2+ ions. It has undergone screening for its sensing behavior with various metals using absorption, emission spectroscopic techniques. Their unique structure incorporates both donating and accepting sites, characterized by delocalized orbitals. These derivatives exhibit notable chromogenic and fluorogenic capabilities facilitated by intramolecular charge transfer. The sensors based on pyrazoline demonstrate exceptional selectivity, low detection limits, and precise detection of metal ions, particularly Cu2+. This review offers a comprehensive summary of recent discoveries concerning as pyrazoline-based "On-Off" chemosensors. The discussion places emphasis on exploring the design and photophysical properties of these chemosensors, with the primary objective of detecting Cu2+ metal ions. The unique features of pyrazoline derivatives make them promising candidates for practical applications in environmental and biological monitoring, showcasing their potential significance in advancing sensing technologies.

Highly sensitive and specific detection of Ni2+ using a novel fluorometric probe in the DMSO-H2O system

The rapid detection of Ni ions has important research and application value. This paper presents a novel specific turn-off fluorescence probe PCTMP-FS for detecting Ni2+ ions. The carbazole-based compound PCTMP is first synthesized via a two-step reaction. PCTMP-FS comprises PCTMP dispersed into a DMSO-H2O (fw = 30% v/v) mixed solvent. The probe demonstrates prominent selectivity and anti-interference abilities for detecting Ni2+ with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.233 μM. The probe exhibits good applicability over a wide range of acidities. The detecting mechanism of the probe is due to the complex formed by PCTMP and Ni2+ (2:1), which destroys intramolecular charge transfer in the compound. The probe has good repeatability and demonstrates excellent stability and sensitivity for the detection of Ni2+ in real water samples.

Turn-on detection of Al3+ and Zn2+ ions by a NSN donor probe: reversibility, logic gates and DFT calculations

An efficient dual functional naphthalene-derived Schiff base NpSb probe has been synthesised and evaluated for its fluorescence and chromogenic response towards metal ions. The NpSb probe was capable of selectively recognising Al3+ and Zn2+ ions when they were excited at the same wavelength in an aqueous organic solvent system. Almost non-fluorescent NpSb displayed a 'turn-on' fluorescence response when treated with Zn2+ (λem = 416 nm) and Al3+ (λem = 469 nm) ions due to the chelation-enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) effect. The limit of detection (LoD) values for Al3+ and Zn2+ have been determined to be 38.0 nM and 43.0 nM, respectively. The binding constants for Al3+ and Zn2+ were found to be 1.18 × 106 M-1 and 3.5 × 105 M-1, respectively. The NpSb also acted as a colorimetric sensor for Al3+ as the colour of the probe's solution turned to pale green from colourless upon Al3+ addition. The binding mechanism between NpSb and Zn2+/Al3+ was supported by the ESI-MS, Job's plot, NMR, and DFT studies. The reversibility experiments were carried out with an F- ion and EDTA with the development of corresponding logic gates. Moreover, NpSb could be applied to detect Al3+ ions in real samples such as tap water, distilled water and soil samples.

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.

Discriminative 'Turn-on' Detection of Al3+ and Ga3+ Ions as Well as Aspartic Acid by Two Fluorescent Chemosensors

In this work, two Schiff-base-based chemosensors L1 and L2 containing electron-rich quinoline and anthracene rings were designed. L1 is AIEE active in a MeOH-H₂O solvent system while formed aggregates as confirmed by the DLS measurements and fluorescence lifetime studies. The chemosensor L1 was used for the sensitive, selective, and reversible 'turn-on' detection of Al³⁺ and Ga³⁺ ions as well as Aspartic Acid (Asp). Chemosensor L2, an isomer of L1, was able to selectively detect Ga³⁺ ion even in the presence of Al³⁺ ions and thus was able to discriminate between the two ions. The binding mode of chemosensors with analytes was substantiated through a combination of ¹H NMR spectra, mass spectra, and DFT studies. The 'turn-on' nature of fluorescence sensing by the two chemosensors enabled the development of colorimetric detection, filter-paper-based test strips, and polystyrene film-based detection techniques.

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.