Highly sensitive oligothiophene-phenylamine-based dual-functional fluorescence "turn-on" sensor for rapid and simultaneous detection of Al3+ and Fe3+ in environment and food samples

Strategies for Improving Selectivity and Sensitivity of Schiff Base Fluorescent Chemosensors for Toxic and Heavy Metals

Toxic cations, including heavy metals, pose significant environmental and health risks, necessitating the development of reliable detection methods. This review investigates the techniques and approaches used to strengthen the sensitivity and selectivity of Schiff base fluorescent chemosensors designed specifically to detect toxic and heavy metal cations. The paper explores a range of strategies, including functional group variations, structural modifications, and the integration of nanomaterials or auxiliary receptors, to amplify the efficiency of these chemosensors. By improving selectivity towards targeted cations and achieving heightened sensitivity and detection limits, consequently, these strategies contribute to the advancement of accurate and efficient detection methods while increasing the range of end-use applications. The findings discussed in this review offer valuable insights into the potential of leveraging Schiff base fluorescent chemosensors for the accurate and reliable detection and monitoring of heavy metal cations in various fields, including environmental monitoring, biomedical research, and industrial safety.

Luminous Insights: Exploring Organic Fluorescent "Turn-On" Chemosensors for Metal-Ion (Cu+2, Al+3, Zn+2, Fe+3) Detection

There are several metal ions that are vital for the growth of the environmental field as well as for the biological field but only up to the maximum limit. If they are present in excess, it could be hazardous for the human health. With the growing technology, a series of various detection techniques are employed in order to recognize those metal ions, some of them include voltammetry, electrochemical methods, inductively couples, etc. However, these techniques are expensive, time consuming, requires large storage, advanced instrumentation, and a skilled person to operate. So, here comes the need of a sensor and it is defined as a miniature device which detects the substance of interest by giving response in the form of energy change. So, from past few decades, many sensors have been formulated for detecting metal ions with some basic characteristics like selectivity, specificity, sensitivity, high accuracy, lower detection limit, and response time. Detecting various metal ions by employing chemosensors involves different techniques such as fluorescence, phosphorescence, chemiluminescence, electrochemical, and colorimetry. The fluorescence technique has certain advantages over the other techniques. This review mainly focuses on the chemosensors that show a signal in the form of fluorescence to detect Al+3, Zn+2, Cu+2, and Fe+3 ions.

A Pyrene-Tetrazole Fused Fluorescent Probe for Effective Real Time Detection Towards Aluminium Ion

We constructed a novel-binding site for metal ion detection using a fused tetrazole ring conjugated with aminopyrene (R). The designed structure of the molecule was successfully synthesized and determined the probe's selectivity by testing various metal ions and found that the probe effectively detects Al³⁺ ion visually. Checked the sensing ability of the probe with different approaches (fluorimetric and colorimetric), and the effectiveness is double confirmed. The added Al³⁺ ion to R procured a rapid change in color from yellowish orange to colorless. Under the UV lamp, a turn-on blue fluorescence was observed after adding aluminium ion, whereas the probe was non-fluorescent before detecting aluminium ion. The probable interface of the probe with aluminium ion has also been expected from HRMS spectral analysis results. The probe's utility in real-time monitoring of Al³⁺ ion in water is confirmed by a simple test kit prepared using filter paper. The kit showed a possible naked-eye detection with a notable color change, and when checked, the aluminium ion detected test kit under a UV lamp showed blue fluorescence.

Turn-on, photostable, nontoxic and specific, iron(II) sensor

The pressing need to develop a specific analytical sensor that can identify and quantify Fe(II) without a cytotoxic response was the major motivation drive in this work. The turn-on fluorescent sensor here described can successfully detect Fe(II) and discriminate this ion from other analytes that commonly act as interferents in biological media. Moreover, this reduced fluoresceinamine-based sensor has a high photostability and high dissociation constant, which is an indication that the complex obtained between reduced fluoresceinamine (RFL) and Fe(II) is highly stable. This fluorescence-based sensor has a binding mechanism of 1:1 and a positive cooperativity was found between analyte and sensor. The detection, quantification and sensitivity parameters of the sensor were determined: 21.6 ± 0.1 μM; 65.6 ± 0.1 μM and 48 ± 3 (×10⁷) μM, respectively. To evaluate a possible cytotoxicity effect an erythrocyte assay was performed and the obtained data were evaluated considering CdTe Quantum Dots (QDs) passivated with mercaptoacetic acid has experimental control. According to the resulting data RFL is not cytotoxic even when used in high concentrations, 660 mM. On the other hand QDs are quite different. Indeed it was proven that these heavy metal-based nanoparticles are responsible for 40% erytrocytes hemolysis in concentrations of 600 mM.

Novel Fluorescent Probe toward Fe3+ Based on Rhodamine 6G Derivatives and Its Bioimaging in Adult Mice, Caenorhabditis elegans, and Plant Tissues

A new fluorescent probe LXY based on the rhodamine 6G platforms has been designed, synthesized, and characterized, which could recognize Fe³⁺ effectively in HEPES buffer (10 mM, pH = 7.4)/CH₃CN (2:3, v/v). And the distinct color change and the rapid emergence of fluorescence emission at 550 nm achieved "naked eye" detection of Fe³⁺. The interaction mode between them was achieved by Job's plot, MS, SEM, and X-ray single-crystal diffraction. Importantly, the crystal structures proved that Fe³⁺ could induce the rhodamine moiety transform the closed-cycle form to the open-cycle form. But it is interesting that Fe³⁺ did not appear in the crystal structures. Meanwhile, the limit of detection (LOD) of LXY to Fe³⁺ was calculated to be 3.47 × 10^-9. In addition, the RGB experiment, test papers, and silica gel plates all indicated that the probe LXY could be used to distinguish Fe³⁺ quantitatively and qualitatively on-site. Moreover, the probe LXY has also been successfully applied to Fe³⁺ image in Caenorhabditis elegans, adult mice, and plant tissues. Thus, LXY was considered to have some potential for application in bioimaging.

A multi-functional picolinohydrazide-based chemosensor for colorimetric detection of iron and dual responsive detection of hypochlorite

A novel effective chemosensor HPHN, (E)-6-hydroxy-N'-((2-hydroxynaphthalen-1-yl)methylene) picolinohydrazide, was synthesized. HPHN sensed Fe^3+/2+ with the changes of color from yellow to orange without obvious inhibition from other cations. In addition, HPHN could detect ClO^- by both the color change from yellow to colorless and the fluorescence quenching. The binding modes of HPHN with Fe^3+/2+ and ClO^- were determined to be 1:1 with Job plot and ESI-mass analysis. HPHN displayed low detection limits of 0.29 μM for Fe³⁺ and 0.77 μM for Fe²⁺. For ClO^-, the detection limit was 6.20 μM by colorimetric method and 3.99 μM by fluorescent one, respectively. Moreover, HPHN can be employed to quantify Fe³⁺ and ClO^- in environmental samples and apply to cell imaging for ClO^-.

An indolino-spironaphthooxazine probe for colorimetric detection of ferric ions in drinking water

The sensing performance of a novel indolino-spironaphthooxazine derivative (SPNO), 6′(3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)-3,3-dimethyl-1-phenethylspiro[indoline-2,3′-naphtho[2,1-b][1,4]oxazine], was investigated for rapid colorimetric detection of ferric ions (Fe³⁺) in drinking water.

A novel near-infrared turn-on fluorescent probe for the detection of Fe3+ and Al3+ and its applications in living cells imaging

In this study, a new hemicyanidine-based colorimetric-fluorescent probe L has been synthesized and characterized by X-ray single crystal diffraction, NMR, HRMS and other technologies. The probe L serves as a "turn-on" probe for the detection of Fe³⁺ and Al³⁺ ions in DMF-HEPES system with a high sensitivity and an excellent selectivity. The probe L manifesting the color of the solution containing L turns red on the addition of Fe³⁺, and turns pink on the addition of Al³⁺. The fluorescence turn-on detection of Fe³⁺ and Al³⁺ ions is attributed to the photo-induced electron transfer (PET) process and the exertion of the chelation-enhanced fluorescence effect (CHEF) mechanism. The results of thin layer silica gel plate coloration experiments also present the same characteristics. Additionally, we further demonstrate that the probe L exhibit good cell permeability and could be employed to monitor Fe³⁺ and Al³⁺ ions in the living cells.

Malonyl-based Chemosensors: Selective Detection of Fe3+ Ion in Aqueous Medium

Two novel malonyl-based chemosensors, N,N'-bis(ethyl-4'-benzoate)-1,3-propanediamide (1) and N,N'-bis(ethyl-3'-benzoate)-1,3-propanediamide (2), have been synthesized and screened towards various biologically important metal ions such as Na⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Al³⁺, Cr³⁺, Mn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Ag⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺, Ti³⁺, and Pb²⁺. The emission spectral studies of both 1 and 2 displayed 84 - 91% turn-off emission responses selectively with Fe³⁺ ion in aqueous buffer (MeCN/H₂O, 1:4, v/v, pH = 7.4) solution. Chemosensors 1 and 2 exhibited remarkable sensing ability towards Fe³⁺ ion over other metal ions with limit of detection (LOD) of 4.28 and 4.33 μM, respectively. The binding stoichiometry of 1 and 2 with Fe³⁺ ion was studied by Benesi-Hildebrand fitting, Stern-Volmer plot and Job's plots, revealing that both chemosensors (1 - 2) bind with Fe³⁺ metal ion in 1:1 stoichiometric ratio with the apparent association constant (K_a) 8.90 × 10³ and 11.16 × 10³ M^-1, respectively. Furthermore, the interactions of chemosensors (1 - 2) with metal ion were also investigated by using density functional theory (DFT) at B3LYP hybrid functional using 6-31G and LanL2DZ basis sets.

Bithiophene-based fluorescent sensor for highly sensitive and ultrarapid detection of Hg2+ in water, seafood, urine and live cells

Using Hg²⁺-promoted deprotection reaction, we have developed a new fluorescent turn-on sensor 2TS based on bithiophene fluorophore for Hg²⁺ detection. The sensing mechanism of 2TS towards Hg²⁺ was strongly proved by ¹H NMR, FTIR, HRMS, UV-vis and fluorescence spectra. Remarkly, 2TS towards Hg²⁺ in 100% aqueous solution shows high sensitivity with a low detection limit of 19 nM, superior selectivity and ultra-rapid response of 20 s during a wide sensing pH range from 4 to 10. Taking advantage of the excellent properties, the low-cost sensor 2TS-based filter paper/TLC test strips were fabricated for visual, immediate and quantitative detection of Hg²⁺ in water, proving its applicability towards sensitive in-situ and on-site detection. Meanwhile, 2TS showed high analytical performance for Hg²⁺ detection in water, seafood as well as human urine samples. Moreover, thanks to the good water solubility, negligible cytotoxicity, good biocompatibility and cell-membrane permeability, 2TS was further applied to effectively image Hg²⁺ in live cells. Furthermore, the developed sensor 2TS acted as good fluorescent display material for Hg²⁺ with obvious color change.

Biotinylated and fluorophore-incorporated polymeric mixed micelles for tumor cell-specific turn-on fluorescence imaging of Al3

Excessive amounts of Al3+ in the human body can cause adverse effects on immune function and induce several neurodegenerative disorders. So far, most of the reported fluorescent probes for Al3+ present some common drawbacks, such as low sensitivity and poor water solubility. In addition, a number of traditional fluorescent probes failed to image Al3+ in tumor cells due to the lack of tumor cell targeting capacity and cell penetrating abilities. To overcome these shortcomings, we constructed tumor-targeting fluorescent mixed nano-micelles (mPEG-Dye-Biotin) with an average particle size of 21 nm from an amphiphilic polymer containing a Schiff-base fluorescent unit (mPEG-Dye) and another amphiphilic polymer containing a tumor cell recognition ligand (DSPE-PEG-Biotin), through the co-self-assembly of both amphiphilic polymers in water using the film rehydration method. The as-prepared nanoprobe showed a highly sensitive and selective turn-on fluorescence response to Al3+ in aqueous solution with a low detection limit. MTT assay revealed the negligible cytotoxicity of the mPEG-Dye-Biotin nanoprobe to both HeLa cells and COS-7 cells, indicating the safety of mPEG-Dye-Biotin for biological applications. More importantly, the biotinylated nanoprobe showed better ability to enter biotin receptor-positive HeLa cells than that of the non-biotinylated micelle mPEG-Dye, which made it more suitable for imaging Al3+ in biotin receptor-positive tumor cells. This work provides a simple and general strategy to design a highly sensitive and tumor cell-specific metal ion nanoprobe, which can not only be applied in Al3+ imaging, but can also be extended to other ions or biomolecules by changing the incorporated fluorescent unit in the amphiphilic polymer.

A benzothiazole-rhodol based luminophor: ESIPT-induced AIE and an application for detecting Fe2+ ion

Herein, we designed and synthesized a luminophor, Rh-F, which is an intergrant of rhodol and 2-hydroxy benzothiazole by introducing a benzothiazole unit onto the ortho-position of the phenolic hydroxy of rhodol. Rh-F exhibited excellent fluorescence properties such as a large Stokes shift (>180 nm) and the synergistic effect of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) and an excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) feature. The AIE/ESIPT mechanism was thoroughly explored using X-ray single-crystal structures and photophysical determinations. Furthermore, Rh-F showed a sensitive fluorescence response to Fe²⁺ with low detection limits of 115.2 nM and high selectivity. Studies of its sensing mechanism indicated that the Fe²⁺-induced blue-green fluorescence-quenched at 525 nm originates from an irreversible Fe²⁺ chelate with the oxygen atom of the hydroxyl group and the N atom of the benzothiazole moiety. This blocked the ESIPT process of Rh-F which resulted in the quenching of the fluorescence sensor for Rh-F.

Novel cyanide supramolecular fluorescent chemosensor constructed from a quinoline hydrazone functionalized-pillar[5]arene

Herein, we report a simple and novel approach for the design of fluorescent chemosensor through the self-assembly of functionalized monomer molecules. According to these approach, a novel supramolecular fluorescent chemosensor (SPMS) was successfully constructed by self-assembly of a quinoline hydrazone functionalized pillar[5]arene monomer PM. Interestingly, upon the addition of CN^-, the solution of SPMS instantly shows dramatic fluorescent enhancement and emitting bright blue emission. Meanwhile, the fluorescence quantum yields show distinct increase from 0.0582 of SPMS to 0.3952 of SPMS + CN^-. The detection limit (LOD) of SPMS for CN^- is 9.70 × 10^-8 M, which indicated high sensitivity. Moreover, the SPMS is selective for CN^- even in the presence of other anions, the fluorescent detection process of SPMS for CN^- was not interfered by other competitive anions (F^-, Cl^-, Br^-, I^-, N₃^-, OH^-, SCN^-, HSO₄^-, AcO^-, H₂PO₄^- and ClO₄^-). Notably, in the CN^- sensing process, the self-assembly structure of the supramolecular chemosensor SPMS didn't show any disassembly. This work provides a novel approach for instant detection of CN^- through a self-assembled supramolecular fluorescent chemosensor in aqueous system. Moreover, the test strips based on SPMS were fabricated, which could serve as convenient and efficient CN^- test kits.

A novel AIE-based supramolecular polymer gel serves as an ultrasensitive detection and efficient separation material for multiple heavy metal ions

Recently, ultrasensitive stimuli-responsive materials have received extensive attention due to their high sensitivity and wide applications. Herein, we report a novel approach to design ultrasensitive responsive materials by rationally introducing the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) effect into supramolecular polymer gels. According to this approach, by rationally introducing self-assembly moieties and a fluorophore, the obtained gelator DNS can act as an AIEgen; it showed strong AIE after aggregating into the supramolecular polymer gel GDNS. More interestingly, because the aggregation of DNS led to amplification of the detective signal, the AIE-based supramolecular polymer gel GDNS could ultrasensitively detect the heavy metal ions Hg2+, Cu2+, and Fe3+ by a signal amplification mechanism; the lowest detection limits reached 10-11 M. In addition, the xerogel of GDNS could adsorb and separate Hg2+, Cu2+, and Fe3+ from aqueous solution with favourable adsorption properties, and the adsorption rates ranged from 94.70% to 99.37%. Furthermore, the gel GDNS could act as a convenient test kit for Hg2+, Cu2+, and Fe3+ as well as a smart fluorescent display material.

A Schiff-base receptor based chromone derivate: Highly selective fluorescent and colorimetric probe for Al(III)

Upon excitation of the visible light, probes show colorimetric and fluorescent responses to the specific metal ion, which can be easily detected by the naked eye. Owing to the excitation of the visible light at 423 nm, a novel and simple Schiff-base receptor based chromone derivative called 7-methoxychromone-3-carbaldehyde-(indole-3-formyl) hydrazone (MCIH2) had been investigated as a selective and sensitive probe for Al³⁺ with colorimetric and fluorescent responses. Upon addition of Al³⁺ to compound MCIH2 solution, compound MCIH2 could respond to Al³⁺ with a good selective colorimetric signal, which was easily observed from colorless to yellow-green by the naked eye. Furthermore, a remarkable fluorescence emission enhancement with an "OFF-ON" signal by over 700-fold was triggered, but other various metal ions had no such significant effects on the fluorescence emission. In addition, the detection limit of compound MCIH2 for recognizing Al³⁺ was evaluated to be as low as 1 × 10^-7 M level, which was sufficiently low for sensing Al³⁺ widely distributed in various environmental and biological systems.

Rationally introduce AIE into chemosensor: A novel and efficient way to achieving ultrasensitive multi-guest sensing

Recently, ultrasensitive detection and multi-guest sensing have received extensive attention due to their high sensitivity and efficiency. Herein, we report a novel approach to achieve ultrasensitive detection of multi-analyte. This approach is concluded as "rationally introduce Aggregation-Induced Emission (AIE) into chemosensor". According to this approach, by rationally introducing self-assembly moiety, the obtained chemosensor DNS could serve as a novel AIEgen and show strong AIE in DMSO/H₂O (water fraction 80%) binary solution. Interestingly, a simple fluorescent sensor array based on the DNS has been developed. This sensor array could selectively sense Fe³⁺, Al³⁺, H₂PO₄^- and L-Arg in water solution. More importantly, this sensor array shows ultrasensitive detection for Fe³⁺, Al³⁺ and L-Arg. The LODs of the sensor array for Fe³⁺, Al³⁺ and L-Arg are in the range of 3.54×10^-9M to 9.42×10^-9M. Moreover, H₂PO₄^- could realize the reversible detection of Fe³⁺ in the DMSO/H₂O (water fraction 80%) solution. Meanwhile, DNS-based test papers and thin films were prepared, which could serve as test kits for convenient detection Fe³⁺, Al³⁺, and L-Arg in water. In addition, they could also act as efficient erasable fluorescent display materials.

A novel boronic acid-based fluorescent sensor for selectively recognizing Fe3+ ion in real time

Boronic acid provides faster fluorescence response to Fe3+ compared to other reported sensors, which is critical for continuous dynamic detection. Herein, we reported a novel boronic acid-based sensor 4 that could recognize Fe3+ ion in real time. After 10 equiv. of Fe3+ ion (1 mM) was added, the fluorescence of sensor 4 was immediately quenched by 96%. While other ions, including Ba2+, Ca2+, Cr2+, Cd2+, Co2+, Cs2+, Cu2+, Fe2+, K+, Li+, Mg2+, Mn2+, Na+, Ni2+ or Zn2+, respectively, did not change the fluorescence significantly. Further tests indicated that the high selectively sensing Fe3+ ion benefits from the two boronic acid functionalities in the structure. Moreover, interference experiments showed this sensor has an excellent anti-interference ability. In addition, we performed binding activity test in rabbit plasma and other real samples for practical applications, obtaining similar results. And the thin layer loading sensor 4 was also successfully applied to recognize Fe3+ ion among various ions. Therefore, 4 may serve as a potential sensor for continuous monitoring and detecting Fe3+ ion in real time.

DNA-templated copper nanoclusters as a fluorescent probe for fluoride by using aluminum ions as a bridge

A selective fluorescent on-off-on probe has have designed for the detection of fluoride (F^-) ions based on DNA-templated copper nanocluster (CuNCs) and by using aluminum(III) ions as a bridge. A 40-mer polythymine acts as a template for the reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(0) by ascorbic acid. This result is the formation of red fluorescent CuNCs, with excitation/emission peaks at 340/640 nm. After addition of Al³⁺ ions, the fluorescence of CuNCs is quenched because the interaction of Al³⁺ and DNA disturbs the formation of DNA-templated CuNCs. Fluorescence is restored on addition of fluoride to the system. This is due to the desorption of Al³⁺ from the DNA and the formation of the Al(OH)₃F^- complex. This system displays a fast fluorometric response to fluoride, with high selectivity over other anions. Fluorescence increases linearly in the 2 to 150 μM F^- concentration range, and the detection limit is 1.0 μM. This probe has been successfully used for the detection of F^- ions in four brands of toothpaste. The method is rapid, cost-effective, selective, and does not require toxic solvents and reagents. Graphical abstract Schematic presentation of a method for fluorometric determination of fluoride by using DNA-templated copper nanoclusters (CuNCs) and using aluminum(III) as a bridge. The red fluorescence of the CuNCs is quenched in the presence of Al(III) ions but restored after addition of fluoride.

A fast, highly selective and sensitive colorimetric and fluorescent sensor for Cu2+ and its application in real water and food samples

A new oligothiophene functionalized Schiff base sensor 3TDC has been successfully designed and synthesized. Sensor 3TDC exhibited "naked-eye" colorimetric and selective "on-off" fluorescence response toward Cu²⁺ with high selectivity and sensitivity within a wide pH range. The binding ratio of the sensor 3TDC and Cu²⁺ was determined to be 1:1 through fluorescence titration, Job's plot, ¹H NMR titration, FTIR and DFT studies. The detection limit is calculated to be as low as 2.81 × 10^-8 M, which is much lower than the allowable level of Cu²⁺ in drinking water set by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (~20 μM) and the World Health Organization (~30 μM). The binding constant (K_a) of Cu²⁺ to sensor 3TDC was found to be 2.52 × 10⁴ M^-1. Sensor 3TDC for Cu²⁺ detection exhibited fast fluorescence response within 30 s and high anti-interference performance. Moreover, sensor 3TDC could be used as an effective fluorescent sensor for detecting Cu²⁺ ions in various real water and food samples with good accuracy and high precision.

Novel thiophene-based colorimetric and fluorescent turn-on sensor for highly sensitive and selective simultaneous detection of Al3+ and Zn2+ in water and food samples and its application in bioimaging

A novel bifunctional thiophene-based Schiff base TS as a colorimetric and fluorescent turn-on sensor for rapid and simultaneous detection of Al³⁺ and Zn²⁺ ions with high selectivity and sensitivity has been developed. The sensor shows remarkable fluorescence enhancement response for Al³⁺ and Zn²⁺ over a broad pH range with good anti-interference capability, which accompanied with an obvious color change easily detected by naked eyes. Sensor TS can detect as low as 3.7 × 10^-9 M for Al³⁺ and 3.0 × 10^-8 M for Zn²⁺, whereas respective association constants are 1.16 × 10⁴ M^-1 and 2.08 × 10⁴ M^-1. With the help of fluorescence titration and Job's plot, the stoichiometric ratio of TS with Al³⁺/Zn²⁺ was determined to be 1:1. The sensing mechanism of sensor TS with Al³⁺/Zn²⁺ based on the chelation-enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) was analyzed in detail through ¹H NMR titration, FTIR, HRMS and DFT studies. Moreover, sensor TS has been applied to the detection of Al³⁺ and Zn²⁺ in real environmental water and food samples as well as the filter paper-based test strips. Furthermore, sensor TS has good cell-permeability and can be used to selectively sense intracellular Al³⁺ and Zn²⁺ by bioimaging.