A fluorescent and colorimetric Schiff base chemosensor for the detection of Zn2+ and Cu2+: Application in live cell imaging and colorimetric test kit

A new bodipy/pillar[5]arene functionalized magnetic sporopollenin for the detection of Cu(II) and Hg(II) ions in aqueous solution

In this study, a new bodipy/pillar[5]arene functionalized magnetic MS-Sp-P[5]-bodipy microcapsule sensor was prepared based on the use of environmentally friendly for the selective and sensitive detection of Cu(II) and Hg(II) ions in aqueous media. SEM results used in the characterization process of the materials synthesized at each stage confirmed the structural and morphological changes in the pore structure, while other characterization results (FT-IR and XRD) elucidated the role of pillar[5]arene compound and bodipy dye in the synthesis of magnetic microcapsule sensors. The colloidal solution of MS-Sp-P[5]-bodipy (water/ethanol)) showed two fluorescence bands centered at 402 and 540 nm. The detection limits of MS-Sp-P[5]-bodipy for Hg(II) and Cu(II) were calculated to be 0.06 µM and 2.27 µM, respectively (at 540 nm). The linear range of the magnetic sensor for Hg(II) and Cu(II) was found to be in the range of 1-150 µM and 10-150 µM, respectively. The experimental results (response time, pH, temperature, sensitivity and selectivity) demonstrated the applicability and potential of the prepared magnetic microcapsule sensor for the detection of Cu(II) and Hg(II) in water and tap water samples containing heavy metal ions.

The new role of dipyrromethene chemosensor for absorbance-ratiometic and fluorescence "turn-on" sensing Zn2+ ions in water-organic solutions and real water samples

This study presents a dipyrromethene-based sensitive and selective probe for Zn2+ ions detection in aqueous and water-organic media. The probe demonstrates absorbance-ratiometric and "off-on" fluorescent sensing for Zn2+ in a DMSO/H2O (9:1, v/v) mixture. The 3,3',4,4',5,5'-hexamethyl-2,2'-dipyrromethene (HL), similar to its analogs, exhibits weak fluorescence (with a quantum yield of less than 0.001). However, upon the presence of Zn2+ ions in the sensor HL solution, there is a remarkable increase (up to 200-fold) in fluorescence intensity due to the formation of a stable intramolecular chelate complex [ZnL2]. This complex formation induces a significant hyperchromic effect and a red shift (57 nm) in the characteristic absorption bands. The sensing mechanism of the probe towards Zn2+ ions was thoroughly investigated through absorbance and fluorescent titrations, molar ratio plots, 1H NMR, and DFT/TDDFT studies. The fluorescence response exhibited a strong linear relationship with Zn2+ concentration within the range of 0 to 5.7 × 10-6 mol/L. The detection limit (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LoQ) for Zn2+ were determined as 2 × 10-8 mol/L and 6.6 × 10-8 mol/L, respectively. Moreover, the probe demonstrated high selectivity for Zn2+ ions over other metal ions (Na+, Mg2+, Al3+, Cr3+, Mn2+, Fe3+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Pd2+, Cd2+, Hg2+, Pb2+). Test systems in the form of test-strips and cotton-pads were developed based on the dipyrromethene sensor for rapid "naked-eye" detection of zinc ions in water. The sensor was successfully applied for detecting Zn2+ ions in real water samples.

A New Azo-Schiff Base Dual-mode Chemosensor: Colorimetric Detection of Cobalt Ions and Fluorometric Detection of Aluminum Ions in Aqueous Ethanol Solution

A new Azo-Schiff base ligand (H₂L) was designed and synthesized as a cation chemosensor. The chemosensor H₂L as dual chemosensor showed selective fluorescence recognition of Al³⁺ with a noticeable fluorescence enhancement and colorimetric detection of Co2 + in aqueous ethanol solution. The H₂L exhibits a linear response toward Al³⁺ ions in the concentration range of 1.91 × 10^-8 M to 4.8 × 10^-6 M with a limit of detection of 1.91 × 10^-8 M. The sensing mechanism of sensor H₂L toward Al³⁺ was investigated by 1H NMR and IR spectroscopies. Fluorescence switch based on the control of EDTA and Al³⁺ proved H₂L could act as a reversible chemosensor. The molecular structure of [NiL] complex has been determined by X-ray crystallography.

Schiff Bases: A Versatile Fluorescence Probe in Sensing Cations

Metal cations such as Zn²⁺, Al³⁺, Hg²⁺, Cd²⁺, Sn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺ and Cu²⁺ play important roles in biology, medicine, and the environment. However, when these are not maintained in proper concentration, they can be lethal to life. Therefore, selective sensing of metal cations is of great importance in understanding various metabolic processes, disease diagnosis, checking the purity of environmental samples, and detecting toxic analytes. Schiff base probes have been largely used in designing fluorescent sensors for sensing metal ions because of their easy processing, availability, fast response time, and low detection limit. Herein, an in-depth report on metal ions recognition by some Schiff base fluorescent sensors, their sensing mechanism, their practical applicability in cell imaging, building logic gates, and analysis of real-life samples has been presented. The metal ions having biological, industrial, and environmental significance are targeted. The compiled information is expected to prove beneficial in designing and synthesis of the related Schiff base fluorescent sensors.

Crystal structure of dimethanol-dichlorido-bis( μ 2-2-(((1,5-dimethyl-3-oxo-2- phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)imino)methyl)phenolato- κ4 O:O,O′,N)dinickel (II), C20H24ClNiN3O4

C20H24ClNiN3O4, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 10.3831(7) Å, b = 17.0139(12) Å, c = 12.2649(9) Å, β = 102.6230(10)°, V = 2114.3(3) Å3, Z = 4, R gt (F) = 0.0318, wR ref (F 2) = 0.1066, T = 298(2) K.

A novel peptide-based fluorescent probe for sensitive detection of zinc (II) and its applicability in live cell imaging

In this work, we report SPSS synthesis of a new peptide-based fluorescent probe (L) capable of detecting Zn²⁺ with little interference in 100% aqueous solutions at physiological pH. Furthermore, L showed excellent sensitivity, with a detection limit of 26.77 nM. The 2:1 binding ratio between L and Zn²⁺ was determined using fluorometric titration, Job's plot and ESI-MS analyses. The "off-on-off" type fluorescence change of L was demonstrated by alternately adding Zn²⁺ and EDTA based on a formation-separation process of the complex, indicating that L could serve as a reversible probe. Moreover, MTT studies demonstrated that L has low biotoxicity, and could be successfully used for detection of Zn²⁺ and EDTA in live cells.

Colorimetric and fluorescence sensing of Zn2+ ion and its bio-imaging applications based on macrocyclic "tet a" derivative

We report on the synthesis and characterization of trans N, N'-di-substituted macrocyclic "tet a" probe (L) for metal ion sensing. Both the colorimetric and fluorescent titration studies are performed with different metal ions. The results have suggested that the probe L is very selective and sensitive towards Zn²⁺ ions with significant changes in color. The pendant armed macrocyclic "tet a" probe has exhibited 1.28× 10⁵ M^-1 binding constant and virtuous selectivity for Zn²⁺ ion than other common metal ions. The detection limit of the probe towards Zn²⁺ ion is 0.027 nM. The selective sensing of Zn²⁺ ion is efficiently reversible with EDTA, which is demonstrated for five cycles without losing sensitivity. The time-resolved single-photon counting (TCSPC) studies have determined the average lifetime value for the probe L and L+ Zn²⁺ ion of 1.29 and 2.96 ns, respectively. The theoretical DFT studies have well supported the experimental outcomes. The practical application of the probe in visualizing intracellular Zn²⁺ ion distribution in live Artemia salina has proved the low cytotoxicity and cell membrane permeability of probe, which makes it capable of sensing Zn²⁺ ion in HeLa cells. Thus, the probe L can act as a selective recognition of Zn²⁺ ion in living cell applications.

A novel dual-function probe for recognition of Zn2+ and Al3+ and its application in real samples

A dual-function probe NAHH based on naphthalene was synthesized and characterized. Based on the combination effects derived from the inhabitation of photo-induced electron transfer (PET) and CN isomerization, probe NAHH achieved in the recognition of Zn2+ and Al3+ both through obvious fluorescence enhancement and color changes detected by naked eye, respectively. Probe NAHH showed high sensitivity with the limit of detection as low as 3.02 × 10-7 M for Zn2+ and 7.55 × 10-8 M for Al3+, indicated the capability of probe NAHH in trace detection for Zn2+ and Al3+. The binding ratio of NAHH with Zn2+ and Al3+ were all 1:1 determined by Job plot, and the corresponding association constant was calculated as 8.48 × 104 M-1 and 4.45 × 105 M-1, respectively. The mechanism was further confirmed by FT-IR, 1H NMR titration and ESI-MS analysis. Furthermore, probe NAHH was successfully applied in logic gate construction and the detection of Zn2+ and Al3+ in Songhua River and test stripe. Fluorescence imaging experiments confirmed that NAHH could be used to monitor Zn2+ in plant root.

A novel switch on and reversible optical sensor as an efficient, selective receptor for Zn(II) ion and its biological application

In the present study, a promising optical sensor (TR) was designed, synthesized, characterized and its chemosensing mechanism has been explored through ¹H NMR, ESI-MS, UV-Vis absorption and emission spectral studies. This compound exhibits a drastic change in its optical properties when treated with Zn²⁺, whereas other metal ions do not respond. This provides a naked eye detection for Zn²⁺ ion. In methanolic medium, Zn²⁺ ion induces strong fluorescence in TR with large Stokes shifts up to ∼132 nm. A 5-fold increase in fluorescence intensity of TR in presence Zn²⁺ ion is due to inhibition of ESIPT (Excited State Intramolecular Proton Transfer) and -C=N isomerization with large increase in the ICT (Intramolecular Charge Transfer) character of TR in the excited state. The Job's plot and BH plots reveal the formation of 1: 1 stoichiometry with an estimated binding constant of 3.9 × 10⁷ M^-1. The detection limit of TR was found to be 3.85 nM. The TR could be regenerated by adding EDTA solution to the complex formed during interaction. The pH studies indicate that TR could render pH dependent fluorescence measurements in a live physiological environment. Computational technique was used to optimize the structures and the theoretical results are correlated with the experimental results. The possible utilization of TR as bio-imaging fluorescent sensor with 98.57% cell viability to detect Zn²⁺ in HeLa cells was also explored by fluorescent cell imager.