A novel and resumable Schiff-base fluorescent chemosensor for Zn(II)

A pyrene-induced PET-based chemosensor for biologically important Zn(II) ions: application in test strips and live cell imaging studies

Cation and anion sensing is vital owing to their universal dispersion in ecosystems and biological functions. It has been shown that fluorescent receptors based on organic platforms are efficient for detecting a number of ions and have many advantages such as low cost, superior sensitivity and simplicity in installation. This study demonstrates the design and synthesis of a novel receptor (E)-3-[(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxybenzylidene)amino]-2-(pyren-1-yl)-2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-one (DTQ) for the rapid recognition of Zn(II) ions. DTQ exhibited a significant fluorometric "turn-on" characteristic towards Zn(II) at λmax 444 nm in aqueous acetonitrile by inhibiting the photo-induced electron transfer (PET) and -CN- process. The ESI-MS analysis and Job's plot experimental results confirmed stoichiometric 1 : 1 complex formation between DTQ and Zn(II). Fluorometric investigations revealed the detection limit and association constant of DTQ towards Zn(II), which were found to be 13.4 nM and 1.47 × 105 M-1, respectively. DTQ was employed to sense Zn(II) on low-cost test strips. The present research findings imply that DTQ can function as an effective sensor for Zn(II).

A novel chromone Schiff base as Zn2+ turn-on fluorescent chemosensor in a mixed solution

In this study, a novel fluorescent chemosensor 1 based on chromone-3-carboxaldehyde Schiff base was synthesized and featured through nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectra. Spectroscopic investigation indicated that the fluorescent sensor showed high selectivity toward Zn2+ over other metal ions and that the detection limit of 1 could reach 10-7  M. These indicated that 1 acted as a highly selective and sensitive fluorescence chemosensor for Zn2+ .

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.

Medicinal importance and chemosensing applications of Schiff base derivatives for the detection of metal ions: A review

Schiff bases, named after Hugo Schiff, are formed when primary amine reacts with carbonyl compounds (aldehyde or ketone) under specific conditions. Schiff bases are economical, simple synthetic routes, and easily accessible in laboratories. They have medicinal and biological applications such as antiviral, antioxidant, antifungal, anticancer, anthelmintic, antibacterial, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, antiglycation, anti-ulcerogenic, and analgesic potentials. A number of Schiff bases are reported for the detection of various metal ions. They are also used as catalysts, polymer stabilizers, intermediates in organic synthesis, and corrosion inhibitors. In this review, we have highlighted the recent advancements in the development of bioactive Schiff base derivatives and their sensing applications for detecting metal cations. Additionally, various spectroscopic techniques for structural characterization, such as X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), FT-IR, UV-vis, and NMR spectroscopy were also discussed.

Design of a Highly Selective Benzimidazole-Based Derivative for Optical and Solid-State Detection of Zinc Ion

A novel series of benzimidazole-based molecules mimicking biological receptors, which exhibit selective coordination with zinc ions, were designed and synthesized. The photochromic behavior of these derivatives with various metal ions suggests a selective interaction of one of the receptors 2-(pyridin-2-yl)-4,7-di(thiophen-2-yl)-3H-benzo[d]imidazole (2c) with zinc ion. The lower limit of detection by photoluminescence quenching was determined to be 16 nM. The mechanism of selective complexation was elucidated by ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance titrations and dynamic light scattering analysis. The stoichiometry of the formation of the Zn(2c)₂ complex was evaluated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and mass spectral techniques and calculated to be 2:1 (L:M). A change in the electronic energy levels on the sensor analyte interaction was observed by both ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy analysis and by density functional theory calculations, suggesting an electroactive semiconductor behavior. A symmetric Schottky structured sensor device was fabricated using the receptor 2c as the active sensing layer. A distinct change in current-voltage characteristics between the receptor and the complex suggests that the fabricated device could be used as a solid-state sensor for detecting zinc ion.

A Review on Organic Colorimetric and Fluorescent Chemosensors for the Detection of Zn(II) Ions

Organic compounds display several electronic and structural features which enable their application in various fields, ranging from biological to non-biological. These compounds contain heteroatoms like sulfur, nitrogen and, oxygen, which provide coordination sites to act as ligands in the field of coordination chemistry and are used as chemosensors to detect various metal ions. This review article covers different organic compounds including Schiff bases, thiourea, pyridine, rhodamine, triazole, pyrene, coumarin, imidazole, diaminomaleonitrile, naphthoxazole, pyrimidine, thiophene, thioether, and other functional groups based chemosensors that contain heteroatoms like sulfur, nitrogen and, oxygen for fluorimetric and colorimetric detection of Zn(II) ions in different environmental, agricultural, and biological samples. Further, the sensing performances of these chemosensors have been compared and discussed which could help the readers for the future design of organic fluorescent and colorimetric chemosensors for the detection of Zn(II) ions. We hope this study will support the new thoughts to design a simple, efficient, selective, and sensitive chemosensor for the detection of Zn(II) ions in different samples (environmental, agricultural, and biological).

A new diformyl phenol based chemosensor selectively detects Zn2+ and Co2+ in the nanomolar range in 100% aqueous medium and HCT live cells

A new diformyl phenol based chemosensor that can sense Zn2+ and Co2+ in the nanomolar range in 100% aqueous solution and in HCT cells was explored.

Non-salen coumarin Schiff base chiral fluorescent probe turn on circularly polarized luminescence by Mg2+ and Zn2+

L1 can be used as highly sensitive dual detection ion probe for Mg2+ and Zn2+. Mg2+ and Zn2+ can turn on the CPL emission of L1. L1 showed reversible fluorescence “on/off” response with Zn2+ and EDTA.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of 3-styrylchromone derivatives as selective monoamine oxidase B inhibitors

A series of 3-styrylchromone derivatives was synthesized and evaluated for monoamine oxidase (MAO) A and B inhibitory activities. Most of all derivatives inhibited MAO-B selectively, except compound 21. Compound 19, which had a methoxy group at R² on the chromone ring and chlorine at R⁴ on phenyl ring, potently inhibited MAO-B, with an IC₅₀ value of 2.2 nM. Compound 1 showed the highest MAO-B selectivity, with a selectivity index of >3700. Further analysis of these compounds indicated that compounds 1 and 19 were reversible and mixed-type MAO-B inhibitors, suggesting that their mode of action may be through tight-binding inhibition to MAO-B. Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analyses of the 3-styrylchromone derivatives were conducted using their pIC₅₀ values, through Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) and Dragon. There were 1796 descriptors of MAO-B inhibitory activity, which showed significant correlations (P < 0.05). Further investigation of the 3-styrylchromone structures as useful scaffolds was performed through three-dimensional-QSAR studies using AutoGPA, which is based on the molecular field analysis algorithm using MOE. The MAO-B inhibitory activity model constructed using pIC₅₀ value index exhibited a determination coefficients (R²) of 0.972 and a Leave-One-Out cross-validated determination coefficients (Q²) of 0.914. These data suggest that the 3-styrylchromone derivatives assessed herein may be suitable for the design and development of novel MAO inhibitors.

A Fluorescent Chemosensor Based on Schiff Base for the Determination of Zn2+, Cd2+and Hg2

Metal complexes were obtained by the reaction of zinc, cadmium and mercury(II) salts with Schiff base HL (N(salicylidene)benzylamine). HL was synthesized by the condensation reaction of benzylamine and 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde. The fluorescence properties of the Schiff base and its metal complexes were studied in ethanol-water solutions. HL was examined for its utility as a fuorescent chemosensor for the determination of Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Hg²⁺ in aqueous samples. The HL chemosensor was found to be sensitive to Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Hg²⁺ than some metal ions and its complexes emitted strong fluorescence at 452 nm for Zn²⁺ at 474 nm for Cd²⁺ and at 491 nm for Hg²⁺, respectively. It was determined that HL forms complexes with a ratio of 2:1 for Zn²⁺ and Hg²⁺ and with a ratio of 1:1 for Cd²⁺ by Job plots. For the detection of Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Hg²⁺ in aqueous samples, pH, solvent type and ligand concentration were optimized for an analytical method based on HL chemosensor. HL gave a wide range of linearity with Zn²⁺, Hg²⁺ and Cd²⁺, the limit of detection was found to be 2.7 × 10^-7 M, 7.5 × 10^-7 M and 6.0 × 10^-7 M, respectively.

A pH tuning single fluorescent probe based on naphthalene for dual-analytes (Mg2+ and Al3+) and its application in cell imaging

In this study, a naphthalene Schiff-base P which serves as a dual-analyte probe for the quantitative detection of Al3+ and Mg2+ has been designed. The proposed probe showed an ''off-on'' fluorescent response toward Al3+ in ethanol-water solution (1 : 9, v/v, pH 6.3, 20 mM HEPES) over other metal ions and anions, while the detection by the probe could be switched to Mg2+ by regulating the pH from 6.3 to 9.4. The sensing mechanisms of P to Al3+/Mg2+ are attributed to inhibition of the photo-induced electron transfer (PET) process by the formation of 1 : 1 ligand-metal complexes. More importantly, the probe was applied successfully in living cells for the fluorescent cell-imaging of Al3+ and Mg2+.

Solid-State Emissive Metallo-Supramolecular Assemblies of Quinoline-Based Acyl Hydrazone

Development of fluorescence-based sensory materials for metal elements is currently in the mainstream of research due to the simplicity and usability of fluorescence as a method of detection. Herein, we report a novel "bis"-quinoline-based acyl hydrazone-named bQH that could be synthesized by a facile, low-cost method through simple condensation of hydrazide with an aldehyde. This acyl hydrazone showed emissive properties through Zn selective binding, especially in its solid-state, as shown by experiments such as UV-Vis, photoluminescence (PL), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and inductively-coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopies (ICP-OES), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) mapping. The binding modes in which bQH coordinates to Zn2+ was proved to consist of two modes, 1:1 and 1:2 (bQH:Zn2+), where the binding mode was controlled by the Zn2+ ion content. Under the 1:1 binding mode, bQH-Zn2+ complexes formed a polymeric array through the metallo-supramolecular assembly. The resulting bQH-Zn2+ complex maintained its fluorescence in solid-state and exhibited excellent fluorescence intensity as compared to the previously reported quinoline-based acyl hydrazone derivative (mQH).

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.

Low Molecular Weight Fluorescent Probes (LMFPs) to Detect the Group 12 Metal Triad

Fluorescence sensing, of d-block elements such as Cu2+, Fe3+, Fe2+, Cd2+, Hg2+, and Zn2+ has significantly increased since the beginning of the 21st century. These particular metal ions play essential roles in biological, industrial, and environmental applications, therefore, there has been a drive to measure, detect, and remediate these metal ions. We have chosen to highlight the low molecular weight fluorescent probes (LMFPs) that undergo an optical response upon coordination with the group 12 triad (Zn2+, Cd2+, and Hg2+), as these metals have similar chemical characteristics but behave differently in the environment.

A novel coumarin-based fluorescence chemosensor for Al3+ and its application in cell imaging

As an efficient turn-on fluorescent chemosensor for Al³⁺, a new coumarin derivative (CND) has been designed and synthesized by the condensation of 8-formyl-7-hydroxycoumarin with niacin hydrazide. The spectroscopic studies revealed that the sensor CND exhibited a remarkable fluorescence enhancement towards Al³⁺ with high selectivity and sensitivity in EtOH-HEPES (95:5, v/v, pH = 7.40), which was attributed to the photoinduced electron transfer (PET) and CN isomerization mechanism. Fluorescence titration calculations data showed that the detection limit and the association constants of CND for Al³⁺ were found to be 2.51 × 10^-7 M and 9.64 × 10⁴ M^-1, respectively. The results of experiments, including Job's plot, ¹H NMR titration and ESI-MS, revealed that the stoichiometric binding between CND and Al³⁺ was 1:1. The investigations of the pH dependency of CND for Al³⁺ detection, and the cell imaging suggested the sensor CND could be promisingly applied for the recognition of Al³⁺ in biological cells.

An investigation of some Schiff base derivatives as chemosensors for Zn(II): The performance characteristics and potential applications

The fluorescence properties of four simple Schiff bases (LH₂, LDMH₂, LH₂^H and LDM^HH₂) and their potential application as chemosensors for the detection of zinc ion in aqueous solution have been investigated. While LH₂ and LDMH₂ have displayed specific recognition to Zn(II), the reduced derivatives (LH₂^H and LDM^HH₂) of these ligands have shown no fluorescence response due to the lack of CN group. The Job plots, fluorescence titration experiments and ESI-MS results indicate the formation of 1:1 complexes between sensors and Zn(II). The analytic methods based on LH₂ and LDMH₂ as chemosensors have been proposed and optimized to detect Zn(II) ions in aqueous solution. The optimized methods have shown a good range of linearity, high precision, good accuracy and low detection limit. As an alternative to these methods, LH₂ and LDMH₂ have the capability to detect Zn(II) ions by naked eye under UV lamp. Moreover, LH₂-Zn and LDMH₂-Zn complexes have the ability to be a staining agent for identifying the radiation treatment of food by DNA comet assay.

Exploration of solvent responsive Cr3+-Schiff base conjugates formonitoring Cr3+ ions and organophosphates: Fabrication of spot-testingdevices

Herein, we report 2-((2-hydroxybenzylidene)hydrazono)(phenyl)methyl)-5-methoxyphenol (SB) synthesized by Schiff base condensation and characterized by spectroscopic techniques, elemental analysis and X-ray crystallography. In solution phase, it interacts with Cr³⁺ ions and exhibits a prominent fluorimetric switch due to the formation of SB·Cr³⁺ conjugate. The dual behavior of SB·Cr³⁺ conjugates i.e. self-aggregation in high water fraction (f_w > 50%) and dissolution in low water fraction (f_w < 50%) proves this conjugation excellent tool for monitoring Cr³⁺ ions. The SB·Cr³⁺ conjugate in methanol-water (70:30 v/v) allows quantification of Cr³⁺ ions with limit of detection 0.44 μM and its self-aggregation in high water fraction facilitates extraction of Cr³⁺ ions with 95% extraction efficiency. Although SB interacts with Zn²⁺ ions which causes inference in the determination of Cr³⁺ ions however the interferent can be easily masked with SCN^- ions. Besides, the SB·Cr³⁺ conjugates are also able to quantify organophosphate neurotoxins; i.e. diethyl chlorophosphate (with LOD 4.1 nM) and diethyl cyanophosphonate (with LOD 3.3 nM) from aqueous solutions. Moreover, SB and SB·Cr³⁺ conjugates can be coated on solid surfaces to fabricate portable devices for the on-spot detection of targets from real samples. Hence, the conjugation of Schiff base and Cr³⁺ ions can be explored for the recognition, quantification and extraction of Cr³⁺ ions and detection of organophosphates.