Differential Sensing of Zn(II) and Cu(II) via Two Independent Mechanisms

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).

Construction of an optical sensor for copper determination in environmental, food, and biological samples based on the covalently immobilized 2-(2-benzothiazolylazo)-3-hydroxyphenol in agarose

An optical chemical sensor has been developed for the quantitative spectrophotometric analysis of copper. The optode is dependent on covalent immobilization of 2-(2-benzothiazolylazo)-3-hydroxyphenol (BTAHP) in a transparent agarose membrane. The absorbance variation of immobilized BTAHP on agarose as a film upon the addition of 5 × 10-3 M aqueous solutions of Mn2+, Zn2+, Hg2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Fe2+, La3+, Fe3+, Cr3+, Zr4+, Se4+, Th4+, and UO22+ revealed substantially higher changes in the Cu2+ ion content compared to other ions investigated here. The effects of various experimental parameters, such as the solution pH, the reaction time, and the concentration of reagents, on the quality of Cu2+ sensing were examined. Under ideal experimental circumstances, a linear response was achieved for Cu2+ concentrations ranging from 1.0 × 10-9 to 7.5 × 10-6 M with an R2 value of 0.9988. The detection (3σ) and quantification (10σ) limits of the procedure for Cu2+ analyses were 3.0 × 10-10 and 9.8 × 10-10 M, respectively. No observable interference was recorded in the detection of Cu2+ due to other inorganic cations. With no indication of BTAHP leaching, the membrane demonstrated good durability and quick response times. The optode was effectively used to determine the presence of Cu2+ in environmental water, food, and biological samples.

A Non-Hydrolysis Reaction-Based Imine for Fluorescence Response toward Al3+ Ions with Extremely High Selectivity

Designing an imine-based fluorescent probe capable of greatly suppressing the tendency of intrinsic hydrolysis reaction is an attractive topic in the field of chemo-/biosensing. In this work, hydrophobic 1,1'-binaphthyl-2,2'-diamine containing two amine groups was introduced to synthesize probe R-1 bearing two imine bonds linked by two salicylaldehyde (SAs). The hydrophobicity of binaphthyl moiety and the unique clamp-like structure formed from double imine bonds and from ortho-OH on SA part make probe R-1 is able to function as an ideal receptor to coordinate with Al³⁺ ions, leading to the fluorescence originated from the complex rather than from the assumed hydrolyzed fluorescent amine is turned on. Further study revealed that, when Al³⁺ ions were introduced, both the hydrophobic binaphthyl moiety and the clamp-like double imine structure in the designed imine-based probe showed important contributions to suppress the intrinsic hydrolysis reaction, resulting in generating a stable coordination complex with an extremely high selectivity in fluorescence response.

Aza-phenol Based Macrocyclic Probes Design for "CHEF-on" Multi Analytes Sensor: Crystal Structure Elucidation and Application in Biological Cell Imaging

Metal bound macrocyclic compounds found in biological systems inspired us to design and synthesize two Robson-type macrocyclic Schiff-base chemosensors, H ₂ L1 (H ₂ L1=1,11-dimethyl-6,16-dithia-3,9,13,19-tetraaza-1,11(1,3)-dibenzenacycloicosaphane-2,9,12,19-tetraene-1,11-diol) and H ₂ L2 (H ₂ L2=1,11-dimethyl-6,16-dioxa-3,9,13,19-tetraaza-1,11(1,3)-dibenzenacycloicosaphane-2,9,12,19-tetraene-1,11-diol). Both the chemosensors have been characterized with different spectroscopic techniques. They act as multianalyte sensor and exhibit "turn-on" fluorescence toward different metal ions in 1X PBS (Phosphate Buffered Saline) solution. In presence of Zn²⁺, Al³⁺, Cr³⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions, H ₂ L1 exhibits ∼6-fold enhancement of emission intensity, while H ₂ L2 shows ∼6-fold enhancement of emission intensity in the presence of Zn²⁺, Al³⁺ and Cr³⁺ ions. The interaction between the different metal ion and chemosensor have been examined by absorption, emission, and ¹H NMR spectroscopy as well as by ESI-MS⁺ analysis. We have successfully isolated and solved the crystal structure of the complex [Zn(H ₂ L1)(NO₃)]NO₃ (1) by X-ray crystallography. The crystal structure of 1 shows 1:1 metal:ligand stoichiometry and helps to understand the observed PET-Off-CHEF-On sensing mechanism. LOD values of H ₂ L1 and H ₂ L2 toward metal ions are found to be ∼10^-8 and ∼10^-7 M, respectively. Large Stokes shifts of the probes against analytes (∼100 nm) make them a suitable candidate for biological cell imaging studies. Robson type phenol based macrocyclic fluorescence sensors are very scarce in the literature. Therefore, the tuning of structural parameters as the number and nature of donor atoms, their relative locations and presence of rigid aromatic groups can lead to the design of new chemosensors, which can accommodate different charged/neutral guest(s) inside its cavity. The study of the spectroscopic properties of this type of macrocyclic ligands and their complexes might open a new avenue of chemosensors.

Dual-Mode Multiple Ion Sensing via Analyte-Specific Modulation of Keto-Enol Tautomerization of an ESIPT Active Pyrene Derivative: Experimental Findings and Computational Rationalization

A pyrene-based e xcited - state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) active probe PMHMP was synthesized, characterized, and employed for the ppb-level, dual-mode, and high-fidelity detection of Cu²⁺ (LOD: 7.8 ppb) and Zn²⁺ ions (LOD: 4.2 ppb) in acetonitrile medium. The colorless solution of PMHMP turned yellow upon the addition of Cu²⁺, suggesting its ratiometric, naked-eye sensing. On the contrary, Zn²⁺ ions displayed concentration-dependent fluorescence rise till a 0.5 mole fraction and subsequent quenching. Mechanistic investigations indicated the formation of a 1:2 exciplex (Zn²⁺:PMHMP) at a lower concentration of Zn²⁺, which eventually turned into a more stable 1:1 (Zn²⁺:PMHMP) complex with an additional amount of Zn²⁺ ions. However, in both cases, it was observed that the hydroxyl group and the nitrogen atom of the azomethine unit were involved in the metal ion coordination, which eventually altered the ESIPT emission. Furthermore, a green-fluorescent 2:1 PMHMP-Zn²⁺ complex was developed and additionally employed for the fluorimetric analysis of both Cu²⁺ and H₂PO₄ ^- ions. The Cu²⁺ ion, owing to its higher binding affinity for PMHMP, could replace the Zn²⁺ ion from the preformed complex. On the other hand, H₂PO₄ ^- formed a tertiary adduct with the Zn²⁺-complex, leading to a distinguishable optical signal. Furthermore, extensive and organized density functional theory calculations were performed to explore the ESIPT behavior of PMHMP and the geometrical and electronic properties of the metal complexes.

Simple and sensitive colorimetric sensors for the selective detection of Cu(ii)

A simple, sensitive colorimetric probe for detecting Cu(ii) ions with fast response has been established with a detection limit of 2.82 μM. UV-Vis spectroscopy along with metal ion response, selectivity, stoichiometry, competition was investigated. In the presence of copper(ii), the UV-Vis spectrum data showed significant changes and the colorimetric detection showed a color change from colorless to yellow. After the selective binding of receptor L with Cu(ii), the UV-visible absorption at 355 nm decreased dramatically, a new absorbance band appeared at 398 nm and its intensity enhanced with the increase in the amount of Cu(ii). Moreover, it exhibited highly selective and sensitive recognition towards Cu(ii) ions in the presence of other cations over the pH range of 7-11. The complex structure was verified by FT-IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and quantum mechanical calculations using B3LYP/6-31G(d) to illustrate the complex formation between L and Cu(ii). According to the Job plot and the quantum mechanical calculations, the stoichiometric ratio for the complex formation was proposed to be 1 : 1.

Highly Selective Fluorimetric Turn-Off Detection of Copper(II) by Two Different Mechanisms in Calix[4]arene-Based Chemosensors and Chemodosimeters

Isoxazolo-pyrene tethered calix[4]arenes selectively detect copper(II) ions without interference from related perchlorate ions. The fluorescence emission of the probes, synthesised by nitrile oxide alkyne cycloaddition, and characterised by spectroscopic and crystallographic data, is rapidly reduced by Cu(II) ions. Detection limits are in the micromolar or sub-micromolar range (0.3-3.6 μM) based on a 1 : 1 sensor:analyte interaction. Voltammetric behaviour and ¹ H NMR data provide new insights into the sensing mechanism which is dependent on the calixarene substitution pattern. When the calixarene lower rim is fully substituted, Cu(II) detection occurs through a traditional chelation mechanism. In contrast, for calixarenes 1,3-disubstituted on the lower rim, detection takes place through a chemodosimetric redox reaction. The isolation of a calix[4]diquinone from the reaction with excess Cu(ClO₄ )₂ provides confirmation that the sensor-analyte interaction culminates in irreversible sensor oxidation.

A new bivalent fluorescent fusion protein for differential Cu(II) and Zn(II) ion detection in aqueous solution

Simple and easy to engineer metal-sensing molecules that are capable of differentiating metal ions and producing metal-specific signals are highly desirable. Metal ions affect the thermal stability of proteins by increasing or decreasing their resistance to unfolding. This work illustrates a new strategy for designing bivalent fluorescent fusion proteins capable of differentiating metal ions in solution through their distinct effects on a protein's thermal stability. A new dual purpose metal sensor was developed consisting of biotin protein ligase (BirA) from B. pseudomallei (Bp) fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP). When coupled with differential scanning fluorimetry of GFP-tagged proteins (DSF-GTP) for signal-transduction detection, Bp BirA-GFP yields distinct protein unfolding signatures with Zn(II) and Cu(II) ions in aqueous solutions. The limit of detection of the system is ∼1 μM for both metal species. The system can be used in a variety of high-throughput assay formats including for the screening of metal-binding proteins and chelators. Bp BirA-GFP has also the additional benefit of being useful in Cu(II) ion field-testing applications through simple visual observation of a temperature-dependent loss of fluorescence. Bp BirA-GFP is the first example of a 2protein-based dual purpose Cu(II) and Zn(II) ion sensor compatible with two different yet complementary signal-transduction detection systems.

A novel fluorescent-colorimetric probe for Al3+ and Zn2+ ion detection with different response and applications in F- detection and cell imaging

A novel Schiff base fluorescence probe (HL) was synthesized by the condensation of salicylaldehyde and an 8-aminoquinoline derivative. This probe acts as a "turn-on" dual selectivity fluorescence probe for Zn²⁺ and Al³⁺ ions, providing different colors and detection limits (DL) of 11.5 and 23.5 nM, respectively. Moreover, when Zn²⁺ and Al³⁺ co-exist, HL exhibits a preference for Al³⁺ by displacing Zn²⁺ from the HL-Zn²⁺ complex, realizing a dual-channel signal output for Al³⁺. The HL-Al³⁺ system could further discern F^- by a "turn-off" fluorescence response with a DL of 86.0 nM. Furthermore, the probe HL was capable of monitoring intracellular Al³⁺, Zn²⁺ and F^- in living PC12 cells in vitro through fluorescence imaging, which proved its value in potential in vivo applications.

A unique benzimidazole-naphthalene hybrid molecule for independent detection of Zn2+ and N3- ions: Experimental and theoretical investigations

Single crystal X-ray structurally characterized benzimidazole-naphthalene hybrid (NABI) functions as a unique dual analyte sensor that can detect Zn²⁺ cation and N₃^- anion independently. The NABI forms chelate with Zn²⁺ to inhibit internal charge transfer (ICT) and CHN isomerisation resulting chelation enhanced fluorescence (CHEF). On the other hand, the sensing of N₃^- is based on formation of supramolecular H-bonded rigid assembly. The association constant of NABI for Zn²⁺ and N₃^- ions are 19 × 10⁴ M^-1 and 11 × 10² M^-1, respectively. Corresponding limit of detections (LOD) are 6.85 × 10^-8 and 1.82 × 10^-7 M, respectively. NABI efficiently detects intracellular Zn²⁺ and N₃^- ions with no cytotoxicity on J774A.1cells under fluorescence microscope. DFT studies unlock underlying spectroscopic properties of free NABI and Zn²⁺/N₃^- bound forms.

A highly sensitive luminescent probe based on Ru(II)-bipyridine complex for Cu2+, l-Histidine detection and cellular imaging

A ruthenium(II) bipyridyl complex conjugated with functionalized Schiff base (RuA) has been synthesized and functioned as a luminescent probe. The luminescence of RuA was greatly quenched by Cu²⁺ due to its molecular coordination with paramagnetic Cu²⁺. Subsequently, the addition of l-Histidine can turn on the luminescence of the RuA-Cu(II) ensemble, which can be attributed to the replacement of RuA in RuA-Cu(II) ensemble by l-Histidine. On the basis of the quenching and recovery of the luminescence of RuA, we proposed a rapid and highly sensitive on-off-on luminescent assay for sensing Cu²⁺ and l-Histidine in aqueous solution. Under the optimal conditions, Cu²⁺ and l-Histidine can be detected in the concentration range of 5 nM-9.0 μM and 50 nM-30 μM, respectively, and the corresponding detection limits were calculated to be 0.35 and 0.44 nM (S/N=3), separately. The proposed luminescent probe has been successfully utilized for the analysis of Cu²⁺ and l-Histidine in real samples (drinking water and biological fluids). Furthermore, the probe revealed good photostability, low cytotoxicity and excellent permeability, making it a suitable candidate for cell imaging and labeling in vitro.

Achieving selectivity for copper over zinc with luminescent terbium probes bearing phenanthridine antennas

A family of terbium probes was synthesized and evaluated for the luminescence detection of copper and zinc in water at neutral pH. Each probe incorporates a terbium ion chelated by a macrocyclic polyaminocarboxylate and conjugated to either one, two, or three phenanthridine antennas via a diamine linker. All three probes, Tb-1Phen, Tb-2Phen, and Tb-3Phen, exhibit similar responses toward copper and zinc. In each case, the terbium-centered time-gated phosphorescence decreases upon binding either Cu^I or Cu^II but not upon addition of Zn^II. The phosphorescence of Tb-2Phen is also not significantly affected by other metal ions including Mg^II, Ca^II, Mn^II, Fe^II, Ni^II, Cd^II, and Hg^II. Tb-1Phen, on the other hand, responds weakly to Mn^II, Fe^II and Ni^II. The lack of affinity of each probe for Zn^II was further confirmed by competition experiments with Cu^I and Cu^II. Notably, whereas the terbium-centered emission of each probe is quenched upon copper coordination, the phenanthridine-centered luminescence emission is not. As such, each probe functions as a ratiometric probe for the selective detection of copper over zinc. Theoretical calculations further demonstrate that the turn off response of the probe is due to an increase in the distance separating the lanthanide ion from its phenanthridine antennas upon coordination of copper, which in turn decreases the efficiency of terbium sensitization by the phenanthridines.

Quinoline containing acetyl hydrazone: An easily accessible switch-on optical chemosensor for Zn2

A simple chemosensor, namely, N-((quinolin-8-yl)methylene)acetohydrazide (1) was synthesized and used as an off-on fluorescence sensor, which exhibits high selectivity toward Zn²⁺ in aqueous media. The probe has large Stokes shift of >200nm, and its detection limit for Zn²⁺ is 89.3nM. The binding process was confirmed through UV-vis absorption analysis, fluorescence measurements, mass spectroscopy study, ¹H NMR spectra and density functional theory calculation. The crystal structures of Zn²⁺, Ni²⁺, and Cu²⁺ complexes based on 1 were determined through X-ray crystallographic analysis. The fluorescent probe was then applied to monitor intracellular Zn²⁺ in HeLa cells.

A hexa-quinoline basedC3-symmetric chemosensor for dual sensing of zinc(ii) and PPi in an aqueous mediumviachelation induced “OFF–ON–OFF” emission

“OFF–ON–OFF” luminescence switching behavior of a hexa-quinoline based sensor towards Zn²⁺and PPi in an aqueous buffer medium is demonstrated.

Four-coordinated see-sawN-(aryl)-2-(propan-2-ylidene)hydrazinecarbothioamide complexes of nickel(ii), copper(ii) and zinc(ii) and their propensity for catalytic cyclisation

Four-coordinated metal complexes of two hydrazinecarbothioamide-derived ligands with divalent nickel, copper and zinc are described and the selective reactivity difference of copper(ii) to cyclise the ligand or to form a complex is described.

A highly selective fluorescence turn-on chemosensor for Zn2+, and its application in live cell imaging, and as a colorimetric sensor for Co2+: experimental and TD-DFT calculations

A highly sensitive quinoline based “dual” chemosensor used for fluorometric detection of Zn²⁺, live-cell imaging, and colorimetric detection of Co²⁺.

Both visual and fluorescent sensors for Zn(2+) based on bis(pyrrol-2-yl-methyleneamine) platform

Two bis(pyrrol-2-yl-methyleneamine) chemo-sensors, 1, 3- and 1, 4-bis[3,4-dimethyl-5-ethyloxy -carbonyl-pyrrol-2-yl-methyleneamine]benzene (H2L(1) and H2L(2), respectively) have been synthesized and characterized, which exhibit high selectivity as off-on fluorescence sensors toward Zn(2+) in CH3CN/H2O (9:1, v/v) solution. The detection limits of both sensors are at the parts per million level. Moreover, the probes H2L(1) and H2L(2) could sense Zn(2+) by "naked eye" with a color change from colorless to yellow, and from yellow to dark yellow, respectively. To test the practical use of the probes, the determination of Zn(2+) in real water samples was also evaluated.

An aggregation-induced emission (AIE) active probe for multiple targets: a fluorescent sensor for Zn(2+) and Al(3+) & a colorimetric sensor for Cu(2+) and F(-)

A rationally designed probe L, which consists of both cation and anion binding sites, is capable of displaying interesting aggregation induced emission (AIE) properties. L not only can sense Al(3+) and Zn(2+) through selective turn-on fluorescence responses in 9 : 1 methanol-HEPES buffer (5 mM, pH 7.3; 9 : 1, v/v) medium due to metal ion triggered AIE activity, but also can distinguish them through individual emission signals. L can also detect Cu(2+) in mixed buffer medium and F(-) in acetonitrile through sharp colorimetric responses. All the sensing processes are conspicuous through the naked eye. A theoretical study strongly backed the proposed sensing mechanisms.

A π-extended luminogen with colorimetric and off/on fluorescent multi-channel detection for Cu2+ with extremely high selectivity and sensitivity via nonarylamine-based organic mixed valence

A luminogen (ITP-TPE) comprising isothianaphthene-bridged tetraphenylethene units was efficiently synthesized.

A multi-responsive turn-on flurogenic probe to sense Zn2+, Cd2+and Pb2+: left-right-center emission signal swing

A rationally designed multi-target probe can sense Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺and Pb²⁺through individual TURN-ON emission signals in physiological pH with signal swing.

A novel pyrazole based single molecular probe for multi-analyte (Zn2+ and Mg2+) detection in human gastric adenocarcinoma cells

A newly designed fluorescent sensor 5-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid (6-methoxy-naphthalen-2-ylmethylene)-hydrazide (PYN) shows excellent selectivity and sensitivity with a fluorescence enhancement towards Zn²⁺ and Mg²⁺ ions in aqueous acetonitrile solution.

A new quinoline-based fluorescent probe for Cd2+ and Hg2+ with an opposite response in a 100% aqueous environment and live cell imaging

A new quinoline-based dual fluorescent probe L was synthesized for the detection of Cd²⁺ (turn-on) and Hg²⁺ (turn-off) in a 100% aquatic system. Its in vivo sensitivities to Cd²⁺ and Hg²⁺ were demonstrated in the EC9706 cell line.

Improved selectivity for Pb(ii) by sulfur, selenium and tellurium analogues of 1,8-anthraquinone-18-crown-5: synthesis, spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography and computational studies

Selectivity for toxic Pb(ii) ion is improved by changing donor heteroatoms in the host.

A highly selective fluorescent sensor for Al3+ and the use of the resulting complex as a secondary sensor for PPi in aqueous media: its applicability in live cell imaging

An “off–on–off” reversible fluorescent sensor has been developed for sequential detection of Al³⁺ and PPi in aqueous media, and has further been applied to live cell imaging.

Optical sensor: a promising strategy for environmental and biomedical monitoring of ionic species

In this review, we cover the recent developments in fluorogenic and chromogenic sensors for Cu²⁺, Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺, Zn²⁺and Hg²⁺.