Ratiometric Zn2+ Fluorescent Sensor and New Approach for Sensing Cd2+ by Ratiometric Displacement

Cd2+-Specific Fluorescence Response of Methoxy-Substituted N,N-Bis(2-quinolylmethyl)-2-methoxyaniline Derivatives

The N3O1 tetradentate ligand, TriMeOBQMOA (N,N-bis(5,6,7-trimethoxy-2-quinolylmethyl)-2-methoxyaniline), was developed as a Cd2+-specific fluorescent sensor. The structure of TriMeOBQMOA is half of TriMeOBAPTQ (N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(5,6,7-trimethoxy-2-quinolylmethyl)-1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane), which is a tetrakisquinoline derivative of the well-known calcium chelator BAPTA (1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid). The fluorescent Cd2+ selectivity of TriMeOBAPTQ (IZn/ICd = 5.3% in the presence of 3 equiv of metal ions in MeOH-HEPES buffer (9:1)) comes from the formation of fluorescent dinuclear cadmium (M2L) and nonfluorescent OH-bridged dizinc ((μ-OH)M2L) complexes. TriMeOBQMOA also exhibits excellent Cd2+ specificity in fluorescence enhancement (IZn/ICd = 2.3% in the presence of 5 equiv of metal ions in DMF-HEPES buffer (1:1, HEPES 50 mM, KCl 0.1 M, pH = 7.5)) via substantial formation of a highly fluorescent bis(μ-chloro)dinuclear cadmium complex ([Cd2(μ-Cl)2L2]2+), which is in equilibrium with the mononuclear Cd2+ complex ([CdLCl]+), and extremely poor stability of the TriMeOBQMOA-Zn2+ complex. The all-nitrogen derivatives of BQMOA and BAPTQ, namely, N,N-BQDMPHEN (N,N-bis(2-quinolylmethyl)-N',N'-dimethyl-1,2-phenylenediamine) and BPDTQ (N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-quinolylmethyl)-2,2'-(N,N'-dimethylethylenediamino)dianiline), respectively, and their methoxy-substituted derivatives were also prepared, and the fluorescent metal ion sensing properties are discussed.

Cd2+-Selective Fluorescence Enhancement of Bisquinoline Derivatives with 2-Aminoethanol Skeleton

The development of fluorescent Cd2+ sensors requires strict selectivity over Zn2+ because of the high availability of Zn2+ in the natural environment. In this paper, bisquinoline-based fluorescent sensors with a 2-aminoethanol backbone were investigated. The weak coordination ability of quinoline compared to well-studied pyridine is suitable for Cd2+ selectivity rather than Zn2+. In the presence of 3 equiv. of metal ions, TriMeO-N,O-BQMAE (N,O-bis(5,6,7-trimethoxy-2-quinolylmethyl)-2-methylaminoethanol (3)), as well as its N,N-isomer TriMeO-N,N-BQMAE (N,N-bis(5,6,7-trimethoxy-2-quinolylmethyl)-2-methoxyethylamine (6)), exhibits Cd2+-selective fluorescence enhancement over Zn2+ in DMF-HEPES buffer (1:1, 50 mM HEPES, 0.1 M KCl, pH = 7.5) (IZn/ICd = 26-34%), which has similar selectivity in comparison to the corresponding ethylenediamine derivative TriMeOBQDMEN (N,N'-bis(5,6,7-trimethoxy-2-quinolylmethyl)-N,N'-dimethylethylenediamine) under the same experimental condition (IZn/ICd = 24%). The fluorescence mechanisms of N,O- and N,N-isomers of BQMAE are quite different, judging from the fluorescence lifetimes of their metal complexes. The Cd2+ complex with TriMeO-N,O-BQMAE (3) exhibits a long fluorescence lifetime similar to that of TriMeOBQDMEN via intramolecular excimer emission, whereas the Cd2+ complex with TriMeO-N,N-BQMAE (6) exhibits a short lifetime from monomer emission.

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.

A novel phenanthridine and terpyridine based D-π-A fluorescent probe for the ratiometric detection of Cd2+ in environmental water samples and living cells

A "turn-on" Donor-π-Acceptor (D-π-A) containing phenanthridine-functionalized extended π-conjugate terpyridine, 5-(4'-([2,2':6',2''-terpyridin]-4'-yl)-[1,1'-biphenyl]4-yl)7,8,13,14-tetrahydrodibenzo [a, i] phenanthridine (TBTP) was synthesised. It shows strong selectivity for the detection of toxic Cd²⁺ without interference from other metal ions. In the presence of Cd²⁺, the absorption of the TBTP changes dramatically along with the fluorescent emission with the large Stokes shift of 6300 cm^-1. When the compound TBTP is exposed to UV light, its colour changes from blue to orange over the addition of Cd²⁺. Adding other transition metal ions has no effect. This is based on the mechanism of intramolecular charge transfer. The detection limit for Cd²⁺ was found to be around 1.181 × 10^-8 M. An investigation of the sensing mechanism includes job plot, NMR titration, DFT calculation, and HRMS analyses. Excitingly, the recognition of Cd²⁺ in CH₃CN: H₂O (8:2, v/v) medium is quantitative without interference from Zn^2+, which is a common interferent for Cd²⁺. Furthermore, the probe was used for detecting Cd²⁺ in real water samples and cell imaging in living cells was also performed.

Dual-mode chemosensor for the fluorescence detection of zinc and hypochlorite on a fluorescein backbone and its cell-imaging applications

Fluorescein coupled with 3-(aminomethyl)-4,6-dimethylpyridin-2(1H)-one (FAD) was synthesized for the selective recognition of Zn²⁺ over other interfering metal ions in acetonitrile/aqueous buffer (1 : 1). Interestingly, there was a significant fluorescence enhancement of FAD in association with Zn²⁺ at 426 nm by strong chelation-induced fluorescence enhancement (CHEF) without interrupting the cyclic spirolactam ring. A binding stoichiometric ratio of 1 : 2 for the ligand FAD with metal Zn²⁺ was proven by a Jobs plot. However, the cyclic spirolactam ring was opened by hypochlorite (OCl^-) as well as oxidative cleavage of the imine bond, which resulted in the emission enhancement of the wavelength at 520 nm. The binding constant and detection limit of FAD towards Zn²⁺ were determined to be 1 × 10⁴ M^-1 and 1.79 μM, respectively, and the detection limit for OCl^- was determined as 2.24 μM. We introduced here a dual-mode chemosensor FAD having both the reactive functionalities for the simultaneous detection of Zn²⁺ and OCl^- by employing a metal coordination (Zn²⁺) and analytes (OCl^-) induced chemodosimetric approach, respectively. Furthermore, for the practical application, we studied the fluorescence imaging inside HeLa cells by using FAD, which demonstrated it can be very useful as a selective and sensitive fluorescent probe for zinc.

A phenazine-imidazole based ratiometric fluorescent probe for Cd2+ ions and its application in in vivo imaging

A new phenazine-imidazole based Schiff base (PIS) fluorescent probe has been developed for the ratiometric detection of Cd²⁺ ions in aqueous media at physiological pH. PIS upon binding with Cd²⁺ ions shows red shifted fluorescence and thereby, permits ratiometric detection of Cd(II) ions. A detection limit down to 2.10 × 10^-8 M was determined for Cd²⁺ quantitation. Also, the accompanying apparent fluorescence color change (from yellow to orange red) is noticeable to the naked eye under a UV-lamp. The sensing mechanism could be attributed to the 1 : 1 PIS-Cd complexation, followed by extension of the conjugation due to better planarity and modulation of the charge transfer efficiency in the probe. This was complemented by solvatochromism and density functional theory calculations. Furthermore, PIS was used to detect Cd²⁺ in Oxya chinensis cells, zebrafish larvae and live tissues of Arabidopsis thaliana under a fluorescence microscope, showing great potential in analyzing living biosystems.

Dual-channel recognition of Al3+ and Cu2+ ions using a chiral pyrene-based fluorescent sensor

Specific recognition between Al3+ and Cu2+ has been achieved based on the new mechanism of Cu2+ detection by pyrene dimerization.

DNA binding, DNA cleavage, cellular uptake, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis-inducing ability of a binuclear Schiff base copper(ii) complex

A binuclear Schiff base copper(ii) complex could bind to DNA, efficiently cleave DNA, effectively enter the cancer cells, even the nucleus, induce cellular apoptosis, and exhibit potent cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines.

A highly selective and sensitive Zn2+ fluorescent sensor based on zinc finger-like peptide and its application in cell imaging

Developing new chemosensors for detection of Zn²⁺ has attracted great attentions because of the important roles of Zn²⁺ in biological systems, and it will produce toxic effects with an excessive intake of zinc ion. Metalloproteins are often used as an effective template for the design and development of peptide-based fluorescent sensors. In this study, we designed a new and simple ratiometric fluorescent sensor for Zn²⁺, which was based on a zinc finger-like peptide and labeled with a dansyl group, i.e., Dansyl-His-Gln-Arg-Thr-His-Trp-NH₂ (D-P6), by using solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). The dimeric peptide has a high affinity for Zn²⁺ overothermetalions, as indicated by spectroscopic studies, as well as molecular modeling. Remarkably, the sensor exhibited a highly selective and sensitive ratiometric fluorescent response to Zn²⁺ by fluorescent resonance energy transfer effect between tryptophan residue and fluorophore dansyl group, with a very low detection limit of 33 nM in aqueous solution. Furthermore, the sensor displayed a very low biotoxicity, which allows successful detection of Zn²⁺ in living HeLa cells. We believe that the new sensor may have potential applications in biological science.

A novel quinoline-based turn-on fluorescent probe for the highly selective detection of Al (III) and its bioimaging in living cells, plants tissues and zebrafish

A novel quinoline fluorescent probe QNP ((E)-N'-(5-chloro-2-hydroxybenzylidene) quinoline-2-carbohydrazide) for detection of Al3+ ion was designed, synthesized and characterized. QNP displayed a high fluorescence enhancement in the presence of Al3+ ion in DMF:PBS (99:1, v/v) solution and the detection limit was as low as 1.25 μM with high selectivity and excellent sensitivity from 0 to 3 μM. The sensing ability of QNP towards Al3+ ion is attributed to the synergistic effect of PET and ICT. Furthermore, the binding stoichiometry between QNP and Al3+ ion is of 1:1 by Job's plot and mass spectrum, and the calculated binding constant is 4.29 × 108 M-1. The detection of Al3+ ion in water samples illustrates that QNP could be applied to the detection of practical samples in the environment. Bioimaging experiments on Hela cells, zebrafish and soybean root tissues demonstrate that it has potential application to investigate biological processes involving Al3+ ion within living cells. A quinoline-based turn-on fluorescence probe for the detection of Al3+ and its bioimaging in living cells, plant, and zebrafish.

A Cd(ii) and Zn(ii) selective naphthyl based [2]rotaxane acts as an exclusive Zn(ii) sensor upon further functionalization with pyrene

A new multi-functional [2]rotaxane, ROTX, has been synthesized via a Cu(i) catalysed azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction between Ni(ii) templated azide terminated pseudorotaxane composed of a naphthalene based heteroditopic wheel, NaphMC, and an alkyne terminated stopper. Subsequently, ROTX has been functionalized with pyrene moieties to develop a bifluorophoric [2]rotaxane, PYROTX, having naphthalene and pyrene moieties. Detailed characterization of these two rotaxanes is performed by utilizing several techniques such as ESI-MS, (1D and 2D) NMR, UV/Vis and PL studies. Comparative metal ion sensing studies of NaphMC (a fluorophoric cyclic receptor), ROTX ([2]rotaxane with a naphthyl fluorophore) and PYROTX ([2]rotaxane having naphthyl and pyrene fluorophores) have been performed to determine the effect of dimensionality/functionalization on the metal ion selectivity. Although NaphMC fails to discriminate between metal ions, ROTX serves as a selective sensor for Zn(ii) and Cd(ii). Importantly, PYROTX shows exclusive selectivity towards Zn(ii) over various transition, alkali and alkaline earth metal ions including Cd(ii).

A fluorescent three-sensor array for heavy metals in environmental water sources

Toxic heavy metal detection in water sources is crucial due to the detrimental social and environmental threats these metals pose. Traditional methods of metal detection in water rely on expensive and sophisticated technologies, limiting their availability for on-site detection. Here, we report a six-member fluorescent sensor array for 100% successful classification of 9 metal ions in water. The array consists of the commercially available fluorescent dye, Calcein Blue, and 5 analogues that were all synthesised in three steps or less. To further increase simplicity, we report the reduction of the number of sensing elements from 6 to 3 using multivariate statistics to arrive at an array still capable of 100% correct classification. The utility of the three-member fluorescent sensing array was confirmed in environmental pond water samples. The array's flexibility was also demonstrated through its successful classification of micromolar concentrations of Pb2+ for quantitative analysis of heavy metals in water samples.

Switching of Fluorescent Zn/Cd Selectivity in N,N,N',N'-Tetrakis(6-methoxy-2-quinolylmethyl)-1,2-diphenylethylenediamine by One Asymmetric Carbon Atom Inversion

A quinoline-based hexadentate ligand, (S,S)-N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(6-methoxy-2-quinolylmethyl)-1,2-diphenylethylenediamine ((S,S)-6-MeOTQPh₂EN), exhibits fluorescence enhancement at 498 nm upon addition of 1 equiv of Zn²⁺ (I_Zn/I₀ = 12, φ_Zn = 0.047) in aqueous DMF solution (DMF/H₂O = 2:1). Addition of 1 equiv of Cd²⁺ affords a much smaller fluorescence increase at the same wavelength (I_Cd/I₀ = 2.5, I_Cd/I_Zn = 21%). The trivalent metal ions such as Al³⁺, Cr³⁺, and Fe³⁺ also exhibit fluorescence enhancement at 395 nm (I_Al/I₀ = 22, I_Cr/I₀ = 6 and I_Fe3+/I₀ = 13). In contrast, meso-6-MeOTQPh₂EN exhibits a Cd²⁺-selective fluorescence increase at 405 nm in the presence of 1 equiv of metal ion (I_Cd/I₀ = 11.5, φ_Cd = 0.022), while Zn²⁺ induces a smaller fluorescent response under the same experimental conditions (I_Zn/I₀ = 3.3, I_Zn/I_Cd = 29%). In this case, the fluorescence intensities of meso-6-MeOTQPh₂EN in the presence of a large amount of Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ become similar. This diastereomer-dependent, fluorescent metal ion specificity is derived from the Zn²⁺-specific intramolecular excimer formation in (S,S)-6-MeOTQPh₂EN-Zn²⁺ complex and higher binding affinity of meso-6-MeOTQPh₂EN with Cd²⁺ in comparison to Zn²⁺. The more conformationally restricted diastereomeric pair, namely, cis- and trans-TQDACHs (cis- and trans-N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-quinolylmethyl)-1,2-diaminocyclohexanes), both exhibit Zn²⁺-specific fluorescence enhancement because of the high metal binding affinity and intramolecular excimer forming property derived from the rigid DACH backbone.

A selective purine-based fluorescent chemosensor for the “naked-eye” detection of zinc ions (Zn2+): applications in live cell imaging and test strips

In this work, a novel purine based probe PTAHN was successfully designed and synthesized. PTAHN displayed high selectivity towards Zn²⁺via turn-on fluorescence. What's more, PTAHN can be proficiently employed for imaging Zn²⁺ in living cells.

Quinoline- and isoquinoline-derived ligand design on TQEN (N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-quinolylmethyl)ethylenediamine) platform for fluorescent sensing of specific metal ions and phosphate species

Utilizing the unique metal-binding and fluorescent properties of methoxy-substituted (iso)quinolines, varieties of fluorescent probes were developed from TQEN (N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-quinolylmethyl)ethylenediamine) structure.

The development of two fluorescent chemosensors for the selective detection of Zn2+ and Al3+ ions in a quinoline platform by tuning the substituents in the receptor part: elucidation of the structures of the metal-bound chemosensors and biological studies

Two aminoquinoline-based chemosensors (HL1 and HL2) are reported for selective detection of Zn²⁺ and Al³⁺ ions.

A novel colorimetric-fluorescent probe for Al3+ and the resultant complex for F- and its applications in cell imaging

A novel quinoline-based Schiff-base probe QL had been synthesized, which could sequentially monitor Al³⁺ and F^- in MeOH-H₂O solution (v/v = 8/1, 0.01 M, HEPES buffer, pH = 7.3). The probe QL expressed a high selective and sensitive "OFF-ON-OFF" fluorescent response for Al³⁺ and F^- (excitation at 460 nm and emission at 530 nm) accompanying visible color changed, which was ascribed to intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) process and chelation-enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) mechanism. The binding stoichiometry of QL with Al³⁺ was 2:1 counting on Job's plot and HRMS, while F^- could pull Al³⁺ to depart from the complexation 2QL-Al³⁺ and released free QL. The limit of detections of probe QL for Al³⁺ and F^- ions were calculated to be 0.10 μM and 0.50 μM. The ¹H NMR experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations were carried out to further prove the binding mode between QL and Al³⁺. Furthermore, fluorescence imaging studies demonstrated that the probe QL was low cytotoxicity and could be applied to detect Al³⁺ and F^- in living PC12cells.

Synthesis of novel 1,10-phenanthroline derivatives and it used as probes for sensitive detection of Zn2+ and Cd2+ metal ions - Spectroscopic and theoretical approach

A novel class of unexpected 1,10-phenanthrolinederivatives were synthesized from 2,3-dihydroacridin-4(1H)-ones with 3-aminonaphthalen-2-carboxylic acid in presence of phosphorus oxychloride at 130°C and simple perceptive emission intensity increasing assay was developed effectively to detect the very low concentrations of Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ ions. Emission intensity of compounds 3(a-c) directly related to the concentrations of Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ ions was due to metal chelating enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) effect and also its further validated by fluorescence lifetime measurement. Furthermore, the sensing mechanism for compounds 3(a-c) of Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ were sustained by theoretical calculations. Computational analysis results reveals that compounds 3(a-c) are more interested in Zn²⁺ ions than that of Cd²⁺ ions, while, compound 3c is more interested with Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ ions than those of the rest of the compounds. In addition, this proposed detection analysis has the direct application for monitoring Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ concentrations in tap and drinking water samples.

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 novel peptide-based fluorescent chemosensor for Cd(II) ions and its applications in bioimaging

Nowadays, it is of great significance to develop a novel fluorescent chemosensor for Cd(II) ions detection with cost-effective, rapid, facile and applicable to environment and biological milieus. Herein, we report a new peptide-based fluorescent chemosensor DSC (Dan-Ser-Cys-NH₂) based on dipeptide (Ser-Cys-NH₂) conjugated with dansyl group, which was synthesized using solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) technology. As designed, DSC exhibited fluorescent "turn-on" response for Cd²⁺ in 100% aqueous solution over a wide range of pH values based on photoinduced electron transfer (PET). The stoichiometry binding of DSC and Cd²⁺ was determined to be 2:1 by Job's plot and ESI-MS analysis. Furthermore, DSC showed highly sensitive for Cd²⁺ and a low detection limit of 13.8 nM. What's more, DSC has cell permeability and low cytotoxicity, and fluorescence imaging experiments demonstrated that DSC was capable of monitoring Cd²⁺ in living HK2 cells by confocal microscopy.

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 fluorescent dansyl-based peptide probe for highly selective and sensitive detect Cd2+ ions and its application in living cell imaging

We reported a novel and readily synthesized fluorescent "turn-on" probe L (Dansyl-Glu-Pro-Gly-Cys) based on dansyl group combine tetrapeptide. The probe L exhibited highly sensitive fluorescent recognition to Cd²⁺ ions in HEPES buffer solutions (10.0 mM, pH 7.4). The 2:1 binding stoichiometry of L with Cd²⁺ were determined based on fluorescence titration and the Job's plot investigation. The competitive experiments were found to be highly selective for the Cd²⁺ ions even in the existence of excess competing metal ions including Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺, Hg²⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions. The binding constant of the complex L-Cd was calculated to be 5.18 × 10¹⁰ M^-2, and showed great affinity compared to other probes. In addition, the detection limit of the probe L for Cd²⁺ ions was calculated to be 45 nM, which presented a pronounced sensitivity toward Cd²⁺ ions. Most importantly, the probe L had wide range of pH and good biocompatibility, and were successfully applied to selectively detected Cd²⁺ ions within pH range of 7-12 and bioimaging studies in live cells.

Methoxy-substituted tetrakisquinoline analogs of EGTA and BAPTA for fluorescence detection of Cd2+

A 5,6,7-trimethoxyquinoline-based octadentate ligand with a BAPTA (1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid) structure exhibits Cd²⁺-specific fluorescence enhancement.

Photoluminescent coral-like carbon-branched polymers as nanoprobe for fluorometric determination of captopril

The authors describe the synthesis of fluorescent coral-like carbon nano-branched polymers (PCNBPs) co-doped with nitrogen and phosphorus. Uric acid and phosphoric acid act as nitrogen and phosphorus sources, respectively. The PCNBPs have a coral-like branched structure, are cross-connected, and < 20 nm in skeleton diameter. Their blue fluorescence, best measured at excitation/emission wavelengths of 330/425 nm, is quenched by mercury (II) ions due to the specifically restricted rigid conformation caused by the interaction of phosphorus, nitrogen, and oxygen groups on the surface of the PCNBPs. Fluorescence is selectivity quenched by Hg(II) but restored in addition of the hypertension drug captopril (CAP) in the range 50 nM to 40 μM concentration range. Fluorescence recovery is attributed to the effectively specific interactions between the thiol group of CAP and Hg(II). The method was applied to the determination of the concentration of Cap in pharmaceutical samples, and recoveries were between 97.6 and 105.1%. Graphical abstract Fluorescent coral-like carbon nano-branched polymers (PCNBPs) co-doped with nitrogen and phosphorus are described. Their fluorescence is selectivity quenched by Hg(II) but restored in addition of the hypertension drug captopril (Cap) in the range 50 nM to 40 μM concentration range.

8-Hydroxyquinoline Functionalized Graphene Oxide: an Efficient Fluorescent Nanosensor for Zn2+ in Aqueous Media

A nanosensor, based on 8-hydroxyquinoline functionalized graphene oxide, was developed for the fluorescence detection of Zn²⁺. It showed high selectivity and sensitivity for Zn²⁺ion in aqueous solution over other metal ions such as Li⁺, Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Al³⁺, Cd²⁺, Co²⁺, Cu²⁺, Hg²⁺, Ni²⁺, Pb²⁺, Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺and Cr³⁺. Due to the linearity of the emission intensity toward Zn²⁺ concentration, fluorescent technique could be used for the detection of Zn²⁺ ion even at very low concentrations.

Fluorescent sensor based models for the detection of environmentally-related toxic heavy metals

The quest for industrial and biotechnological revolution has been contributed in increasing environmental contamination issues, worldwide. The controlled or uncontrolled release of hazardous pollutants from various industrial sectors is one of the key problems facing humanity. Among them, adverse influences of lead, cadmium, and mercury on human health are well known to cause many disorders like reproductive, neurological, endocrine system, and cardiovascular, etc. Besides their presence at lower concentrations, most of these toxic heavy metals are posing noteworthy toxicological concerns. In this context, notable efforts from various regulatory authorities, the increase in the concentration of these toxic heavy metals in the environment is of serious concern, so real-time monitoring is urgently required. This necessitates the exploration for novel and efficient probes for recognition of these toxic agents. Among various methodologies adopted for tailoring such probes, generally the methodologies, in which changes associated with spectral properties, are preferred for the deceptive ease in the recognition process. Accordingly, a promising modality has emerged in the form of radiometric and colorimetric monitoring of these toxic agents. Herein, we review fluorescent sensor based models and their potentialities to address the detection fate of hazardous pollutants for a cleaner environment. Second, recent advances regarding small molecule and rhodamine-based fluorescent sensors, radiometric and colorimetric probes are discussed. The information is also given on the photoinduced electron transfer (PET) mechanism, chelation enhancement fluorescence (CHEF) effect and spirocyclic ring opening mechanism.

β-Carboline–imidazopyridine hybrids: selective and sensitive optical sensors for copper and fluoride ions

Two rationally designed β-carboline–imidazopyridine hybrid chromofluorescent sensors S1 and S2 have been successfully synthesized and evaluated for the selective sensing of metal ions and anions.

Multiplexed ratiometric photoluminescent detection of pyrophosphate using anisotropic boron-doped nitrogen-rich carbon rugby ball-like nanodots

B-doped N-rich carbon rugby ball-like nanodots have been synthesized by a heterophase polymerization route and can act not only as a ratiometric sensor for Hg²⁺ but also as a dual-mode PPi-selective sensor.

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.

A highly selective and sensitive fluorescent chemosensor for distinguishing cadmium(ii) from zinc(ii) based on amide tautomerization

A naphthalimide-derived fluorescent sensor termed L2 was designed and synthesized.

CdII/ZnIIdiscrimination using 2,5-diphenyl[1,3,4]oxadiazole based fluorescent chemosensors

Two ditopic PPD based ligands are able to discriminate Cd^IIover Zn^IIin aqueous solution based on the difference in their ionic radii, acting as OFF–ON fluorescent probes.

A displacement-type fluorescent probe reveals active species in the coordinative polymerization of olefins

The correct identification of active species is an important prerequisite to study the mechanism of coordinative polymerization of olefins, which can afford important theoretical guidance for the design and synthesis of new organometallic catalysts and high-performance polyolefin materials.