A sensitive zinc probe operating via enhancement of excited-state intramolecular charge transfer

Novel highly sensitive fluorescent probes for zinc cations based on the diketopyrrolopyrrole scaffold were designed and synthesized. Large bathochromic shifts (≈80 nm) of fluorescence are observed when the Zn²⁺-recognition unit (di-(2-picolyl)amine) is bridged with the fluorophore possessing an additional pyridine unit able to participate in the coordination process. This effect originates from the dipolar architecture and the increasing electron-withdrawing properties of the diketopyrrolopyrrole core upon addition of the cation. The new, greenish-yellow emitting probes, which operate via modulation of intramolecular charge transfer, are very sensitive to the presence of Zn²⁺. Introduction of a morpholine unit in the diketopyrrolopyrrole structure induces a selective six-fold increase of the emission intensity upon zinc coordination. Importantly, the presence of other divalent biologically relevant metal cations has negligible effects and typically even at a 100-fold higher concentration of Mg²⁺/Zn²⁺, the effect is comparable. Computational studies rationalize the strong bathochromic shift upon Zn²⁺-complexation. Decorating the probes with the triphenylphosphonium cation and morpholine unit enables selective localization in the mitochondria and the lysosome of cardiac H9C2 cells, respectively.

C3-symmetric triaminoguanidine based colorimetric and fluorometric chemosensor: Sequential detection of Zn2+/PPi, its RGB performance for detection of Zn2+ ion and construction of IMPLICATION logic gate

In this work, new ethyl(E)-2-cyano-3-(1H-pyrrol-2-yl)acrylate appended C₃-symmetric star-shape triaminoguanidine based Schiff base (LH₃) was designed and synthesized from simple synthons. New probe, LH₃ was completely analyzed by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and mass spectrum. In the present probe LH₃, effective π-conjugated ethyl(E)-2-cyano-acrylate unit was introduced on the periphery of the pyrrole-triaminoquanidine conjugates by using carefully chosen building units. The probe LH₃ shows high selectivity and sensitivity towards Zn²⁺ ion via colorimetric and fluorometric changes. The yellowish orange color of LH₃ solution turned to wine red color upon addition of Zn²⁺ solution, along with red shifted absorption maxima from 450 nm to 550 nm, this indicates the formation of LH₃-Zn²⁺ species. Job's plot and mass spectrum analysis confirms the formation of 1:3 stoichiometric complex between the LH₃ and Zn²⁺ ions. Further this ensemble shows selective detection towards PPi anion over the other anions based on displacement metal ion approach. Hence, reversible colorimetric/emission response of LH₃ towards Zn²⁺ and PPi ions via "on-off-on" manner could allow the construction of IMPLICATION logic gate functions. The practical efficacy of the probe LH₃ was established by utilization of the probe for the detection of Zn²⁺ ions in real water sample analysis. Further, the significant noticeable colorimetric changes of the probe LH₃ upon addition of Zn²⁺ ion have been successfully integrated with a smartphone app RGB color value to construct a real-time analysis of Zn²⁺ ions.

Dual-Functionalisation of Fluorophores for the Preparation of Targeted and Selective Probes

A key current challenge in biological research is the elucidation of the that roles chemicals and chemical reactions play in cellular function and dysfunction. Of the available cellular imaging techniques, fluorescence imaging offers a balance between sensitivity and resolution, enabling the cost-effective and rapid visualisation of model biological systems. Importantly, the use of responsive fluorescent probes in conjunction with ever-advancing microscopy and flow cytometry techniques enables the visualisation, with high spatiotemporal resolution, of both specific chemical species and chemical reactions in living cells. Ideal responsive fluorescent probes are those that contain a fluorophore tethered to both a sensing unit, to ensure selectivity of response, and a targeting group, to control the sub-cellular localisation of the probe. To date, probes that are both targeted and selective are relatively rare and most localised probes are discovered serendipitously rather than by design. A challenge in this field is therefore the identification of suitable fluorophore scaffolds that can be readily attached to both sensing and targeting groups. Here we review current strategies for dual-functionalisation of fluorophores, highlighting key examples of targeted, responsive probes.

Execution of julolidine based derivative as bifunctional chemosensor for Zn2+ and Cu2+ ions: Applications in bio-imaging and molecular logic gate

A simple julolidine based chemosensor (JT) was designed and synthesized by single condensation step. JT displayed excellent selectivity and sensitivity with on-off responses towards Zn²⁺ and Cu²⁺ over other biologically relevant metal ions in aqueous media. Upon addition of Zn²⁺ ions, JT exhibited a significant blue shift in emission followed by turn-on enhancement while with Cu²⁺, the fluorescence intensity of JT was completely vanished. The 1:1 binding affinity between JT and Zn²⁺/Cu²⁺ was proposed by Job's plot analysis. The detection limit for Zn²⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions reached at 3.5 × 10^-8 M and 1.46 × 10^-6 M, respectively. The sensing mechanism of JT with Zn²⁺/Cu²⁺ was supported by DFT calculations. Based on photophysical studies and its reversibility environment with EDTA, molecular logic gates were fabricated. Furthermore, JT was successfully established to detect intracellular Zn²⁺ ions in live cells by turn-on response.

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 turn-on near-infrared fluorescence probe with aggregation-induced emission based on dibenzo[a,c]phenazine for detection of superoxide anions and its application in cell imaging

A new turn-on near-infrared fluorescence probe (BDP) based on dibenzo[a,c]phenazine for superoxide anion detection with aggregation-induced emission properties as well as a desirable large Stokes shift was designed and synthesized. After BDP reacted with superoxide, the initial diphenyl-phosphinyl groups of BDP were cleaved, resulting in the production of the pyridinium modified fluorophore (BD) with near-infrared emission. The fluorescent sensor BDP has a high selectivity for superoxide anions over some other intracellular ROSs, reductants, metal ions and amino acids. When HepG2 cells undergo apoptosis and inflammation, BDP is a good probe to keep track of the endogenous superoxide anion level by confocal laser scanning microscopic imaging.

A selective hydrolytic and restructuring approach through a Schiff base design on a coumarin platform for “turn-on” fluorogenic sensing of Zn2+

The designed molecular probe, CMD, undergoes Zn²⁺ triggered restructuring and shows a fluorescence change in only 30 seconds. The LOD was found to be of sub-nanomolar level.

Chemical sensing platform for the Zn+2 ions based on poly(o-anisidine-co-methyl anthranilate) copolymer composites and their environmental remediation in real samples

A novel nanostructure of poly(o-anisidine-co-methyl anthranilate) (poly(Ani-Co-MA) copolymer has been synthesized by chemical oxidative in situ polymerization technique with equal molar proportion of monomers in the presence of sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (SDBS) surfactant. The synthesized copolymers were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray crystallography (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), UV-Vis, thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), and simultaneous X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) study. The ultraviolet visible spectrum shows the π to π∗ transition and n to π∗ transition. XRD diffraction pattern confirms the amorphous nature of poly(Ani-Co-MA)-SDBS composites. The scanning electron microscope image shows the morphology of the copolymer matrix. For the selective detection of Zn⁺² cation in neutral phosphate buffer, it was fabricated Zn⁺² cation sensor based on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) coated with poly(Ani-co-MA)-SDBS composites as a thin layer with conducting coating binders. The proposed cation sensor has been found to exhibit the inertness in air and chemical environment, long-term stability with good sensitivity, a broad linear dynamic range practically, a reliable reproducibility, short response time, and high electrochemical activity. The sensitivity (0.3560 μA μM^-1 cm^-2) of Zn⁺² cation sensor has been calculated from the slope of the calibration curve. The linearity of the calibration curve is found over the linear dynamic range (LDR) 0.1 nM~0.01 M, and detection limit (DL) is 27.0 ± 1.35 pM at the signal to noise ratio of 3. This novel effort may be considered quite reliable and effective to detect Zn⁺² cation in environmental and biomedical sectors on a broad scale. Simultaneously, SDBS doped poly(o-anisidine-co-methyl anthranilate) copolymer composites were measured against medically important organisms Escherichia coli. E. ludwigi, and Bacillus subtilis. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

A water-soluble PEGylated RGD-functionalized bisbithiophenyl diketopyrrolopyrrole as a photoacoustic sonophore

Photoacoustic imaging presents an innocuous imaging modality with good penetration depth and resolution. To use this modality for detection and imaging of pathological sites, new imaging probes need to be developed to enhance the contrast over endogenous sonophores. These contrast agents should specifically bind to the site of interest, be non-toxic and be cleared renally if applied intravenously. Small organic dyes with absorption in the near infrared spectrum often exhibit good photoacoustic response. However, such dyes are often not water soluble or they are cytotoxic. Here, we present a novel PEGylated sonophore based on diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP), which overcomes these limitations and can be functionalized with desired biological recognition motifs using thiol-yne click chemistry. Proof of concept is demonstrated by functionalizing the DPP-based probe with an RGD peptide, resulting in specific binding to endothelial (HUVEC) cells and an efficient photoacoustic response.

Protein-induced fluorescence enhancement of two-photon excitable water-soluble diketopyrrolopyrroles

Fluorescent contrast agents are important tools in cell biology and medical imaging due to their high sensitivity and relative availability. Diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) derivatives have been recently studied for applications in bioimaging, but certain drawbacks due to their inherent structure have stifled progress towards their widespread implementation. Aggregation caused quenching (ACQ) associated with π-π stacking in relatively rigid extended conjugation systems as well as hydrophobicity of previously reported DPPs make most unsuitable for biological imaging applications. Addressing these deficiencies, we report the synthesis and photophysical characterization of two new water-soluble diketopyrrolopyrole (DPP) probes that exhibit pronounced protein-induced fluorescence enhancement (PIFE) upon binding serum albumin protein. In vitro studies were also performed showing low cytotoxicity for the new DPP probes. Two-photon fluorescence microscopy (2PFM) images were obtained via excitation at 810 nm and emission in the NIR window of biological transparency, illustrating the potential of these compounds as nonlinear optical bioimaging probes.

A diketopyrrolopyrrole-based fluorescent probe for investigating mitochondrial zinc ions

We report a diketopyrrolopyrrole-based fluorescent probe DPP-Mito, which is low toxicity and mitochondrial-specific localization and could monitor the changes in the intracellular Zn²⁺ concentrations.

Direct detection of fluoride ions in aquatic samples by surface-enhanced Raman scattering

Given the strong hydration propensity of fluoride ions, it is difficult to detect fluoride, especially inorganic fluoride, in aqueous samples. Resolving the issue of fluoride detection in aqueous samples is a scientific undertaking of great practical significance. Herein, we propose a new method for the sensitive and selective detection of fluoride in aqueous samples without the addition of organic solvents. The method involves surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy using 1,4-diketo-3,6-diphenylpyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole (DPP) compounds and Ag nanoparticles. The method is based on a diketopyrrolopyrrole compound linked to 1-butyl iodide (DPP1), which can sense fluoride sensitively and selectively. When DPP1 was combined with Ag NPs and reacted with tetrabutylammonium fluoride or inorganic fluoride in aqueous samples, an obvious Raman enhancement was obtained at the excitation wavelength of 633nm. This response arises because the introduction of fluoride anions into the system changes the molecular orientation of DPP1 on the Ag NP substrate from horizontal to vertical, inducing a signal enhancement in the Raman spectrum. This system can detect inorganic fluoride at concentrations as low as 1.0μmolL^-1 (0.018ppm), which is far below the public health service recommended levels for drinking water (0.7-1.2ppm). Furthermore, using the proposed method, a linear response for fluoride in the concentration range of 1.0 × 10^-3-1.0 × 10^-6molL^-1 was obtained, which makes fluoride detection possible in practical samples, such as fluoride-containing toothpaste.

Charge transfer based "turn-on" chemosensor for Zn²⁺ ion recognition using new triaryl pyrazoline derivative

The fluoroionophore PY serves as a selective and fluorimetric chemosensor for Zn(2+) based on charge transfer (CT). A mechanism for the binding mode was proposed based on fluorescence changes, NMR experiments and theoretical calculations. The 1:1 stoichiometry between Zn(2+) and the sensor was deduced from Job's plot. The addition of EDTA quenches the fluorescence of PY.Zn(2+) complex offers PY as a reversible chemosensor.

Highly photostable zinc selective molecular marker bearing flexible pivotal unit: opto-fluorescence enhancement effect and imaging applications in living systems

Novel molecular probes for imaging zinc in biological systems are gaining interest as they help in understanding the role of zinc in regulating various bio-events. In this regard, a new C2-symmetric molecular system has been developed and successfully applied as light-up material for signaling divalent zinc with green emission. The fluorescence enhancement was highly zinc specific and this newly developed probe bears a submicromolar detection capability. While probe and the ensemble -Zn(2+) exhibited remarkably high photostability, light-triggered fluorescence enhancement was observed in the case of -Zn(2+). The nature of the -Zn(2+) complex and the associated spectral shift are further supported by theoretical calculations. As the present probe absorbs in the visible region and emits in the green, it was preferred as a potential material for imaging zinc in biological systems including animal and plant cells such as pollen grains and fish egg cells. Such fluorescence imaging of zinc revealed the efficacy of the probe in detection and localization of zinc in various biological systems.

Tetraphenylethene-functionalized diketopyrrolopyrrole solid state emissive molecules: enhanced emission in the solid state and as a fluorescent probe for cyanide detection

Tetraphenylethene-functionalized diketopyrrolopyrrole solid state red-emissive molecules (DPP1andDPP2) with enhanced emission in the solid state have been developed.

A highly sensitive benzimidazole-based chemosensor for the colorimetric detection of Fe(ii) and Fe(iii) and the fluorometric detection of Zn(ii) in aqueous media

A selective chemosensor 1 was developed for the colorimetric detection of Fe^2+/3+ and the fluorescent detection of Zn²⁺ in aqueous solution.

A new diketopyrrolopyrrole-based probe for sensitive and selective detection of sulfite in aqueous solution

A new probe was synthesized by incorporating an α,β-unsaturated ketone to a diketopyrrolopyrrole fluorophore. The probe had exhibited a selective and sensitive response to the sulfite against other thirteen anions and biothiols (Cys, Hcy and GSH), through the nucleophilic addition of sulfite to the alkene of probe with the detection limit of 0.1 μM in HEPES (10 mM, pH 7.4) THF/H2O (1:1, v/v). Meanwhile, it could be easily observed that the probe for sulfite changed from pink to colorless by the naked eye, and from pink to blue under UV lamp after the sulfite was added for 20 min. The NMR and Mass spectral analysis demonstrated the expected addition of sulfite to the C=C bonds.

A detailed study on the thermal, photo-physical and electrochemical properties and OFET applications of D–π–A–π–D structured unsymmetrical diketopyrrolopyrrole materials

Seven unsymmetrical DPP-derivatives with a D–π–A–π–D architecture have been synthesized and the effect of the electron donating ability and extent of electronic conjugation of the end capping units on their properties are explored.

Colorimetric and fluorogenic signalling of fluoride ions by diketopyrrolopyrrole-based chemosensor

A new colorimetric and on–off fluorescence sensor based on diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) was synthesized for detection of fluoride anion.

Combining the PeT and ICT mechanisms into one chemosensor for the highly sensitive and selective detection of zinc

A novel fluorescent sensor (ZS1) based on the dual-mechanism of PeT/ICT for the highly sensitive and selective detection of Zn²⁺was designed and synthesized.

Diketopyrrolopyrrole: brilliant red pigment dye-based fluorescent probes and their applications

The review summarizes the recent development of various DPP-based fluorescent probes for tracing biologically and environmentally important species.

A highly selective fluorescent ‘turn-on’ chemosensor for Zn2+ based on a benzothiazole conjugate: their applicability in live cell imaging and use of the resultant complex as a secondary sensor of CN−

A benzothiazole derivative linked “off-on” multi-responsive and selective chemosensor 3 has been synthesized.

One-pot synthesis of indolizine functionalized nanohyperbranched polyesters with different nano morphologies and their fluorescent response to anthracene

Two nanohyperbranched polyesters of HBPE–CIDA₁ (nanospheres) and HBPE–CIDA₄ (nanospindles) were synthesized. The HBPE–CIDA₄ was established to be a fluorescent sensor for anthracene.

Photoluminescence imaging of Zn2+in living systems

Advances in PL imaging techniques, such as confocal microscopy, two photon microscopy, lifetime and optical imaging techniques, have made remarkable contributions in Zn²⁺tracking.