Highly sensitive fluorescence turn-OFF and reversible chemical sensor for Hg2+ ion based on pyrene appended 2-thiohydantoin

A novel fluorometric chemical sensor (PY-2TH) based on 2-thiohydantoin (2TH) in conjugation with pyrene (PY) was designed by facile one-pot Knoevenagel condensation reaction and explored for the sensitive and selective detection of Hg2+ ion in solution and solid state methods. Different analytical techniques like NMR and LC-MS concomitantly confirmed the structure of PY-2TH. Absorption and emission studies demonstrate positive solvatochromic effects indicating intramolecular charge transfer in polar solvents. PY-2TH exhibits unprecedented selectivity for detecting Hg2+ ions in tetrahydrofuran (THF) through turn-OFF fluorescence with 90% decrease in the emission intensity with a limit of detection (LOD) of ∼4.4 ppb. The mechanistic investigation through NMR and optical studies confirm the formation of a 2:1 complex between PY-2TH and Hg2+. Thin films of PY-2TH exhibits the J-aggregate formation in the solid state leading to a shift in the emission towards the near-infrared region. Further, we have demonstrated the applicability of PY-2TH for detection of Hg2+ ions and fluorescence imaging in live Zebrafish larvae and the toxicological effects are explored. Cytotoxic evaluation on Zebrafish larval cells revealed that PY-2TH is found to be non-toxic. Detailed analysis demonstrate the potential of PY-2TH for ultra-sensitive Hg2+ ion detection and removal in aqueous environments, highlighting its applicability for identification of metal contamination in live organisms and environmental toxicity.

Cellulose-alginate hydrogels and their nanocomposites for water remediation and biomedical applications

In the last decade, both cellulose and alginate polysaccharides have been extensively utilized for the synthesis of biocompatible hydrogels because of their alluring characteristics like low cost, biodegradability, hydrophilicity, biodegradability, ease of availability and non-toxicity. The presence of abundant hydrophilic functional groups (like carboxyl and hydroxyl) on the surface of cellulose and alginate or their derivatives makes these materials promising candidates for the preparation of hydrogels with appealing structures and characteristics, leading to growing research in water treatment and biomedical fields. These two polysaccharides are typically blended together to improve hydrogels' desired qualities (mechanical strength, adsorption properties, cellulose/alginate yield). So, keeping in view their extensive applicability, in the present review article, recent advances in the development of cellulose/nanocellulose-alginate-based hydrogels and their relevance in water treatment (adsorption of dyes, heavy metals, etc.) and biomedical field (wound healing, tissue engineering, drug delivery) has been reviewed. Further, impact of other inorganic/organic additives in cellulose/nanocellulose-alginate-based hydrogels properties like contaminants adsorption, drug delivery, tissue engineering, etc., has also been studied. Moreover, the current difficulties and future prospects of nanocellulose-alginate-based hydrogels regarding their water purification and biomedical applications are also discussed at the end.

Synthesis of a quinoxaline-hydrazinobenzothiazole based probe-single point detection of Cu2+, Co2+, Ni2+ and Hg2+ ions in real water samples

A novel quinoxaline-hydrazinobenzothiazole based sensor was synthesized and characterized using NMR, FTIR, and Mass spectroscopy techniques. The sensor achieves the distinct "single-point" colorimetric and fluorescent detection of Cu²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺ and Hg²⁺ ions with distinguishable color changes from yellow to red, pale red, pale brown and orange, respectively. The UV-visible and fluorescence emission spectral investigation revealed the excellent single-point sensing ability of the probe towards four different heavy metal ions with a ratiometric response. Nanomolar levels of detection of about 1.16 × 10^-7 M, 9.92 × 10^-8 M, 8.21 × 10^-8 M, and 1.14 × 10^-7 M for Cu²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺ and Hg²⁺ ions, respectively, were achieved using our sensor, which are below the US-EPA permissible limits. Additionally, the sensor was utilized for naked eye detection under normal daylight. Quantitative determination of the metal ions in real water samples was also demonstrated.

Host-guest interaction aided Zinc carry and delivery by ESIPT active 2-(2'-hydroxyphenyl)benzoxazole

The effect of solvents and supramolecular hosts on the binding of metal ion with an excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) active fluorophore 2-(2'-hydroxyphenyl)benzoxazole (HPBO) are investigated to scrutinize a possible metal ion carry and delivery system. The fluorophore forms strong fluorescent complex with Zn²⁺ ion. In aqueous medium, β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) breaks the HPBO-Zn²⁺ complex and encapsulate the freed fluorophore. Hence, the initially blocked ESIPT process is restored by forming an inclusion complex with the host molecules. However, in dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO), β-CD does not break the complex. But cucurbit[7]uril (CB-7) breaks the complex in both DMSO and water. The tuned emission characteristics are considered for constructing different molecular logic gates. BUFFER, NOT, PASS, IMPLICATION and INHIBIT logic operations are substantiated based on Zn²⁺, CB-7 and β-CD response.

Organic Molecules Containing N, S and O Heteroatoms as Sensors for the Detection of Hg(II) Ion; Coordination and Efficiency toward Detection

Rapid detection of potentially toxic heavy metals like Hg(II) has attracted great attention in the last few decades due to the importance to maintain a safe and sustainable environment for human beings. Coordination chemistry and concepts therein, play an important role in the detection of Hg(II). Size, charge, and nature of the donor atom and the respective cation (metal ion), are crucial in selective interactions between the sensor and metal ions. The sensors designed for the purpose, coordinate to Hg(II) ion through various donor sites, coordination causes a change in the electron density in organic molecules and results in either visible color change or enhancing/quenching fluorescence intensity. Since Hg(II) is soft metal, with d10 electron system, so majority of the sensors have soft donor sites which prefer to coordinate with Hg(II). Oxygen is also present in some chelating ligands which is least preferred coordination site, due to its hard nature. There are several reports of replacing other ligating sites by sulfur for enhanced mercury sensing. In some cases, desulfurization is being detected as clear change in spectral behavior during the sensing process. Efforts are still in progress to design and introduce a sensor with utmost sensitivity and selectivity. In this review, we made an attempt to explain the coordination aspects of Hg(II) detectors, reasons for poor efficiency and possible suggestions to improve the selection criterion of various compounds. It will help researchers to know about important concepts in designing more sensitive and selective sensors for detection of Hg(II) in environmental and biological samples.

An On-off Supramolecular Fluorescence Switch for Detection of Pb2+ Ions and Vitamin C

β-cyclodextrin-hydroxyquinoline functionalized graphene oxide (GO-CD-HQ) was facilely fabricated to monitor and quantitatively analyze cations in aqueous media. The optical probe was notably selective enhanced toward Pb²⁺ ions over the other tested ions like Cu²⁺, Hg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Zn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, Ag⁺, Mg²⁺, and Cd²⁺ at 468 nm as an emission wavelength. The probe was shown the best performance in pH value, 5, and optimum time 1 min. Absorption spectra have clearly confirmed the static type fluorescence enhancement mechanism of GO-CD-HQ. Under the optimal conditions, the detection limit of it and linear concentration range for Pb²⁺ ions were obtained as 3.72 × 10^-5 M and (5-60) × 10^-5 M, respectively. Additionally, the developed assay exhibited logic gate behavior with Pb²⁺ ions and vitamin C as a masking agent for cited ions.

COvalent monolayer patterns in Microfluidics by PLasma etching Open Technology – COMPLOT

Plasma microcontact patterning (PμCP) and replica molding were combined to make PDMS/glass microfluidic devices with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) patterns attached covalently on the glass surface inside microchannels.

Long-Wavelength Fluorescent Chemosensors for Hg2+ based on Pyrene

A novel long-wavelength turn-on fluorescent chemosensor CS based on pyrene was synthesized to detect Hg²⁺. In the presence of other metal ions, CS could effectively recognize Hg²⁺ and produce the turn-on fluorescent emission at 607 nm. Also, the absorption spectrum exhibited red-shift. Meanwhile, the change of the solution color from yellow to orange was directly observed by the naked eye. The interaction between CS and Hg²⁺ was confirmed by the Job's plot, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, and density functional theory calculations. It was found that the fluorescence of CS could be reversible when I^- was added into the solution of CS and Hg²⁺. CS illustrated high selectivity and good sensitivity for Hg²⁺ with the limit of detection of 36 nm. Moreover, CS could be utilized as test strips and silica gel plates to identify Hg²⁺.

Coumarin-based Hg2+ fluorescent probe: Fluorescence turn-on detection for Hg2+ bioimaging in living cells and zebrafish

The need in developing fluorescent probes for trace metal ion detection in biological samples has been an important issue. Herein, a reaction-based fluorescent probe PIC containing a perimidine moiety was designed and synthesized for Hg²⁺ detection. The probe can selectively distinguish Hg²⁺ with 42-fold fluorescent enhancement from the other metal ions at physiological pH. This probe can detect Hg²⁺ with the detection limit of 1.08 μM. The sensor PIC can be applied to real-time detection of Hg²⁺ in cells with blue emission.

Binding abilities of polyaminocyclodextrins: polarimetric investigations and biological assays

Three polyaminocyclodextrin materials, obtained by direct reaction between heptakis(6-deoxy-6-iodo)-β-cyclodextrin and the proper linear polyamines, were investigated for their binding properties, in order to assess their potential applications in biological systems, such as vectors for simultaneous drug and gene cellular uptake or alternatively for the protection of macromolecules. In particular, we exploited polarimetry to test their interaction with some model p-nitroaniline derivatives, chosen as probe guests. The data obtained indicate that binding inside the host cavity is mainly affected by interplay between Coulomb interactions and conformational restraints. Moreover, simultaneous interaction of the cationic polyamine pendant bush at the primary rim was positively assessed. Insights on quantitative aspects of the interaction between our materials and polyanions were investigated by studying the binding with sodium alginate. Finally, the complexation abilities of the same materials towards polynucleotides were assessed by studying their interaction with the model plasmid pUC19. Our results positively highlight the ability of our materials to exploit both the cavity and the polycationic branches, thus functioning as bimodal ligands.

Development and applications of two colorimetric and fluorescent indicators for Hg2+ detection

Two rhodamine-active probes RBAI (Rhodamine B-di-Aminobenzene-phenyl Isothiocyanate) and RGAI (Rhodamine 6G-di-Aminobenzene-phenyl Isothiocyanate) were designed, synthesized and characterized. The probes were developed as fluorescent and colorimetric chemodosimeters in ethanol-water solution with a broad pH span (5-10) and high selectivity toward Hg²⁺ but no significant response toward other common competitive cations. The Hg²⁺-promoted ring opening of spirolactam of the rhodamine moiety induced cyclic guanylation of the thiourea moiety, which resulted in the dual chromo- and fluorogenic observation (off-on). Cytotoxicity and bioimaging studies by L929 living cells and living mice indicated that the probes were negligible cytotoxicity, cell permeable and suitable for detecting Hg²⁺ in biological environments. Moreover, the new probes not only displayed excellent abilities for the successful detection of Hg²⁺ in L929 living cells and living mice but also able to detect Hg²⁺ by adsorbing on solid surfaces and quantitative detection of Hg²⁺ in real water samples with good recovery (more than 90%), indicating that they have promising prospect for application for Hg²⁺ sensing in environmental and biological sciences.

A highly selective chromogenic sensor for Mn2+, turn-off fluorometric for Hg2+ ion, and turn-on fluorogenic sensor for F- ion with the practical application

A colorimetric and fluorometric probe (E)-2-((8-hydroxy-1,2,3,5,6,7-hexahydropyrido[3,2,1-ij]quinolin-9-yl)methylene)hydrazinecarbothioamide based on thiosemicarbazide and julolidine moieties has been synthesised in pure crystalline form and characterized by ¹H NMR, UV-vis, elemental analysis and single crystal XRD. The probe functioned as multitarget ion sensor, detect biologically important metal ions Hg²⁺ and Mn²⁺ in dual channel mode. Meanwhile, in mixed solvent media DMF/H₂O [8:2], probe displayed selectivity for Hg²⁺ over other cations by the emission spectrum. Interestingly probe has been explored to recognize F^- anion in DMF through ESIPT mechanism. The 1:1 binding stoichiometry of probe with Hg²⁺ and Mn²⁺ is confirmed by Job's plot through emission titration and UV-vis titration respectively. Probe is selective and sensitive to Hg²⁺ and Mn²⁺ with detection limit as low as 15μM and 0.2μM respectively. The sensing mechanism for selective ions was also scrutinized using ¹H NMR experiments and computational studies.

Recent Advances in Macrocyclic Fluorescent Probes for Ion Sensing

Small-molecule fluorescent probes play a myriad of important roles in chemical sensing. Many such systems incorporating a receptor component designed to recognise and bind a specific analyte, and a reporter or transducer component which signals the binding event with a change in fluorescence output have been developed. Fluorescent probes use a variety of mechanisms to transmit the binding event to the reporter unit, including photoinduced electron transfer (PET), charge transfer (CT), Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), excimer formation, and aggregation induced emission (AIE) or aggregation caused quenching (ACQ). These systems respond to a wide array of potential analytes including protons, metal cations, anions, carbohydrates, and other biomolecules. This review surveys important new fluorescence-based probes for these and other analytes that have been reported over the past five years, focusing on the most widely exploited macrocyclic recognition components, those based on cyclam, calixarenes, cyclodextrins and crown ethers; other macrocyclic and non-macrocyclic receptors are also discussed.

A dual-mode turn-on fluorescent BODIPY-based probe for visualization of mercury ions in living cells

A novel turn-on fluorescent 8-amino BODIPY-based probe carrying a thiourea unit as the mercury ion recognition unit has been developed. Due to the cascade reaction processes, consecutive color changes reflecting the electronic absorption and emission responses were observed upon addition of increased concentrations of mercury(ii) ions. The likely sensing mechanism was proposed as mercury ion-promoted cyclization and subsequent hydrolysis. The probe displayed a selective response to mercury ions over other metal ions. Additionally, experiments with living Human Hepatoma SMMC-7721 cells to visualize intracellular mercury ions in biological systems were carried out with the probe.

Fluorescence “on–off–on” chemosensor for selective detection of Hg2+ and S2−: application to bioimaging in living cells

A phenothiazine based diamino-malenonitrile-linked (P-1) chromogenic and fluorogenic probe was synthesized and characterized for the specific detection of Hg²⁺ and S²⁻. The probe P-1 can be used for selective imaging of Hg²⁺ and S²⁻ in living cells.

Regioselective synthesis of 3-anthracenyloxindoles and 3-carbazolyloxindoles by indium(iii)-catalyzed direct arylation and their fluorescent chemosensor properties

An efficient protocol for diverse 3-anthracenyloxindoles and 3-carbazolyloxindoles has been developed by In(OTf)₃-catalyzed direct arylation of 3-diazooxindoles with anthracenes or carbazoles.

Pyrano[3,2-c]julolidin-2-ones: a novel class of fluorescent probes for ratiometric detection and imaging of Hg2+ in live cancer cells

A novel pyrano[3,2-c]julolidin-2-one based fluorescent molecular rotor PYJO4 has been designed and developed for selective ratiometric detection, quantification and imaging of intracellular Hg²⁺ in live cells.

β-Cyclodextrin included coumarin derivatives as selective fluorescent sensors for Cu2+ ions in HeLa cells

A highly sensitive and selective fluorescent sensor for Cu²⁺ ions in water medium is reported using 4-((benzo[d]thiazol-2-ylthio)methyl)-5,7-dihydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one (1) included β-cyclodextrin, as a probe.

Naked eye sensing of melamine: aggregation induced recognition by sodium d-gluconate stabilised silver nanoparticles

A simple, cost-effective sodium d-gluconate stabilised Ag NP system was developed and its sensing behavior towards melamine was studied.

Two hexaazatriphenylene-pyrene based Hg2+ fluorescent chemosensors applicable for test paper detection

Two chemosensors with large hexaazatriphenylene-pyrene chromophores exhibited fluorescence response to Hg²⁺, and they were successfully applied for test paper detection.

An ultrafast molecular rotor based ternary complex in a nanocavity: a potential “turn on” fluorescence sensor for the hydrocarbon chain

Formation of a ternary complex by an ultrafast molecular rotor (UMR) with a macrocyclic cavitand has been investigated for the sensitive detection of the alkyl chain of a surfactant.

A colorimetric and turn-on fluorescent chemosensor for selective detection of Hg2+: theoretical studies and intracellular applications

A new colorimetric, “turn-on” fluorescent chemosensor (DEAS-BPH) was synthesized for selective and sensitive recognition of Hg²⁺ ions with no interference from environmentally relevant metal ions in a mixed organo-aqueous medium.

Nitrogen-doped, thiol-functionalized carbon dots for ultrasensitive Hg(ii) detection

Nitrogen-doped, PEGylated carbon dots (C-dots) have been synthesized for the ultra sensitive detection of mercury ions (Hg²⁺).