A novel TiO2-modified THPP-BCP composite optical waveguide sensor for the determination of ethylenediamine at ppb level

Composite thin films OWG sensors show higher sensitivity than single film-based OWG sensors, making them particularly useful in the detection of trace gases. In this work, we developed a new tetra hydroxyphenyl porphyrin (THPP)-bromocresol purple (BCP)/TiO2 gel composite film-based OWG (THPP-BCP/TiO2-OWG) sensor for identifying ethylenediamine (EDA) gas. The fabricated sensor was characterized using ultraviolet and infrared spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. The test result shows that the response of the THPP-BCP/TiO2-OWG composite film sensor to analytes was 3-4 times higher than that of the single film THPP-OWG sensor. The THPP-BCP/TiO2-OWG sensor exhibited excellent selectivity and remarkable response to EDA gas at a concentration of < 1 ppb at room temperature, with fast response (1 s) and recovery (3 s) times. The high refractive index TiO2 film contributes to OWG's sensitivity, while the THPP and BCP's sensitivity to bases further increased the sensor's response to EDA gas. The combination of THPP-BCP thin film and TiO2 gel film provides a powerful platform for OWG sensors that are highly sensitive, specific, and stable in the detection of trace gases.

Synthesis, Spectral, Redox, and Sensing Studies of β-Dicyanovinyl-Appended Corroles and Their Metal Complexes

A new family of β-dicyanovinyl (DCV)-appended corroles represented as MTPC(MN) (where M = 3H, Cu, Ag, and Co(PPh₃) and MN = malononitrile and TPC = 5,10,15-triphenylcorrole) were synthesized starting from the free base mono β-formyl corrole, H₃TPC(CHO), and characterized along with their respective MTPC(CHO) and MTPC complexes as to their spectroscopic and electrochemical properties in nonaqueous media. Comparisons between the two series of corroles demonstrate a pronounced substituent effect of the β-DCV group on the physicochemical properties making the MTPC(MN) derivatives substantially easier to reduce and more difficult to oxidize than the formyl or unsubstituted corroles. In addition, the colorimetric and spectral detection of 11 different anions (X) in the form of tetrabutylammonium salts (TBAX, X = PF₆^-, OAc^-, H₂PO₄^-, CN^-, HSO₄^-, NO₃^-, ClO₄^-, F^-, Cl^-, Br^-, and I^-) were also investigated in nonaqueous media. Of the investigated anions, only CN^- was found to induce changes in the UV-vis and ¹H NMR spectra of the β-DCV metallocorroles. This data revealed that CuTPC(MN) and AgTPC(MN) act as chemodosimeters for selective cyanide ion detection via a nucleophilic attack at the vinylic carbon of the DCV substituent, while (PPh₃)CoTPC(MN) acts as a chemosensor for cyanide ion sensing via axial coordination to the cobalt metal center. A low-limit detection of cyanide ions was observed at 1.69 ppm for CuTPC(MN) and 1.17 ppm for AgTPC(MN) in toluene.

Synthesis and the spectral, electrochemical, and nonlinear optical properties of β-dicyanovinyl-appended 'push-pull' porphyrins

A series of "push-pull" porphyrins, MTPP(MN)(TPA)₂ (M = 2H, Cu^II, Ni^II, and Zn^II), having triphenylamine (TPA) and dicyanovinyl (DCN) groups at antipodal positions were synthesized and characterised by UV-Vis, fluorescence and NMR spectroscopic techniques, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, cyclic voltammetry, DFT, and elemental analysis, which were then further utilized for third-order nonlinear optical measurements under mild conditions using femtosecond laser pulses. Remarkably, MTPP(MN)(TPA)₂ (M = 2H, Cu^II, Ni^II, and Zn^II) exhibited 21-48 nm and 38-80 nm bathochromic shifts in B and Q_x(0,0) bands as compared to the corresponding MTPPs (M = 2H, Cu^II, Ni^II, and Zn^II); the results are consistent with the effect of enhanced resonance due to TPA and -I effect of DCN moieties. In cyclic voltammetry, the push-pull porphyrins exhibited a cathodic shift (0.13-0.51 V) in their first oxidation potential as compared to the precursor owing to the presence of electron-donating TPA groups. The third-order nonlinear optical responses were recorded using a single-beam femtosecond Z-scan technique to retrieve information about the nonlinear absorption and nonlinear refraction of the samples. The two-photon absorption coefficients (β) are in the range of 0.87 × 10^-13 to 4.28 × 10^-13 m W^-1 and the nonlinear refractive index (n₂) in the range of 1.21 × 10^-19 to 7.36 × 10^-19 m² W^-1. The ultrafast absorption dynamics of the ground-state bleaching (GSB) and photo-induced absorption (PIA) are monitored by femtosecond broadband transient absorption studies. The strong nonlinearity of these push-pull porphyrins makes them potential candidates for nonlinear optical and photonic device applications.

Nickel(II) monobenzoporphyrins and chlorins: synthesis, electrochemistry and anion sensing properties

A series of nickel(II) monobenzochlorins (MBCs) and monobenzoporphyrins (MBPs) containing β-appended or meso,β-fused indanedione (IND) or malononitrile (MN) groups were synthesized and characterized for their physicochemical, electrochemical and anion sensing properties. Each investigated compound contained four meso-phenyl rings and a single β,β'-fused 4,5-di(methoxycarbonyl)benzene ring, with the chlorins represented as NiMBC(Y)₂(R)₄ and the porphyrins as NiMBP(Y^F)₂, where Y is an indanedione (IND) or malononitrile (MN) group, R = H or Br and Y^F is a meso,β-fused IND or MN substituent. One of the investigated compounds, NiMBP(IND)₂, was structurally characterized and shown to possess a ruffled macrocyclic conformation. The monobenzochlorins, NiMBC(IND)₂, NiMBC(IND)₂Br₄ and NiMBC(MN)₂, reversibly respond to basic anions such as CN^-, F^-, OAc^- and H₂PO₄^- through a visible color change assigned to the deprotonation of the vicinal proton on the appended IND or MN substituents. The malononitrile-fused Ni^II monobenzoporphyrin, NiMBP(MN)₂, exhibited a selective but irreversible visual detection of cyanide ions (LOD = 2.23 ppm). This reaction afforded a tri-fused π-extended monobenzoporphyrin product represented as NiMBP(VCN)₂ (where VCN = meso,β-fused vinyl cyanide) in non-aqueous media and proceeded via anion induced electron transfer (AIET). The in situ generated π-extended porphyrin was also isolated and characterized as to its physicochemical and electrochemical properties and found to possess a narrow electrochemical HOMO-LUMO gap of 1.46 V along with a near-IR (NIR) absorption band located at 861 nm.

Chemosensors based on N-heterocyclic dyes: advances in sensing highly toxic ions such as CN- and Hg2

CN- and Hg2+ ions are harmful to both the environment and human health, even at trace levels. Thus, alternative methods for their detection and quantification are highly desirable given that the traditional monitoring systems are expensive and require qualified personnel. Optical chemosensors (probes) have revolutionized the sensing of different species due to their high specificity and sensitivity, corresponding with their modular design. They have also been used in aqueous media and different pH ranges, facilitating their applications in various samples. The design of molecular probes is based on organic dyes, where the key species are N-heterocyclic compounds (NHCs) due to their proven photophysical properties, biocompatibility, and synthetic versatility, which favor diverse applications. Accordingly, this review aims to provide an overview of the reports from 2016 to 2021, in which fluorescent probes based on five- and six-membered N-heterocycles are used for the detection of CN- and Hg2+ ions.

Mitochondria-targeted dual-channel colorimetric and fluorescence chemosensor for detection of Sn2+ ions in aqueous solution based on aggregation-induced emission and its bioimaging applications

Several fluorescence and colorimetric chemosensory for Sn²⁺ detection in an aqueous media have been reported, but applications remain limited for discriminative Sn²⁺ detection in live human cells and zebrafish larvae. Herein, a mitochondria-targeted Sn²⁺ "turn-on" colorimetric and fluorescence chemosensor, 2CTA, with an aggregation-induced emission (AIE) response was developed. The sensing of Sn²⁺ was enabled by a reduction-enabled binding pathway, with the conversion of -C˭O groups to -C-OH groups at the naphthoquinone moiety. The color changed from light maroon to milky white in a buffered aqueous solution. The chemosensor 2CTA possessed the excellent characteristics of good water solubility, fast response (less than 10 s), and high sensitivity (79 nM) and selectivity for Sn²⁺ over other metal ions, amino acids, and peptides. The proposed binding mechanism was experimentally verified by means of FT-IR and NMR studies. The chemosensor 2CTA was successfully employed to recognize Sn²⁺ in live human cells and in zebrafish larvae. In addition, a colocalization study proved that the chemosensor had the ability to target mitochondria and overlapped almost completely with MitoTracker Red. Furthermore, a bioimaging study of live cells demonstrated the discriminative detection of Sn²⁺ in human cancer cells and the practical applications of 2CTA in biological systems.

Two cyanoethylene-based fluorescence probes for highly efficient cyanide detection and practical applications in drinking water and living cells

Cyanide detection methods are urgently needed due to the highly lethal to human beings. Herein, we report two fluorescence probes (Probe 1 and Probe 2) based on cyanoethylene group for cyanide anion (CN^-) detection. The selective recognition for CN^- was confirmed by the completely opposite green fluorescence of Probe 1 and red fluorescence of Probe 2 observed by fluorescence spectra and naked eyes. The probes take advantages of the large Stokes shift (~160 nm), rapid response (30 s), anti-interference performance and low detection limit (Probe 1: 12.4 nM, Probe 2: 101 nM). The sensing mechanism is certificated to the nucleophilic attack of CN^- to electron-deficient cyanoethylene group of probes, which was demonstrated by ¹H NMR titration, HR-MS, Job's plot and IR spectroscopy. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were carried out to analyze the mechanism in theory. Further, practical applications were studied. Easy-to-use test strips treated with Probe 1 or Probe 2 are capable of CN^- detection in pure drinking water. The good biocompatibility and membrane penetrability have achieved the bioimaging capability of Probe 1 and Probe 2 in living HepG-2 cells, making the probes promising for use in real lives.

Cyanobiphenyl-spiropyrane and -hemicyanine conjugates for cyanide detection in organic/aqueous media through reverse ICT direction: Their practical applications

Cyanide is one of the most known toxic substances. It is used in many industries and threats human health and environment through releasing with wastewater. Therefore, it is very important to detect its accurate amount, rapidly. Herein, turn-on and turn-off fluorescence sensors of hybrid cyanobiphenyl-spiropyrane and -hemicyanine were developed for the detection of CN^- ions on the basis of nuchleophilic addition to indolium moiety. Detection behavior of the both probes toward a series of anions was investigated by means of fluorescence, UV-vis, NMR and TOF-MS techniques. The results obviously indicate that both probes show remarkable spectral changes and high selectivity toward CN^- with respect to other tested anions. Cyanide levels in water samples up to 0.208 μM could be quantitatively detected as practical application. A smartphone imaging application was successfully constructed for CN^- detection. Noticeably, production of cotton kids and PSF capsules revealed that the probe could be conveniently used for on-site measurement of cyanide without complicated instruments.

Porphyrins as Colorimetric and Photometric Biosensors in Modern Bioanalytical Systems

Advances in porphyrin chemistry have provided novel materials and exciting technologies for bioanalysis such as colorimetric sensor array (CSA), photo-electrochemical (PEC) biosensing, and nanocomposites as peroxidase mimetics for glucose detection. This review highlights selected recent advances in the construction of supramolecular assemblies based on the porphyrin macrocycle that provide recognition of various biologically important entities through the unique porphyrin properties associated with colorimetry, spectrophotometry, and photo-electrochemistry.

New nitroindazole-porphyrin conjugates: Synthesis, characterization and antibacterial properties

The synthesis of new porphyrin-indazole hybrids by a Knoevenagel condensation of 2-formyl-5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin and N-methyl-nitroindazolylacetonitrile derivatives is reported. The target compounds were isolated in moderate to good yields (32-57%) and some of the isolated porphyrin-indazole conjugates showed good performance in the generation of singlet oxygen when irradiated with visible light. Their efficiency as photosensitizers in the photoinactivation of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus-MRSA was evaluated. All derivatives showed to be able to photoinactivate the MRSA bacteria. Compound 3a appears to be the most promising photosensitiser (PS) in the photoinactivation of these bacteria, despite being the least efficient in singlet oxygen generation. The addition of potassium iodide (KI) significantly potentiated the antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT) process mediated by all the analysed porphyrin-indazole conjugates. The combined action of nitroindazole-porphyrins with potassium iodide (KI) action appears to be promising in the photoinactivation of MRSA.

Highly sensitive turn-off fluorescent detection of cyanide in aqueous medium using dicyanovinyl-substituted phenanthridine fluorophore

Herein, the turn-off fluorescence sensor of 2-((4'-(7,8,13,14-tetrahydrodibenzo[a,i]phenanthridin-5-yl)-[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)methylene)malanonitrile (7) was developed for the recognition of CN- ions and studied using different spectroscopic techniques. The selective recognition of CN- ions by 7 was investigated via UV-vis spectroscopy and fluorescence studies in acetonitrile solvent, which exhibited an obvious color change from orange to colorless under 365 UV light. The sensor compound 7 possesses a high binding constant (K a) for CN- ions in the order of 5.22 × 106 M-1. The results from the interference studies revealed that probe 7 shows high sensing selectivity and sensitivity for CN- ions over other competitive anions. Probe 7 interacts with cyanide to form a 1 : 1 adduct, and this mechanism was further verified by 1H NMR titration, Job's plot analyses and DFT studies. The sensor probe 7 exhibits advantages such as low limit of detection (LOD) of 39.3 nM, fast response and sensing in a wide pH range of 3 to 11. The practical application of 7 was successfully demonstrated for the determination of CN- ions in test paper strips and various water samples.

Sensitive colorimetric detection of CN− and AcO− anions in a semi-aqueous environment through a coumarin–naphthalene conjugate azo dye

An efficient colorimetric chemosensor to detect anions in an aqueous medium.

Studies on a multifunctional chromo-fluorogenic sensor for dual channel recognition of Zn2+ and CN− ions in aqueous media: mimicking multiple molecular logic gates and memory devices

A new effectual naphthalene-based azomethine receptor has been systematically designed and synthesized as a selective colorimetric and fluorescent chemosensor for dual channel detection of cations and anions in aqueous environments.

A simple azoquinoline based highly selective colorimetric sensor for CN− anion in aqueous media

Azoquinoline based sensor AZQ was designed and synthesized as a new molecular ion sensor containing an azo group in its structure. The structural characterization of AZQ was carried out using FTIR, NMR, mass, and elemental analysis. Then, the interaction of AZQ with anions was observed visually and UV–vis measurements were made in EtOH/H2O (1:1, v/v) solvent mixture. As a result of this investigation, it was determined that AZQ is a fast and highly selective sensor for CN− ions. The solution colour of AZQ changed from light yellow to orange only in the presence of CN− ions. The limit of detection of AZQ was calculated as 2.6 μmol/L from anion titration experiments. Also, to identify the interaction mechanism of AZQ with CN− ions, 1H NMR spectra of AZQ in the presence of CN− anions were recorded and the structure was proposed for AZQ-CN− host–guest complex.

A synthesis of novel expanded porphyrinoids: NiII-induced nitrile cyclization of dicyanovinylene-bis(meso-aryl)dipyrrin

Ni^II-Metallation of dicyanovinylene-bis(meso-aryl)dipyrrin 1 under refluxed toulene conditions resulted in the formation of a bicyclic pyrrolizine ring to afford two isomeric bisNi^II expanded porphyrinoid complexes 2a and 2b, which exhibited typical features of aromatic porphyrinoids.

Effective ensemble system for the identification of CN− based on a cobalt(ii) complex: a logic gate mimic

A novel reaction-based sensor [4-hydroxy-6-methyl-3-(1-(3-methylpyridin-2-ylimine)ethyl)-2H-chromene-2-one-Co²⁺] has been synthesized for the sensitive and selective detection of CN⁻.

Highly electron deficient tetrabenzoquinone-appended Ni(ii) and Cu(ii) porphyrins: spectral, solvatochromatic, electrochemical redox and tuneable F−and CN−sensing properties

The electron deficient tetrabenzoquinone-appended porphyrins (1and2) were synthesized and utilized for the selective detection of CN⁻ions in aqueous media whereas they detect F⁻and CN⁻ions in nonaqueous media.

β-Dicyanovinyl substituted porphyrinogen: synthesis, a reversible sensor for picric acid among explosives and a unique sensor for cyanide and fluoride ions by switching between various porphyrinoid states

Oxp-MN (1) acts as a multifunctional sensor for the simultaneous colorimetric detection of picric acid (PA) among other nitroaromatics, F⁻ and CN⁻ ions when “hidden” within a mixture of other anions under unrestricted queue assay.

An insight into the communication between β-olefin/phenyl olefin-mediated acceptors and porphyrin π-system: a way to establish porphyrin based chemodosimeters and chemosensors

Porphyrins bearing electron acceptors attached to β-carbon through olefin or phenyl–olefin bridges act as chemodosimeters for CN⁻ as well as chemosensors for F⁻, CN⁻ and OAc⁻ ions depends on acceptor strength and position.

Metal-based optical chemosensors for CN- detection

This critical review focuses on recent advances (2010-2015) in the detection of cyanide anion via metal-based optical chemosensors in which a change in colour and/or fluorescence intensity (or emission wavelength) of a molecular metal complex is determined by the direct interaction of the metal centre with this anion.

Selective and sensitive colorimetric sensor for CN− in the absence and presence of metal ions (Cu2+/Ni2+): mimicking logic gate behaviour

Enone based anion sensors have significance due to their colorimetric reaction upon deprotonation and variable occurrence in the conjugated moiety.

Switching between porphyrin, porphodimethene and porphyrinogen using cyanide and fluoride ions mimicking volatile molecular memory and the ‘NOR’ logic gate

β-Substituted porphyrins were developed as a quantitatively operating “lab-on-a-molecule” for the detection of F⁻and CN⁻ions, by switching between porphyrin, porphodimethene and porphyrinogen along with distinct solution colour changes and reversibility.