Turn‐on fluorogenic and chromogenic detection of cations in complete water media with poly(N‐vinyl pyrrolidone) bearing rhodamine B derivatives as polymeric chemosensor

A hydrophobic organic monomer GRBE with a polymerizable methacrylester moiety had been synthesized by reaction of rhodamine B‐ethanediamine with glycidyl methacrylate. A water‐soluble polymeric chemosensor poly(VP‐GRBE) had been prepared via copolymerization with a hydrophilic comonomer (vinylpyrrolidone) and GRBE, which was able to sense environmentally poisonous cations in completely aqueous media. The chemosensor was a derivative of rhodamine B, which behaved as a fluorescent and chromogenic sensor toward various heavy cations, particularly Cr³⁺, Fe³⁺, and Hg²⁺. Titration curves of Cr³⁺, Fe³⁺, and Hg²⁺ were constructed using rapid, cheap, and widely available technique of fluorescence spectroscopies. The detection limits for Cr³⁺, Fe³⁺, or Hg²⁺ ions were found to be 2.20 × 10^?12, 2.39 × 10^?12, and 1.11 × 10^?12 mol/l in the same medium, respectively. Moreover, a colorimetric response from the polymeric chemosensor permitted the detection of Cr³⁺, Hg²⁺, or Fe³⁺ by “naked eye” because of the development of a pink or brown yellow color when Cr³⁺, Hg²⁺, or Fe³⁺ cations interacted with the copolymer in aqueous media. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Cytosine triphosphate-capped silver nanoparticles as a platform for visual and colorimetric determination of mercury(II) and chromium(III)

This work reports on a colorimetric platform for determination of chromium ions (Cr³⁺) and mercury ions (Hg²⁺) using silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) capped with cytosine triphosphate (CTP). The capped AgNPs were synthesized one-step by reduction of AgNO₃ in the presence of CTP. It was found that such AgNPs aggregate in the presence of Cr³⁺. This results in a decrease in the intensity of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band at 390 nm and the formation of a new red-shifted band at 510 nm, and consequently a color change from yellow to red. Different from the Cr³⁺-induced aggregation of AgNPs, exposure to Hg²⁺ causes the formation of a mercury layer around the surface of the AgNPs. This, in turn, causes the SPR absorption of the AgNPs to decrease and to undergo a slight blue shift, and this results in a fading of the yellow color. The findings are the basis of developing a new method for quantification of either Cr³⁺ or Hg²⁺, with detection limits of 6.25 μM for Cr³⁺ and of 0.125 μM for Hg²⁺, respectively. The method was applied to the determination of the two ions in spiked drinking water and lake water samples, and recoveries ranged from 94.5% to 101.3% for Cr³⁺, and from 96% to 108% for Hg²⁺, which is satisfactory for quantitative assays performed in water samples.

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Graphical abstract Cytosine triphosphate-capped silver nanoparticles (cAgNPs) are shown to represent a viable probe for visual and colorimetric detection of Hg²⁺ and Cr³⁺ via two different mechanisms: aggregation of cAgNPs in case of Cr³⁺; and amalgamation of cAgNPs in case of Hg²⁺.

     

BODIPY Immobilized MCM-41 Based Multianalyte Sensor: Application in Detection and Removal of Trivalent (Al3+, Cr3+) and Divalent (Cu2+, Hg2+) Metal Ions in Aqueous Media

In the present study, a novel p-phenylcarboxylic acid BODIPY ( L ) immobilized MCM-41 based solid chemosensor material L-propylsilyl@MCM-41 ( MS4 ) was developed to detect multiple metal ions in a pure aqueous medium. The synthesized solid chemosensor material MS4 shows high sensitivity and removal ability towards trivalent (Al³⁺, Cr³⁺) and divalent (Cu²⁺, Hg²⁺) metal ions. The emission intensity of MS4 enhanced multifold selectively in the presence of trivalent (Al³⁺, Cr³⁺) metal ions and shows quenching in the presence of divalent (Cu²⁺, Hg²⁺) metal ions. The limit of detection was calculated to be in the nanomolar range with Al³⁺, Cr³⁺, Cu²⁺_, and Hg²⁺ metal ions in the aqueous medium. The spectroscopic and analytical results suggest that MS4 selectively binds with Al³⁺ and Cr³⁺ through −NH functionality and with Hg²⁺ and Cu²⁺ through −COOH functionality of p-phenylcarboxylic acid BODIPY ( L ). Further, MS4 selectively removes Al³⁺, Cr³⁺, Cu²⁺, and Hg²⁺ metal ions from the aqueous media with removal efficiency of 97.28 %, 96.34 %, 87.19 %, and 95.63 %, respectively. No noticeable change in the concentration was observed for other metal ions. The recycling potential of MS4 was evaluated using EDTA for up to seven cycles with no significant reduction in sensing capability.     

Eco‐friendly Sensors Developed by Herbal Based Silver Nanoparticles for Electrochemical Detection of Mercury (II) Ion

In our study, the single‐use & eco‐friendly electrochemical sensor platform based on herbal silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was developed for detection of mercury (II) ion (Hg²⁺). For this purpose, the surface of pencil graphite electrode (PGE) was modified with AgNPs and folic acid (FA), respectively. The concentrations of AgNPs and FA were firstly optimized by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) to obtain an effective surface modification of PGE. Each step at the surface modification process was characterized by using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedence spectroscopy (EIS). The limit of detection (LOD) for Hg²⁺ was estimated and found to be 8.43 μM by CV technique. The sensor presented an excellent selectivity for Hg²⁺ against to other heavy metal ions such as Ca²⁺, Cd²⁺, Cr³⁺, Cu²⁺, Mg²⁺, Ni²⁺, Pb²⁺, Zn²⁺, Co²⁺ and Mn²⁺. Moreover, a rapid, selective and sensitive detection of Hg²⁺ was successfully performed in the samples of tap water within 1 min.     

Highly selective light scattering imaging of chromium (III) in living cells with silver nanoparticles

In this contribution, we present a highly selective chromium ion (Cr³⁺)-induced aggregation of citrate-capped silver nanoparticles, which could be applied for the imaging of the distribution of Cr³⁺ in cells. It was found that selective aggregation of citrate-capped silver nanoparticles occurs at room temperature in the presence of Cr³⁺ in aqueous medium of pH 6.8, resulting in color change from yellow to pink in 10 min and enhanced localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) scattering signals. Tenfold of other metal ions including Al³⁺, Ca²⁺, Co²⁺, Cu²⁺, Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, Hg²⁺, La³⁺, Mg²⁺, Ni²⁺, Pb²⁺, Tb³⁺ and Zn²⁺ had no response. Mechanism analysis showed that the aggregation is mainly dependent on the chelation of Cr³⁺ ion with the citrate ion capped on silver nanoparticles, forming crosslinking aggregates of silver nanoparticles. With the Cr³⁺-induced enhancement of LSPR scattering signals, Cr³⁺ in cytoplasm of human bone marrow neuroblastoma cells could be imaged with dark-field light scattering imaging technique.     

A Highly Selective and Sensitive Fluorescent Chemosensor for Detection of Al3+ in Totally Aqueous Media

A fluorescent chemosensor ( 1 ) based on 2‐hydroxy‐1‐naphthaldehyde Schiff‐base was developed for the detection of Al³⁺ in 100% aqueous solution. Upon addition of Al³⁺, a significant fluorescence enhancement was observed, which was not affected by other metal ions including Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Mn²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Cr³⁺, Ag⁺, Pb²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺, Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ under weak acid conditions. Moreover, the specific response to Al³⁺ was visible under natural light. The binding mode between 1 and Al³⁺ was clarified by ESI‐MS and ¹H NMR.     

A highly selective colorimetric sensor for Hg2+ based on a copper (II) complex of thiosemicarbazone in aqueous solutions

By applying an indirect strategy, a new copper (Ⅱ) complex of a thiosemicarbazone L has been successfully developed as a colorimetric chemosensor for the sensitive detection of mercury (Ⅱ) ions. In the presence of copper (Ⅱ) ions, the colorless solution of L became yellow; however, upon the addition of traces of mercury (Ⅱ) ions, the yellow color faded to colorless immediately. Other ions, including Fe3+ , Ag+ , Ca2+ , Zn2+ , Pb2+ , Cd2+ , Ni2+ , Co2+ , Cr3+ and Mg2+ had a negligible influence on the probe behavior. The detection limits were 5.0×10 -6 M and 3.0×10 -7 M of Hg2+ using the visual color changes and UV-vis changes respectively. Test strips based on Cu-L were fabricated, which could act as a convenient and efficient Hg2+ test kits.     

A new phenothiazine-based fluorescence sensor for imaging Hg2+ in living cells

A new phenothiazine-based sensor PHE-Ad for monitoring Hg²⁺ has been designed and synthesized based on the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) mechanism. The probes were characterized by FTIR, ¹H NMR, and HRMS, and their optical properties were detected by UV and FL. It's showed the probes detection of Hg²⁺ compared to other metal ions (Mg²⁺, Cu²⁺, Hg²⁺, Ag⁺, Co²⁺, Cr³⁺, Al³⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Ca²⁺, Fe³⁺, Fe²⁺, K⁺, Na⁺, and Cd²⁺) based on the test results. Besides, the detection limits were determined to be 2.12 × 10⁻⁸ M through the standard curve plot. In addition, sensor PHE-Ad shows high selectivity and sensitivity for Hg²⁺ with a fast response in a suitable pH range. Furthermore, taking into account its good “turn-on” fluorescent sensing behavior and low cell cytotoxicity, PHE-Ad was successfully applied to detect and image Hg²⁺ in real water samples and living cells, which shows great potentials for application in environmental and biological systems.     

A Fluorescent Chemosensor for Al3+ Based on CO Isomerization Derivated from Curcumin

A simple and nontoxic fluorescent chemosensor of di‐O‐methyl curcumin has been prepared from curcumin. The sensor exhibited selective and sensitive fluorescent responses toward Al³⁺ over a wide range of metal ions, such as Mn²⁺, Ce³⁺, Pt²⁺, Sn⁴⁺, Hg⁺, Sb³⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Ba²⁺, Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, Na⁺, NH₄⁺, Ag⁺, Pb²⁺, Zn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, Hg²⁺ and Cr³⁺ in ethanol/water. The free ligand showed quite weak fluorescence emission due to the isomerization of C?O double bond in the excited state, however, after addition of Al³⁺, fluorescence emission results in a prominent fluorescence enhancement.     

A highly selective colorimetric sensor to Fe3+ and Co2+ in aqueous solutions

Five aromatic azo dyes with hydroxyl groups (1–5) were designed and synthesized by coupling reactions. The relationships between structures of the compounds and the spectroscopic properties were investigated. The absorption spectra of these compounds upon titration with K⁺, Ca²⁺, Al³⁺, Mg²⁺, Ni²⁺, Mn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Cr³⁺, Fe³⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Co²⁺, Hg²⁺, and Pb²⁺ ions in neutral aqueous solutions were reported. The results are coincident with the calculation results using the density functional theory method. The high selectivity, excellent water solubility and simple synthetic process make 1-[(2-Hydroxyl)phenylazo]-2-naphthol (5) a potential sensor for sensing Fe³⁺ and Mn²⁺ with the naked eye. 1-[(2-hydroxyl)phenylazo]-2-naphthol-6-sulfonic acid (3) shows high selectivity for the colorimetric detection of Fe³⁺ and Co²⁺ among the tested metal ions. The detection limitations of 3 for determining Co²⁺ and Fe³⁺ were calculated to be 2.8 × 10^?7 and 5.6 × 10^?7 mol/L, respectively.     

Study on the synthesis of novel fluorescent macrocyclic sensors and their sensitive properties for Cu2+ and Fe3+ in aqueous solution

In this work, we synthesised and characterised three novel fluorescence macrocyclic sensors containing optically active dansyl groups. The studies for the interaction of the synthesised compounds with various mental ions (Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Ag⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Ba²⁺, Pb²⁺, Zn²⁺, Co²⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Mn²⁺, Cr³⁺, Al³⁺, Fe³⁺) were performed by fluorescence titration, Job’s plot, ESI-MS and DFT calculations. The results showed that the sensors 1a–1c displayed selective recognition for Cu²⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions and formed stoichiometry 1:1 complex through PET mechanism in DMSO/H₂O solution (1:1, v/v, pH 7.4 of HEPES). The binding constant (K) and detection limit were calculated.     

Biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles; study of the effect of physicochemical parameters and application as nanosensor in the colorimetric detection of Hg2+ in water

This research demonstrates the ability of biogenic synthesised silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to sensitively and selectively detect the presence of mercury (Hg²⁺) in water. To achieve this, the following study investigated the synthesis of AgNPs using plant extract from basil and characterised the synthesised AgNPs using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, UV-visible spectrophotometry, X-ray diffractometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. We studied the effect of various factors, such as broth concentration, precursor concentration, temperature, contact time and pH, on the synthesis of the nanoparticles. The synthesised AgNPs were then used in the colorimetric detection of Hg²⁺ in water. The as-prepared AgNPs showed high selectivity to detect Hg²⁺ alone compared to other cations and high sensitivity at different concentration of Hg²⁺. The limit of detection for Hg²⁺ was 6.25 × 10^–8 mol/L (12 µg/L) indicating that these biogenic synthesised AgNPs represent a highly sensitive Hg²⁺ detection tool.     

A novel rhodamine-based thiacalix[4]arene fluorescent sensor for Fe3+ and Cr3+

The novel fluorescent sensor 1, which is comprised of two rhodamine B lactams as fluorophores that are 1,3-alternately linked to a thiacalix[4]arene, behaves as a highly sensitive ion-induced fluorescent sensor for Fe³⁺ and Cr³⁺. This compound was synthesized, and its recognition of metal ions was evaluated by fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy. The possible mechanism of Fe³⁺- and Cr³⁺-induced spirocycle opening of 1 leads to fluorescent and colorimetric enhancement, and these properties were investigated by spectroscopy, ¹H NMR and IR. The stoichiometric ratios and association constants of the complexes between 1 and these ions have been measured and calculated, and showed that the presence of Fe³⁺ or Cr³⁺ induced sensor 1 to form a stable 1:1 complex.     

A selective fluorogenic chemodosimeter for Hg based on the dimerization of desulfurized product

A simple Hg²⁺-selective chemodosimetric system based on thiosemicarbazone was investigated. The transformation of thiosemicarbazone into semicarbazone selectively exerted by Hg²⁺ ions and the dimerization of semicarbazone resulted in a pronounced OFF–ON-type fluorescent signaling behavior. The coexistent metal ions, such as Fe³⁺, Ca²⁺, Cu²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cr³⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, and Fe²⁺, had no obvious interference with the detection of Hg²⁺. In addition, S₁₂–Hg²⁺ plays a high sensitivity for basic anions to form an ‘OFF–ON–OFF’ type signaling behavior, with the Hg²⁺-induced emission spectra can be quenched. Moreover, test strips based on S₁₂ exhibited a good selectivity to Hg²⁺. We believe the test strips could act as a convenient and efficient Hg²⁺ test kit.     

Synthesis,spectroscopic and spectrophotometric study of BODIPY appended crown ether sensor for ion detection

A novel fluoroionophore compound was synthesized from a boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) fluorophore and 4′-formylbenzo-15-crown-5 ionophore groups. Photophysical properties of the BODIPY-crown compound were studied with UV–Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The effect of metalic cations (Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Ba²⁺, Al³⁺, Fe³⁺, Cu²⁺, Co²⁺, Zn²⁺, Ag⁺, Hg²⁺, Pb²⁺) on the absorption and fluorescence spectra of compound 2 was investigated. Blue shifts were detected in UV–Vis spectra upon addition of some metal ions (Al³⁺ > Fe³⁺ > Na⁺). At the same time, the emission intensity of this complex increased due to binding of Na⁺ ion to the benzo crown cavity. Additionally, a decrease in the intensity of the 630 nm emission peak and an increase in the intensity of the 570 nm emission peak was observed in the fluorescence emission spectra following addition of Al³⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions.     

Complexation of metal ions with double-armed diazadithia lariat ether carrying anthracene moieties in acetonitrile–dioxane

A new 14-membered crown ether with nitrogen–sulfur donor atom carrying two anthryl groups was designed and synthesized by the reaction of the corresponding macrocyclic compound and 9-(chloromethyl) anthracene. The influence of metal cations such as Al³⁺, Zn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Mn²⁺, Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ on the spectroscopic properties of the ligand was investigated in acetonitrile–dioxane solution (1/1) by means of absorption and emission spectrometry. The results of spectrophotometric titration experiments disclosed the complexation stoichiometry and complex stability constant of the novel ligand with Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, Al³⁺, Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Hg²⁺ cations. Absorption spectra show isobestic points in the spectrophotometric titration of these cations. The presence of excess of Al³⁺, Zn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Mn²⁺, Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ cations caused an enhancement of anthryl fluorescence. Especially, the enhancement in case of the interaction of Hg²⁺ and Al³⁺ cations with the ligand was pronounced.     

Complexation of metal ions with the novel diazadithia crown ether carrying two anthryl pendants in acetonitrile–tetrahydrofuran

A new crown ether carrying two anthryl groups with nitrogen–sulfur donor atom was designed and synthesized by the reaction of the corresponding macrocyclic compound and 9-chloromethyl anthracene. The influence of metal cations such as Al³⁺, Zn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Mn²⁺, Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ on the spectroscopic properties of the ligand was investigated in acetonitrile–tetrahydofuran solution (1/1) by means of absorption and emission spectrometry. Absorption spectra show isosbestic points in the spectrophotometric titration of Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, Al³⁺, Cu²⁺ and Hg²⁺. The results of spectrophotometric titration experiments disclosed the complexation stoichiometry and complex stability constant of the novel ligand with Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, Al³⁺, Cu²⁺and Hg²⁺cations. The presence of excess amounts of Al³⁺, Zn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Mn²⁺, Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ cations caused an enhancement of anthryl fluorescence. The ligand showed good sensitivity for Zn²⁺ with respect to other metal cations with linear range and detection limit of 1.4 × 10^?7 to 4.1 × 10^?6 M and 1.0 × 10^?8 M respectively.     

Etodolac:β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex as a novel fluorescent chemosensor probe for Ba2+

The inclusion complex of etodolac (ETD) with β-CD was investigated by UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy. The chemosensory ability of ETD:β-CD complex for various metal cations was investigated thoroughly, and we found that the emission of the complex showed a drastic increase in the intensity for Ba²⁺. Competitive experiments of ETD:β-CD complex with Ba²⁺ showed that no significant variation was found in the fluorescence intensity of the ETD:β-CD/Ba²⁺ complex upon adding other cations, such as Na⁺, Ag⁺, Hg²⁺, Cd²⁺, Al³⁺, Cr³⁺, Fe³⁺, Se⁴⁺, and Ti⁴⁺. The linearity range, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantitation (LOQ) were determined from the selectivity and sensitivity studies.     

Rhodamine-Appended Bipyridine: XOR and OR Logic Operations Integrated in an Example of Controlled Metal Migration

A new bipyridyl derivative 1 bearing rhodamine B as visible fluorophore was designed, synthesized and characterized as a fluorescent and colorimetric sensor for metal ions. Interaction with Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg⁺, and Hg²⁺ ions was followed by UV/Vis and emission spectroscopy. Upon addition of these metal ions, different colorimetric and fluorescent responses were observed. “Off-on-off” (Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Hg²⁺) and “off-on” (Hg⁺ and Cd²⁺) systems were obtained. Probe 1 was explored to mimic XOR and OR logic operations for the simultaneous detection of Hg⁺–Cu²⁺ and Hg⁺–Zn²⁺ pairs, respectively. DFT calculations were also performed to gain insight into the lowest-energy gas-phase conformation of free receptor 1 as well as the atomistic details of the coordination modes of the various metal ions.     

Synthesis and cation binding properties of new arylazo- and heteroarylazotetrathiacalix[4]arenes

New macrocyclic tetrathiacalix[4]arenes have been synthesized by incorporating arylazo-, thiazoleazo- and β-naphthylazo- units in the tetrathiacalix[4]arene molecular architecture through diazotization and coupling reactions. The new compounds have been characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and FAB-MS spectroscopic analysis. X-ray crystallography for one of the new dyes (4a) reveals that the compound is present in the cone conformation. The synthesized macrocycles have been examined for their binding with alkali (Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Cs⁺ and Rb⁺), alkaline earth (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and Ba²⁺) and transition metal cations (Cr³⁺, Fe²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Hg⁺, Hg²⁺, Pd²⁺ and Pt²⁺) by UV-visible spectroscopy to reveal selective bathochromic shifts for heavier alkali metal ions (cesium and rubidium) and palladium in a 1:1 and 2:1 stoichiometry respectively. The study has a significant bearing on the development of useful ionic filters and sensor materials.