Reaction-based fluorescent probe for detecting of sulfur dioxide derivatives and hydrazine via distinct emission signals

Recently, the construction of multiple analytes responsive fluorescent probes with distinct emission signals has attracted widely attention. Thus, we have designed and synthesized a new fluorescent probe, 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)benzothiazole dye skeleton (HBT-1), for the detection of sulfur dioxide and hydrazine. Significant fluorescence enhancements in two distinct emission bands (λ_em?=?464?nm and 498?nm) were generated when HBT-1 reacted with sulfur dioxide derivatives or hydrazine, respectively. Furthermore, the probe HBT-1 response can be saturated surpurisingly at the low concentration (100?μM), shorter reaction time for sulfur dioxide derivatives, while a longer reaction time and greater concentration (400?μM) for hydrazine. In other words, the probe HBT-1 can detect sulfur dioxide derivatives without hydrazine interference at low analyte concentrations.     

Colorimetric and ratiometric sensors derivated from natural building blocks for fluoride ion detection

Three novel colorimetric and ratiometric probes (SH-1~3) for fluoride ion detection were designed and synthesized from nature small molecules. Obvious yellow-to-orange color change of these probes in the THF was achieved only in presence of F^? among the eight anions (F^?, Cl^?, Br^?, I^?, H₂PO₄^?, HSO₄^?, CH₃COO^–, ClO₄^?), along with the emission shifting from green to orange red. These three probes are 1:1 complexed with fluoride ions, with complexation constant of around 0.1 × 10⁴ M^?1. The detection limit of probes SH-1~3 reached as low as around 1 μM. ¹H NMR titration study suggested that the fluoride ion induced deprotonation of the probe through hydrogen bonding interaction between amino group of probe and fluoride ion.     

Thiophene and diethylaminophenol-based “turn-on” fluorescence chemosensor for detection of Al3+ and F− in a near-perfect aqueous solution

A new fluorescent sensor 1, based on thiophene and diethylaminophenol moieties, has been synthesized and its binding capabilities for metal-ion and anion recognition were investigated. The sensor 1 showed ‘turn-on’ fluorescence in the presence of Al³⁺ and F^?. The sensing behaviors of 1 with Al³⁺ and F^? were studied by using photophysical experiments, ¹H NMR titration, and ESI-mass spectrometry analysis. The detection limits for the analysis of Al³⁺ and F^? were found to be 0.41 μM and 14.36 μM, respectively, which are below the WHO guidelines for drinking water (7.41 μM for Al³⁺ and 79 μM for F^?). Moreover, turn-on fluorescence of 1 toward Al³⁺ and F^? caused by intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) was well explained by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Importantly, 1 could be used to detect Al³⁺ in the living cells.     

Cellulose-based fluorescent macromolecular sensors and their ability in 2, 4, 6-trinitrophenol detection

This article deals with three cellulose-based fluorescent macromolecular sensors by introducing 1,8-naphthalimide fluorophore to cellulose. First, through the etherification reaction of cellulose with BrCH₂CH₂NH₂, –NH₂ group–bearing cellulose CS 1 was obtained. Then, the –NH₂ group reacts with 4-bromo-1,8-naphthalic anhydride to synthesize a naphthalimide cellulose derivative (CS 2). Finally, the recognition group was introduced by substituting Br atoms, and three cellulose fluorescent probes (CS 3, CS 4, and CS 5) were obtained eventually. Structure and fluorescence properties of the macromolecular sensors were characterized and confirmed. Fluorescence detection measurements show that these probes can be used as selective and sensitive fluorescent sensors to 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP). The detection limits are 0.52 μM, 0.76 μM, and 0.81 μM, indicating good detection performance. This work provides a new method for the selective detection of TNP and also a method to enlarge the application scope of cellulose.     

Two chemodosimeters for fluorescence recognition of biothiols in aqueous solution and their bioimaging application

Two fluorescein derivatives containing 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonyl group have been developed as fluorescent probes to detect the biothiols (Cys, Hcy and GSH) in aqueous solution. Probes 1 and 2 can distinguish these biothiols in the presence of other amino acids. While probe 1 can recognize the biothiols in PBS/DMSO (v:v = 95:5, pH = 7.40) solution, notably probe 2 could be used in PBS buffer solution (pH = 7.40). The detection limit of Cys for probe 2 reached at 0.021 μM in aqueous solution, which was lower than the intracellular concentration of Cys. In the recognition process, a reaction between the probes and the biothiols occurred, in which the S–O bond was cleaved to remove 2, 4-dinitrobenzenesulfonyl group. The data of ¹H NMR, MS and DFT/TD-DFT calculation further confirmed the detection mechanism. Moreover, two probes were successfully applied to the HeLa cell imaging.     

New PCT probes featuring N-phenylmonoaza-18-crown-6 and aryl/pyridyl oxadiazoles: optical spectral studies of solvent effects and selected metal ions

Aryl/pyridyl oxadiazole chromophores 6, 8 and 10, carrying N-phenyl aza-18-crown-6 have been synthesized as new photo-induced charge transfer (PCT) probes. While, the absorption spectra of the hosts experienced a slight negative solvatochromism, however the emission bands were dramatically red shifted (Stokes shifts up to 178 nm) in solvents of increasing polarity. Among the metal ions tested, Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺ and Mg²⁺ did not appreciably perturbed the optical properties of the hosts. On the other hand, Ba²⁺ and to a lesser extent Ca²⁺ induced marked blue shifts in both the absorption and emission spectra of the hosts. The magnitude of cation induced spectral blue shifts corresponded with the increasing acceptor strength of the attached aryl/pyridyl groups in the host molecules. The blue shifts and the stability constants were found to follow the order Ba²⁺ > Ca²⁺ ? Mg²⁺ > Na⁺ > Li⁺ > K⁺. Competitive experiments performed with a matrix of ions also revealed superior binding affinity of Ba²⁺ with all the hosts examined. Noteworthily, the deep yellow solution (λ_max, 386 nm) of the host 10 was completely bleached (λ_max, 320 nm), in the company of Ba²⁺ thereby allowing the naked eye detection of this ion.     

Electrocatalytic Oxidation and Voltammetric Determination of Hydrazine on the Tetrabromo‐p‐Benzoquinone Modified Carbon Paste Electrode

The electrochemical properties of hydrazine studied at the surface of a carbon paste electrode spiked with p‐bromanil (tetrabromo‐p‐benzoquinone) using cyclic voltammetry (CV), double potential‐step chronoamperometry and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) in aqueous media. The results show this quinone derivative modified carbon paste electrode, can catalyze the hydrazine oxidation in an aqueous buffered solution. It has been found that under the optimum conditions (pH 10.00), the oxidation of hydrazine at the surface of this carbon paste modified electrode occurs at a potential of about 550 mV less positive than that of a bar carbon paste electrode. The electrocatalytic oxidation peak current of hydrazine showed a linear dependent on the hydrazine concentrations and linear analytical curves were obtained in the ranges of 6.00×10^?5 M–8.00×10^?3 M and 7.00×10^?6 M–8.00×10^?4 M of hydrazine concentration with CV and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) methods, respectively. The detection limits (3σ) were determined as 3.6×10^?5 M and 5.2×10^?6 M by CV and DPV methods. This method was also used for the determination of hydrazine in the real sample (waste water of the Mazandaran wood and paper factory) by standard addition method.     

An effective colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent probe for bisulfite in aqueous solution

We have developed the first two-photon colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent probe, BICO, for the detection of bisulfite (HSO₃⁻) in aqueous solution. The probe contains coumarin and benzimidazole moieties and can detect HSO₃⁻ based on the Michael addition reaction with a limit of detection 5.3 × 10⁻⁸ M in phosphate-buffered saline solution. The probe was used to detect bisulfite in tap water, sugar and dry white wine. Moreover, test strips were made and used easily. We successfully applied the probe to image living cells, using one-photon fluorescence imaging. BICO overcomes the limitations in sensitivity of previously reported probes and the solvation effect of bisulfite, which demonstrates its excellent value in practical application.     

A study of the electrochemical behavior of an oxadiazole derivative electrodeposited on multi-wall carbon nanotube-modified electrode and its application as a hydrazine sensor

In this study, an oxadiazole multi-wall carbon nanotube-modified glassy carbon electrode (OMWCNT−GCE) was used as a highly sensitive electrochemical sensor for hydrazine determination. The surface charge transfer rate constant, k _s, and the charge transfer coefficient, α, for electron transfer between GCE and electrodeposited oxadiazole were calculated as 19.4 ± 0.5 s⁻¹ and 0.51, respectively at pH = 7.0. The obtained results indicate that hydrazine peak potential at OMWCNT−GCE shifted for 14, 109, and 136 mV to negative values as compared with oxadiazole-modified GCE, MWCNT−GCE, and activated GCE surface, respectively. The electron transfer coefficient, α, and the heterogeneous rate constant, k′, for the oxidation of hydrazine at OMWCNT−GCE were also determined by cyclic voltammetry measurements. Two linear dynamic ranges of 0.6 to 10.0 μM and 10.0 to 400.0 μM and detection limit of 0.17 μM for hydrazine determination were evaluated using differential pulse voltammetry. In addition, OMWCNT−GCE was shown to be successfully applied to determine hydrazine in various water samples.

     

Synthesis and evaluation of two novel rhodamine-based fluorescence probes for specific recognition of Fec+ ion

Two low cytotoxic fluorescence probes Rb1 and Rb2 detecting Fe³⁺ were synthesized and evaluated. Rb1 and Rb2 exhibited an excellent selectivity to Fe³⁺, which was not disturbed by Ag⁺, Li⁺, K⁺, Na⁺, NH₄⁺, Fe²⁺, Pb²⁺, Ba²⁺, Cd²⁺, Ni²⁺, Co²⁺, Mn²⁺, Zn²⁺, Mg²⁺, Hg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Cu²⁺, Ce³⁺, AcO^?, Br^?, Cl^?, HPO₄^2?, HSO₃^?, I^?, NO₃^?, S₂O₃^2?, SO₃^2? and SO₄^2? ions. The detection limits were 1.87 × 10^?7 M for Rb1 and 5.60 × 10^?7 M for Rb2, respectively. 1:1 stoichiometry and 1:2 stoichiometry were the most likely recognition mode of Rb1 or Rb2 towards Fe³⁺, and the corresponding OFF–ON fluorescence mechanisms of Rb1 and Rb2 were proposed.     

Colorimetric and fluorometric dual-modal probes for cyanide detection based on the doubly activated Michael acceptor and their bioimaging applications

In this study, we synthesized CTB and CB probes based on doubly activated Michael acceptors to selectively detect cyanide (CN⁻) anions through a one-step condensation reaction of coumarinyl acrylaldehyde with the corresponding derivatives of malonyl urea (thiourea). Through the conjugated addition of CN⁻ to the β-site of the Michael acceptor, both probes displayed colorimetric and fluorometric dual-modal responses that were highly reactive and selective. CTB generates an active fluorescent response, whereas CB displays a ratiometric fluorescent response. The fluorescent signal of the probes reached its maximum given only 1 CN⁻ equivalent and the signal change was linearly proportional to CN⁻ concentrations ranging from 0 to 5 μM with the detection limits 18 and 23 nM, respectively. The reaction rate of the probes is highly dependent on the methylene acidity of malonyl urea derivatives. Thus, the response rate of CTB to CN⁻ is 1.2-fold faster than that of CB, and the response rate of CB to CN⁻ is 1.2-fold faster than that of the previously examined CM. We then verified the highly reactive nature of the β-site of the probes through density functional reactivity theory calculations. In addition, according to proof-of-concept experiments, these probes may be applied to analyze CN⁻ contaminated water and biomimetic samples. Finally, cell cytotoxicity and bioimaging studies revealed that the probes were cell-permeable and could be used to detect CN⁻ with low cytotoxicity.     

Simultaneous non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug electrodetection on nitrogen doped carbon nanodots and nanosized cobalt phthallocyanine conjugate modified glassy carbon electrode

Nitrogen doped carbon nanodots (NDCNDs) and nanosized cobalt tetra aminophenoxy phthalocyanines (CoTAPhPcNPs) modified glassy carbon electrodes have been successfully used in the simultaneous detection of aspirin (ASA), ibuprofen (IBU) and indomethacin (INDO). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to probe the nature of the synthesized nanomaterials. Sequential deposition of the nanomaterials on the glassy carbon electrode yielded CoTAPhPcNPs-NDCNDs-GCE with remarkable electrocatalytic performance. Electro-oxidation of the drugs at the electrode surface was first order. This work demonstrates the synergic effect of the two nanomaterials towards simultaneous electrocatalytic detection of the drugs. Superior detection limits of ASA, IBU and INDO being 9.66 × 10⁻⁹ M, 4.19 × 10⁻⁹ M and 7.2 × 10⁻⁹ M, respectively, were obtained using differential pulse voltammetry. The developed sensor could detect two of the three (ibuprofen and indomethacin) simultaneously at significantly different potentials and exhibited remarkable reproducibility after a regeneration step.     

Electrocatalytic Oxidation and Voltammetric Determination of Hydrazine in Industrial Boiler Feed Water Using a Cobalt Phthalocyanine-modified Electrode

Abstract

A carbon paste electrode modified with cobalt phthalocyanine (CPECoPc) was developed and applied to the determination of hydrazine [N₂H₄] in industrial boiler feed water. The CPECoPc exhibited good electrocatalytical activity for hydrazine oxidation at pH 13. A linear correlation was obtained between anodic peak current (I_ap) and hydrazine concentration in the range of 1.25 × 10^?4 to 9.80 × 10^?4 mol L^?1, fit by the equation I_ap = 1.47 + 4.90 × 10⁵ [N₂H₄] with a correlation coefficient of 0.9967. A detection limit of 7.35 × 10^?5 mol L^?1 was obtained. Recovery of hydrazine from three samples ranged between 99.0% and 102.9%. The modified electrode showed no interference by cations commonly present in boiler water, such as K⁺, Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Al³⁺, Pb²⁺, and Zn²⁺. The results obtained for hydrazine in boiler water using the proposed modified electrode are in agreement with the data obtained by a standard spectrophotometric method, at the 95% confidence level.     

Acetylferrocene Modified Carbon Paste Electrode; A Sensor for Electrocatalytic Determination of Hydrazine

The electrocatalytic oxidation of hydrazine at a carbon paste electrode spiked with acetylferrocene as a mediator was studied by cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, and chronoamperometry. In contrast to other ferrocenic compounds, acetylferrocene exhibits a chemical irreversible behavior, but it can act as an effective mediator for electrocatalytic oxidation of hydrazine, too. The heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant between acetylferrocene and the electrode substrate (carbon paste) and the diffusion coefficient of spiked acetylferrocene in silicon oil were estimated to be about 3.45×10^?4 cm s^?1 and 4.45×10^?9 cm² s^?1, respectively. It has been found that under the optimum conditions (pH 7.5) the oxidation of hydrazine occurs at a potential of about 228 mV less positive than that of an unmodified carbon paste electrode. The catalytic oxidation peak current of hydrazine was linearly dependent on its concentration and the obtained linear range was 3.09×10^?5 M–1.03×10^?3 M. The detection limit (2σ) has been determined as 2.7×10^?5 M by cyclic voltammetry. Also, the peak current was increased linearly with the concentration of hydrazine in the range of 1×10^?5 M–1×10^?3 M by differential pulse voltammetry with a detection limit of 1×10^?5 M. This catalytic oxidation of hydrazine has been applied as a selective, simple, and precise new method for the determination of hydrazine in water samples.     

A sensitive tetraphenylethene-based fluorescent probe for Zn2+ ion involving ESIPT and CHEF processes

A new tetraphenylethene-based fluorescent probe 2-(quinolin-8-yliminomethyl)-4-triphenylvinyl-phenol (HL) for detecting Zn²⁺ ion through the excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) and chelation enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) processes has been designed and synthesized. The results show that HL emits relatively strong blue fluorescence at 460 nm without Zn²⁺ ion, however, probe HL displays highly pink fluorescent emission at 600 nm when adding Zn²⁺ ion. The fluorescent emission of HL appears an extremely large Stokes shift, which effectively reduces the interference of background signal. The limit of detection of HL for Zn²⁺ ion can reach to 9.0 × 10^–8 M.     

Fused bis[2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)benzoxazole] derivatives for improved fluoride sensing: The impact of regiochemistry and competitive hydrogen bonding

Development of fluorescent chemical sensors for fluoride is important due to increased use of fluoride in environment. A fused bis[2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)benzoxazole] 5, which is capable of giving ESIPT emission, is found to be a useful fluorescent sensor for fluoride detection. Upon binding to fluoride, bis(HBO) 5 shows a large spectral shift in both fluorescence (from ～490 nm to ～440 nm) and absorption (from 353 nm to 392 nm). In comparison with the isomeric 4, bis(HBO) 5 dramatically improves the sensitivity in fluoride binding (by an order of magnitude), revealing a large impact of regiochemistry on the sensor performance. ¹H NMR has been used to study the fluoride binding, and to correlate the intramolecular hydrogen bonding with the fluoride response. Sensitivity of 5 towards fluoride is as low as 10^?5 M. Bis(HBO) 5 also showed excellent selectivity towards fluoride while being silent to other anions (Cl^?, Br^?, HS^? and PO₄^3?), thus making 5 a potentially useful probe.     

In vivo monitoring an important plant immune signaling molecule salicylic acid by rhodamine-engineered probes and their density functional theory (DFT) calculations

Monitoring the dynamic fluctuations of plant immune signaling molecules is particularly meaningful and challenging in crop protection. Herein, four rhodamine-functionalized probes (F₁-F₄) were designed and synthesized to attempt to selectively detect a plant hormone salicylic acid (SA). Screening results revealed that probe F₁ bearing a 4,5-dimethoxy-2-nitrobenzyl carbamate moiety was extremely sensitive and selective towards SA along with a conspicuous fluorescence “turn-on” manner. The Job’s plot experiment disclosed a 1:1 binding mode together with a binding constant of 1.34 × 10⁴ M^?1, indicating that an appreciable hydrogen bonding interaction happened between probe F₁ and SA, thereby leading to the spirolactam ring breakage and the succeeding fluorescence generation. Concentration-dependent titration assays offered an available linear relationship for quantifying SA (15–70 μM) and the detection limit of probe F₁ to SA was 1 μM. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations displayed that a smaller energy gap (ΔE_F1-Ⅱ = 498.89 kJ/mol) was obtained between its lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) and highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO), manifesting that probe F₁ was more reactive and sensitive than those of probes F₂-F₄ (ΔE = 567.07 ～ 601.74 kJ/mol) after adsorption with salicylic acid. Meanwhile, the possible monitoring mechanism was elucidated by ¹H NMR titration experiments, probe-SA DFT calculations, and HRMS. Finally, in vivo confocal imaging results found that probe F₁ could delicately and selectively monitor SA on the roots of cucumber. This study can motivate the intensive exploration of multitudinous fluorescent probes for direct SA monitoring in vivo.     

Ion selective electrode for uranium based on composite multiwalled carbon nanotube-benzo-15-crown-5 in PVC matrix coated on graphite rod

Development of a composite multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with benzo-15-crown-5 (B15C5) as ionophore sensor responsive to uranyl ion is described. The composite MWNT-PVC membrane containing the active ingredients was casted on the surface of a graphite rod. The sensor incorporates B15C5 as electroactive material, ortho-nitrophenyl octyl ether (o-NPOE) as a plasticizer and sodium tetraphenyl borate (NaTPB) as an ion discriminator. The sensor displays a rapid and linear response over the concentration range of 1 × 10^?1 to 1 × 10^?7 M with a slope of 29.9 ± 0.4 mV per decade. The detection limit of this electrode was found to be 5.4 × 10^?8 M and the working pH range is from 2.5 to 4.5. Interference from many inorganic cations viz. Na⁺, K⁺, Sr²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Fe³⁺ is negligible for the sensor. Application to the determination of uranium in ores and effluent samples gives results with good correlation which are comparable with data obtained by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The electrode has been characterized using surface techniques.     

A study of the electrochemical behavior of an oxadiazole derivative electrodeposited on multi-wall carbon nanotube-modified electrode and its application as a hydrazine sensor

In this study, an oxadiazole multi-wall carbon nanotube-modified glassy carbon electrode (OMWCNT?GCE) was used as a highly sensitive electrochemical sensor for hydrazine determination. The surface charge transfer rate constant, k _s, and the charge transfer coefficient, ??, for electron transfer between GCE and electrodeposited oxadiazole were calculated as 19.4?±?0.5?s^?1 and 0.51, respectively at pH?=?7.0. The obtained results indicate that hydrazine peak potential at OMWCNT?GCE shifted for 14, 109, and 136?mV to negative values as compared with oxadiazole-modified GCE, MWCNT?GCE, and activated GCE surface, respectively. The electron transfer coefficient, ??, and the heterogeneous rate constant, k??, for the oxidation of hydrazine at OMWCNT?GCE were also determined by cyclic voltammetry measurements. Two linear dynamic ranges of 0.6 to 10.0???M and 10.0 to 400.0???M and detection limit of 0.17???M for hydrazine determination were evaluated using differential pulse voltammetry. In addition, OMWCNT?GCE was shown to be successfully applied to determine hydrazine in various water samples.     

Molecular engineering and biomedical applications of ultra-sensitive fluorescent probe for Ag+

A series of probes KJ-x (x = 1−3) with carbon chains of different lengths based on the matrix of rhodamine B were engineered to detect Ag⁺ in aqueous solution in this work. Among them, KJ-1 is selected as the best option after in vitro investigation in view of its most sensitive and rapid response to Ag⁺, whose possible sensing mechanism is studied by experimental investigation and theoretical calculation. To identify the practical application of the probe, the detection of Ag⁺ in nonantibiotic fungicide Silver&Health and differentiation between normal hepatocytes and hepatoma cells using confocal imaging was conducted.