Dulplex analysis of mercury and silver ions using a label-free fluorescent aptasensor

Label-free Hg²⁺ aptamer was used as a sensing element and the PicoGreen dye was specific to ultra-sensitive double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), which achieved novel fluorescence assay for detection of both mercury and silver ions. In this aptasensor, Hg²⁺ bound to thymidine (T) to form T–Hg^2+-T base pairs and Ag⁺ specifically interacted with C–C mismatches to produce C–Ag⁺–C base pairs. The conformation changes prevented the aptamer from binding to its complementary sequences to form dsDNA and caused a fluorescence intensity decrease with PicoGreen. The change in the fluorescence intensity made it possible to detect both Hg²⁺ and Ag⁺ in a dose-dependent manner. The sensing system could detect as low as 5 × 10^–8 mol/L of Hg²⁺ and 9.3 × 10^–10 mol/L of Ag⁺. The fluorescent intensity changes in the system were specific for Hg²⁺ and Ag⁺, making this simple and cost-effective method extremely valuable in its future applications in monitoring Hg²⁺ and Ag⁺ pollution in environmental analysis.     

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.     

Fluorescent chemosensor for Cu2+ ion based on iminoanthryl appended calix[4]arene

Calix[4]arene based podands 1a of cone conformation and 1b of 1,3-alternate conformation possessing imine units and bearing anthracene moieties have been synthesized by a 1 + 2 Schiff base condensation in good yields and examined for their cation recognition abilities towards cations such as lithium, sodium, potassium, nickel, cadmium, copper, zinc, lead, silver and mercury ions by UV–vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The calix[4]arene derivative 1b shows a selective fluorescence enhancement in presence of Cu²⁺ ions among the various metal ions tested (Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Ni²⁺, Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺, Ag⁺ and Hg²⁺ ions). The colour of the solution changes from colourless to light yellow in the presence of Cu²⁺ ions. The stoichiometry of the complex formed between 1b and Cu²⁺ was found to be 1:1 as established by Job’s plot.     

Synthesis and Applications of a New Polysiloxane-Immobilized Macrocyclic Ligand System

Abstract

Insoluble porous solid, macrocyclic 22-membered ring, 1-oxa-6,9,12,15,18-pentaaza-2,22-disilacyclododocosane polysiloxane ligand system has been prepared by the reaction of a macro-silane agent with tetraethylorthosilicate. The macro-silane agent was prepared by the reaction of imino-bis(N-2-aminoethylacetamide) ligand with 3-iodopropyltrimethoxysilane in 1:3 molar ratio. The new prepared polysiloxane system exhibits variable potentials for the extraction of metal ions (Fe³⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Ag⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺, and Pb²⁺) from aqueous solutions. The ligand system shows high capacity to extract silver, lead, and mercury. Chemisorption of the metal ions by the ligand system at the optimum conditions was found in the order Ag ⁺ > Pb²⁺ > Hg²⁺ > Cu²⁺ > Ni²⁺ > Fe³⁺ > Co²⁺ > Cd²⁺ > Zn²⁺.     

A new Hg2+ fluorescent sensors based on 1,3-alternate thiacalix[4]arene (L) and the complex of [L+Hg2+] as turn-on sensor for cysteine

A new thiacalix[4]arene derivative in a 1,3-alternate conformation bearing four naphthalene groups through crown-3 chains has been synthesized, which exhibits high selectivity toward Hg²⁺ by forming a 1:2 complex, among other metal ions ( Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ba²⁺, Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺, Cs⁺, Mn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Cd²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Li⁺, and Zn²⁺) with a low detection limit (3.30×10^?7 M). The metal ion-binding properties were studied by fluorescence, AFM, and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The in situ prepared [Hg²⁺+L] complex shows well recognition ability for cysteine with a low detection limit (2.23×10^?7 M) through fluorescence turning on. The mechanism of fluorescence turning on is the host L releasing from [L+Hg²⁺] for [Cys+Hg²⁺] complex formed. Thus the paper reports secondary-sensor design: Hg²⁺ as a first sensor for [L+Hg²⁺] form, cysteine as a second sensor for Hg²⁺ releasing from the [L+Hg²⁺] complex after cysteine adding in.     

Chromogenic azole diazothiacrown ethers

Azocrown ethers with sulphur atoms and pyrrole or imidazole residue as a part of macrocycle have been synthesised. Their metal complexation abilities in acetonitrile were studied using UV–vis spectrophotometry. The largest spectral changes were observed for both pyrrole- and imidazole-azothiacrown ethers on complexation with Pb^2 + , Cu^2 + , Zn^2 + , Ni^2 + , Co^2 +  and Ag⁺ ions. In the case of alkali and alkaline earth metal ions no spectral changes were found. Preliminary studies of ion-selective membrane electrodes with synthesised ionophores are presented. In the measurement for transition/heavy metal cations, only copper and lead give high responses. X-ray structure of 18-membered pyrrole azothiacrown ether is described.     

Ester and Ketone Groups Substituted Mono- and Di- Azo-coupled Azocalix[4]arenes as Extractant for Hg+ and Hg2+, or Cr3+Cations

This article describes extraction properties of mono- (A1–A8) and di- (B1–B8) substituted azocalix[4]arene analogues. The ionophore solvent extractions of alkaline-earth (Sr²⁺), basic metal (Pb²⁺) and transition metal cations (Ag⁺, Hg⁺, Hg²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Cr³⁺) from aqueous phase to organic phase were carried out by azocalix[4]arene derivatives. It has been observed that they show a good extraction behavior toward selected heavy metal (Hg) and toxic metal (Cr), while A4 and B4 prefer Hg⁺, Hg²⁺ and Cr³⁺ among transition metal cations, respectively. The azocalix[4]arenes (A1–A8) and (B1–B8) are not efficient extractants for all of the selected metal cations, whereas A4 and B4 are selective only for Hg metal cation.     

Synthesis and extraction studies of polymeric phthalimido functionalized calix[4]arene

The article comprises synthesis and extraction studies of polymeric calix[4]arene having phthalimide groups at the lower rim. The polymeric phthalimido functionalized calix[4]arene was synthesized via radical initiated reactions involving a vinylic monomer 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25-[4-(acrylamido)benzyloxy]-26,28-bis-(2-phthalimido-ethoxy)-27-hydroxycalix[4]arene (5) with styrene. A five atom spacer group was incorporated between the bulky calixarene core and the acrylate moiety in order to minimize steric interactions which proved to impede the polymerization. From the liquid–liquid and solid–liquid extraction studies it has been concluded that the precursor 3 (5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25-(4-nitro benzyloxy)-26,28-bis-(3-phthalimidoethoxy)-27-hydroxy-calix[4]arene) is selective for metal cations. The order of extractability of metal cations by the ligand 3 decreases in the sequence: Hg²⁺ > Cd²⁺ > Cu²⁺ > K⁺ > Co²⁺ whereas its polymeric derivative is selective in the sequence: Hg²⁺ > Cd²⁺ > K⁺ > Co²⁺ > Cu²⁺ for the metal cations used in the experiments.     

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.     

High Sensibility of Quantum Dots to Metal Ions Inspired by Hydroxyapatite Microbeads

An approach for the sensitive and selective determination of Ag⁺, Cu²⁺ and Hg²⁺ ions was developed based on the fluorescence quenching of mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) capped CdTe quantum dots in the existence of hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanoribbon spherulites. Among various metal ions investigated, it was found that the fluorescence of CdTe QDs was only sensitive to Ag⁺, Cu²⁺ and Hg²⁺ ions. The addition of HAP into the CdTe system could bring forward a sensitivity improvement of about 1 to 2 orders of magnitude in the detection of Ag⁺ and Cu²⁺ compared with the plain CdTe system without the existence of HAP; while there was no sensitization effect for Hg²⁺. Under optimal conditions, the detection limits for Ag⁺, Cu²⁺ and Hg²⁺ were 20, 56 and 3.0 nmol·L^?1, respectively, and the linear ranges were 0.02–50, 0.056–54 and 0.003–2.4 µmol·L^?1, respectively. Mechanisms of both QDs fluorescence quenching by metal ions and the sensitization effect by HAP were also discussed.     

Synthesis and structure of [Hg2(L)2(NO3)2] (L = (4-nitrophenyl)pyridin-2-ylmethyleneamine); a theoretical study on Hg–Hg bond in this and in linear Hg2X2 (X = F, Cl, Br, I, Ph) complexes

A new binuclear mercury(I) complex, [Hg₂(L)₂(NO₃)₂] (L = (4-nitrophenyl)pyridin-2-ylmethyleneamine), 1, has been synthesized and characterized by CHN analyses, IR, UV–vis spectroscopy and X-ray crystal structure analysis. The complex contains a metal–metal bonded core, [Hg–Hg]²⁺, in which a single bidentate imine ligand is coordinated to each mercury atom. The Hg atoms have an additional interaction with the oxygen atom of the NO₃ ^? ion. Theoretical studies show that the interaction energy between the two {Hg(L)NO₃} fragments is about 45–59 kcal/mol depending on the level of calculation. The Mayer-Mulliken and Wiberg bond indices (WBI) for Hg–Hg bond at different levels of theory are about 0.75–0.88 and 0.60–0.70, respectively, and are significantly larger than that for Hg–N and Hg–O bonds. The NBO calculations by using different methods and basis sets also show that the S character in Hg–Hg bond is very large (94.65–97.81 %). All above data for this complex are compared with those for linear Hg₂X₂ (X = F,Cl, Br, I, Ph) complexes. Interestingly, the bond order for Hg–Hg bond in complex 1 is comparable with that for Hg₂F₂ and larger than those in above linear complexes. This is consistent with the experimental data indicating that the Hg–Hg bond in 1 is shorter than that in all above complexes, except Hg₂F₂.     

Production and Characterization of a Halo-, Solvent-, Thermo-tolerant Alkaline Lipase by Staphylococcus arlettae JPBW-1, Isolated from Rock Salt Mine

Studies on lipase production and characterization were carried out with a bacterial strain Staphylococcus arlettae JPBW-1 isolated from rock salt mine, Darang, HP, India. Higher lipase activity has been obtained using 10 % inoculum with 5 % of soybean oil as carbon source utilizing a pH 8.0 in 3 h at 35 °C and 100 rpm through submerged fermentation. Partially purified S. arlettae lipase has been found to be active over a broad range of temperature (30–90 °C), pH (7.0–12.0) and NaCl concentration (0–20 %). It has shown extreme stability with solvents such as benzene, xylene, n-hexane, methanol, ethanol and toluene up to 30 % (v/v). The lipase activity has been found to be inhibited by metal ions of K⁺, Co²⁺ and Fe ²⁺ and stimulated by Mn²⁺, Ca²⁺ and Hg²⁺. Lipase activity has been diminished with denaturants, but enhanced effect has been observed with surfactants, such as Tween 80, Tween 40 and chelator EDTA. The K _m and V _max values were found to be 7.05 mM and 2.67 mmol/min, respectively. Thus, the lipase from S. arlettae may have considerable potential for industrial application from the perspectives of its tolerance towards industrial extreme conditions of pH, temperature, salt and solvent.     

Conductometric studies and application of new Schiff base ligand as carbon paste electrode modifier for mercury and cadmium determination

A new chemically modified carbon paste electrode by 2,2?-((pyridine-2,6-diylbis(azanylylidene))bis(methanylylidene))diphenol (L) ligand has been made and used as a sensor for determination of trace mercury and cadmium ions with cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) methods. Complexation studies of the ligand with Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Hg²⁺, Ni²⁺ and Cd²⁺ ions by conductometric method in acetonitrile–ethanol mixture at 25°C show that the ML complexes have formed. The formation constants of complexes were calculated from the computer fitting of the molar conductance–mole ratio data, and the stability of the resulting complexes varied in order of Cd²⁺ > Hg²⁺ > Cu²⁺ > Zn²⁺ > Ni²⁺. Then a simple and effective chemically modified carbon paste electrode with L was prepared, and the electrochemical properties and applications of the modified electrode were investigated. Under the optimal conditions, the detection limit was 0.0494 μg L^?1 and 0.0782 μg L^?1 for cadmium and mercury ions, respectively, and the linear range for both metal ions were from 1 to 100 μg L^?1. The electrode shows high sensitivity, reproducibility and low cost, and was successfully applied to determination of Cd²⁺ and Hg²⁺ ions in water samples with recovery in the range of 97–101%.     

Quantum chemical study of the interaction between selenium analog of methimazole as an anti-thyroid drug and metal cations

Energetic and structural properties of complexes formed from interaction between selenium analog of methimazole (MSeI) as an anti-thyroid drug and M^z+ (Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Be²⁺, Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺) cations have been investigated using B3LYP, M062X, PBE1PBE, and MP2 methods with 6-311++G(d,p) and 6-311++G(2d,2p) basis sets. Two planar and perpendicular complexes were predicted from interaction of MSeI and M^z+ cations. From the Gibbs free energy difference between the planar and perpendicular forms of MSeI–M^z+ complexes, it is found that the perpendicular forms are the predominant ones. In addition, the comparison of interaction energies shows that the order of energies increases in the following order: K⁺ < Na⁺ < Li⁺ < Ca²⁺ < Mg²⁺ < Be²⁺. The results of natural bond orbital analysis showed that the charge transfer occurs from MSeI to metal cations. The atom in molecule analysis shows that the charge density and its Laplacian at the Se–M^z+ bond critical point of the MSeI–M²⁺ complexes are greater than the MSeI–M¹⁺ ones. Also, it was revealed that the Se–M^z+ interactions in perpendicular complexes of alkali and alkaline metal cations are electrostatic and partially covalent in nature, respectively.     

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.     

Selective separation of yttrium(III) through a liquid membrane system using 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone as an extractant carrier

2-Thenoyltrifluoroacetone has been offered as a mobile carrier in organic phase for the transport and selective separation of yttrium from aqueous media using a liquid membrane system. Perceivably, the use of n-propylamine (PA) in the source phase enhances the transport of yttrium ions. The extraction and stripping conditions have entirely been evaluated and explained. The suggested method has been utilized for the separation of yttrium(III) from its binary mixtures with strontium(II) and some other cations such as Ni²⁺, Co²⁺, Ag⁺, Fe²⁺, Al³⁺, Cu²⁺, Hg²⁺and Cs⁺ in aqueous solutions of pH 5.4 in the presence of PA, while 1 M nitric acid was acting as a stripping agent in the receiving division. Cyanide ion and 5-sulfosalicylic acid have been used as masking agents to minimize the interferences from different transition metal ions and Al³⁺ in the source phase, respectively. ⁹⁰Y in secular equilibrium with ⁹⁰Sr in the source phase, was transferred to receiving phase and separated completely from its long-lived parent isotope. The activity of the transported ⁹⁰Y was found to decay with a half-life 64.17 ± 0.05 h. The purity of yttrium-90 was comparable or better than the other applied liquid membrane systems for purification of yttrium-90.     

Benzimidazole-based optical probe for selective detection of multiple-cations via dual-channel analysis

A benzimidazole-based optical probe having pendant carboxyl, amine, and imine groups as ionophore has been prepared for screening various metal ions. The 4-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-1H-imidazole-5-carboxylic acid (1) has been obtained in good yield and characterized by full battery of complementary physico-chemical techniques including ¹H NMR, UV-Vis, fluorescence spectroscopy, and single crystal X-ray crystallography. Metal ion-binding properties of 1 have been studied using ppm level concentration of representative alkali metal (Na⁺, K⁺), alkaline earth metal (Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺), and transition metal (Zn²⁺, Co²⁺, Fe³⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, Ag⁺) ions and the output signal was monitored via two different channels viz chromogenically and fluorogenically. Selective recognition of Hg²⁺ has been explored with absorption spectra whereas emission spectra of 1 display differential response for multiple cations at parts-per-million (ppm) level concentration that allow selective detection of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and Na⁺ ions. The results have been discussed in light of selectivity, sensitivity, response time, mode of binding/interactions, and sensing properties.     

Selective complexation of alkali metal ions and nanotubular cyclopeptides: a DFT study

A density functional theory based on interaction of alkali metal cations (Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺ and Cs⁺) with cyclic peptides constructed from 3 or 4 alanine molecule (CyAla3 and CyAla4), has been investigated using mixed basis set (C, H, O, Li⁺, Na⁺ and K⁺ using 6-31+G(d), and the heavier cations: Rb⁺ and Cs⁺ using LANL2DZ). The minimum energy structures, binding energies, and various thermodynamic parameters of free ligands and their metal cations complexes have been determined with B3LYP and CAM-B3LYP functionals. The order of interaction energies were found to be Li⁺ > K⁺ > Na⁺ > Rb⁺ > Cs⁺ and Li⁺ > Na⁺ > K⁺ ? Rb⁺ > Cs⁺, calculated at CAM-B3LYP level for the M/CyAla3 and M/CyAla4 complexes, respectively. Their selectivity trend shows that the highest cation selectivity for Li⁺ over other alkali metal ions has been achieved on the basis of thermodynamic analysis. The main types of driving force host–guest interactions are investigated, the electron-donating O offers lone pair electrons to the contacting LP* of alkali metal cations.     

Synthesis,Characterization and Coordination Properties of a Novel Thiacalix[4]arene with Diagonal Quinolin-8-yloxy Pendants

A novel conic thiacalix[4]arene derivative (1) with diagonal quinolin-8-yloxy pendants via oxyethylene spacer has been synthesized in one step. The coordination properties of the new ligand towards Ni^2 + , Co^2 +  and Zn^2 +  ions were studied by UV–vis, fluorescent spectra and ¹H NMR titration. The results showed that 1 formed very stable complexes with the three metal ions, and the stoichiometries of 1-Ni^2 + , 1-Co^2 +  and 1-Zn^2 +  were 1:1, 1:2 and 1:2, respectively.     

New tetrapyrazolic macrocycle. Synthesis and preliminary use in metal ion extraction

A new macrocycle containing two bipyrazolic units, with a side-arm bearing an attached donor-group is reported. The complexing properties of this compound towards heavy metal ions (Hg²⁺, Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺) and alkaline metal ions (Ca²⁺, Cs⁺, K⁺, Na⁺, Li⁺) was studied by a liquid-liquid extraction process and the extracted cation percentage was determined by atomic absorption measurements and UV spectroscopy.