Ratiometric fluorescent Zn chemosensor constructed by appending a pair of carboxamidoquinoline on 1,2-diaminocyclohexane scaffold

By appending a pair of carboxamidoquinoline pendants onto 1,2-diaminocyclohexane scaffold via N-alkylation, multifunctionalized ACAQ was designed and synthesized as a water soluble fluorescent ratiometric chemosensor for Zn²⁺. In 50% aqueous methanol buffer pH 7.4 solution, upon excitation at 316 nm, ACAQ (5 μM) displayed a selective ratiometric fluorescence changes with a shift from 410 to 490 nm in response to the interaction with Zn²⁺. After binding with 1 equiv of Zn²⁺, ACAQ exhibited a 12-fold enhancement in I₄₉₀/I₄₁₀ characterized by a clear isoemissive point at 440 nm. The metal sensor binding mode was established by Job’s plot and the combined fluorescence and ¹H NMR spectroscopic method. The selectivity of the probe toward biological relevant cations and transition metal ions was proven to be good. In addition, the interference caused by Cu²⁺ and Cd²⁺ in the quantitation of Zn²⁺ can be completely eliminated by the use of diethyldithiocarbamate as the screening agent. Exploitation of ACAQ as the sensing probe, ratiometric determination of Zn²⁺ with the limit of detection (LOD) at 28.3 nm can be realized. In addition, the unique responsive properties of the probe toward Fe³⁺ and Zn²⁺ were used to construct a fluorescent switch. The membrane permeability of ACAQ to living cells and bio-imaging of Zn²⁺ were demonstrated.     

Selective turn-on fluorescence for Zn and Zn + Cd metal ions by single Schiff base chemosensor

Chemosensor based on Schiff base molecules (1, 2) were synthesized and demonstrated the selective fluoro/colorimetric sensing of multiple metal ions (Mn²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺) in acetonitrile–aqueous solution. Both 1 and 2 showed a highly selective naked-eye detectable colorimetric change for Mn²⁺ ions at 10⁻⁷ M. Fluorescence sensing studies of 1 and 2 exhibited a strong fluorescence enhancement (36 fold) selectively upon addition of Zn²⁺ (10⁻⁷ M, λ_max = 488 nm). Fluorescence titration and single crystal X-ray analysis confirmed the formation of 1:1 molecular coordination complex between 1 and Zn²⁺. Interestingly, a rare phenomenon of strong second turn-on fluorescence (190 fold, λ_max = 466 nm) was observed by the addition of Cd²⁺ (10⁻⁷ M) into 1 + Zn²⁺ or Zn²⁺ (10⁻⁷ M) into 1 + Cd²⁺. Importantly both 1 and 2 exhibited different fluorescence λ_max with clearly distinguishable color for both Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺.     

A new turn-on fluorescence probe for Zn in aqueous solution and imaging application in living cells

We designed and synthesized a new pyrazoline-based turn-on fluorescence probe for Zn²⁺ by the reaction of chalcone and thiosemicarbazide. The structure of the probe was characterized by IR, NMR and HRMS spectroscopy. The probe (L) exhibits high selectivity and sensitivity for detecting Zn²⁺ in buffered EtOH/HEPES solution (EtOH/HEPES = 1/1, pH 7.2) with 80-fold fluorescence enhancement, which is superior to previous reports. Job’s plot analysis revealed 1:1 stoichiometry between probe L and Zn²⁺ ions. The association constant estimated by the Benesi–Hildebrand method and the detection limit were 3.92 × 10³ M⁻¹ and 5.2 × 10⁻⁷ M, respectively. A proposed binding mode was confirmed by ¹H NMR titration experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The probe is cell-permeable and stable at the physiological pH range in biological systems. Because of its fast response to Zn²⁺, the probe can monitor Zn²⁺ in living cells. Moreover, the selective binding of L and Zn²⁺ was reversible with the addition of EDTA in buffered EtOH/HEPES solution and Zn²⁺ could be imaged in SH-SY5Y neuron cells.     

A Novel Dual Channel Fluorescent Probe for Ca2+ and Zn2+ Based on a Coumarin Schiff Base

A novel coumarin Schiff base fluorescent probe ethyl 7‐hydroxycoumarin‐3‐carboxylate‐8‐formaldehyde benzoyl hydrazone ( EBH ) has been designed and synthesized which shows solvent dependent dual sensing, viz., recognition of Ca²⁺ in DMF‐H₂O (9∶1, V /V ) solution based on C = N isomerization, photoinduced electron transfer (PET ) inhibition and chelation‐enhanced fluorescence (CHEF ) mechanism as well as detection of Zn²⁺ in H₂O‐CH₃OH (9∶1, V /V ) solution by excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT ) and CHEF processes. The structure of the probe EBH has been confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Meanwhile, the probe was also used to image intracellular Zn²⁺ ions in MCF ‐7 cells with a good performance.     

FRET based selective and ratiometric ‘naked-eye’ detection of CN in aqueous solution on fluorescein–Zn–naphthalene ensemble platform

We have developed a FRET-based ratiometric fluorescent probe for the detection of CN⁻ using a fluorescein–Zn–naphthalene ensemble (NFH·Zn²⁺). The sensing mechanism was ascribed by displacement approach. The chemosensor exhibits high selectivity and sensibility for CN⁻. The speculation was supported by fluorescence emission spectra, UV–vis spectrum, ¹H NMR titration experiments, and mass spectra. The interconversion of probe NFH and NFH·Zn²⁺ via the complexation/decomplexation by the modulation of Zn²⁺/CN⁻ mimics INHIBIT gate. In addition, it also shows an excellent performance in ‘dip stick’ method.     

5-二乙胺基-2-(吡啶-2’-亚氨甲基)苯酚的合成及其对Zn2+的识别

本文利用2-氨基吡啶与4-二乙胺基水杨醛反应合成了5-二乙胺基-2-(吡啶-2’-亚氨甲基)苯酚(探针L),对其结构进行了表征。在DMSO/Tris(6:4, v/v, pH =7.4)溶液中,探针L高选择性荧光“关-开”识别Zn₂₊,在365 nm紫外灯照射下,由无荧光变成蓝色荧光。实验表明,探针L与Zn₂₊的结合比为1:1,结合常数为2.6×10₃ L. mol_-1,检测限为 9.39×10_-7mol/L,pH适用范围为7-11,并可检测水样中的Zn₂₊。     

Quantum dot-based "turn-on" fluorescent probe for detection of zinc and cadmium ions in aqueous media

Health or environmental issue caused by abnormal level of metal ions like Zn²⁺ or Cd²⁺ is a worldwide concern. Developing an inexpensive and facile detection method for Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ is in urgent demand. Due to their super optical properties, fluorescent quantum dots (QDs) have been developed as a promising alternative for organic dyes in fluorescence analysis. In this study, a CdTe QDs-based sensitive and selective probe for Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ in aqueous media was reported. The proposed probe worked in fluorescence “turn-on” mode. The initial bright fluorescence of CdTe QDs was effectively quenched by sulfur anions (S²⁻). The presence of Zn²⁺ (or Cd²⁺) can “turn-on” the weak fluorescence of QDs quenched by S²⁻ due to the formation of ZnS (or CdS) passivation shell. Under optimal conditions, a good linear relationship between the fluorescence response and concentration of Zn²⁺ (or Cd²⁺) could be obtained in the range from 1.6 to 35 μM (1.3–25 μM for Cd²⁺). The limit of detection (LOD) for Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ were found to be 1.2 and 0.5 μM, respectively. Furthermore, the present probe exhibited a high selectivity for Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ over other metal ions and was successfully used in the detection of Zn²⁺ or Cd²⁺ in real water samples.     

Di‐ and Triphosphate Recognition and Sensing with Mono‐ and Dinuclear Fluorescent Zinc(II) Complexes: Clues for the Design of Selective Chemosensors for Anions in Aqueous Media

The synthesis of a new ligand (L1) containing two 1,4,7‐triazacyclononane ([9]aneN₃) moieties linked by a 4,5‐dimethylenacridine unit is reported. The binding and fluorescence sensing properties toward Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, and Pb²⁺ of L1 and receptor L2, composed of two [9]aneN₃ macrocycles bridged by a 6,6′′‐dimethylen‐2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine unit, have been studied by coupling potentiometric, UV/Vis absorption, and emission measurements in aqueous media. Both receptors can selectively detect Zn²⁺ thanks to fluorescence emission enhancement upon metal binding. The analysis of the binding and sensing properties of the Zn²⁺ complexes toward inorganic anions revealed that the dinuclear Zn²⁺ complex of L1 selectively binds and senses the triphosphate anion (TP), whereas the mononuclear Zn²⁺ complex of L2 displays selective recognition of diphosphate (DP). Binding of TP or DP induces emission quenching of the Zn²⁺ complexes with L1 and L2, respectively. These results are exploited to discuss the role played by pH, number of coordinated metal cations, and binding ability of the bridging units in metal and/or anion coordination and sensing.     

Carbazole-based Schiff base: A sensitive fluorescent ‘turn-on’ chemosensor for recognition of Al(III) ions in aqueous-alcohol media

Carbazole-based Schiff base chemosensor was synthesized in one-pot synthesis using 2-hydroxy-1-naphtaldehyde for fluorescent sensing of Al³⁺ ions. Characterization of the ligand (L) was revealed through spectroscopic and physicochemical techniques. The fluorescence emission responses of L to various metal ions and anions were investigated. The chelation was studied by UV–vis, ¹H NMR, LC-MS/MS, fluorescence titration and Job’s plot analysis. Bathochromic shift resulted from charge transfer from L to electrophilic Al³⁺ ion was observed in the chelation of L with Al³⁺. The potentiality of L to be a distinguished probe to detect Al³⁺ ions was due to a chelation enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) effect, concomitant with noticeable fluorescent enhancement. A significant fluorescence enhancement at 533 nm was observed in ethanol–water (1:1, v/v) solution upon addition of Al³⁺ along with a distinct color change from yellow to white. Non-fluorescent ligand exposed highly sensitive turn-on fluorescent sensor behavior for selectively sensing Al³⁺ ions via 1:1 (ligand:metal) stoichiometry. The ligand’s specificity in the existence of other tested metal ions and anions indicated no observation in color change. The ligand-Al³⁺ complex formation was reversible upon addition of chelating agent EDTA. The ligand interacted with Al³⁺ ions with an association constant of K_a = 5 × 10⁴ M^?1. The limit of detection (LOD) was found to be 2.59 × 10^-7 M. The synthesized Schiff base could efficiently detect Al³⁺ ions as a fluorescent sensor.     

A Highly Selective Turn-On Fluorescent Probe for the Detection of Zinc

A novel turn-on fluorescence probe L has been designed that exhibits high selectivity and sensitivity with a detection limit of 9.53 × 10⁻⁸ mol/L for the quantification of Zn²⁺. ¹H-NMR spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the unsymmetrical nature of the structure of the Schiff base probe L. An emission titration experiment in the presence of different molar fractions of Zn²⁺ was used to perform a Job’s plot analysis. The results showed that the stoichiometric ratio of the complex formed by L and Zn²⁺ was 1:1. Moreover, the molecular structure of the mononuclear Cu complex reveals one ligand L coordinates with one Cu atom in the asymmetric unit. On adding CuCl₂ to the ZnCl₂/L system, a Cu-Zn complex was formed and a strong quenching behavior was observed, which inferred that the Cu²⁺ displaced Zn²⁺ to coordinate with the imine nitrogen atoms and hydroxyl oxygen atoms of probe L.     

A ratiometric fluorescent probe for zinc ions based on the quinoline fluorophore

A ratiometric fluorescent zinc probe 1 of carboxamidoquinoline with a carboxylic acid group was designed and synthesised. Probe 1 exhibits high selectivity for sensing Zn²⁺; about a 13-fold increase in fluorescence emission intensity and an 82?nm red-shift of fluorescence emission are observed upon binding Zn²⁺ in EtOH/H₂O (1?:?1, V/V) solution. The ratiometric fluorescence response is attributed to the 1?:?1 complex formation between probe 1 and Zn²⁺ which has been utilised as the basis for the selective detection of Zn²⁺. The analytical performance characteristics of the proposed Zn²⁺-sensitive probe were investigated. The linear response range covers a concentration range of Zn²⁺ from 2.0?×?10^?6 to 5.0?×?10^?5?mol?L^?1 and the detection limit is 2.7?×?10^?7?mol?L^?1. The determination of Zn²⁺ in both tap and river water samples shows satisfactory results.     

Phthalocyanine-based fluorescent chemosensor for the sensing of Zn (II) in dimethyl sulfoxide-acetonitrile

A tetra-substituted phthalocyanine based on 4-[2-(4-nitrophenoxy)ethoxy]phthalonitrile carrying nitrophenyl group for the sensing of Zn²⁺ has been prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR, and MS spectral data. The sensing of Zn²⁺ is based on the fluorescence quenching of Pc. Both absorbance and fluorescence spectra of ZnPc exhibit distinct changes in visible region in response to treatment with Zn²⁺ ion in dimethyl sulfoxide. The fluorescence spectrum of the ligand showed quenching in the intensity of the signal at 688?nm for Zn²⁺. The complex composition of ZnPc was found 1:1 by means of spectrophotometric and spectrofluorimetric titration data. The spectrofluorimetric method showed good sensitivity for Zn²⁺ with linear range and detection limit of 4.0?×?10^?6–4.4?×?10^?5 and 2.4×10^?7?M, respectively.     

Benzenesulfonamidoquinolino‐β‐cyclodextrin as a Cell‐Impermeable Fluorescent Sensor for Zn2+

A water‐soluble benzenesulfonamidoquinolino‐β‐cyclodextrin has been successfully synthesized in 30 % yield by incorporating a N‐(8‐quinolyl)‐p‐aminobenzenesulfonamide (HQAS) group to β‐cyclodextrin through a flexible linker. This compound exhibits a good fluorescence response in the presence of Zn²⁺ in water but gives poor fluorescence responses with other metal ions commonly present in a physiological environment under similar conditions. Fluorescence microscopic and two‐dimensional NMR experiments showed that benzenesulfonamidoquinolino‐β‐cyclodextrin could bind to the loose bilayer membranes. As a result, benzenesulfonamidoquinolino‐β‐cyclodextrin was found to act as an efficient cell‐impermeable Zn²⁺ probe, showing a specific fluorescent sensing ability to Zn²⁺‐containing damaged cells whilst exhibiting no response in the presence of healthy cells.     

Synthesis and photophysical properties of a fluorescent TREN-type ligand incorporating the coumarin chromophore and its zinc complex

A new, UV-excited fluorescent Zn²⁺ indicator was synthesized and the spectral profile of its free and Zn²⁺ bound forms were studied. The fluorescent properties of this probe are due to the 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin fluorophore, which is conjugated with the tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (TREN) that functions as the zinc-chelating moiety. The compound exhibits a Zn²⁺ dissociation constant of 18.0 μM. The fluorescence spectra of the probe showed a clear shift in excitation wavelength maxima upon Zn²⁺ binding, indicating its potential use as ratiometric Zn²⁺ indicator.     

Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes of aminothiazole‐derived Schiff base ligands: Synthesis,characterization, antibacterial and cytotoxicity evaluation,bovine serum albumin binding and density functional theory studies

Transition metal complexes of type M(L)₂(H₂O)_x were synthesized, where L is deprotonated Schiff base 2,4‐dihalo‐6‐(substituted thiazol‐2‐ylimino)methylphenol derived from the condensation of aminothiazole or its derivatives with 2‐hydroxy‐3‐halobenzaldehyde and M = Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ (x = 0 for Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺; x = 2 for Co²⁺ and Ni²⁺). The synthesized Schiff bases and their metal complexes were thoroughly characterized using infrared, ¹H NMR, electronic and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopies, elemental analysis, molar conductance and magnetic susceptibility measurements, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The results reveal that the bidentate ligands form complexes having octahedral geometry around Co²⁺ and Ni²⁺ metal ions while the geometry around Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ metal ions is four‐coordinated. The geometries of newly synthesized Schiff bases and their metal complexes were fully optimized in Gaussian 09 using 6–31 + g(d,p) basis set. Fluorescence quenching data reveal that Zn(II) and Cu(II) complexes bind more strongly to bovine serum albumin in comparison to Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes. The ligands and their complexes were evaluated for in vitro antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 (Gram negative) and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 (Gram positive) and cytotoxicity against lever hepatocellular cell line HepG2.     

Solvent-dependent chromogenic sensing for Cu and fluorogenic sensing for Zn and Al: a multifunctional chemosensor with dual-mode

A new multifunctional chemosensor 1 was synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic tools along with a single crystal X-ray crystallography. It can exhibit selective recognition responses toward Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Al³⁺ in different solvent systems with bimodal methods (colorimetric and fluorescence). This sensor 1 detected Cu²⁺ ions through a distinct color change from colorless to yellow in aqueous solution. Interestingly, the receptor 1 was found to be reversible by EDTA. The detection limit (11 μM) of 1 for Cu²⁺ is much lower than WHO guideline (30 μM) in drinking water. In addition, the sensor 1 showed significant fluorescence enhancements in the presence of Zn²⁺ ion and Al³⁺ ion in two different organic solvents (DMF and MeCN), respectively. The binding modes of the three complexes were determined to be a 1:1 complexation stoichiometry through Job plot, ESI-mass spectrometry analysis, and ¹H NMR titration.     

A Significant Fluorescence Turn-On Probe for the Recognition of Al3+ and Its Application

An easy prepared probe, BHMMP, was designed and synthesized, which displayed a significant fluorescence enhancement (over 38-fold) and obvious color change in the recognition of Al³⁺. The binding ratio of probe BHMMP to Al³⁺ was determined as 1:1, according to Job plot. The binding mechanism was fully clarified by the experiments, such as FT-IR spectrum, ESI–MS analysis, and ¹H NMR titration. A DFT study further confirmed the binding mode of BHMMP to Al³⁺. The limit of detection (LOD) for Al³⁺ was determined as low as 0.70 µM, based on the fluorescence titration of BHMMP. Moreover, the results from real sample experiments, including real water samples, test papers, and cell images, well-demonstrated that BHMMP was capable of sensing Al³⁺ in environmental and biological systems.     

Enhanced fluorescence detection of metal ions using light-harvesting mesoporous organosilica

Enhanced fluorescence detection of metal ions was realized in a system consisting of a fluorescent 2,2′‐bipyridine (BPy) receptor and light‐harvesting periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO). The fluorescent BPy receptor with two silyl groups was synthesized and covalently attached to the pore walls of biphenyl (Bp)‐bridged PMO powder. The fluorescence intensity from the BPy receptor was significantly enhanced by the light‐harvesting property of Bp‐PMO, that is, the energy funneling into the BPy receptor from a large number of Bp groups in the PMO framework which absorbed UV light effectively. The enhanced emission of the BPy receptor was quenched upon the addition of a low concentration of Cu²⁺ (0.15–1.2×10^?6 M ), resulting in the sensitive detection of Cu²⁺. Upon titration of Zn²⁺ (0.3–6.0×10^?6 M ), the fluorescence excitation spectrum was systematically changed with an isosbestic point at 375 nm through 1:1 complexation of BPy and Zn²⁺ similar to that observed in BPy‐based solutions, indicating almost complete preservation of the binding property of the BPy receptor despite covalent fixing on the solid surface. These results demonstrate that light‐harvesting PMOs have great potential as supporting materials for enhanced fluorescence chemosensors.     

High-Affinity Ratiometric Fluorescence Probe Based on 6-Amino-2,2′-Bipyridine Scaffold for Endogenous Zn2+ and Its Application to Living Cells

Zinc is an essential trace element involved in many biological activities; however, its functions are not fully understood. To elucidate the role of endogenous labile Zn²⁺, we developed a novel ratiometric fluorescence probe, 5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-(methylsulfanyl)-[2,2′-bipyridin]-6-amine (6 (rBpyZ)) based on the 6-amino-2,2′-bipyridine scaffold, which acts as both the chelating agent for Zn²⁺ and the fluorescent moiety. The methoxy group acted as an electron donor, enabling the intramolecular charge transfer state of 6 (rBpyZ), and a ratiometric fluorescence response consisting of a decrease at the emission wavelength of 438 nm and a corresponding increase at the emission wavelength of 465 nm was observed. The ratiometric probe 6 (rBpyZ) exhibited a nanomolar-level dissociation constant (K_d = 0.77 nM), a large Stokes shift (139 nm), and an excellent detection limit (0.10 nM) under physiological conditions. Moreover, fluorescence imaging using A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells revealed that 6 (rBpyZ) had good cell membrane permeability and could clearly visualize endogenous labile Zn²⁺. These results suggest that the ratiometric fluorescence probe 6 (rBpyZ) has considerable potential as a valuable tool for understanding the role of Zn²⁺ in living systems.