A New Ratiometric Fluorescent Probe Based on BODIPY for Highly Selective Detection of Hydrogen Sulfide

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) as small molecular signal messenger plays key functions in numerous biological processes. The imaging detection of intracellular hydrogen sulfide is of great significance. In this work, a ratiometric fluorescent probe BH based on an asymmetric BODIPY dye for detection of H₂S was designed and synthesized. After the interaction with hydrogen sulfide, probe display colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescence response, with its maximum emission fluorescence wavelength red-shifted from 542 nm to 594 nm, which is attributed to the sequential nucleophilic reaction of H₂S leading to enhanced molecular conjugation after ring formation of the BODIPY skeleton. A special response mechanism has been fully investigated by NMR titration and MS, so that the probe has excellent detection selectivity. Furthermore, probe BH has low cytotoxicity and fluorescence imaging experiments indicate that it can be used to monitor hydrogen sulfide in living cells.     

A Highly Selective Mitochondria‐Targeting Fluorescent K+ Sensor

Regulation of intracellular potassium (K⁺) concentration plays a key role in metabolic processes. So far, only a few intracellular K⁺ sensors have been developed. The highly selective fluorescent K⁺ sensor KS6 for monitoring K⁺ ion dynamics in mitochondria was produced by coupling triphenylphosphonium, borondipyrromethene (BODIPY), and triazacryptand (TAC). KS6 shows a good response to K⁺ in the range 30–500 mM , a large dynamic range (F_max/F₀≈130), high brightness (?_f=14.4 % at 150 mM of K⁺), and insensitivity to both pH in the range 5.5–9.0 and other metal ions under physiological conditions. Colocalization tests of KS6 with MitoTracker Green confirmed its predominant localization in the mitochondria of HeLa and U87MG cells. K⁺ efflux/influx in the mitochondria was observed upon stimulation with ionophores, nigericin, or ionomycin. KS6 is thus a highly selective semiquantitative K⁺ sensor suitable for the study of mitochondrial potassium flux in live cells.     

一种高灵敏度高选择性的荧光素基比色荧光锌传感器

本文报道了一种基于荧光素的锌离子传感器FN1,其在甲醇溶液中显示了对锌离子极高的灵敏度和选择性。随着锌离子的滴加,紫外-可见光谱中最初在371 nm处的吸收峰消失,在437 nm处出现了一个新峰。当在混合金属离子的甲醇溶液中滴加了相对于二价金属离子的等物质的量浓度的锌离子或相对于一价金属离子0.5倍物质的量浓度的锌离子后,锌离子积分荧光强度增强了近37倍（Φ=0.48,λ_max(em)=513 nm）,估算的锌离子检测限为7 μg·L^-1。基于紫外-可见光、荧光和质谱的结果,讨论了1∶1的FN1/Zn²⁺配合物的结合机理。     

Highly Selective Ratiometric Fluorescent Sensor for La(III) Ion Based on a New Schiff's Base

Abstract

A new fluorescent sensor containing (1-[({2-[2-(2-hydroxy-1-naphtyl)-3-(2-{[(E)-1-(2-hydroxy-1-naphtyl)methylidene]amino}ethyl)-1-imidazolidinyl]ethyl}imino)methyl]-2-naphthol) (L) was synthesized for detecting La(III) ratiometrically. Complexation between compound L and La(III) with high selectivity gives rise to a great red shift from 430 to 522 nm in the emission spectra. In acetonitrile, the red shift of fluorescent emission upon lanthanium binding is due to the formation of a 1:1 metal–ligand complex. The fluorescent probe exhibits high selectivity over other common metal ions and mono-, di-, and trivalent cations, which indicates good selectivity for La(III) ions over a large number of interfering cations.     

Ratiometric Fluorescent Probe Based on Novel Red-emission BODIPY for Determination of Bovine Serum Albumin

A novel red-emission boron-dipyrromethene（BODIPY） dye with a pyrrole ring was synthesized simply via one-pot reaction. The spectral properties of it were investigated under the conditions of different solvents. The results show that the as-prepared BODIPY dye is extremely sensitive to solvent polarity, and the fluorescent emission enhances with the decrease of solvent polarity. In aqueous buffer, the addition of bovine serum albumin leads to a ratiometric change in absorption spectra with an association constant of 1.16×10^6 L/mol. Meanwhile, the fluorescence emission increases greatly at 622 nm but changes slightly at 575 nm. The response time is very short（less than 3 min）, and the changes of color can be noticed by naked eyes. Bovine serum albumin can be detected by this ratiometric fluorescence probe, but other proteins or enzymes cannot be detected by this method, which indicates that this novel dye has high selectivity towards bovine serum albumin. The reason is that bovine serum albumin has suitable hydro- phobic cavities for binding with the dye. In addition, the dye molecule can penetrate cell membrane easily and make a fast fluorescent stain, which makes it a potential probe for living-cell fluorescence imaging.     

A Ratiometric Fluorescent Probe for Gold and Mercury Ions

A fluorescent probe that displays a ratiometric fluorescence response towards gold and mercury ions has been devised. Emitting at a relatively longer wavelength, the conjugated form of the fluorescent dye transforms in the presence of the gold or mercury ions into a new dye, the molecular structure of which lacks the conjugation and consequently emits at a distinctly shorter wavelength.     

A Ratiometric Fluorescent Sensor Based on Dye/Tb (III) Functionalized UiO-66 for Highly Sensitive Detection of TDGA

Thiodiglycolic acid (TDGA) is a biomarker for monitoring vinyl chloride exposure. Exploring a facile, rapid and precise analysis technology to quantify TDGA is of great significance. In this research, we demonstrate a fluorescent sensor based on dual-emissive UiO-66 for TDGA detection. This ratiometric fluorescent material named C460@Tb-UiO-66-(COOH)₂ was designed and synthesized by introducing organic dye 7-diethylamino-4-methylcoumarin (C460) and Tb³⁺ into UiO-66-(COOH)₂. The as-obtained C460@Tb-UiO-66-(COOH)₂ samples showed highly selective recognition, excellent anti-interference and rapid response characteristics for the recognition of TDGA. The detection limit is 0.518 mg·mL⁻¹, which is much lower than the threshold of 20 mg·mL⁻¹ for a healthy person. In addition, the mechanism of TDGA-induced fluorescence quenching is discussed in detail. This sensor is expected to detect TDGA content in human urine.     

N‐Bridged Annulated BODIPYs: Synthesis of Highly Fluorescent Blueshifted Dyes

A series of novel BODIPY dyes has been prepared through the introduction of an N‐bridged annulated meso ‐phenyl ring at one of the β‐positions of the BODIPY core. An unusual blueshift of the main spectral bands is observed, since the fusion of a meso ‐substituent results in a marked relative destabilization of the LUMO. The greater rigidity of the ring‐fused structure leads to very high fluorescence quantum yields. The position of the main spectral bands can be fine‐tuned by introducing electron withdrawing and donating groups onto the meso ‐phenyl ring.     

Ratiometric Fluorescent pH Probes Based on Glycopolymers

Effectively detecting pH changes plays a critical role in exploring cellular functions and determining physiological and pathological processes. A novel ratiometric pH probe based on a glycopolymer, armored with properties of serum‐stability, tumor‐targeting, and pH monitoring, is designed. Random copolymers of 2‐(methacrylamido) glucopyranose and fluorescein O‐methacrylate are first synthesized by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. Acryloxyethyl thiocarbamoyl rhodamine B is then attached to the polymer chain to prepare ratiometric fluorescent pH probes via a thiol‐ene reaction. The synthesized polymeric probes are characterized by NMR, gel permeation chromatography, UV–vis spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, and the fluorescence responses are examined in phosphate buffer at different pHs. The cytotoxicity and confocal imaging experiments of the probes are detected using HeLa cells, demonstrating a low toxicity and superior biocompatibility for detecting pH changes in bioapplications.

     

A Boron Dipyrromethene (BODIPY)‐Based CuII–Bipyridine Complex for Highly Selective NO Detection

A BODIPY‐containing Cu^II–bipyridine complex for the simple selective fluorogenic detection of NO in air and in live cells is reported. The detection mechanism is based on NO‐promoted Cu^II to Cu^I reduction, followed by demetallation of the complex, which results in the clearly enhanced emission of the boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) unit.     

Naphthalimide as Highly Selective Fluorescent Sensor for Ag^＋ Ions

The naphthalimide derivative. NA1 was synthesized, which consists of a bis（2-（ethylthio）ethyl）amine group binding cations and naphthalimide unit as chromogenic and fluorogenic signaling subunit. Absorption and emission spectra and the effect of polarity of solvents and pH values were studied. The photo-induced electron transfer （PET） occurred from the donor of bis（2-（ethylthio）ethyl）amine group to the naphthalimide fluorophore. The present study demonstrates that NA1 is a viable candidate as a fluorescent receptor for a new Ag^＋ ion sensor. This silver ion chemosensor can discriminate Ag^＋ ion well among heavy metal ions by an enhancement of the fluorescence intensity in ethanol-water （1 ： 9, V ： V）. And NA1 is also a pH-sensor because the fluorescence of the compound varies with the pH values.     

Ratiometric Fluorescent Nanosensors for Copper(II) Based on Bis(rhodamine)‐Derived PMOs with J‐Type Aggregates

By using pentyl‐linked bis(rhodamine)‐derived tetra‐siloxane (PRh‐Si₄) as the organosilica precursor, highly ordered PRh‐bridged periodic mesoporous organosilicas (PRhPMOs) were prepared. When excited at λ=500 nm, the PRhPMO suspension that contained metal ions showed two separate emission peaks at λ=550 and 623 nm. The first peak, located at λ=550 nm, was due to ring‐opening of the spiro structure in the rhodamine moiety and the second, located at λ=623 nm, originated from fluorescent aggregates of the PRh units embedded in the silica framework of the PRhPMO. By using the different intensity ratios of the two fluorescence signals (FI_550/623), PRhPMOs could be used as turn‐ON type fluorescent ratiometric chemosensors for Cu²⁺. Furthermore, based on the single‐exciton theory, it was deduced that the fluorescent aggregates formed were of the J‐type and had a coplanar configuration. Consequently, PRhPMOs display a longer fluorescence lifetime and greater fluorescent quantum yield than the respective monomers dissolved in solution, which is consistent with the experimental results.     

Highly Effective Fluorescent Sensor for Hg2+ in Aqueous Solution

A new anthracene fluorophore senses Hg²⁺ selectively in aqueous solution. Among the metal ions examined, fluorescent chemosensor 1 shows selective large CHEQ effects with Hg²⁺ and Ag⁺ at pH 7.     

A Highly Selective and Sensitive Ratiometric Fluorescent Probe for pH Measurement Based on Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer

Fluorescein-rhodamine 6G(Flu-Rh) was synthesized and used as the fluorescence probe for pH measurement based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer(FRET). In the probe, fluorescein fluorophore and pH-sensitive rhodamine 6G hydrazide were used as FRET donor and acceptor, respectively. The values of acidity constant(pK_a) and fluorescence quantum yield(Φ) of Flu-Rh were 3.71 and 0.72, respectively. The fluorescence efficiency of Flu-Rh remains almost constant when the pH value of the sample solution changed 10 times in a range of 4.78-7.03 continuously. The present probe is simple and easy-to-use for the pH measurement in acidic media.     

Highly Sensitive Fluorescent pH Microsensors Based on the Ratiometric Dye Pyranine Immobilized on Silica Microparticles

Pyranine (HPTS) is a remarkably interesting pH-sensitive dye that has been used for plenty of applications. Its high quantum yield and extremely sensitive ratiometric fluorescence against pH change makes it a very favorable for pH-sensing applications and the development of pH nano-/microsensors. However, its strong negative charge and lack of easily modifiable functional groups makes it difficult to use with charged substrates such as silica. This study reports a methodology for noncovalent HPTS immobilization on silica microparticles that considers the retention of pH sensitivity as well as the long-term stability of the pH microsensors. The study emphasizes the importance of surface charge for governing the sensitivity of the immobilized HPTS dye molecules on silica microparticles. The importance of the immobilization methodology, which preserves the sensitivity and stability of the microsensors, is also assessed.     

1,8-萘酰亚胺为发色团的Zn2+荧光探针的合成及性能研究

合成了以1,8-萘酰亚胺为发色团,以联吡啶为离子受体的Zn²⁺荧光探针,并进行了表征及离子识别性能的研究。研究表明该化合物对Zn²⁺具有良好的识别性能,同时相对于Ca²⁺, Cd²⁺, Co²⁺, Cu²⁺, Hg²⁺, Fe³⁺, Mn²⁺, Ni²⁺, Pb²⁺等金属离子具有良好的选择性。     

Ratiometric Fluorescent Sensor Based on Tb(III) Functionalized Metal-Organic Framework for Formic Acid

Formic acid is a common chemical raw material, the effective detection of which is of importance to food safety and environmental quality. In this work, the lanthanide functionalized dual-emission metal-organic framework (TH25) was prepared as a ratiometric fluorescent sensor for formic acid. This ratiometric sensor has a good detection performance with high selectivity, sensitivity, and reproducibility. Together with a low limit of detection of 2.1 ppm, these characters promise the ability to sense at low levels as well as a practical detection ability. This work provides ideas for the design and synthesis of effective chemical sensors for organic acids.     

基于分子内电荷转移的阴离子比率荧光分子探针

设计合成了一种基于4-甲基-1-羟基二苯甲酮对硝基苯腙的比色和比率荧光阴离子受体1。此类受体以羟基和腙单元为识别位点,以硝基苯基为信号报告基团。向受体1的DMSO溶液中加入AcO-、H2PO4-、F-后,溶液颜色由黄色变为紫红色,而加入所研究的其它阴离子则无变化,从而实现对AcO-、H2PO4-、F-这三种离子的裸眼识别。利用紫外-可见吸收光谱、荧光光谱考察了其与AcO-,H2PO4-,F-,Cl-,Br-,I-等阴离子的识别作用。1H NMR滴定为受体分子与阴离子之间氢键作用本质提供了有力证据。     

A Ratiometric Fluorescent Probe for Hypochlorite Based on a Deoximation Reaction

The first ratiometric fluorescent probe for hypochlorite has been developed through regulation of the electron‐withdrawing ability of the electron acceptor in an intramolecular charge‐transfer (ICT) system by a deoximation reaction (see figure; EWG=electron‐withdrawing group).