A chemosensor showing discriminating fluorescent response for highly selective and nanomolar detection of Cu and Zn and its application in molecular logic gate

A fluorescent based receptor (4Z)-4-(4-diethylamino)-2-hydroxybenzylidene amino)-1,2dihydro-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenylpyrazol-3-one (receptor 3) was developed for the highly selective and sensitive detection of Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ in semi-aqueous system. The fluorescence of receptor 3 was enhanced and quenched, respectively, with the addition of Zn²⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions over other surveyed cations. The receptor formed host-guest complexes in 1:1 stoichiometry with the detection limit of 5 nM and 15 nM for Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ ions, respectively. Further, we have effectively utilized the two metal ions (Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺) as chemical inputs for the manufacture of INHIBIT type logic gate at molecular level using the fluorescence responses of receptor 3 at 450 nm.     

Exploiting the deprotonation mechanism for the design of ratiometric and colorimetric Zn fluorescent chemosensor with a large red-shift in emission

The design, synthesis, and photophysical evaluation of a new naphthalimide-based fluorescent chemosensor, N-butyl-4-[di-(2-picolyl)amino]-5-(2-picolyl)amino-1,8-naphthalimide (1), were described for the detection of Zn²⁺ in aqueous acetonitrile solution at pH 7.0. Probe 1 showed absorption at 451 nm and a strong fluorescence emission at 537 nm (Φ_F=0.33). The capture of Zn²⁺ by the receptor resulted in the deprotonation of the secondary amine conjugated to 1,8-naphthalimide so that the electron-donating ability of the N atom would be greatly enhanced; thus probe 1 showed a 56 nm red-shift in absorption (507 nm) and fluorescence spectra (593 nm, Φ_F=0.14), respectively, from which one could sense Zn²⁺ ratiometrically and colorimetrically. The deprotonated complex, [(1-H)/Zn]⁺, was calculated at m/z 619.1800 and measured at m/z 618.9890. In contrast to these results, the emission of 1 was thoroughly quenched by Cu²⁺, Co²⁺, and Ni²⁺. The addition of other metal ions such as Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Fe³⁺, Mn²⁺, Al³⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺, Ag⁺, and Pb²⁺ produced a nominal change in the optical properties of 1 due to their low affinity to probe 1. This means that probe 1 has a very high fluorescent imaging selectivity to Zn²⁺ among metal ions.     

Conformationally regulated fluorescent sensors. Study of the selectivity in Zn versus Cd sensing

The Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ complexing properties of four ligands containing a 4,4′-substituted biphenyl moiety are described. Ligands 1 and 3, containing only one 1-aza-18-crown-6 cavity, lead to selective complexation of Cd²⁺ versus Zn²⁺. Ligand 4, with two crown cavities linked to a tetramethylbenzidine unit, is able to form 1:1 complexes with Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺, showing a higher complexing constant with Zn²⁺ than with Cd²⁺, probably due to enthalpic factors. Several complementary experiments suggest that the 1:1 complexes formed by ligand 4 involve both crown cavities acting together to give rise to clamp structures. The formation of this type of zinc complex gives rise to red shifted emission bands and distinct quenching of the fluorescence. A similar situation is observed with cadmium but the change is then less pronounced. When mixtures of both salts are used, ligand 4 selectively responds to zinc. Finally, ligand 2, which also has two crown cavities but contains nitro rather than amino groups in the biphenyl moiety, shows no propensity to form clamp complexes and, for this reason, it complexes cadmium much more strongly than zinc and binds the former selectively when mixtures of both salts are used in complexing experiments.     

Synthesis and metal ion complexation of spin labeled 18-crown-6 ethers containing an acridone or an acridine fluorophore unit

Double (spin and fluorescence) labeled pyrroline derivatives of crown ethers containing an acridone or an acridine fluorophore unit (1 and 2) and their diamagnetic analogues (3 and 4) were synthesized. Their fluorescent behavior as well as their complexation properties toward selected metal ions (Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Zn²⁺) were examined.     

Ratiometric fluorescent and colorimetric sensors for Cu based on 4,5-disubstituted-1,8-naphthalimide and sensing cyanide via Cu displacement approach

Two 4,5-disubstituted-1,8-naphthalimide derivatives 1 and 2 were synthesized as ratiometric fluorescent and colorimetric sensors for Cu²⁺, respectively. In 100% aqueous solutions of 1, the presence of Cu²⁺ induces a strong and increasing fluorescent emission centered at 478 nm at the expense of the fluorescent emission of 1 centered at 534 nm. Compound 2 senses Cu²⁺ by means of a colorimetric (primrose yellow to pink) method with a thorough quench in emission attributed to the deprotonation of the secondary amine conjugated to the naphthalimide fluorophore. 1-Cu²⁺ and 2-Cu²⁺ sense cyanide in ratiometric way via colorimetric and fluorescent changes.     

Salicylaldehyde hydrazones as fluorescent probes for zinc ion in aqueous solution of physiological pH

Salicylaldehyde hydrazones of 1 and 2 were synthesized and their potential as fluorescent probes for zinc ion was investigated in this paper. Both of the probes were found to show fluorescence change upon binding with Zn²⁺ in aqueous solutions, with good selectivity to Zn²⁺ over other metal ions such as alkali/alkali earth metal ions and heavy metal ions of Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Hg²⁺. They showed 1:2 metal-to-ligand ratio when their Zn²⁺ complex was formed. By introducing pyrene as fluorophore, 2 showed interesting ratiometric response to Zn²⁺. Under optimal condition, 2 exhibited a linear range of 0-5.0 μM and detection limit of 0.08 μM Zn²⁺ in aqueous buffer, respectively. The detection of Zn²⁺ in drinking water samples using 2 as fluorescent probe was successful.     

Ratiometric fluorescence probe for two-photon bioimaging of Cr in living cells

We presented a ratiometric fluorescent probe dansylamide–rhodamine dyad (DANS–RB) for selectively detecting Cr³⁺ in semi-aqueous solution. The detection mechanism relies on the fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET) process from the dansylamide (energy donor) to the rhodamine (energy acceptor) after the addition of Cr³⁺. The cell-permeability of DANS–RB was confirmed by the two-photon fluorescence microscopy experiments, which demonstrated DANS–RB was a good candidate for monitoring the intracellular Cr³⁺ level with the ratiometric fluorescent method. Combining the excellent selectivity, the ratiometric quantitative detection, and the cell-permeability, DANS–RB may find a broad application in the investigation on biologically relevant species in living cells.     

An efficient sensor for relay recognition of Zn and Cu through fluorescence ‘off–on–off’ functionality

A new bis(8-carboxamidoquinoline) dangled binaphthol derivatized fluorescent sensor (L) was designed and synthesized. L behaves ratiometric response to Zn²⁺ with high selectivity accompanied by remarkable emission enhancement and red shift. The resultant L–Zn²⁺ complex can act as a Cu²⁺ sensing probe with fluorescence quenching behavior through direct Zn²⁺ ion replacement. Furthermore, the binding modes of Zn²⁺ and Cu²⁺ with L are elucidated by X-ray crystallographic analysis, respectively.     

Naphthalimide-based fluorescent Zn chemosensors showing PET effect according to their linker length in water

We have developed naphthalimide-based fluorescent chemosensors that exhibit fluorescence enhancement upon binding Zn²⁺ ion in 10 mM HEPES buffer (pH 7.4) at 25 °C. The fluorescence enhancement was induced by a PET inhibition process in which electron transfer from the nitrogen lone pair electrons of the Dpa unit to naphthalimide was blocked upon the binding of the sensor to Zn²⁺. The longer the linker length (n = 1-3) of the sensor, the less the PET efficiency becomes. Among the sensors (1, 2, and 3) examined, 1 shows the highest selectivity and sensitivity for Zn²⁺ over other transition metal ions and alkali metal ions in water.     

Rhodamine based derivative and its zinc complex: synthesis and recognition behavior toward Hg(II)

A simple fluorescent probe, which contains rhodamine and aminoquinoline moieties, was designed and prepared for selective detection of Hg²⁺ in acetonitrile. RbQ exhibited high selectivity and sensitivity toward Hg²⁺ over other common metal ions. The recognition of RbQ toward Hg²⁺ can be detected by fluorescence spectra, absorption spectra, and even by naked eyes. The binding ratio of the RbQ–Hg²⁺ complex was found to be 1:1 according to Job plot experiment, and the limit of detection was 1.05×10⁻⁷ M. Moreover, the prepared complex RbQ–Zn²⁺ (RbQZ) could detect Hg²⁺ in a ratiometric way and showed lower limit of detection (2.95×10⁻⁸ M) than RbQ in the same condition. Finally, we also demonstrated that the aminoquinoline–zinc complex could be served as a new and effective FRET donor for rhodamine derivatives.     

A dual-function colorimetric chemosensor for thiols and transition metal ions based on ICT mechanism

Remarkable absorption spectral changes were observed for compound 1 with N,N-bis(pyridin-2-yl-methyl) aniline and quinone units after either reaction with thiol-containing amino acids/peptides or coordination with Zn²⁺/Co²⁺. Therefore, compound 1 is a potential dual-function colorimetric chemosensor for thiol-containing amino acids/peptides and Zn²⁺/Co²⁺.     

New regioisomeric naphthol–thiazole based ‘turn-on’ fluorescent chemosensor for Al

Two new reactive and highly selective turn-on fluorescent chemosensors based on the position of ring annulation of the naphthalene–thiazole moiety for aluminum ions in ethanol, were synthesized and investigated. It was found that sensors 2 and 4 exhibited a remarkable enhancement of emission upon complexation with Al³⁺. A TD-B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) calculation was performed to characterize the nature of the fluorescence behavior of sensors 2 and 4 upon Al³⁺ complexation. The mechanism of fluorescence was based on the cation promoted hydrolysis of ester and subsequent complexation. The combination of experimental and computational analyses provides a more complete understanding of the molecular level origin of these types of unique photophysical properties.     

Zinc selective chemosensor based on pyridyl-amide fluorescence

Chemosensors are developed to image zinc ions. Fluorescence enhancement due to Zn²⁺ binding is an excellent way to detect its presence. A chemosensor for Zn²⁺ based on dipicolylamine (DPA) groups connected by a pyridyl amide backbone has been synthesized. Addition of 2-chloroacetyl chloride to 2,6-diaminopyridine affords 2,6-bis(chloroethylamido)pyridine, which is converted to the sensor BADPA-P by 2,2′-dipicolylamine displacement of chlorine. This compound along with two others, the mono-DPA, ADPA-P and the benzyl in place of pyridyl, BADPA-B, present three potential Zn²⁺ sensors. It was found that BADPA-P in the presence of Zn²⁺ shows a large increase in fluorescence, whether in polar organic or aqueous environments. Its fluorescence in the presence of Cd²⁺, unlike with Zn²⁺, is not enhanced when excited at longer wavelengths. Proton NMR measurements, indicate two Zn²⁺ ions bind to BADPA-P. Also, Zn²⁺ enhances fluorescence even when other metal ions are present.     

Novel versatile imine—enamine chemosensor based on 6-nitro-4-oxo-4H-chromene for ion detection in solution, solid and gas-phase: synthesis, emission, computational and MALDI-TOF-MS studies

A new versatile emissive molecular probe (3) derived from 1,5-bis(2-aminophenoxy)-3-oxopenthane bearing two units of 6-nitro-4-oxo-4H-chromene- has been prepared by a Schiff-base condensation method using conventional and green, ultrasound-aided, methods. The dry yellow powder was characterized as the imine species (3). These imine species, however, where found to rapidly convert to their enamine form (4) in solution, under the presence of water traces. This reaction was computationally studied through Density Functional Theory (DFT) in order to investigate the relative stability of the molecular pair 3/4. The sensing properties of the enamine (4) towards various metal ions were investigated via absorption and fluorometric titrations in solution in dichloromethane, acetonitrile and DMSO. The compound shows a fluorescent turn-off response in the presence of Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺ and Ag⁺ over the other metal ions studied, such as Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Co²⁺ and Ni²⁺, being stronger for Cu²⁺ and Hg²⁺. The gas phase chemosensing abilities of (3) were also explored suggesting (3) as new active MALDI-TOF-MS matrix by two dry methods showing a strong selectivity towards Cu²⁺ and Ag⁺. Our preliminary results show promising uses of (3) supported in PPMA films as metal ion solid chemosensor.     

Mercury assisted fluorescent supramolecular assembly of hexaphenylbenzene derivative for femtogram detection of picric acid

Aggregates of hexaphenylbenzene derivatives 3, having pyrene groups form network of fluorescent nanofibres in presence of mercury ions. Further, fluorescent nanofibres of 3-Hg²⁺ supramolecular ensemble exhibit sensitive and pronounced response towards the picric acid. In addition, the solution coated paper strips of 3-Hg²⁺ supramolecular ensemble can detect picric acid in the range of 2.29 fg/cm², thus, providing a simple, portable and low cost method for detection of picric acid in solution and in contact mode.     

Novel 2,2′-bipyridine-modified calix[4]arenes: ratiometric fluorescent chemosensors for Zn ion

Two calix[4]arene derivatives with modified bipyridine as binding sites have been designed and synthesized. Compounds 1 and 2 are the first 2,2′-bipyridine-modified calix[4]arene-based sensors that can detect Zn²⁺ selectively with respect to ratiometric fluorescent changes and red shift. A binuclear complex structure has been demonstrated in the binding modes of 1-Zn²⁺ and 2-Zn²⁺ complexes.     

Hydrothermal syntheses, crystal structures and properties of three coordination frameworks based on a new semirigid ligand and benzenedicarboxylate

Three novel polymers, {[Cd(m-bdc)(L)]·H₂O}_n (1), [Co(m-bdc)(L)_0.5(H₂O)]_n (2) and [Zn₅(L)₂(p-bdc)₅(H₂O)]_n (3) based on 1,1′-bis(pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-2,2′-biimidazole (L) ligand and benzenedicarboxylate isomers, have been prepared and structurally characterized. Compound 1 exhibits a 2D architecture with (4²·6)(4²·6⁷·8) topology, which is synthesized by L and 1,3-benzenedicarboxylate (m-bdc) ligands. Compound 2 is constructed from 1D chains that are linked by L ligands extending a 2D (4,4) grid. Compound 3 is a 3D framework with (4³)(4⁶·6¹⁸·8⁴) topology, which is composed of trinuclear clusters and five-coordinated metal centers joined through 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate (p-bdc) and L ligands. Moreover, the fluorescent properties of L ligand, compounds 1 and 3 are also determined.     

Simple imine linked colorimetric and fluorescent receptor for sensing Zn ions in aqueous medium based on inhibition of ESIPT mechanism

Herein, we report the highly selective binding of Zn²⁺ ion by the salicylaldimine based Schiff base chromogenic receptor 1 [(N,N′-bis (salicylidine)-o-phenylenediamine]. Receptor 1 senses Zn²⁺ ion in aqueous medium by colorimetric and fluorescent response in the presence of other metal ions like Pb²⁺, Hg²⁺, Sn²⁺, Cd²⁺. Receptor 1 on binding with Zn²⁺ ion exhibits fluorescence enhancement which is due to the inhibition of the (ESIPT) mechanism.     

Ferrocenoyl-amino acids: redox response towards di- and trivalent metal ions

The interaction of six ferrocene-amino acid conjugates (Fc-CO-Gly-OH (2a), Fc-CO-Asp-OH (3a), Fc-CO-Glu-OH (4a), 1,1′-Fc(CO-Gly-OH) (2b), 1,1′-Fc(CO-Asp-OH) (3b), and 1,1′-Fc(CO-Glu-OH) (4b)) with Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Zn²⁺, La³⁺, and Tb³⁺ was investigated in aqueous solutions using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Addition of metal ions to solutions caused, in some cases, large changes in the half-wave potential, E_1/2. Our electrochemical results show that the Gly systems, 2a and 2b, show a preference for binding Mg²⁺, whereas the Asp and Glu conjugates prefer binding Ln³⁺.     

8-Methoxyquinoline based turn-on metal fluoroionophores

Novel turn-on fluoroionophores 2 and 3 based on highly fluorescent 8-methoxyquinoline were developed in which a sequential singlet-singlet energy transfer, ISC, and triplet-triplet energy transfer occurred leading to a fluorescence ‘off’ state. They showed substantially enhanced fluorescence in the presence of transition metal ions such as Zn²⁺, Cu²⁺, Pb²⁺, and Hg²⁺ and an extremely high selectivity toward Zn²⁺ by 3.