Ratiometric fluorescence detection of mercuric ion based on the nanohybrid of fluorescence carbon dots and quantum dots

A novel nanohybrid ratiometric fluorescence probe comprised of carbon dots (C-dots) and hydrophilic CdSe@ZnS quantum dots (QDs) has been developed by simply mixing the blue-emission C-dots with red-emission carboxylmethyldithiocarbamate modified CdSe@ZnS QDs (GDTC-QDs). The nanohybrid ratiometric fluorescence probe exhibits dual emissions at 436 nm and 629 nm under a single excitation wavelength. Due to the strong chelating ability of GDTC on the surface of QDs to mercuric ion (Hg²⁺), the fluorescence of the GDTC-QDs in the nanohybrid system could be selectively quenched in the presence of Hg²⁺ while the fluorescence of the C-dots remained constant, resulting in an obviously distinguishable fluorescence color evolution (from red to blue) of the nanohybrid system. The detection limit of this method was found to be as low as 0.1 μM. Furthermore, the recovery result for Hg²⁺ in real samples including tap water and lake water by this method was satisfying, suggesting its potential application for Hg²⁺ sensing.     

Convenient and efficient FRET platform featuring a rigid biphenyl spacer between rhodamine and BODIPY: transformation of 'turn-on' sensors into ratiometric ones with dual emission

We have connected a borondipyrromethene (BODIPY) donor to the 5′ position of a tetramethylrhodamine (TMR) acceptor to form a high efficiency (over 99 %) intramolecular fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) cassette, BODIPY–rhodamine platform (BRP). While the good spectral overlap between the emission of BODIPY and the absorption of TMR was one favorable factor, another feature of this FRET system was the rigid and short biphenyl spacer that favored efficient through‐bond energy transfer. More importantly, in this system, the 2′‐carboxyl group of the rhodamine unit was preserved for the further modifications, which was as convenient as those carbonyl groups on the original rhodamines without connection to donors. For this reason, BRP is clearly differentiated from the previous ratiometric sensors based on donor rhodamine systems. To illustrate its value as a versatile platform, we introduced typical Hg²⁺ receptors into BRP, through convenient one‐pot reactions on the 2′‐carboxyl group, and successfully developed two ratiometric sensors, BRP‐1 and BRP‐2, with different spirocyclic receptors that recognized Hg²⁺ on different reaction mechanisms. Upon excitation at a single wavelength (488 nm), at which only BODIPY absorbed, both of the FRET sensors exhibited clear Hg²⁺‐induced changes in the intensity ratio of the two strong emission bands of BODIPY and rhodamine. It should be noted that these ratiometric Hg²⁺ sensors exhibited excellent sensitivity and selectivity Hg²⁺, as well as pH insensitivity, which was similar to the corresponding ‘turn‐on’ rhodamine sensors. While both ratiometric probes were applicable for Hg²⁺ imaging in living cells, BRP‐1 exhibited higher sensitivity and faster responses than BRP‐2. Our investigation indicated that on a versatile platform, such as BRP, a large number of highly efficient ratiometric sensors for transition‐metal ions could be conveniently developed.     

Selective Detection of Hg2+ Ions with Boron Dipyrromethene‐Based Fluorescent Probes Appended with a Bis(1,2,3‐triazole)amino Receptor

By using a copper‐promoted alkyne–azide cycloaddition reaction, two boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) derivatives bearing a bis(1,2,3‐triazole)amino receptor at the meso position were prepared and characterized. For the analogue with two terminal triethylene glycol chains, the fluorescence emission at 509 nm responded selectively toward Hg²⁺ ions, which greatly increased the fluorescence quantum yield from 0.003 to 0.25 as a result of inhibition of the photoinduced electron transfer (PET) process. By introducing two additional rhodamine moieties at the termini, the resulting conjugate could also detect Hg²⁺ ions in a highly selective manner. Upon excitation at the BODIPY core, the fluorescence emission of rhodamine at 580 nm was observed and the intensity increased substantially upon addition of Hg²⁺ ions due to inhibition of the PET process followed by highly efficient fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) from the BODIPY core to the rhodamine moieties. The Hg²⁺‐responsive fluorescence change of these two probes could be easily seen with the naked eye. The binding stoichiometry between the probes and Hg²⁺ ions in CH₃CN was determined to be 1:2 by Job′s plot analysis and ¹H NMR titration, and the binding constants were found to be (1.2±0.1)×10¹¹ m ^?2 and (1.3±0.3)×10¹⁰ m ^?2, respectively. The overall results suggest that these two BODIPY derivatives can serve as highly selective fluorescent probes for Hg²⁺ ions. The rhodamine derivative makes use of a combined PET‐FRET sensing mechanism which can greatly increase the sensitivity of detection.     

A new colorimetric and fluorescent ratiometric sensor for Hg2+ based on 4-pyren-1-yl-pyrimidine

A novel fluorescent ratiometric chemosensor based on 4-pyren-1-yl-pyrimidine (PPM) has been designed and prepared for the detection of Hg²⁺ in the presence of other competing metal ions in acetonitrile. The photo exhibits fluorescence color change of PPM from blue to green without and with Hg²⁺, which red shift of wavelength about 105 nm in fluorescence emission spectra. It can serve as a highly selective chemodosimeter for Hg²⁺ with ratiometric and naked-eye detection. The photophysical properties of PPM confirmed a 2:1 (PPM–Hg²⁺) binding model and the spectral response toward Hg²⁺ was proved to be reversible.     

A nanoparticle-supported fluorescence resonance energy transfer system formed via layer-by-layer approach as a ratiometric sensor for mercury ions in water

This article describes the design and preparation of a novel fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based ratiometric sensor with the polymer nanoparticle as scaffold for detecting Hg²⁺ in aqueous media. In this study, a fluorescent dye fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC, served as the donor) and a spirolactam rhodamine derivative (SRHB, served as mercury ion probe) were covalently attached onto polyethylenimine (PEI) and polyacrylic acid (PAA) respectively; and a ratiometric sensing system was then formed through the deposition of the donor- and probe-containing polyelectrolytes onto the negatively charged polymer particles via the layer-by-layer approach. The ratiometric fluorescent signal change of the system is based on the intra-particle fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) process modulated by mercury ions. Under optimized structural and experimental conditions, the particle-based detection system exhibits stable response for Hg²⁺ in aqueous media. More importantly, in this newly developed particle-based detection system formed by LBL approach, varied numbers of the PAA/PEI layers which served as the spacer could be placed between the donor-containing layer and the probe-containing layer, hence the donor–acceptor distance and energy transfer efficiency could be effectively tuned (from ca. 25% to 76%), this approach has well solved the problem for many particle-based FRET systems that the donor–acceptor distance cannot be precisely controlled. Also, it is found that the ratiometric sensor is applicable in a pH range of 4.6–7.3 in water with the detection limit of 200 nM. This approach may provide a new strategy for ratiometric detection of analytes in some environmental and biological applications.     

A bis(rhodamine 6G)-based fluorescent sensor for Hg2+: microwave-assisted synthesis,photophysical properties,and computational studies

A fluorescent and colorimetric sensor based on rhodamine 6 g (RD6g) was designed, synthesized, and characterized using microwave irradiation. The sensing behavior of this compound was studied by UV–visible and fluorescence spectroscopy. Sensor RD6g exhibits a high selectivity and an excellent sensitivity and is a dual-responsive colorimetric and fluorescent Hg²⁺-specific sensor in aqueous buffer solution. Mercury ions give rise to the development of a very fluorescent ring-open amide spirolactam system. The detection limit for Hg²⁺ was found to be 1.2?×?10^?8 M. The binding ratio of RD6g-Hg²⁺ complex was determined to be 1:1 according to the Job’s plot. The reversibility of RD6g?Hg²⁺ complex has been achieved with CN^? anions. The test strip based on RD6g was developed, which could be used as a suitable and methodical Hg²⁺ test kit.

     

A novel turn-on fluorescent probe for Hg2+ detection based on rhodamine B spirolactam derivative

ABSTRACT

In this work, a new turn-on fluorescent probe 1 for Hg²⁺ ions detection based on rhodamine B spirolactam was reported. Among tested metal ions, probe 1 shows high selectivity towards Hg²⁺ in the the mixture solution of methanol and 0.02 M HEPES buffer (V/V = 9:1, pH = 7.2). No absorption and emission band of probe 1 was observed in the range from 450 to 700 nm. While only addition of Hg²⁺ to probe 1 could lead to appearance of a new absorption band centered at 553 nm and a fluorescence emission band around 577 nm upon excitation at 520 nm. Moreover, it exhibits excellent linear relationship (R² = 0.9993) between fluorescence intensity at 577 nm and the concentration of Hg²⁺ from 1.6 to 32 μM. The sensing mechanism was proven to be spirolactam ring open induced by Hg²⁺ through ¹H NMR, MS, absorption and fluorescence spectra. In addition, probe 1 could detect Hg²⁺ in real water samples and on filter paper, which demonstrates its application in environment science.     

A highly selective and ratiometric fluorescence probe for the detection of Hg and pH change based on coumarin in aqueous solution

A simple but highly selective coumarin-based fluorescence probe 1, 8-(1,3-dithiane)-7-hydroxycoumarin was designed and synthesized for both the ratiometric detection of Hg²⁺ and the on–off response to pH change in aqueous solution. The sensor detected Hg²⁺ selectively via Hg²⁺-promoted thioacetal deprotection reaction within five minutes and reflected pH in the range from 7.8 to 11.9 as a result of the equilibrium between weak-fluorescent acid form and strong-fluorescent base form. In addition, the probe has an excellent selectivity towards Hg²⁺ over other competitive metal ions for biomedical and environmental applications. The sensing behavior of our probe was studied by UV–visible absorption spectra and fluorescence spectra.     

Detection and Removal of Metal Ion based on a Fluorescent Sensor Composed of a Photoresponsive Rhodamine Derivative by Host–Gust Interaction

Although a variety of chemosensors as probes have been exploited for the detection of metal ions with high sensitivity and selectivity, the formed probe–metal complex was hardly suitable for separation, removal, and further recovery. This paper presents a method to detect and remove metal ions from aqueous solutions simultaneously by a fluorescence chemosensor and functional magnetic nanoparticles. A novel probe SRhB ‐Azo was synthesized based on rhodamine B (RhB ), maleic anhydride (MAH ), and azobenzene (Azo). SRhB ‐Azo showed high selectivity and sensitivity to Hg ions in aqueous solutions. Job's experiment showed the formation of a 1:2 stoichiometry complex between Hg²⁺ and SRhB ‐Azo. Moreover, β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD )‐modified magnetic nanoparticles (CD‐MNPs ) were fabricated and used as host materials to form the inclusion complex CD–MNP and SRhB ‐Azo–Hg²⁺. Then, the SRhB ‐Azo‐Hg²⁺ complex could be removed by an external magnet, and subsequently recovered by UV ‐irradiation‐induced trans/cis isomerization of the Azo groups. The CD‐MNP s could be reused for nearly four times. Thus, the SRhB ‐Azo probe and CD‐MNP system has great potential application in sewage treatment.     

Sequential Logic Operations with a Molecular Keypad Lock with Four Inputs and Dual Fluorescence Outputs

A novel coumarin–rhodamine conjugate was prepared, and its metal binding properties were studied by UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The conjugate serves as a ratiometric and highly selective fluorescent sensor for Hg²⁺ ions. Its metal‐responsive spectral properties were utilized to construct a molecular keypad lock with four inputs and dual fluorescence outputs. The complexity of this molecular logic network can greatly enhance the security level of this device.     

Ratiometric sensing of mercury(II) based on a FRET process on silica core-shell nanoparticles acting as vehicles

We report on a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based ratiometric sensor for the detection of Hg(II) ion. First, silica nanoparticles were labeled with a hydrophobic fluorescent nitrobenzoxadiazolyl dye which acts as a FRET donor. A spirolactam rhodamine was then covalently linked to the surface of the silica particles. Exposure of the nanoparticles to Hg(II) in water induced a ring-opening reaction of the spirolactam rhodamine moieties, leading to the formation of a fluorescent derivative that can serve as the FRET acceptor. Ratiometric sensing of Hg(II) was accomplished by ratioing the fluorescence intensities at 520 nm and 578 nm. The average decay time for the donor decreases from 9.09 ns to 7.37 ns upon addition of Hg(II), which proves the occurrence of a FRET process. The detection limit of the assay is 100 nM (ca. 20 ppb). The sensor also exhibits a large Stokes shift (>150 nm) which can eliminate backscattering effects of excitation light.

Ultrasensitive mercury(II) ion detection by europium(III)-doped cadmium sulfide composite nanoparticles

With the biomolecule glutathione (GSH) as a capping ligand, Eu³⁺-doped cadmium sulfide composite nanoparticles were successfully synthesized through a straightforward one-pot process. An efficient fluorescence energy transfer system with CdS nanoparticles as energy donor and Eu³⁺ ions as energy accepter was developed. As a result of specific interaction, the fluorescence intensity of Eu³⁺-doped CdS nanoparticles is obviously reduced in the presence of Hg²⁺. Moreover, the long fluorescent lifetime and large Stoke's shift of europium complex permit sensitive fluorescence detection. Under the optimal conditions, the fluorescence intensity of Eu³⁺ at 614 nm decreased linearly with the concentration of Hg²⁺ ranging from 10 nmol L⁻¹ to 1500 nmol L⁻¹, the limit of detection for Hg²⁺ was 0.25 nmol L⁻¹. In addition to high stability and reproducibility, the composite nanoparticles show a unique selectivity towards Hg²⁺ ion with respect to common coexisting cations. Moreover, the developed method was applied to the detection of trace Hg²⁺ in aqueous solutions. The probable mechanism of reaction between Eu³⁺-doped CdS composite nanoparticles and Hg²⁺ was also discussed.     

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.     

In situ synthesis Bismarck brown R reductive products-immobilised AgNPs assisted by catalytic activity of AgNPs as colorimetric probe for Hg2+ detection in water

A novel, selective and sensitive colorimetric detection method for Hg²⁺ is developed using Bismarck brown R (BBR) reductive products-immobilised silver nanoparticles (BBR products-AgNPs) as a sensing probe. In this research, the BBR reductive products were synthesised in situ and immediately immobilised on the surface of AgNPs. A surface plasmon resonance band of BBR products-AgNPs was observed at 396 nm. The absorbance at 396 nm gradually decreased, and a remarkable blue shift from 396 to 368 nm and a colour change from yellow to colourless by increasing the Hg²⁺ concentration were observed. This observation is due to the oxidation of Ag° to Ag⁺ and the reduction of Hg²⁺ to Hg° during the process, and thus Ag–Hg nanoalloy is formed. In addition, an exploratory study of the designed system is done by chemometrics approaches with the aim of making a clear perspective from the reaction system. The effective parameters for detection of Hg²⁺ based on the BBR products-AgNPs as optical probe were optimised. Under optimal conditions, the sensor exhibited a high selectivity and sensitivity with limit of detection of 6.1 nM (1.66 µg L^?1) and the linear range from 0.01–19.0 µM (2.72–5160 µg L^?1). The proposed method was simple, rapid and cost-effective without any complicated operation. Finally, it was successfully used for detection of Hg²⁺ in water samples with recoveries ranges of 86.7–103.6% and relative standard deviation slower than 10.1%.     

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.     

基于聚合物核壳纳米粒子的Hg~(2+)比率型荧光检测传感器

采用一步聚合的方法,制备了以疏水的聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯(PMMA)为核、亲水性的聚电解质支化聚乙烯亚胺(PEI)为壳的纳米粒子分散液.将供体荧光团4-胺基-7-硝基-N-辛基苯并[1,2,5]噁二唑(NBD)以包埋的方式在聚合过程中直接引入PMMA核内部,而受体荧光团罗丹明衍生物SRHB通过吸附作用进入PEI-PMMA核壳界面,构成了含有两种不同荧光分子且可对Hg2+进行荧光比率检测的传感器.考察了含荧光分子的聚合物粒子光谱学性质,证明两种荧光分子均被引入了聚合物粒子体系.在汞离子的荧光检测试验中,加入Hg2+后,体系中的NBD荧光强度下降,而罗丹明的特征发射峰在579 nm处出现,并随着Hg2+浓度的增加,受体/供体的荧光强度比值呈现增长趋势.研究还发现,聚合物粒子基荧光探针对于Hg2+具有较好的选择性,且最佳使用范围是体系pH值在5～8之间,其检测Hg2+的最低浓度可达到1μmol/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.     

A new “naked-eye” colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent sensor for imaging Hg2+ in living cells

A new oligothiophene-based sensor 3 TH for monitoring Hg²⁺ has been designed and synthesized based on the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) mechanism. The 3 TH shows the significant specificity toward Hg²⁺ through “naked-eye” colorimetric detection as well as via ratiometric fluorescence enhancement response with low detection limit of 62 nM. In addition, sensor 3 TH shows high selectivity and sensitivity for Hg²⁺ with fast response in a suitable pH range. Moreover, the 3 TH-based test strips was used to conveniently detect Hg²⁺ ions in water. Furthermore, considering its good ‘‘turn-on’’ fluorescent sensing behavior and low cell cytotoxicity, 3 TH was successfully applied to detect and image Hg²⁺ in real water samples and living cells, which shows great potentials for application in environmental and biological systems.     

Selective ratiometric detection of Hg in pure water using a phenoxazinium-based probe

A ratiometric, near-infrared, and fully water-soluble probe, a phenoxazinium-based chemosensor bearing an anilino thiaazacrown, was successfully synthesized and characterized. The use of this probe for the selective ratiometric detection of Hg²⁺ in pure water is reported. The probe shows good selectivity for Hg²⁺, and a large blue shift (75 nm) of the complex’s absorption maximum was observed.     

Novel multi-responsive fluorescence switch for Hg2+ and UV/vis lights based on diarylethene-rhodamine derivative

A new multi-responsive fluorescent switch DTE-Pip-Rho 1O has been designed and synthesized in this study. For this molecule, the reactive site of spirolactam ring is far away from the diarylethene unit through the intramolecular piperazine. It exhibited high selectivity and sensitivity to Hg²⁺ in addition to obvious color change (colorless-pink) and fluorescence “off-on” (dark-orange) during this process. It is believed that the color change is due to Hg²⁺-assisted hydrolysis of rhodamine hydrazide. Therefore, the new molecule can be used as colorimentric and fluorescent chemosensor for Hg²⁺ with high selectivity. The detection limits of absorbance and fluorescence for Hg²⁺ were calculated to be 1.15?μM and 1.16?μM, respectively. The resulting DTE-Pip-Rho 1O-Hg²⁺ could also function as a reversible fluorescence photo-switch in response to UV/vis light owing to FRET mechanism. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that the photo-switchable system displayed excellent fatigue resistance and remarkable anti-photobleaching capability.