Squaraine-based colorimetric and fluorescent sensors for Cu-specific detection and fluorescence imaging in living cells

New squaraine-based chemosensors SQ1 and SQ2 functionalized with 2-picolyl units were first synthesized and used as highly selective and sensitive colorimetric and fluorometric dual-channel sensors for Cu²⁺-specific recognition in aqueous systems. Among a series of individual metal ions, only Cu²⁺ could result in dramatic color changes. We also evaluated their capability of biological applications and found that SQ2 could be successfully employed as a Cu²⁺-selective probe in the fluorescence imaging of living cells.     

Use of nanomaterials for impedimetric DNA sensors: A review

This review presents the state of the art of DNA sensors (or genosensors) that utilize electrochemical impedance spectroscopy as the transduction technique. As issue of current interest, it is centered on the use of nanomaterials to develop or to improve performance of these specific biosensors. It will describe the different principles that may be employed in the measuring step and the different formats adopted for detection of a DNA sequence or confirmation or amplification of the finally obtained signal. The use of nanomaterials for the above listed aspects, viz. the use of carbon nanotubes or other nanoscopic elements in the construction of the electrodes, or the use of nanoparticles, mainly gold or quantum dots, for signal enhancement will be fully revised.     

A TCF-based colorimetric and fluorescent probe for palladium detection in an aqueous solution

A new fluorescent probe (TCF-AC) that contains 2-dicyanomethylene-3-cyano-4,5,5-trimethyl-2,5-dihydrofuran (TCF) skeleton has been developed. Probe TCF-AC exhibits highly selective and sensitive detection toward Pd⁰ in EtOH/H₂O (1:1, v/v, PBS 20?mM, pH?=?7.4) solution with fluorescence “turn on” and colorimetric changes. The Pd⁰ detection by TCF-AC holds some advantages including good anti-interference ability, a relative large Stokes shift (>100?nm), and a low detection limit (7.05?×?10^?7?M). Cell imaging studies demonstrate that TCF-AC is applicable to detect Pd⁰ in living HeLa cells.     

A highly selective colorimetric and fluorescent chemosensor for Cr2+ in aqueous solutions

A new rhodamine-based chemosensor was synthetized through a modified copper-catalyzed [3+2]-cycloaddition of an azidocoumarin with an alkynyl-rhodamine. Its sensing properties toward various metal cations in aqueous solutions were investigated by colorimetric changes, UV–vis and fluorescence spectroscopies. The sensor exhibited a high selectivity for Cr²⁺ over Cr³⁺ and other divalent cations such as Cu²⁺, Mg²⁺, Zn²⁺, Ca²⁺, Cd²⁺, Co²⁺, Hg²⁺ and Ni²⁺. The linear range of detection by fluorescence spectroscopy is 0.07–3.5 mM, with a detection limit of ca. 64 μM. The binding mode of Cr²⁺ with the sensor was rationalized through experimental evidences.     

A colorimetric and fluorescent turn-on chemosensor for Zn based on an azobenzene-containing compound

This paper presents a new colorimetric reversible fluorescent turn-on chemosensor molecule for zinc ion based on an azobenzene derivative. The basal fluorescence intensity of the chemosensor molecule is little affected under physiological pH 5-9, whilst the excitation (507 nm) and emission (610 nm) wavelength of the molecular probe for zinc ion is in the visible range.     

Highly selective and sensitive paper-based colorimetric sensor using thiosulfate catalytic etching of silver nanoplates for trace determination of copper ions

A novel, highly selective and sensitive paper-based colorimetric sensor for trace determination of copper (Cu²⁺) ions was developed. The measurement is based on the catalytic etching of silver nanoplates (AgNPls) by thiosulfate (S₂O₃²⁻). Upon the addition of Cu²⁺ to the ammonium buffer at pH 11, the absorption peak intensity of AuNPls/S₂O₃²⁻ at 522 nm decreased and the pinkish violet AuNPls became clear in color as visible to the naked eye. This assay provides highly sensitive and selective detection of Cu²⁺ over other metal ions (K⁺, Cr³⁺, Cd²⁺, Zn²⁺, As³⁺, Mn²⁺, Co²⁺, Pb²⁺, Al³⁺, Ni²⁺, Fe³⁺, Mg²⁺, Hg²⁺ and Bi³⁺). A paper-based colorimetric sensor was then developed for the simple and rapid determination of Cu²⁺ using the catalytic etching of AgNPls. Under optimized conditions, the modified AgNPls coated at the test zone of the devices immediately changes in color in the presence of Cu²⁺. The limit of detection (LOD) was found to be 1.0 ng mL⁻¹ by visual detection. For semi-quantitative measurement with image processing, the method detected Cu²⁺ in the range of 0.5–200 ng mL⁻¹(R² = 0.9974) with an LOD of 0.3 ng mL⁻¹. The proposed method was successfully applied to detect Cu²⁺ in the wide range of real samples including water, food, and blood. The results were in good agreement according to a paired t-test with results from inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES).     

A colorimetric and fluorescent sensor for sequential detection of copper ion and cyanide

A simple cation sensor 1 ((E)-9-((2-hydroxynaphthalen-1-ylimino)methyl)-1,2,3,5,6,7-hexahydropyrido[3,2,1-ij]quinolin-8-ol) bearing both a julolidine moiety and a naphthol moiety was designed and synthesized as a colorimetric sensor for Cu²⁺. In methanol solution of 1, the presence of Cu²⁺ led to a distinct naked-eye color change from yellow to purple. The proposed sensing mechanism might be attributed to the decrease in internal charge transfer band. Moreover, the resulting 1–Cu²⁺ complex sensed cyanide in a fluorometric way via fluorescent changes. These results demonstrate a novel type of the sequential recognition of Cu²⁺ and CN⁻ using two different sensing methods, color change, and fluorescence.     

A new colorimetric and fluorescent bifunctional probe for Cu and F ions based on perylene bisimide derivatives

A perylene bisimide derivative (PBI) based colorimetric and fluorescent bifunctional probe PAM-PBI was designed and synthesized. It was highly selective and sensitive for distinguishing both Cu²⁺ and F⁻ from other ions through a conspicuous change of UV–vis and fluorescence spectra. The recognition of Cu²⁺ by PAM-PBI showed an obvious color change from rose red to purple in aqueous solution, while the sensing of F⁻ gave a marked color change from rose red to light green in THF.     

A colorimetric and fluorescent chemosensor for detection of Hg2+ using counterion exchange of cationic polydiacetylene

In this study, a colorimetric and fluorescent chemosensor for mercury ions (Hg²⁺) was developed. Cationic polydiacetylene (PDA) vesicles with a quaternary ammonium cation and iodide as a counterion show a blue-to-red color transition; the color change is accompanied by a fluorescence enhancement in selective response to Hg²⁺ ions because of a perturbation of the ene–yne conjugated backbone induced by counterion exchange. It allows for selective detection of Hg²⁺ with the naked eye and the sensor is used to determine Hg²⁺ concentrations in tap water samples.     

量子点的光学特征及其在生命科学中的应用

量子点是近几年发展起来的新型纳米材料,是直径在1～100nm的一类半导体纳米粒子,具有宽的激发光谱、窄的发射光谱、可精确调谐的发射波长、可忽略的光漂白等优越的荧光特性,可以很好地用于荧光标记,可以成为一类理想的生物荧光探针.虽然其研究起步较晚,但因其独特的光学和电子学性质而成为人们关注的一个热点.本文概述了量子点基本知识及特性、量子点的制备方法、标记方法以及在生命科学尤其在免疫分析、快速诊断中的应用进展及前景展望.     

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.     

A coumarin-based colorimetric and fluorescent probe for the highly selective detection of Au3+ ions

We develop a novel coumarin-alkyne derivative(NC7-AL), which can specifically react with Au~(3+) and give a colorimetric and fluorescent ‘‘turn-on' response toward Au~(3+). Notably, other alkynophilic metal species such as Au+, Ag+, Pd~(2+), Ni~(2+), Cu~(2+), and Hg~(2+) do not produce an interfering signal. A good linear relationship between emission intensity at 420 nm and Au~(3+) concentration from 0 to 2 equivalent is observed, and the detection limit(3s/k) is estimated to be ca. 3.58 nmol/L. Harnessing the Au~(3+)-induced color change from light yellow to colorless, we find that NC7-AL-based modified TLC plate can be used for convenient naked-eye detection of Au~(3+).     

A novel rhodamine-based turn-on probe for fluorescent detection of Au3+ and colorimetric detection of Cu2+

In this work, we design and synthesize the novel probe RC through introduction the 1-aza-4,13-dithia-15-crown-5 ring into the structure of rhodamine 6G hydrazide, where the N atom of crown ring is responsible for quenching of rhodamine fluorescence. The compound obtained behaves as multifunctional cation sensor providing selective fluorescent response to Au³⁺ and selective colorimetric response to Cu²⁺ ions in aqueous acetonitrile (1/1, v/v) at pH 7.0. The use of 10^?5?M RC solution allowed reliable determination of target cations in the presence of a wide range of environmentally relevant ions with detection limits of 2?×?10^?6?M and 5?×?10^?7?M for gold and copper, respectively.     

Visual sensing of picric acid in 100% aqueous media based on supramolecular polythiophene assemblies with colorimetric and fluorescent dual response

A colorimetric and fluorometric dual probe based on a water-soluble polythiophene derivative (PMTPBA) was designed and synthesized. It can be applied to determination of picric acid (PA) in 100% aqueous solution. The approach relies on the formation of supramolecular polythiophene assemblies in the presence of PA through electrostatic, charge transfer and π-π stacking interactions. This probe could be utilized for the rapid and visual detection of PA both in aqueous solution and solid support with high specificity and sensitivity. The detection limit of this sensor is as low as 5.0 × 10^-8 mol/L.     

A novel anthracene-based receptor: Highly sensitive fluorescent and colorimetric receptor for fluoride

A new highly sensitive colorimetric receptor 1 for fluoride based on anthracene-9,10-dicarbaldehyde bis-p-nitrophenylhydrazone was designed, synthesized and characterized. Experiments showed that the receptor 1 can selectively recognize the fluoride in DMSO and even in 95/5 DMSO/H₂O (v/v) mixtures. The ability of recognition and the bond between receptor 1 and anions were determined using visual inspection, UV-vis and fluorescence analyses. In addition, ¹H NMR experiments were carried out to explore the nature of interaction between receptor 1 and fluoride. Finally, analytical application and detection of fluoride in toothpaste have been studied.     

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.     

An AIE and ESIPT active Schiff base as colorimetric probe of Fe3+ and turn-on fluorescent probe of Al3+: Experimental and theoretical studies

In this present study, a simple cation chemoprobe 1 bearing naphthol OH and imine group was designed and synthesized, which was identified as an aggregation induced emission (AIE) active molecule with excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) features. In addition, 1 showed both colorimetric detection for Fe³⁺ and turn-on fluorescence response for Al³⁺. The binding ratio of 1 to Fe³⁺ and Al³⁺ were determined both to be 1:1 via Job’s plot and ESI-mass spectrometry analysis. The limit of detection (LOD) of probe 1 to Fe³⁺ and Al³⁺ were 0.10 and 0.43 μM, respectively. Moreover, probe 1 could be used to quantify Fe³⁺ and Al³⁺ in environmental water samples.     

A novel fluorescent and colorimetric anion sensor based on thiourea derivative in competitive media

A novel and simple fluorescent receptor bearing thiourea moiety as recognition site was described. The recognition behavior of the receptor toward different anions was investigated in DMSO/H(2)O (95:5 v/v) and dry DMSO through two various channels: the colorless-yellow color change and a remarkable enhancement of the fluorescence. And the enhancement of the fluorescence was attributed to an anion-induced increase of the rigidity of the host molecule.     

Recent progress in fluorescent and colorimetric sensors for the detection of ions and biomolecules

Optical sensors are widely used in the field of analytical sensing and optical imaging because of their high sensitivity, fast response time, and technical simplicity. This review focuses on recent contributions concerning the ions, neutral molecules and especially tumor micro-environment-related parameters based fluorescent or colorimetric sensors and is organized according to their target classifications.     

Ratiometric fluorescence transduction by hybridization after isothermal amplification for determination of zeptomole quantities of oligonucleotide biomarkers with a paper-based platform and camera-based detection

Paper is a promising platform for the development of decentralized diagnostic assays owing to the low cost and ease of use of paper-based analytical devices (PADs). It can be challenging to detect on PADs very low concentrations of nucleic acid biomarkers of lengths as used in clinical assays. Herein we report the use of thermophilic helicase-dependent amplification (tHDA) in combination with a paper-based platform for fluorescence detection of probe-target hybridization. Paper substrates were patterned using wax printing. The cellulosic fibers were chemically derivatized with imidazole groups for the assembly of the transduction interface that consisted of immobilized quantum dot (QD)–probe oligonucleotide conjugates. Green-emitting QDs (gQDs) served as donors with Cy3 as the acceptor dye in a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based transduction method. After probe-target hybridization, a further hybridization event with a reporter sequence brought the Cy3 acceptor dye in close proximity to the surface of immobilized gQDs, triggering a FRET sensitized emission that served as an analytical signal. Ratiometric detection was evaluated using both an epifluorescence microscope and a low-cost iPad camera as detectors. Addition of the tHDA method for target amplification to produce sequences of ∼100 base length allowed for the detection of zmol quantities of nucleic acid targets using the two detection platforms. The ratiometric QD-FRET transduction method not only offered improved assay precision, but also lowered the limit of detection of the assay when compared with the non-ratiometric QD-FRET transduction method. The selectivity of the hybridization assays was demonstrated by the detection of single nucleotide polymorphism.