A novel on-off-on fluorescent chemosensor for relay detection of Fe3+ and PPi in aqueous solution and living cells

A novel on-off-on fluorescence chemosensor BP based on benzothiazole for the relay recognition of Fe³⁺ and PPi was designed and synthesized. The chemosensor BP exhibited a high affinity to Fe³⁺ in the presence of other competing cations. The resultant BP-Fe³⁺ showed excellent recognition ability for PPi via Fe³⁺ displacement approach. The detection limits of BP for Fe³⁺ and BP-Fe³⁺ for PPi were estimated to be 2.59 × 10^?8 M and 8.47 × 10^?8 M, respectively. The low cytotoxicity and good cell-membrane permeability of BP and BP-Fe³⁺ complex makes them capable of Fe³⁺ and PPi imaging in living Hep G2 cells.     

A novel colorimetric chemosensor based on quinoline for the sequential detection of Fe3+ and PPi in aqueous solution

A novel quinoline-functionalized Schiff-base derivative PY was designed and synthesized. Sensor PY displayed highly selective and sensitive fluorescence enhancement and naked-eye color change to Fe³⁺ in the presence of other competing cations. The mechanisms have been supported by Job’s plot evaluation, FT-MS and theoretical calculations. The in situ generated PY-Fe³⁺ complex solution exhibited a high selectivity toward PPi via Fe³⁺ displacement approach. The detection limits of sensor PY to Fe³⁺ and PY-Fe³⁺ complex to PPi were estimated to be 4.24 × 10^?8 M and 8.18 × 10^?8 M, respectively. This successive recognition feature of sensor PY makes it has a potential utility for Fe³⁺ and PPi detection in aqueous solution. A B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) basis set was employed for optimization of PY and PY-Fe³⁺ complex.     

Novel coumarin-based containing denrons selective fluorescent chemosesor for sequential recognition of Cu2+ and PPi

In this study, we have successfully synthesized a novel coumarin-based dendrons derivative CD and its chemical structure was characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and ESI-HR-MS. The sensor CD showed an obvious “on-off” fluorescence quenching response toward Cu²⁺ with a maximum quenching efficiency of 99.8%. The CD-Cu²⁺ complex showed an “off-on” fluorescence enhancement response toward PPi over many competitive anions. The detection limit of the sensor CD was 0.29?×?10^?6?M to Cu²⁺ and 2.39?×?10^?9?M to PPi. In addition, the sensor CD showed a 1:1 binding stoichiometry to Cu²⁺ and the sensor CD-Cu²⁺ showed a 2:1 binding stoichiometry to PPi in CH₃CN/HEPES buffer medium (9:1 v/v, pH?=?7.2). The stable pH range of sensor CD to Cu²⁺ and CD-Cu²⁺ to PPi was from 3 to 8.     

A coumarin based highly selective fluorescent chemosensor for sequential recognition of Cu2+ and PPi

In this study, we have successfully synthesized a new coumarin based fluorescent chemosensor 1, in which tren and quinolone are introduced as receptors for sequential recognition of Cu²⁺ and PPi. The structure of chemosensor 1 was characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and ESI-HR-MS. Sensor 1 showed an obvious “on-off” fluorescence quenching response toward Cu²⁺, and the quenching efficiency reached a maximum of 99.6% with the addition of 20 equiv. of Cu²⁺. The 1-Cu²⁺ complex showed an “off-on” fluorescence enhancement response toward PPi over many competitive anions, especially HPO₄^2? and H₂PO₄^?. The detection limit of sensor 1 was 1.9?×?10^?6?M to Cu²⁺ and 5.96?×?10^?8?M to PPi. In addition, sensor 1 showed a 1:1 binding stoichiometry to Cu²⁺ and sensor 1-Cu²⁺ showed a 2: 1 binding stoichiometry to PPi in CH₃CN/HEPES buffer medium (9:1 v/v, pH?=?7.4). The stable pH range of sensor 1 to Cu²⁺ and 1-Cu²⁺ to PPi was from 4 to 8.     

A highly sensitive and selective fluorescent probe for Fe3+ containing two rhodamine B and thiocarbonyl moieties and its application to live cell imaging

A novel turn-on rhodamine B-based fluorescent chemosensor (RBCS) was designed and synthesized by reacting N-(rhodamine B)lactam-1,2-ethylenediamine and carbon disulfide. Upon addition of Fe³⁺ in EtOH/H₂O solution (2:1, v/v, HEPES buffer, 0.6?mM, pH 7.20), the RBCS displayed a significant fluorescence enhancement at 582?nm and a dramatic color change from colorless to pink, which can be detected by the naked eye. Significantly, the RBCS exhibited a highly selective and sensitive ability toward Fe³⁺. The detection limit of the probe was 2.05?×?10^?7?M. Job's plot indicated the formation of 1:1 complex between the RBCS and Fe³⁺. Moreover, the practical use of the RBCS is demonstrated by its application in the detection of Fe³⁺ in HeLa cells.     

A quinoline-based selective ‘turn on’ chemosensor for zinc(II) via quad-core complex,and its application in live cell imaging

An efficient quinoline-based fluorescent chemosensor (QLNPY) was successfully developed for the detection of zinc ions (Zn²⁺). This novel chemosensor displayed higher sensitivity and selectivity toward Zn²⁺ over other competitive metal ions accompanying with obvious fluorescence enhancement. The QLNPY-Zn²⁺ complex can be further used as a new fluorescent “turn-off” sensor for pyrophosphate (PPi) and sulfur ion (S^2?) via a Zn²⁺ displacement approach. The limits of detection were calculated to be 3.8 × 10^?8 M for Zn²⁺, 3.7 × 10^?7 M for PPi and 4.9 × 10^?7 M for S^2?. The binding mechanism of QLNPY and Zn²⁺ was investigated through NMR, HR-MS analysis and further studied by crystallographic analysis. Additionally, further application of QLNPY for sequential bioimaging of Zn²⁺ and PPi was studied in HepG2 cells, suggesting that the quinoline-based chemosensor possesses great potential applications for the detection of intracellular Zn²⁺ and PPi in vivo.     

A novel naphthalimide–glutathione chemosensor for fluorescent detection of Fe3+ and Hg2+ in aqueous medium and its application

By rationally introducing glutathione functionalized 1, 8–naphthalimide, a novel fluorescent chemosensor (NG) was successfully synthesized. NG can high selectively and sensitively recognize Fe³⁺/Hg²⁺ ions through quenching of fluorescence among all kinds of common metal ions in aqueous medium. The binding stoichiometry ratio of NG–Fe³⁺ is verified as 2:1and NG–Hg²⁺ as 1:2 confirmed by Job's plot method, FT-IR, ¹H NMR and ESI–MS spectrum, and the possible sensing mechanism were also proposed. The chemosensor NG toward Fe³⁺ and Hg²⁺ displays the excellent advantages of high selectivity and sensitivity, low detection limits (7.92?×?10^?8 and 4.22?×?10^?8?M), high association constants (3.37?×?10⁸ and 8.14?×?10⁴?M^?2), instataneous response (about 10s) and wide pH response range (3.0–8.0). Importantly, the chemosensor NG was successfully applied to determine Hg²⁺ in tap water. Meanwhile, the test strips based on NG were prepared, which could conveniently and efficiently detect Fe³⁺ and Hg²⁺. Moreover, the complex of NG and Fe³⁺ (NG–Fe³⁺) showed high selectivity and sensitivity for H₂PO₄￣ over many other anions in the same medium.     

A reversible fluorescent chemosensor for Fe~(3+) and H_2PO_4~- with “on-off-on” switching in aqueous media

To realize highly selective relay recognition of Fe3+ and H2PO4- ions, a simple benzimidazole-based fluorescent chemosensor(L) was designed and synthesized. Sensor L displays rapid, highly selective, and sensitive recognition to Fe3+ in H2O/DMSO(1:1, v/v) solutions. The in situ-generated L-Fe3+ complex solution exhibits a fast response and high selectivity toward dihydrogen phosphate anion via the Fe3+ displacement approach. The detection limits of sensor L to Fe3+ and L-Fe3+complex to H2PO4- anion were estimated to be 1.0 × 10-9 mol/L. Notably, the sensor was retrievable to indicate dihydrogen phosphate anions with Fe3+, and H2PO4-, in turn, increased. This successive recognition feature of sensor L makes it a potential utility for Fe3+ and H2PO4- anion detection in aqueous media.     

A selective colorimetric and fluorescence chemosensing sensor for Cr<Superscript>3+</Superscript> based on a rhodamine base derivative

A rhodamine-conjugated coumarin (L) was used in designing a selective fluorescence chemosensor for the determination of trace amounts of Cr³⁺ ions in acetonitrile–water (MeCN/H₂O (90:10, %v/v) solutions. The intensity of the fluoresce emission of the chemosensor is intensified upon addition of Cr³⁺ ions in MeCN/H₂O (90:10, %v/v) solutions, due to the formation of a selective 1:1 complex between L and Cr³⁺ ions. The fluorescence enhancement versus Cr³⁺ concentration has been found to be linear from 1.0?×?10^?7 to 1.8?×?10^?5 M and a detection limit of 7.5?×?10^?8 M. The proposed fluorescent probe proved to be highly selective towards Cr³⁺ ions as compared to other common metal ions and could be successfully applied to the determination of Cr³⁺ concentrations in some water and wastewater samples.     

Synthesis and evaluation of two novel rhodamine-based fluorescence probes for specific recognition of Fec+ ion

Two low cytotoxic fluorescence probes Rb1 and Rb2 detecting Fe³⁺ were synthesized and evaluated. Rb1 and Rb2 exhibited an excellent selectivity to Fe³⁺, which was not disturbed by Ag⁺, Li⁺, K⁺, Na⁺, NH₄⁺, Fe²⁺, Pb²⁺, Ba²⁺, Cd²⁺, Ni²⁺, Co²⁺, Mn²⁺, Zn²⁺, Mg²⁺, Hg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Cu²⁺, Ce³⁺, AcO^?, Br^?, Cl^?, HPO₄^2?, HSO₃^?, I^?, NO₃^?, S₂O₃^2?, SO₃^2? and SO₄^2? ions. The detection limits were 1.87 × 10^?7 M for Rb1 and 5.60 × 10^?7 M for Rb2, respectively. 1:1 stoichiometry and 1:2 stoichiometry were the most likely recognition mode of Rb1 or Rb2 towards Fe³⁺, and the corresponding OFF–ON fluorescence mechanisms of Rb1 and Rb2 were proposed.     

Synthesis of a new pyrene-devived fluorescent probe for the detection of Zn2+

A novel pyrene-based receptor bearing benzothiazole was synthesized as a good turn-on fluorescent sensor for the recognition of Zn²⁺. The probe showed an excellent selectivity for Zn²⁺over most other competing ions (eg, Cr³⁺, Li⁺, Cd²⁺, Al³⁺, Pb²⁺, Li⁺, Mg²⁺, Ag⁺, Ca²⁺, Ni²⁺, Mn²⁺, Fe³⁺, Hg²⁺, Ba²⁺, K⁺, Na⁺, Cu²⁺, Fe²⁺) in EtOH-HEPES (65:35, v/v, pH?=?7.20), which might be attributed to the photoinduced electron transfer (PET) mechanism. The formation of 1:1 stoichiometric PBZ-Zn²⁺ complex was determined based on the Job's plot, ¹H NMR titration and ESI-MS. The binding constant of the complex was 4.04?×?10⁴?M^?1 with a detection limit of 2.58?×?10^?7?M. The potential application of the PBZ in real water samples for recognizing Zn²⁺ was investigated. Bio-imaging study also revealed that PBZ could be applied to detecting Zn²⁺ in live cells. These results indicated that PBZ could be a favorable probe for Zn²⁺.     

Complexation of metal ions with the novel diazadithia crown ethers carrying two pyrene pendants in acetonitrile-tetrahydrofuran

Two crown ethers carrying pyrene side arms with nitrogen-sulfur donor atom were designed and synthesized by the reaction of the corresponding macrocyclic compounds and 1-bromomethyl-pyrene. The influence of metal cations such as Al³⁺, Zn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Mn²⁺, Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ on the spectroscopic properties of the ligands was investigated in acetonitrile-tetrahydrofuran (1:1) by means of absorption and emission spectrometry. Absorption spectra show isosbestic points in the spectrophotometric titration of Al³⁺, Zn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Pb²⁺ with 16-membered crown ether. Similar results were obtained for Al³⁺, Fe²⁺, Hg²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺ with 14-membered crown ether. The results of spectrophotometric titration experiments disclosed the complexation stoichiometry and complex stability constants of the novel ligands with these cations. According to spectrofluorimetric titration measurements the 14-membered diazadithia crown ether showed sensitivity for Pb²⁺ with linear range and detection limit of 1.3 × 10^?6 to 5.2 × 10^?5 M and 5.2 × 10^?7 M, respectively. The 16-membered diazadithia crown ether showed sensitivity for Ni²⁺ with linear range and detection limit of 1.3 × 10^?7 to 5.2 × 10^?6 M and 4.1 × 10^?8 M, respectively.     

Determination of ultratrace lead with bismuth film electrodes based on magneto-voltammetry

A novel method for the determination of Pb²⁺ with bismuth film electrodes (BFEs) based on magneto-voltammetry was investigated. In the presence of a 0.6?T external magnetic field, square wave voltammetry of Pb²⁺ was performed with BFEs. A high concentration of Fe³⁺ was added to the analytes to generate a large cathodic current during the preconcentration step. A Lorentz force from the flux of net current through the magnetic field resulted in convection. Then, more Pb²⁺ deposited onto the electrode and larger stripping peak currents were observed. BFEs that were prepared by simultaneously depositing the bismuth and Pb²⁺ on an electrode offered a mercury-free environment for this determination. This method exhibits a high sensitivity of 4.61?µA?µM^?1 for Pb²⁺ over the 1?×?10^?8 to 1?×?10^?6?M range. A detection limit as low as 8.5?×?10^?10?M was obtained with only 1-min preconcentration. The method was successfully applied to determine Pb²⁺ in real water samples.     

A new Schiff-base as fluorescent chemosensor for selective detection of Cr3+: An experimental and theoretical study

A novel Schiff base fluorescent sensor N,N′-bis(salicylidene)-2,6-bis(4-aminophenyl)-4-phenylpyridine (P3) was synthesized through condensation of 2,6-bis(4-aminophenyl)-4-phenylpyridine and 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde. The obtained results from fluorescence analysis revealed that by excess of Cr³⁺ to P3, a remarkable increase was observed in the fluorescent intensity of the Schiff base at 663?nm with the ratio of CH₃CN/H₂O (95/5%), even though the other cations would likely have no impact on the fluorescence intensity. The cause of this trend might be ascribed to the formation of a 1:1 stoichiometric P3-Cr³⁺ complex, confirmed by Job's plot, which is resulted in preventing the photo-induced electron transfer (PET) process. From fluorescence titration, the association constant K_a was gained 2.28?×?10⁵?M^?1 and the limit of detection (LOD) was determined to be 1.3?×?10^?7?M. Furthermore, the optimized structure together with the electronic spectra of the proposed complex was determined by DFT and TDDFT calculations.     

Solvent Extraction and Spectrophotometric Determination of Uranium Using α-Benzoin Oxime as Chelating Agent

Solvent extraction of uranium by a chloroform solution of α-benzoin oxime was studied and the formation of uranium-α-benzoin oxime complex described. The uranium-α-benzoin oxime complex has two maximum absorbance at 350 nm and 427 nm. A constant absorbance was obtained for 1 × 10^?3 M uranium when the concentration of α-benzoin oxime was higher than 1.2 × 10^?2 M. Ions of Ag⁺, Fe³⁺, V⁵⁺, Cu²⁺, and W⁶⁺ were found to have interference. A solution containing 0.1–10 mg uranium at pH 1.6–6.8 was extracted with 1 × 10^?3 M ?2 × 10^?3 M α-benzoin oxime solution in chloroform. With single extraction, the maximum amount of uranium passing into organic layer was at least 98%. Under this condition the presence of diverse ions except V⁵⁺ does not significantly interfere the extraction of uranium.     

Flow injection determination of hydrogen peroxide using diperiodatoargentate- and diperiodatonickelate-luminol chemiluminescence

A novel chemiluminescence (CL) method for the determination of hydrogen peroxide is described. Method is based on the transition metals in highest oxidation state complex, which include diperiodatoargentate (DPA) and diperiodatonickelate (DPN) and show excellent sensitisation on the luminol-H₂O₂ CL reaction with low luminol concentration in alkaline medium. In particular, the sensitiser which was previously reported (such as Co²⁺, Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺, Mn²⁺, Fe³⁺, Cr³⁺, KIO₄, K₃Fe(CN)₆ etc.) to be unobserved CL due to poor sensitisation with such low concentration of luminol which makes the method hold high selectivity. Based on this observation, the detection limits were 6.5?×?10^?9?mol?L^?1 and 1.1?×?10^?8?mol?L^?1 hydrogen peroxide for the DPN- and DPA-luminol CL systems, respectively. The relative CL intensity was linear with the hydrogen peroxide concentration in the range of 2.0?×?10^?8–6.0?×?10^?6?mol?L^?1 and 4.0?×?10^?8–4.0?×?10^?6?mol?L^?1 for the DPN- and DPA-luminol CL systems, respectively. The proposed method had good reproducibility with a relative standard deviation of 3.4% (8.0?×?10^?7?mol?L^?1, n?=?7) and 1.0% (2.0?×?10^?6?mol?L^?1, n?=?7) for the DPN- and DPA-luminol CL systems, respectively. A satisfactory result has been gained for the determination of H₂O₂ in rainwater and artificial lake water by use of the proposed method.     

Determination of cadmium(II) using glassy carbon electrodes modified with cupferron, ß-naphthol, and multiwalled carbon nanotubes

We report on a simple and reliable method for the determination of trace cadmium ion using a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with cupferron, ß-naphthol and MWCNTs. The operational mechanism consists of several steps: first, the ligand cupferron on the modified electrode reacts with Cd²⁺ ion to form a chelate compound. Next, this chelate is adsorbed by the carrier ß-naphthol following the principle of organic co-precipitation. Finally, the coprecipitated complex is detected by the GCE. This scheme is interesting because it combines preconcentration and electrochemical detection. Two linear responses are obtained, one in the concentration range of 5.0?×?10^?11 to 1.6?×?10^?8 M, the other in the range of 1.6?×?10^?8 to 1.42?×?10^?6 M, with a lower detection limit of 1.6?×?10^?11 M. This modified GCE does not suffer from significant interferences by Cu(II), Hg(II), Ag(I), Fe(III), Pb(II), Cr(III), Zn(II), NO^3?, Cl^?, SO ₄ ^2? ions and EDTA. The response of the electrode remained constant for at least 3 weeks of successive operation. The method presented here provides a new way for the simultaneous separation, enrichment, and electrochemical detection of trace cadmium ion.

Coumarin-based fluorescent chemosensor for the selective quantification of Zn2+ and AcO− in an aqueous solution and living cells

In this work, we report a novel fluorescence chemosensor HM based on the coumarin fluorophore for the quantification of Zn²⁺ and AcO^?. HM specifically binds to Zn²⁺ in the presence of other competing cations, and evident changes in UV–vis and fluorescence spectra in HEPES buffer are noticed. The in situ generated HM-Zn²⁺ complex solution exhibit a high selectivity toward AcO^? via Zn²⁺ displacement approach. The detection limits of HM for Zn²⁺ and HM-Zn²⁺ for AcO^? were estimated to be 7.24 × 10^?8 M and 9.41 × 10^?8 M, respectively. HM and the resultant complex HM-Zn²⁺ exhibit low cytotoxicity and cell-membrane permeability, which makes them capable of Zn²⁺ and AcO^? imaging in living Hep G2 cells. A B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) basis set was employed for optimization of HM and HM-Zn²⁺ complex.     

A highly selective colorimetric sensor for Hg2+ based on a copper (II) complex of thiosemicarbazone in aqueous solutions

By applying an indirect strategy, a new copper (Ⅱ) complex of a thiosemicarbazone L has been successfully developed as a colorimetric chemosensor for the sensitive detection of mercury (Ⅱ) ions. In the presence of copper (Ⅱ) ions, the colorless solution of L became yellow; however, upon the addition of traces of mercury (Ⅱ) ions, the yellow color faded to colorless immediately. Other ions, including Fe3+ , Ag+ , Ca2+ , Zn2+ , Pb2+ , Cd2+ , Ni2+ , Co2+ , Cr3+ and Mg2+ had a negligible influence on the probe behavior. The detection limits were 5.0×10 -6 M and 3.0×10 -7 M of Hg2+ using the visual color changes and UV-vis changes respectively. Test strips based on Cu-L were fabricated, which could act as a convenient and efficient Hg2+ test kits.     

Electrochemical determination of NADH using a glassy carbon electrode modified with Fe3O4 nanoparticles and poly-2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid, and its application to the determination of antioxidant capacity

We have prepared a glassy carbon electrode modified with poly-2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid and with magnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. This modification enhances the effective surface area and the electrocatalytic oxidation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) in addition to providing positively charged groups for electrostatic assembly of the phosphate group of NADH. The modified electrode responds linearly to NADH in the range from 5?×?10^?8 to 2.5?×?10^?5?M and gives a lower detection limit of 1?×?10^?8?M. It displays satisfactory selectivity and reproducibility. The sensor was applied to rapid screening of plant extracts for their antioxidant properties.