Fluorescence signalling of the transition metal ions: Design strategy based on the choice of the fluorophore component

Transition metal ions are notorious for their fluorescence quenching abilities. In this paper, we discuss the design strategies for the development of efficientoff-on fluorescence signalling systems for the transition metal ions. It is shown that even simplefluorophore-spacer-receptor systems can display excellentoff-on fluorescence signalling towards the quenching metal ions when the fluorophore component is chosen judiciously.     

Nanostructured Polyelectrolyte-based System as a Toolbox for Metal Ions Detection

The capability of certain heavy metal ions to induce fluorescence decrease by a quenching mechanism suggested us to design and build a sensor potentially tunable for different ions at different concentrations. We propose a quenching-based sensor exploiting a nanostructured architecture in which fluorescent molecules (the sensing probe) are entrapped to recognize a specific analyte (heavy metal ions) through an optical transduction. The polyelectrolyte nanostructured system, named nanocapsule, improves the fluorophore-ion quenching sensitivity allowing a micromolar detection. Furthermore we couple our sensor with an electrical device in order to refine the sensing procedure: the electric field created allows a metal ions spatial gradient, necessary to detect a specific element on a single sample solution, avoiding a comparative analysis with an intensity reference value. Results obtained will show the advantages and the potentialities of our system as a smart toolbox for metal ions detection.     

Study of proteinous and micellar microenvironment using donor acceptor charge transfer fluorosensor N,N-dimethylaminonaphthyl-(acrylo)-nitrile

Interaction of charge transfer fluorophore N,N-dimethylaminonaphthyl-(acrylo)-nitrile (DMANAN) with globular proteins Human Serum Albumin (HSA) and Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) brings forth a marked change in the position and intensity of band maxima both in case of absorption and fluorescence spectra. Spectroscopic approach has been elaborately implemented to explore the binding phenomena of the probe with HSA and BSA and it is found that the extent of binding of the probe to both serum albumins is similar in nature. Steady state fluorescence anisotropy values, fluorescence quenching study using acrylamide quencher and Red Edge Excitation Shift (REES) help in drawing reliable conclusions regarding the location of the probe molecule within the hydrophobic cavity of the proteins. An increase in fluorescence lifetime of the probe molecule solubilized in both the proteinous media also indicate that the probe is located at the motionally restricted environment inside the hydrophobic cavity of proteins and hence non-radiative channels are less operative than in the bulk water. Similarly, the variation of position and intensity of the emission maxima of DMANAN solubilized in micellar medium of Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate (SDS) also predicts well the critical micellar concentration (CMC) and polarity of micellar microenvironment.     

Selective metal ion recognition using a fluorescent 1,8-diquinolylnaphthalene-derived sensor in aqueous solution

The use of anti-1,8-bis(2,2′-diisopropyl-4,4′-diquinolyl)naphthalene, 1, for metal ion-selective fluorescence recognition has been investigated. Employing CuCl₂, ZnCl₂, FeCl₂, and FeCl₃ in fluorescence titration experiments of 1 revealed formation of a bluegreen light emitting bimetallic complex. A dramatic red-shift of the fluorescence maximum of 1 and metal ion-selective quenching was observed in the presence of Cu(II), Fe(II), and Fe(III)chlorides in acetonitrile. By contrast, addition of ZnCl₂ was found to result in fluorescence enhancement, whereas Cu(I) did not induce any significant fluorescence change of 1. The sensor was found to undergo highly ion-selective fluorescence quenching in aqueous solution. Screening of main group and transition metal ions showed excellent selectivity for FeCl₃ even in the presence of competing metal ions.     

Photo-induced charge transfer emission in (E)-3-(4-dimethylamino-naphthalen-1-yl)-acrylic acid and its use as metal ions fluorosensor

In this study, spectroscopic properties of (E)-3-(4-dimethylamino-naphthalen-1-yl)-acrylic acid (DMANAA) have been explored using absorption and emission spectroscopy in combination with quantum chemical calculations. In addition to the local emission, the molecule shows a red-shifted emission from the charge transfer state. The charge transfer emission band is found to be dependent on polarity and hydrogen-bonding ability of the solvents. This photo-induced charge transfer process has been explored theoretically at Density Functional Theory level using twisted intramolecular charge transfer model. Structural calculations and potential energy surfaces along the donor twist coordinate done by Density Functional Theory correlate well with the spectroscopic observations. Addition of metal ions to DMANAA solutions in acetonitrile solvent shows progressive quenching of the charge transfer band and growth of a blue-shifted band, making way for its use as a good fluorosensor for various metal ions.