Journal of Molecular Liquids | 2021
Dual-channel responsive fluorescent sensor for the logic-controlled detection and bioimaging of Zn2+ and Hg2+
Abstract
Abstract The fluorescence sensing of specific cationic species is necessary and crucial due to their numerous potential effects on living organisms and the environment. In the present investigation, an efficient dual-channel responsive novel probe based rhodamine 6G condensed isophorone moiety (RHI) was designed and synthesized for sensitive, rapid and specific sensing of metal ions. RHI enabled selective and quick recognition of Zn2+ and/or Hg2+ in the presence of other tested metal ions in EtOH/H2O (8/2, v/v). It demonstrated remarkable red for Zn2+ or yellow emission enhancement for Hg2+ and good photochromism. Addition of S2− to a solution of RHI-M2+ reversed the process, followed by quenching emission, enabling reversible use of RHI. It was able to detect the levels of Zn2+ and Hg2+ within the limit of detection of 82.2\xa0nM and 1.13\xa0μM, respectively. Measurements of mineral and tap water samples prove the potential of the probe RHI for the detection of Zn2+ and Hg2+ ions in environmental aqueous samples. Dual-channel fluorescence response of RHI for Zn2+ and Hg2+ ensured a chance to apply them for build simple or complex molecular logic circuits. Moreover, it could easily visualize Zn2+ or Hg2+ in DDL-1 cells in bioimaging experiments.