A single chemosensor for multiple analytes: Fluorogenic and ratiometric absorbance detection of Zn2+, Mg2+ and F−, and its cell imaging

• Published in: Sensors and actuators. B, Chemical Chemical, 2016-04, Vol.226, p.279-288
• Main Authors: Li, LI, Yun, SHEN, Yuan-Hui, ZHAO, Lan, MU, Xi, ZENG, Redshaw, Carl, Gang, WEI
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cell imaging; Coumarin sensor; Fluorogenic and ratiometric absorbance; Multiple analysis; Zn2+/Mg2+/F
• ISSN: 0925-4005; 1873-3077
• DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2015.11.126

A simple coumarin based sensor 1 has been synthesized from the condensation reaction of 7-hydroxycoumarin and ethylenediamine via the intermediate 7-hydroxy-8-aldehyde-coumarin. As a multiple analysis sensor, 1 can monitor Zn2+ with the fluorescence enhanced at 457nm, and ratiometric detection at 290nm, 350nm and 420nm in DMF/H2O (1/4, v/v) medium. Sensor 1 can also monitor Mg2+ with the fluorescence enhanced at 430nm, and ratiometric detection at 290nm, 370nm and 430nm in DMF medium through the interaction of chelation enhance fluorescence (CHEF) with metal ions. Furthermore, 1 also can monitor F− with the fluorescence enhanced at 460nm, and ratiometric detection at 290nm and 390nm in DMF medium simultaneously via hydrogen bonding and deprotonation with F− anion. Spectral titration, isothermal titration calorimetry and mass spectrometry revealed that the sensor formed a 1:1 complex with Mg2+, Zn2+ or F-, with stability constants of 4.5×106, 3.4×106, 8.0×104M−1 respectively. The complexation of the ions by 1 was an exothermic reaction driven by entropy processes. Furthermore, the sensor exhibits good membrane-permeability and was capable of monitoring at the intracellular Zn2+ level in living cells.