Reaction-based colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent probe for highly selective detection of silver ions

• Published in: Sensors and actuators. B, Chemical Chemical, 2018-10, Vol.270, p.562-569
• Main Authors: Tang, Hao-Yang, Gao, Ying, Li, Bin, Li, Chang-Wei, Guo, Yuan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ag+ detection; Cell imaging; Chemical reactions; Color; Colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescence probe; Colorimetry; Fluorescent indicators; Hydrazones; Ions; Organic chemistry; Reaction-based system; Sensors; Silver
• ISSN: 0925-4005; 1873-3077
• DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2018.05.064

A novel colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent probe CHa based on Ag+-induced hydrolysis of hydrazone was designed and synthesized. Upon addition of Ag+ to a solution of CHa, a visible color change from yellow to colorless and a fluorescence color change from yellow to blue were observed. The probe displayed a 203-fold enhancement of the fluorescence intensity ratio (I450nm/I520nm) toward Ag+ with outstanding sensitivity, high selectivity and a low detection limit. Furthermore, CHa was successfully applied to the ratiometric imaging of Ag+ in HepG2 and HeLa cells. [Display omitted] •We developed for the first time a ratiometric fluorescence probe CHa for Ag+ based on a chemical reaction.•CHa displays a 203-fold enhancement of the fluorescence intensity ratio (I450 nm/I520 nm) toward Ag+ with a low detection limit (LOD 61 nM).•The probe CHa did not suffer from significant interference from other competing metal ions such as Hg2+ and Cu2+.•The probe CHa was successfully used to detect Ag+ in HepG2 and HeLa cells. A novel colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent probe CHa based on Ag+-induced hydrolysis of hydrazone was designed and synthesized. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time the ratiometric sensing of Ag+ based on a chemical reaction has been accomplished. When Ag+ was added to a solution of CHa, a visible color change from yellow to colorless and a fluorescence color change from yellow to blue were observed. Probe CHa displayed a 203-fold enhancement of the fluorescence intensity ratio (I450nm/I520nm) toward Ag+ with outstanding sensitivity, high selectivity and a low detection limit (LOD 61 nM). Moreover, CHa was successfully applied to the ratiometric imaging of Ag+ in HepG2 and HeLa cells.