A Naphthalimide‐Based Fluorescent Probe for the Detection and Imaging of Mercury Ions in Living Cells

Abstract

The selective and efficient monitoring of mercury (Hg 2 + ) contamination found in the environment and ecosystem has been carried out. Thus, a new 1,8-naphthalimide-based fluorescent probe NADP for the detection of Hg 2 + based on a fluorescence enhancement strategy has been designed and synthesized. The NADP probe can detect Hg 2 + with high selectivity and sensitivity and a low detection limit of 13 nm.The detection mechanism was based on a Hg 2 + -triggered deprotection reaction, resulting in a dramatic change in fluorescence from colorless to green at physiological pH. Most importantly, biological investigation has shown that the NADP probe can be successfully applied to the monitoring of Hg 2 + in living cells and zebrafish with low cytotoxicity.

Turn-off fluorescence of imidazole-based sensor probe for mercury ions

“…Amongst the various aldehyde protective groups, multistep synthesis in cyclic or acyclic thioacetals is frequently engaged, as they are stable in all conditions containing acidic and alkaline media. Furthermore, signaling mechanisms that commonly arise in fluorescent probes are intramolecular charge transfer (ICT), [12][13][14][15][16][17] photo-induced electron transfer (PET), 18 fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), 19 which are ascribed in the direction of energy/electron transfer using protection/ deprotection approach. Many fluorometric sensor moieties are available for the detection of mercury but with limitations, for example, pyridine and pyrene molecules are very difficult to synthesize and are less sensitive and less specific.…”

Ratiometric fluorescence detection of Hg2+ based on gold nanocluster/carbon quantum dots nanohybrids

“…Recently, various uorescence assays have been developed to detect Hg 2+ due to their unique advantages, such as rapid analysis and high sensitivity and selectivity. [9][10][11][12][13][14] In particular, Hg 2+ uorescence detection based on various uorescent nanomaterials has been widely reported; for example, sensors based on Hg 2+ induced uorescence quenching were developed for the determination of Hg 2+ using semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), 15 metal nanoclusters, 14,16 and carbon nanomaterials. 17 Wang et al 15 reported a label-free sensor for Hg 2+ detection in tap water, river water, and wastewater treatment plant effluent based on CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs).…”

Fluorescent Polymers for Environmental Monitoring: Targeting Pathogens and Metal Contaminants with Naphthalimide Derivatives

“…These characteristics classify them as ideal chromophores for developing probes, particularly for detecting mercury. Several studies in literature have already reported the use of naphthalimide-based probes for the detection of mercury in a variety of environments, whether it being in living cells [8], zebrafish model organisms [9], or even in a variety of polar and organic solvents [10]. Additionally, the diverse photophysical characteristics of the naphthalimide structure can be effectively modified by appropriate structural alterations, like functionalizing the aromatic naphthalene moiety and the 'N-imide site' [11].…”