FRET-based metal ion sensing by a crown-containing bisstyryl dye

Abstract

The first ratiometric cation FRET system containing two binding centers of different selectivity towards metal ions has been studied. The chemosensor based on a crown-containing bisstyryl dye demonstrates distinct fluorescence changes upon interaction with Na⁺, Li⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Ba²⁺, H⁺, Hg²⁺, and Ag⁺ perchlorates. The fluorometric response of the chemosensor is attributed to the cation-induced modulation of the FRET process from the oxacrown ether donor part to the azadithiacrown ether acceptor part.