Nanomolar Zn(ii) sensing and subsequent PPi detection in physiological medium and live cells with a benzothiazole functionalized chemosensor

Abstract

A new fluorescent chemosensor (L₁) exhibits relay recognition of Zn²⁺ and pyrophosphate anion in a mixed buffer solution at a physiological pH. The probe exhibits excellent Zn²⁺ induced turn-on fluorescence, even as low as 1 nM (LOD = 71 ppb). Furthermore, addition of the pyrophosphate ion led to quenching of the fluorescence signal of the L₁–Zn²⁺ ensemble. The sensitive fluorescence behavior of the L₁ rendered a useful probe for in vitro assays of the intracellular Zn²⁺ and PPi ions in a model human cell line.