Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel Cu2+-selective fluorescence sensor for bio-detection and chelation

Abstract

A novel fluorescence sensor was designed and synthesized for detecting Cu²⁺ with high sensitivity and selectivity. The sensor showed a large red-shift in UV-vis spectra and obvious decline of fluorescent intensity in fluorescence emission spectra upon the addition of Cu²⁺. Bio-imaging studies and flow cytometric analysis revealed that this sensor was cell-permeable and could be used for detection of changes of intracellular Cu²⁺, suggesting the suitability of this sensor for biological application. Cell cytotoxicity studies demonstrated it was capable of chelating excess Cu²⁺ in vitro to modulate the biological functions of Cu²⁺ with low cytotoxicity. Therefore, this compound could be a promising fluorescent sensor combining the abilities of either detection or modulation of the biological function of Cu²⁺ in biological conditions.