A novel near-infrared fluorescent probe based on triphenylamine derivatives for the rapid and sensitive detection of heparin

Abstract

In this study, a positively charged near-infrared fluorescent probe (TPA-P⁺) was constructed by connecting a pyridine cation with triphenylamine and successfully used for the detection of heparin. The probe has the following characteristics: (1) TPA-P⁺ exhibited both AIE and TICT characteristics. (2) TPA-P⁺ could detect heparin by the introduction of a pyridine cation into TPA-P⁺, which increased the electrostatic interaction between the probe and heparin. (3) The probe has high sensitivity and good selectivity towards heparin and responds quickly. (4) Heparin detection using TPA-P⁺ was verified by protamine and was found to be reversible and effective. (5) The fluorescence intensity of TPA-P⁺ has good linearity with heparin concentration in the range of 0–16.0 μg mL⁻¹ in human serum albumin.