Development of a pyrene based “turn on” fluorescent chemosensor for Hg2+

Abstract

We have designed, synthesized, and evaluated a new pyrene-based “turn on” fluorescent chemosensor which showed remarkable enhanced fluorescence intensity in the presence of Hg²⁺ ions and a high selectivity towards Hg²⁺ ions over a wide range of metal ions in aqueous acetonitrile (ACN). The probe shows selectivity and sensitivity with a 12-fold enhancement in fluorescence towards Hg²⁺. Upon the addition of Hg²⁺ ions, the probe displayed an apparent color change, which could be observed by the naked eye under a UV lamp. It's in vitro sensitivity to Hg²⁺ was demonstrated in candida albicans cells with the use of confocal microscopy.