Fluorimetric sensing of ATP in water by an imidazolium hydrazone based sensor

Abstract

Bisantrene, a simple anthracene derivative carrying two imidazolium hydrazone moieties, has been used as a highly selective sensor of ATP in water. While bisantrene is not fluorescent in water, it displays a bright green fluorescence (OFF–ON signals) in the presence of ATP and to a lesser extent also ADP but not with other anions. Such selective sensors for ATP in water are still rare.