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.