Linear Schiff-base fluorescence probe with aggregation-induced emission characteristics for Al3+ detection and its application in live cell imaging

• Published in: Analytica chimica acta Vol. 945; pp. 75 - 84
• Main Authors: Wen, Xiaoye, Fan, Zhefeng
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 16.11.2016; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Aggregation-induced emission; Al3; aluminum; analytical chemistry; Binding; Biocompatibility; detection limit; Drinking water; Emission analysis; Emissions; Fluorescence; fluorescent dyes; Fluorescent probe; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; hydroxybenzaldehyde; image analysis; Live cell imaging; Metal ions; Molecular rotation; NMR; Nuclear magnetic resonance; Rigidity; Schiff base; schiff bases; Spectral analysis; Spectral emissivity; stoichiometry; World Health Organization; Schiff base; Al3; Aggregation-induced emission; Fluorescent probe; Live cell imaging
• ISSN: 0003-2670; 1873-4324; 1873-4324
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2016.09.036

A simple Schiff-base derivative with salicylaldehyde moieties as fluorescent probe 1 was reported by aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characterization for the detection of metal ions. Spectral analysis revealed that probe 1 was highly selective and sensitive to Al3+. The probe 1 was also subject to minimal interference from other common competitive metal ions. The detection limit of Al3+ was 0.4 μM, which is considerably lower than the World Health Organization standard (7.41 μM), and the acceptable level of Al3+ (1.85 μM) in drinking water. The Job's plot and the results of 1H-NMR and FT-IR analyses indicated that the binding stoichiometry ratio of probe 1 to Al3+ was 1:2. Probe 1 demonstrated a fluorescence-enhanced response upon binding with Al3+ based on AIE characterization. This response was due to the restricted molecular rotation and increased rigidity of the molecular assembly. Probe 1 exhibited good biocompatibility, and Al3+ was detected in live cells. Therefore, probe 1 is a promising fluorescence probe for Al3+ detection in the environment. [Display omitted] •A new Schiff-base fluorescent probe based on AIE characterization for detecting Al3+ was synthesized.•The probe 1 displayed a high selectivity and sensitivity toward Al3+ over many common metal ions in a complex mixture.•The probe 1 toward Al3+ displayed fluorescence enhanced response based on AIE characterization.•The probe 1 exhibited good biocompatibility, which had been applied for detecting Al3+ in live HeLa cells with satisfactory results.