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A large-Stokes-shift fluorescent probe for Zn2+ based on AIE, and application in live cell imaging

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Abstract

A fluorescence-enhanced sensor based on aggregation-induced emission (AIE) was synthesized using a di(2-picolyl)amine (DPA) group as a highly selective metal chelating agent for Zn2+. The combination of the probe and Zn2+ was achieved in an environment where the volume fraction of water was 90%, giving the probe good biocompatibility, and a large Stokes shift (100 nm) occurred after Zn2+ was combined with the probe. The obvious color change makes the probe visible to the naked eye, and gives it a high signal-to-noise ratio, and high contrast, and minimizes self-absorption. Because of the high selectivity of the DPA group to Zn2+, the sensitivity of the probe to detect Zn2+ has been improved. The mechanism of the formation of complexes between the probe and Zn2+ was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), and particle size distribution. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the linear fluorescence reaction of Zn2+ was good, between 0.2 and 18 μM, and the detection limit was 1.3 × 10−7 M. The low toxicity and excellent membrane permeability of the probe in living cells enable it to be efficiently applied for Zn2+ imaging in cells.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, Shanxi Normal University, Linfen, 041004, Shanxi, China

    Li Yan, Xiaoye Wen & Zhefeng Fan

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  1. Li Yan
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  2. Xiaoye Wen
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  3. Zhefeng Fan
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Correspondence to Zhefeng Fan.

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In this study, only urine samples from laboratory personnel were used, and each participant signed informed consent. The samples were used solely for this study. No markers were used that contained personally identifying information of donors. Animals were not involved in this study.

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Yan, L., Wen, X. & Fan, Z. A large-Stokes-shift fluorescent probe for Zn2+ based on AIE, and application in live cell imaging. Anal Bioanal Chem 412, 1453–1463 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-019-02378-w

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-019-02378-w

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