Azomethine functionalized platform for the selective detection of Zr(IV) ion, biological evaluation and potent TLR-4 inhibitor

Abstract

In this study, a rapid-sensing material featuring azomethine functionalized Schiff base has been developed to address the pressing need for zirconium detection. The sensor demonstrates remarkable selectivity for zirconium (IV) ions, surpassing its performance with respect to other relevant metal ions. The elucidation of compound structures was accomplished through X-ray crystallography, unveiling a new approach to zirconium (IV) ion detection with a high binding constant of 8.01 × 104 M−1 and an exceptionally low limit of detection (LOD) of 31.5 nM. Moreover, the binding stoichiometry between Probe 4a and Zr(IV) was determined to be 1:1, as confirmed by both Job's plot analysis and spectroscopy analysis. Successful Zr(IV) ion detection in real samples was achieved using synthesized compound 4a. Furthermore, compound 4a exhibits notable antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Molecular docking analysis with the TLR-4 receptor protein supports the antibacterial efficacy of compound 4a, revealing a robust binding energy of -8.23 kcal mol−1.