Cd2+ and Zn2+ fluorescence turn-on sensing and the subsequent detection of S2− by a quinolimide-based sensor in water and living cells with application in the combinational logic gate

Abstract

A novel sensor T2 was synthesized through the introduction of N,N-di (pyridin-2-ylmethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine into the quinolimide fluorophore. T2 could detect Cd2+ and Zn2+ via fluorescence enhanced signals, and Cd2+ was distinguished from Zn2+ through the visible color change and the addition of S2−. The T2-Cd2+ complex exhibited the exceptional selectivity to S2− through the restored fluorescence. Moreover, the combinational logic gate with OR and INHIBIT functions was constructed by using the controlled fluorescence “off-on” states of T2. The recoveries of Cd2+ and Zn2+ in water samples with T2 were in range of 95.6%–106.5%. And T2 was used for the visualization of Cd2+, Zn2+, and S2− in yeast cells.