Development of a method for the detection of Cu2+ in the environment and live cells using a synthesized spider web-like fluorescent probe

Abstract

A macrocyclic Schiff base fluorescent probe [1,2-phenylenediamine-2,6-pyridinedialdehyde macrocyclic Schiff base] (BP-MSB) based on 2,6-pyridinedialdehyde was synthesized for use in the detection of Cu2+ in environmental water samples and live cells imaging by the method of specific recognition. The free fluorescent probe BP-MSB shows strong fluorescence in DMSO/H2O. The probe shows high sensitivity and selectivity for Cu2+ through “turn-off” fluorescence response in DMSO/H2O buffer solution (pH = 6.5), with a detection limit of 0.83 nM, which is far below the maximum allowable drinking water content of 20.0 μM specified by the US Environmental Protection Agency. The BP-MSB fluorescence quenching method was used for the determination of Cu2+ in Xiang Jiang water samples and tap-water. Furthermore, addition of the same number of moles of ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) can realize the reversible recognition of Cu2+ by the probe BP-MSB. Most importantly, the fluorescence imaging of live cells after incubation of BP-MSB with GM12878 cells showed good imaging performance, confirming the sensitivity of the fluorescent probe BP-MSB in vivo. The probe was also used to form an analog logic gate. This probe has the advantages of good stability, simple operation and high selectivity, which provides a broad prospect for environmental monitoring, intracellular detection and practical application of POCT.