Easy and fast detection of S2− by a new benzothiazole-based fluorescent probe in environmental, biological and food systems

Abstract

The detection of S2− is required because of its harmful effects on human health. This led us to strategically design a new benzothiazole-based fluorescent chemosensor BTP (2-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-4,6-dichlorophenol). This sensor undergoes a fluorescence color change from orange to green in the presence of S2− via the deprotonation of phenol in near-perfect water. The detection limit for S2− reached 0.78 μM and BTP could selectively probe S2− over other competing analytes. The process whereby BTP responds to S2− was suggested to be improved intramolecular charge transfer (ICT), as was demonstrated by extensive DFT calculations. Particularly, BTP was successfully applied to detect S2− in zebrafish, real water, and beverage samples. Further, test strips coated with BTP were used to monitor the S2− released in raw meat. BTP is the first benzothiazole-based chemosensor developed to detect the S2− released from various types of food samples. The proposed method offers a novel tool for measuring S2− in biological and environmental systems, as well as the food quality under on-site conditions.