Fabrication of a New Coumarin Based Fluorescent "turn-on" Probe for Distinct and Sequential Recognition of Al3+ and F- Along With Its Application in Live Cell Imaging.

Abstract

A new coumarin based fluorescent switch PCEH is fabricated which displays high selective sensing towards Al3+ among other metal cations at physiological pH. On gradual addition of Al3+, PCEH shows a brilliant "turn-on" emission enhancement in MeOH/H2O (4/1, v/v) solution. This new fluorescent switch is proven to be a reversible probe by gradual addition of F- into the PCEH-Al3+ solution. Detection limit as well as binding constant values are calculated to be in the order of 10-9M and 104M-1 respectively. We have also explored its potential as a biomarker in the application of live cell imaging using breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231 cell).