Multiple target detection and binding properties of naphthalene-derived Schiff-base chemosensor

Abstract

A novel naphthalene-based Schiff-base ligand (NNP) was synthesized by the condensation reaction of 2-hydroxy naphthaldehyde and N-phenyl-o-phenylenediamine in a single step and characterized by various spectral techniques including elemental analysis, ESI-MS, 1H NMR, FT-IR and absorption as well as emission spectral studies. The photo physical properties of NNP including solvatochromism were examined and discussed. UV–vis and emission spectral studies revealed that the NNP showed a selective colorimetric response toward Co2+ and Cu2+cations that could be identified with the naked eye compared to other metal ions. Furthermore, the NNP achieved the selectivity toward F- over other anions in THF solution with a lower detection limit of 1.92 μM.The DPPH free radical scavenging study revealed that NNP had a good antioxidant effect. Besides, the NNP ligand underwent binding with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) through an intercalative mode and a greater interaction affinity with BSA, as confirmed by the molecular docking studies. These results suggested that NNP could be used as a versatile probe for the multiple target detection of Co2+, Cu2+and F- ions in biological and environmental monitoring studies and targeting the binding of biomolecules such as DNA and BSA. This work may provide an effective strategy for the design of new multiple target detection and binding sensors that employ low-cost and commercially available reagents.