Two-photon fluorescent detection of Cu2+ in live cells through ZnS-microhybrid constructed from interfacial coordination bridge of thiocyanate

Abstract

Copper is an indispensable part of production and life. Accordingly, detection of Cu2+ in cells is of great significance to human health. In this work, we report the development of a two photon fluorescent ZnS-TPYPA microhybrid consisted of ZnS particles and terpyridine derivative 4-([2,2':6′,2″-terpyridin]-4′-yl)-N,N-diphenylaniline (TPYPA). The hybrid has been prepared according to interfacial coordination effect through SCN− ions as the coordination bridge. TPYPA gives the hybrid two-photon excited fluorescent(TPEF) character to achieve the TPEF-detection of Cu2+. The existence of ZnS attributes to the increase in TPA performance, optimize fluorescent selectivity, excellent detection limit (60 nmol L−1) and the application in vitro. The detection mechanism was discussed in detail, through both the optical properties and high resolution morphology at the interface.