Fluorescent Chemosensor Research Articles

Manipulating Intramolecular Charge Transfer in Terpyridine Derivatives towards “Turn‐On” Fluorescence Chemosensors for Zn2+

Manipulating Intramolecular Charge Transfer in Terpyridine Derivatives towards “Turn‐On” Fluorescence Chemosensors for Zn2+

An Efficient Fluorescent Chemosensing Probe for Total Determination and Speciation of Ultra-Trace Levels of Mercury (II) Species in Water.

The current study reports a novel fluorescent chemosensor based on the tagging agent 4,5,6,7-tetrachloro-2',4',5',7'-tetraiodofluorescein (Rose Bengal, RB) for detection of trace levels of Hg2+in environmental water. The established probe has been based upon liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) of the developed ternary complex ion associate {[Hg (bpy)2]2+.[RB]2-} of Hg2+ -2,2- bipyridyl complex [Hg (bpy)2]2+ and RB at pH 9.0 onto chloroform and measuring the resulting fluorescence enhancement signal intensity at λex/em = 570/ (580-600) nm. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) of for Hg2+ was calculated to be 6.06 and 20 nM with a linear dynamic range (LDR) of 0.02-20µM, respectively. The stability constant, stoichiometry, chemical equilibria, and the thermodynamic parameters (ΔH, ΔS, and ΔG) of the developed ion associate were evaluated and assigned. Student's t and F tests at 95% confidence were fruitfully used for validation of the proposed methodology for Hg2+ detection in water samples with the aid of inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The established strategy was successfully applied for detection of trace levels of Hg2+ in water samples with acceptable results. The proposed probe was satisfactorily applied for total determination and speciation of Hg in various water samples. Integrating the functional chelating agent onto associate formation to improve the selectivity and sensing properties of the LLE combining sensing probe towards target analyte in water represent the main interest.

Lighting up imidazole-based fluorescent chemosensor for selective discrimination of Hg2+ ions and its application in sequential detection of histidine, solid-supported extractant.

A novel turn-on fluorogenic probe based on 4-(bis(2-((2-hydroxyethyl)thio)ethyl) amino)benzaldehyde the detection of Hg2+ ions has been designed and developed. The probe BMA showed high selectivity for Hg2+ ions over the series of other tested cations in an aqueous acetonitrile medium. Only the addition of Hg2+ ions to probe BMA in aqueous acetonitrile solution (CH3CN/H2O (7:3, v/v) could induce a remarkable red shift of about 20 nm in UV-vis absorbance spectra and a dramatic fluorescent enhancement with a blue shift of 10 nm in the emission spectra. With the help of a fluorescence spectrometer, the detection limit was calculated to be 73 nM. The binding stoichiometric ratio between BMA and Hg2+ ions was found to be 1:1 by Jobs plot, which was further confirmed by 1H NMR titration, FT-IR, HR-MS, and density functional theory calculations. The probe BMA can selectively detect Hg2+ ions, with several advantages, including ultra-fast response, low detection limit, conspicuous fluorescent changes, robust anti-interference capability, and exciting reversibility. The probe BMA can also serve as a portable extractant for removing Hg2+ ions in aqueous solution and act as an efficient and practical solid-state fluorescent sensor for mercury in on-field measurements. In addition, the in situ formed BMA-Hg2+ ensemble may be used for fluorescent recognition of histidine over other common amino acids via an indicator displacement assay mechanism. The low detection limits of BMA-Hg2+ for histidine were calculated to be 0.91 µM.

The First N,O-Chelated Diphenylboron-Based Fluorescent Probe for Peroxynitrite and Its Bioimaging Applications

Peroxynitrite (ONOO−) is a reactive oxygen species (ROS) that takes part in the oxidation-reduction homeostasis while at the same time being responsible for activating numerous pathological pathways. Accordingly, monitoring the dynamic changes in ONOO− concentration has attracted a great deal of attention, undoubtedly prompting the development of appropriate fluorescent chemosensors. Herein, we developed a novel N,O-chelated diphenylboron-based fluorescent probe (DPB) for ONOO− featuring high selectivity, a quick response time (2.0 min), and a low detection limit (55 nM). DPB incorporates tetra-coordinated boron in the center of the fluorogenic core and a three-coordinated boron from the pinacolphenylboronate fragment, which acts as the recognition site for ONOO−. As confirmed by HR-MS and 1H NMR, the interaction of DPB with ONOO− led to an oxidative cleavage of pinacolphenylboronate moiety to produce strongly emissive derivative DPB-OH. The fluorescence enhancement is likely a result of a substantial deactivation of non-radiative decay due to the replacement of the bulky pinacolphenylboronate moiety with a compact hydroxyl group. Importantly, DPB probe exhibits negligible cytotoxicity and favorable biocompatibility allowing for an efficient tracking of ONOO− in living cells and zebrafish. Overall, the current study does not only represents the first N,O-chelated diphenylboron-based fluorescent probe for a specific analyte, but also serves as a guideline for designing more potent fluorescent probes based on the chemistry of boron chelates.

Phenylalanine-embedded carbazole-based fluorescent ‘turn-off’ chemosensor for the detection of metal ions

Fluorescent chemosensors are highly important for various applications including medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and industrial processing. Significant advancements have been made to produce sensors capable of detecting biologically and environmentally relevant ions. Specifically, carbazole-derived fluorophores are chemically stable agents with the ability to detect anions, cations, and small bioorganic molecules. However, most carbazole-based fluorescent probes for the detection of metal ions are Schiff bases and require stringent pH control to prevent hydrolysis. On the other hand, amide-based sensors that utilize stable amino acid scaffolds provide a robust sensing platform as well as a soft-chemical environment for detecting both soft and heavy metal ions. Herein, we explored an aromatic amino acid Phe-containing carbazole-based “turn-off” fluorescent chemosensor to improve the sensor specificity using π-conjugation and additional binding sites. The structure of the novel chemosensor was characterized by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. In addition, the sensing properties towards metal ions were studied using UV–vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. Among the various metal ions tested, the chemosensor showed high selectivity and sensitivity towards Co2+, Ni2+, and Cu2+ ions. The detection limits for Co2+, Ni2+, and Cu2+ ions were found to be 4.78 µM, 3.50 µM, and 5.17 µM respectively. Furthermore, the interaction of Phe-amino-carbazole with the various tested metal ions resulted in a flakes-like supramolecular structure, similar to the native Phe-amino-carbazole, whereas the interaction of the designed chemosensor with the Pb2+ metal ion resulted in a uniform 3D-circular disc-like supramolecular structure, as confirmed by electron microscopy experiment. This highlights the potential of the Phe-containing carbazole-derived chemosensor for the detection of multiple cations with a decrease in the fluorescence response with a lower detection limit.

Pyrene Based Schiff Base for Cascade Fluorescent "On-Off" Detection of Aluminium(III) and Fluoride ions and its Applications in Live Cells Imaging.

An easy-to-prepare pyrene-based Schiff base PNZ was synthesized by condensing equimolar amount of 1-pyrenebutyric hydrazide with 2-hydroxy-naphthaldehyde, and employed as a fluorescent chemosensor for in-situ cascade detection of aluminium (Al3+) and fluoride (F-)ions. In DMSO:H2O (1:1, v/v), the weakly emissive PNZ showed a significant fluorescence enhancement at 455 nm selectively upon the addition of Al3+ due to the complexation-induced formation of a pyrene excimer. Schiff base PNZ and Al3+ formed a complex in 2:1 binding ratio with the estimated binding constants of K1:1 = 9826.01 M-1 and K2:1 = 3188.49 M-1. The sensing mechanism was explored by performing quantum mechanical calculations and 1H NMR titration of PNZ with Al3+. The in-situ formed PNZ-Al3+ complex species enabled the fluorescent turn-off detection of F-. Using PNZ and PNZ-Al3+, the concentrations of Al3+ and F- ions can be detected down to 2.89×10-7 M and 1.88×10-7 M, respectively. The cytotoxicity of the PNZ and its ability to bioimage Al3+ and F- ions was examined in the human cervical cancer cell line. Finally, the receptor PNZ was applied for the quantification of Al3+ and F- ions in various real samples, such as tap water, river water, rainwater, mouthwash, and toothpaste.

A novel ultra-long carbon-chain salamo-like fluorescent chemosensor with good flexibility: Synthesis, crystal structure, Pb2+ ion recognition and mechanism exploration

A novel ultra-long carbon-chain salamo-like fluorescent chemical probe DMS containing ten methylene groups (DMS, 6,6′-dimethoxy-2,2′-[1,10-(decanedioxy)bis(nitromethyldyne)]diphenol), was synthesized based on the 3‑methoxy salicylaldehyde unit, and its single crystals were obtained. The single crystal structure for the probe DMS molecule was determined. Research has shown that the fluorescent probe DMS can achieve efficient and selective recognition of Pb2+ ions, with a binding constant Ka = 1.42 × 104 M-1. The detection limit is as low as LOD = 1.31 × 10–7 M, and quantification limit is as low as LOQ = 4.36 × 10–7 M The possible identification mechanism of the fluorescent chemosensor DMS to Pb2+ions was analyzed and studied through fluorescence titration test, nuclear magnetic changes and Job′s plot exprements, DFT calculation et al. The results indicated that the fluorescent chemosensor DMS forms a coordination compound with Pb2+through 1:1 coordination, enhancing its fluorescence and resulting in the coordinated fluorescence enhancement effect.

Novel Anthracene-Appended Calix[4]triazacrown-5 as an Effective Fluorescence Probe for Co2+ and Hazardous Cr2O7 2- Ions.

A new calix[4]triazacrown-5-derived fluorescence chemosensor (AntUr-AzClx) at cone conformation was synthesized to afford an effective fluorescent probe, which enables an enhancement in the fluorescence intensity specifically in the presence of Co2+ metal ions as well as a turnoff response for hazardous dichromate anions. 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, ESI-MS, and elemental analysis techniques were used to characterize the structure of the anthracene-appended calix[4]triazacrown-5 (AntUr-AzClx). The metal ion-binding ability of AntUr-AzClx was evaluated against Co2+, Ba2+, Ni2+, Pb2+, and Zn2+ ions. On the basis of various metal ion recognition phenomena, AntUr-AzClx exhibited outstanding selectivity for only the Co2+ ion among other metal ions. Also, the calix[4]triazacrown-5-derived fluorescence chemosensor showed high sensitivity towards the Co2+ ion with a very low limit of detection (LOD) 0.142 μmol L-1. In addition, anion binding abilities of AntUr-AzClx against various anions such Cr2O7 2-, HCO3 -, CO3 2-, NO3 -, SO3 2-, SO4 2-, N3 -, F-, and I- demonstrated that AntUr-AzClx enables selective and highly sensitive detection of the Cr2O7 2- anion with an excellent LOD of 4.182 nmol L-1 in DMF/PBS (1/1, v/v; pH: 7.05). Furthermore, the calix[4]triazacrown-5-derived fluorescence chemosensor displayed a significant sensing behavior to detect the presence of dichromate anions even in real samples.

Advances in Anion Sensing Using Dipyrromethane‐Based Compounds

AbstractAnion sensing plays a crucial role in areas ranging from medical diagnostics to environmental monitoring. Dipyrromethane‐based compounds offer a versatile platform for developing colorimetric and fluorescent chemosensors, owing to their structural tunability and favorable optical properties. This review provides a concise overview of current advancements in anion sensing using dipyrromethane molecular framework. We examined the diverse strategies employed in designing dipyrromethane‐based anion sensors. Emphasis is placed on the structure‐function relationships that dictate anion affinity and selectivity. Key sensing mechanisms, including visual detection, UV‐vis studies, NMR studies, and fluorescence modulation, are explored. Finally, the synthetic routes for the synthesis of chemosensors are mentioned in detail. Given the efficiency and flexibility of dipyrromethane‐based sensor, we believe that major developments are to be expected in the field of both sensor and analytical chemistry.

A smartphone-integrated bimetallic ratiometric fluorescent probe for specific visual detection of tetracycline antibiotics in food samples and latent fingerprinting

Designing and preparing highly sensitive and accurate fluorescent chemosensors for monitoring tetracycline antibiotics remains a challenge. Herein, a fluorescent chemosensor based on lanthanide metal-organic frameworks (Ln-MOFs) is proposed to realize high-precision monitoring by adjusting the ratio of lanthanide ions. Ln-MOFs with good aqueous stability were prepared by a solvothermal method using Eu3+, Tb3+ and the ligand 4,4′,4″-s-triazine-2,4,6-triyltribenzoic acid (H3TATB) in DMF/NMP/H2O. The Ln-MOFs could recognize oxytetracycline (OTC) and doxycycline (DOX), and the detection limits of OTC and DOX were as low as 8.6 and 4.8 nM, respectively. In particular, Eu(1.4 μM)-Tb-MOF sensors were used for visual detection of OTC and DOX in combination with smartphones with detection lines as low as 9.8 nM and 14.2 nM, respectively. Meanwhile, Eu-MOF, Tb-MOF and Eu(1.4 μM)-Tb-MOF can be used for latent fingerprint (LFP) visualization, demonstrating their potential applications in the field of criminal case investigation. The developed probes were successfully applied to determining OTC and DOX in milk, beef and pork with recoveries ranging from 92.0 % to 109.63 % and relative standard deviations (RSDs) ranging from 1.83 % to 4.56 %. Eu(1.4 μM)-Tb-MOF is believed to utilize its lanthanide metal ion coordination and photoinduced electron transfer (PET) mechanism to achieve highly selective and accurate OTC and DOX detection, which is supported by experimental and density functional theory (DFT) calculations.

Exploiting cyanide anion detection in food samples and for constructing logic gates by turn-off fluorescent chemosensor

A high-performance turn-off fluorescent chemosensor MSAP was developed for the selective sensing of cyanide anion without any interferences from other competing anions. MSAP's spectral responses to cyanide anion have been investigated by UV–vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The limit of detection of cyanide anion was about 2.8 μM, which is much less than the WHO acceptable threshold level. The binding stoichiometry between the MSAP and cyanide anion was about 1:1, which was well augmented by Job`s plot. The quenching constant between MSAP and CN− ion calculated from the Stern-Volmer equation was about 8.7351×104M−1. The proposed detection mechanism of MSAP for the sensing of cyanide anion was further demonstrated by 1H NMR titration, ESI-MS and by density functional theory (DFT) studies. At last, probe MSAP was fruitfully exploited to analyse the presence of cyanide ion in diverse food samples and a XOR molecular logic gate was fabricated.

A Bis(Acridino)-Crown Ether for Recognizing Oligoamines in Spermine Biosynthesis.

Oligoamines in cellular metabolism carry extremely diverse biological functions (i.e., regulating Ca2+-influx, neuronal nitric oxide synthase, membrane potential, Na+, K+-ATPase activity in synaptosomes, etc.). Furthermore, they also act as longevity agents and have a determinative role in autophagy, cell growth, proliferation, and death, while oligoamines dysregulation is a key in a variety of cancers. However, many of their mechanisms of actions have just begun to be understood. In addition to the numerous biosensing methods, only a very few simple small molecule-based tests are available for their selective but reversible tracking or fluorescent labeling. Motivated by this, we present herein a new fluorescent bis(acridino)-crown ether as a sensor molecule for biogenic oligoamines. The sensor molecule can selectively distinguish oligoamines from aliphatic mono- and diamino-analogues, while showing a reversible 1:2 (host:guest) complexation with a stepwise binding process accompanied by a turn-on fluorescence response. Both computational simulations on molecular docking and regression methods on titration experiments were carried out to reveal the oligoamine-recognition properties of the sensor molecule. The new fluorescent chemosensor molecule has a high potential for molecular-level functional studies on the oligoamine systems in cell processes (cellular uptake, transport, progression in cancers, etc.).

An eugenol-sulfonyl based fluorescent probe for recognition of Al3+ in real sample analysis and biological application

The present work describes an eugenol-sulfonyl based fluorescence chemosensor, H4L [H4L=6,6′-((1E,1′E)-((sulfonylbis(6-hydroxy-3,1- phenylene))bis(azanylylidene))bis(methanylylidene))bis(4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol)], which shows maximum emission intensity towards Al3+ ion in presence of other competing metal ions. Upon excitation at 440 nm H4L exhibits a significant rise in fluorescence at 547 nm upon gradual addition of Al3+ ion in the HEPES buffer at pH=7.4 (MeOH:H2O, 4:1, (v/v)). The increasing value of fluorescence is mainly due to chelation enhanced fluorescence effect (CHEF). Complete characterization of the probe (H4L) and metal bound complex (1) have been determined using a range of methods including UV–Vis absorption titration, fluorescence titration, NMR, ESI-mass, etc. Thus 1:2 binding stoichiometry between H4L and metal ion has been also proved. Another important aspect: regeneration and reversibility of H4L are investigated in presence of Na2EDTA. H4L exhibits ∼ 10−6 M order detection limit and significant binding constant (∼106 M−1) for the Al3+ ion, suggesting its potential use in bio-imaging studies. The probe was effectively used in real samples as well as paper strip to locate the Al3+ ion.

A new approach to detect the imbalance of hemoglobin and methemoglobin levels in human plasma based on a fluorescent modified nanocellulose chemosensor

This work has developed a new, rapid, highly sensitive, and precise approach to identify the imbalance levels of hemoglobin and methemoglobin through fluorescence emission spectroscopy. A study on a new Schiff base-modified nanocellulose (PY-PDA-DANC) applied as a fluorescent chemosensor is reported. To prepare the chemosensor, nanocellulose (NC) was first converted into 2,3-dialdehyde nanocellulose (DANC), and then modified by grafting o-phenylenediamine (PDA), followed by 1-pyrenecarboxaldehyde giving rise to the new blue-fluorescent complex PY-PDA-DANC. All the synthesized products were characterized using FTIR, 1H NMR, XRD, EDX and UV–vis spectroscopy. The fluorescence response of PY-PDA-DANC against various metal ions (Co2+, Cr3+, Cu2+, Fe2+, Fe3+, Hg2+, K+, Mg2+, Mn2+, Na+, Ni2+, Pb2+ and Zn2+) in DMSO/H2O media was evaluated using PL spectroscopy. The fluorescent sensor showed high and selective quenching response to both Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions with low limit of detection (LOD). PY-PDA-DANC was also successfully applied for sensing of heme–iron coordinated to hemoglobin (HB) and methemoglobin (MHB), displaying a LOD of 28.45 nM and 65.36 nM, respectively. Subsequently, it was applied for the analysis of [Fe2+@HB] and [Fe3+@MHB] in human plasma sample with good recoveries.

Use of Molecular Logic Gates for the Tuning of Chemosensor Dynamic Range.

Dynamic range is a crucial aspect in the development of fluorescent chemosensors. We aimed to address this issue using molecular logic gates. By creating an AND logic gate with two binding sites for the same type of ion, we increased the dynamic range of a sodium chemosensor while still using the same ionophore. Naphthalimide derivatives 1 and 2 were synthesized to test the plausibility of this application. Being an AND logic gate, the second molecule requires two Na+ ions, while molecule 1 requires a single ion for sensing. The application of this molecular logic gate is a useful method of altering the chemosensor range.

Silver induced self-assembly of a rhodanine derived reversible fluorescent chemosensor: Applications in smart-phone color assist app, logic gate, real sample analysis and bio-imaging

An innovative chemosensor, Rhodanine-appended benzaldehyde (RB), was developed and analyzed using spectroscopic methods to detect silver ions (Ag+) in a THF–H2O buffer solution via fluorimetry. The RB probe exhibited low fluorescence due to C-N free rotation and inhibition of electron transfer. However, interaction with Ag+ ions resulted in a noteworthy redshift of approximately 6 nm and increased fluorescence intensity owing to the chelation-enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) effect, which hindered the Intramolecular Charge Transfer (ICT) process. The binding ratio between RB and Ag+ ions was determined to be 2:1 using the job plot method. The association constant (Ka) was calculated to be 4.84 × 105 M−1 and further confirmed through ESI-TOF spectroscopic and DFT analyses. The limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) for RB in binding with Ag+ ions were found to be 1.7 × 10−8 M and 5.4 × 10−8 M, respectively. Additionally, the color changes of RB when binding with Ag+ ions were effectively leveraged in an RGB-assisted smartphone color analysis app for precise sample analysis for Ag+ ion detection. Most importantly, the RB probe’s ability to detect silver ions in the E. coli pathogen was successfully demonstrated, providing reassurance about its practical application, using a confocal scanning electron microscope via the green channel.

Novel highly selective quinoline-based fluorescent chemosensors for quantitative analysis of Cu(II) ion in water and food

While copper (Cu2+) is a vital cofactor in numerous enzymatic processes, its homeostasis is critical. Selective sensors for Cu2+ in food matrices are paramount for ensuring adherence to safety regulations and dietary interaction studies. In this work, novel derivatives of 8-aminoquinoline (L1-L4) with extended π-conjugation and various N-substituents were synthesized and evaluated as fluorescent sensors for Cu2+. The 2-pyridinecarbonyl-substituted derivative L3 exhibited sharp fluorescence quenching selectively in the presence of Cu2+. This compound presents high selectivity for Cu2+ even in the presence of other metal ions. The L3-based fluorescent sensor provides a Cu2+ detection limit of 77 nM, surpassing many existing sensors. The quantifications of Cu2+ in water, food supplements, and wines using this sensor have demonstrated good agreement with those obtained using the standard ICP technique. Notably, L3 also facilitates Cu2+ detection in microliter sample volumes at subnanomole levels using paper-based sensors, opening doors for portable and cost-effective on-site testing.

A rare extra-long flexible salamo-based bisoxime as highly efficient and selective probe for fluorescent identification of CO32− ion and mechanism exploration

A novel extra-long carbon-chain salamo-like fluorescent chemical probe DNS (named as 2,2′-[1,10-(decanedioxy)bis(nitromethyldyne)]dinaphthol) containing ten methylene groups was synthesized based on the 2-hydroxy-1-naphthylaldehyde unit. Research has shown that the fluorescent probe DNS can achieve efficient and selective recognition of CO32− anions, with a detection limit LOD=1.59 × 10−8 M. The binding constant Ka = 3.7 × 104 M−1 and quantification limit is as low as LOQ=4.31 × 10−8 M, respectively. The possible identification mechanism of the fluorescent chemosensor DNS was analyzed and studied through fluorescence titration and nuclear magnetic titration. The results showed that the fluorescence chemical sensor DNS is deprotonated by CO32− anions, enhancing its fluorescence and producing a ICT effect.

Dehydro acetic acid analogue Schiff base as multimode fluorescence chemosensors for Th4+ and Ni2+ ions and its application to in-vivo bioimaging

Dehydroacetic acid analogue (DHA) and 7-(diethylamino)-2-oxo-2H-chromene-3-carbohydrazide (COM) Schiff base ligand (COM-DHA)as dual-mode fluorescence chemosensorwas synthesized and structurally characterised by using elemental analysis, FTIR, NMR, and Mass analysis. The free probe COM-DHA shows distinct fluorescence emission at 476 nm, upon interaction with Ni2+ the emission intensity was quenched and with Th4+ the emission intensity was redshirted to 500 nm. Further, the ratiometric fluorescence change (I500/I476) was used to detect Th4+, and a turn-off fluorescence probe COM-DHA at 476 nm was used to detect Ni2+ ions. The COM-DHA forms a 2:1 stoichiometric complex with both Ni2+/Th4+ ions with an estimated association constant of 4.84 × 104 and 6.68 × 104 M−2 respectively. A further probe COM-DHA is that it has a wide working pH range (5 to 10) with a short response time (2 to 3 min). The detection limit of COM-DHA towards Ni2+ and Th4+ was found to be 77.8and 48.7 nM, respectively. The, DFT/TD-DFT calculations and FTIR analysis were used to study the binding mechanism between COM-DAH and Ni2+/Th4+ ions. Furthermore, the proposed probe COM-DHAhas successfully quantified trace amounts of Ni2+ and Th4+in real samples and applied them to the in-vivo bioimaging of Th4+ in C. elegans model.

Rhodamine-benzothiazole-thiophene: A triangular molecular tool for simultaneous detection of Hg2+ and Cu2+

A novel rhodamine-benzothiazole fluorescent chemosensor, bridged with a thiophene unit, is designed for the turn-on detection of Hg2+ and Cu2+. Noteworthy findings include impressively low limits of detection (0.007 μM for Hg2+ and 0.013 μM for Cu2+), a determined sensing mechanism involving spirolactam ring opening and hydrolytic cleavage, consistent 1:1 binding stoichiometry for both metal ions and an optimal pH of around 6. The sensor’s practical applicability is demonstrated through successful implementation in HeLa cells and zebrafish, along with effective analyte recovery in various water samples. This work advances the field by providing a highly sensitive and versatile chemosensor for environmental and biological applications.