Fluorescent Zn Research Articles

MiRNA-Guided Imaging and Photodynamic Therapy Treatment of Cancer Cells Using Zn(II)-Protoporphyrin IX-Loaded Metal-Organic Framework Nanoparticles.

An analytical platform for the selective miRNA-21-guided imaging of breast cancer cells and miRNA-221-guided imaging of ovarian cancer cells and the selective photodynamic therapy (PDT) of these cancer cells is introduced. The method is based on Zn(II)-protoporphyrin IX, Zn(II)-PPIX-loaded UiO-66 metal–organic framework nanoparticles, NMOFs, gated by two hairpins Hi/Hj through ligation of their phosphate residues to the vacant Zr4+-ions associated with the NMOFs. The hairpins are engineered to include the miRNA recognition sequence in the stem domain of Hi, and in the Hi and Hj, partial locked stem regions of G-quadruplex subunits. Intracellular phosphate-ions displace the hairpins, resulting in the release of the Zn(II)-PPIX and intracellular miRNAs open Hi, and this triggers the autonomous cross-opening of Hi and Hj. This activates the interhairpin hybridization chain reaction and leads to the assembly of highly fluorescent Zn(II)-PPIX-loaded G-quadruplex chains. The miRNA-guided fluorescent chains allow selective imaging of cancer cells. Moreover, PDT with visible light selectively kills cancer cells and tumor cells through the formation of toxic reactive oxygen species.

Fluorescent Zn(ii) frameworks with multicarboxylate and pyridyl N-donor ligands for sensing specific anions and organic molecules

Three new Zn(ii)-based frameworks were fabricated and their fluorescence and sensing properties for specific anions and organic molecules such as benzaldehyde (BZH) and nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) were examined.

Computational design of ratiometric two-photon fluorescent Zn2+ probes based on quinoline and di-2-picolylamine moieties

To improve two-photon absorption (TPA) response of a newly synthesized probe, a series of ratiometric two-photon fluorescent Zn2+ sensors based on quinoline and DPA moieties have been designed. The one-photon absorption, TPA, and emission properties of the experimental and designed probes before and after coordination with Zn2+ are investigated employing the density functional theory in combination with response functions. The design consists of two levels. In the first level of design, five probes are constructed through using several electron acceptors or donors to increase accepting or donating ability of the fluorophores. It shows that all the designed probes have stronger TPA intensities at longer wavelengths with respect to the experimental probe because of the increased intra-molecular charge transfer. Moreover, it is found that the probe 4 built by adding an acyl unit has the largest TPA cross section among the designed structures due to the form of longer conjugated length and more linear backbone. One dimethylamino terminal attached along the skeleton can improve TPA intensity more efficiently than two side amino groups. Therefore, in the second level of design, a new probe 7 is formed by both an acyl unit and a dimethylamino terminal. It exhibits that the TPA cross sections of probe 7 and its zinc complex increase dramatically. Furthermore, the fluorescence quantum yields of the designed probes 4 and 7 are calculated in a new way, which makes use of the relation between the computed difference of dipole moment and the measured fluorescence quantum yield. The result shows that our design also improves the fluorescence quantum yield considerably. All in all, the designed probes 4 and 7 not only possess enhanced TPA intensities but also have large differences of emission wavelength upon Zn2+ coordination and strong fluorescence intensity, which demonstrates that they are potential ratiometric two-photon fluorescent probes.

Schiff Base Zinc(II) Complexes as Promising Emitters for Blue Organic Light-Emitting Diodes

Organometallic blue fluorescent Zn(II) Schiff base complexes are synthesized and explored computationally in order to use them in organic electroluminescent heterostructures. Characterization of these pyrazolone-based azomethine–zinc complexes was accomplished by various physicochemical techniques to get insight into their applicability as an active layer in light-emitting diodes. All the complexes demonstrate high thermal stability and remarkable photoluminescence both in solution and in the solid state with maximum in the blue region. Quantum chemical calculations of the first exited electronic state and vertical singlet–singlet electronic transitions by means of time-dependent density functional theory calculations and results show that the origin of the luminescence for the target complexes refers to the intraligand charge transfer within the Schiff bases. The constructed light-emitting diodes demonstrate low input voltage (3.2–4.0 V), brightness at a level of 4300–11,600 Cd m–2, and external quantum efficiency of up to 3.2%, which is a good value for purely fluorescent organic light-emitting diodes.

Selenoprotein P Regulates Synaptic Zinc and Reduces Tau Phosphorylation.

Selenoprotein P (SELENOP1) is a selenium-rich antioxidant protein involved in extracellular transport of selenium (Se). SELENOP1 also has metal binding properties. The trace element Zinc (Zn2+) is a neuromodulator that can be released from synaptic terminals in the brain, primarily from a subset of glutamatergic terminals. Both Zn2+ and Se are necessary for normal brain function. Although these ions can bind together with high affinity, the biological significance of an interaction of SELENOP1 with Zn2+ has not been investigated. We examined changes in brain Zn2+ in SELENOP1 knockout (KO) animals. Timm-Danscher and N-(6-methoxy-8-quinolyl)-p-toluenesulphonamide (TSQ) staining revealed increased levels of intracellular Zn2+ in the SELENOP1−/− hippocampus compared to wildtype (WT) mice. Mass spectrometry analysis of frozen whole brain samples demonstrated that total Zn2+ was not increased in the SELENOP1−/− mice, suggesting only local changes in Zn2+ distribution. Unexpectedly, live Zn2+ imaging of hippocampal slices with a selective extracellular fluorescent Zn2+ indicator (FluoZin-3) showed that SELENOP1−/− mice have impaired Zn2+ release in response to KCl-induced neuron depolarization. The zinc/metal storage protein metallothionein 3 (MT-3) was increased in SELENOP1−/− hippocampus relative to wildtype, possibly in response to an elevated Zn2+ content. We found that depriving cultured cells of selenium resulted in increased intracellular Zn2+, as did inhibition of selenoprotein GPX4 but not GPX1, suggesting the increased Zn2+ in SELENOP1−/− mice is due to a downregulation of antioxidant selenoproteins and subsequent release of Zn2+ from intracellular stores. Surprisingly, we found increased tau phosphorylation in the hippocampus of SELENOP1−/− mice, possibly resulting from intracellular zinc changes. Our findings reveal important roles for SELENOP1 in the maintenance of synaptic Zn2+ physiology and preventing tau hyperphosphorylation.

HIF-1α Dependent Upregulation of ZIP8, ZIP14, and TRPA1 Modify Intracellular Zn2+ Accumulation in Inflammatory Synoviocytes.

Intracellular free zinc ([Zn2+]i) is mobilized in neuronal and non-neuronal cells under physiological and/or pathophysiological conditions; therefore, [Zn2+]i is a component of cellular signal transduction in biological systems. Although several transporters and ion channels that carry Zn2+ have been identified, proteins that are involved in Zn2+ supply into cells and their expression are poorly understood, particularly under inflammatory conditions. Here, we show that the expression of Zn2+ transporters ZIP8 and ZIP14 is increased via the activation of hypoxia-induced factor 1α (HIF-1α) in inflammation, leading to [Zn2+]i accumulation, which intrinsically activates transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channel and elevates basal [Zn2+]i. In human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs), treatment with inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1α (IL-1α), evoked TRPA1-dependent intrinsic Ca2+ oscillations. Assays with fluorescent Zn2+ indicators revealed that the basal [Zn2+]i concentration was significantly higher in TRPA1-expressing HEK cells and inflammatory FLSs. Moreover, TRPA1 activation induced an elevation of [Zn2+]i level in the presence of 1 μM Zn2+ in inflammatory FLSs. Among the 17 out of 24 known Zn2+ transporters, FLSs that were treated with TNF-α and IL-1α exhibited a higher expression of ZIP8 and ZIP14. Their expression levels were augmented by transfection with an active component of nuclear factor-κB P65 and HIF-1α expression vectors, and they could be abolished by pretreatment with the HIF-1α inhibitor echinomycin (Echi). The functional expression of ZIP8 and ZIP14 in HEK cells significantly increased the basal [Zn2+]i level. Taken together, Zn2+ carrier proteins, TRPA1, ZIP8, and ZIP14, induced under HIF-1α mediated inflammation can synergistically change [Zn2+]i in inflammatory FLSs.

A robust 3D zinc(ii)–organic framework for efficient dual detection of acetylacetone and Tb3+ ions

There has been broad attention to the recognition and detection of ions and organic small molecules due to their essential roles in environmental systems. However, dual-functional probes have seldom been developed for sensing organic constituents and lanthanide ions. A new 3D pillared Zn(ii)-organic framework [Zn3(L)(DCTP)3]n (1) (L = 1,4-di(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)butane and H2DCTP = 2,5-dichloroterephthalic acid) was hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized, and features a unique 3D 4,4,4,6-connected framework containing approximately 9.99 × 9.78 Å2 cubic channels. 1 displays excellent thermal and pH stability and can act as a novel "turn-on" fluorescent probe for highly selectively sensitizing Tb3+ ions through an "antenna effect". Furthermore, 1 is a dual-response fluorescent sensor for monitoring acetylacetone and Tb3+ ions with rapid response times (within 1 min), low limits of detection (LOD) (5.02 × 10-6/1.15 × 10-8 M, separately) and great anti-interference ability and recyclability towards the analytes. The related sensing mechanisms for detecting analytes are also investigated in detail.

Chemosensing of neurotransmitters with selectivity and naked eye detection of l-DOPA based on fluorescent Zn(ii)-terpyridine bearing boronic acid complexes.

Biological catecholamines such as l-DOPA and dopamine play vital physiological roles in the brain and are chemical indicators of human diseases. A new range of fluorescent Zn(ii)-terpyridine complexes are described and studied in-depth as chemosensors for catecholamine-based neurotransmitters and nucleosides in pure water. The new Zn-terpyridine-based chemosensors contain a cationic N-isoquinolinium nucleus as the optical indicator covalently linked to three different isomers of strongly acidified phenylboronic acids (ortho-, 2.Zn; meta-, 3.Zn and para-, 4.Zn, substituted derivatives) as catechol binding sites. The addition of l-DOPA, dopamine, epinephrine, l-tyrosine and nucleosides to Zn(ii)-boronic acid chemosensors at physiological pH quenches their blue emission with a pronounced selectivity and an unprecedented high affinity towards l-DOPA (log K = 6.01). This efficient response by l-DOPA was also observed in the presence of coexisting species in blood plasma and urine with a detection limit of 3.0 μmol L-1. A photoinduced electron transfer quenching mechanism with simultaneous chemosensor-l-DOPA complexation in both the excited and ground states is proposed. The fluorescence experimental observations show that the 2.Zn·eosin-Y adduct can be used as a selective naked-eye chemosensing ensemble for l-DOPA with a fast turn-on fluorescent response and color change from blue to green under UV light at the micromolar level. On the basis of multiple spectroscopic techniques (1H, 11B NMR, UV-Vis, and fluorescence), MS-ESI experiments, crystal structures, and DFT calculations, the binding mode between Zn(ii)-chemosensors and l-DOPA is proposed in a 1 : 1 model through a cooperative two-point recognition involving the reversible esterification of the boronic acid moiety with the aromatic diol fragment of l-DOPA together with the coordination of the carboxylate anion to the Zn(ii) atom with strong electrostatic contribution.

Systematic Comparison of Vesicular Targeting Signals Leads to the Development of Genetically Encoded Vesicular Fluorescent Zn2+ and pH Sensors.

Genetically encoded fluorescent sensors have been widely used to illuminate secretory vesicle dynamics and the vesicular lumen, including Zn2+ and pH, in living cells. However, vesicular sensors have a tendency to mislocalize and are susceptible to the acidic intraluminal pH. In this study, we performed a systematic comparison of five different vesicular proteins to target the fluorescent protein mCherry and a Zn2+ Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) sensor to secretory vesicles. We found that motifs derived from vesicular cargo proteins, including chromogranin A (CgA), target vesicular puncta with greater efficacy than transmembrane proteins. To characterize vesicular Zn2+ levels, we developed CgA-Zn2+ FRET sensor fusions with existing sensors ZapCY1 and eCALWY-4 and characterized subcellular localization and the influence of pH on sensor performance. We simultaneously monitored Zn2+ and pH in individual secretory vesicles by leveraging the acceptor fluorescent protein as a pH sensor and found that pH influenced FRET measurements in situ. While unable to characterize vesicular Zn2+ at the single-vesicle level, we were able to monitor Zn2+ dynamics in populations of vesicles and detected high vesicular Zn2+ in MIN6 cells compared to lower levels in the prostate cancer cell line LnCaP. The combination of CgA-ZapCY1 and CgA-eCALWY-4 allows for measurement of Zn2+ from pM to nM ranges.

Quantitative Imaging of Labile Zn2+ in the Golgi Apparatus Using a Localizable Small-Molecule Fluorescent Probe

Fluorescent Zn2+ probes used for the quantitative analysis of labile Zn2+ concentration ([Zn2+]) in target organelles are crucial for understanding the role of Zn2+ in biological processes. Although several fluorescent Zn2+ probes have been developed to date, there is still a lack of consensus concerning the [Zn2+] in intracellular organelles. In this study, we describe the development of ZnDA-1H, a small-molecule fluorescent probe for Zn2+, which exhibits less pH sensitivity, high Zn2+ selectivity, and large fluorescence enhancement upon binding to Zn2+. Through protein labeling technology, ZnDA-1H was precisely targeted in various intracellular organelles, such as the nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus. ZnDA-1H exhibited a reversible fluorescence response toward labile Zn2+ in these organelles in live cells. Using this probe, the [Zn2+] in the Golgi apparatus was estimated to be 25± 1nM, suggesting that labile Zn2+ plays a physiological role in the secretory pathway.

A fluorescent Zn(II)-based complex for the selective detection of PA and treatment effect on uveitis by reducing the inflammatory response and inflammatory cytokine release

By using a pyrimidine-functionalized ligand 4,6-di(1H-imidazol-1-yl)pyrimidine (L), a new Zn(II)-based coordination polymer with the chemical formula of {[Zn0.5(L)(H2O)]·(NO3)} (1) was prepared via the reaction of Zn(NO3)2·6H2O with the L ligand in water and DMF mixed solvent under solvothermal conditions. The results of fluorescence titration experiments revealed that complex 1 exhibited real-time, fluorescence quenching behavior with high sensitivity and selectivity for picric acid, and the detection limit was in the nanomole level. Furthermore, the treatment effect of the compound on uveitis was evaluated. RT-PCR was conducted to measure the relative expression levels of tlr-4 and nf-κb in the HXO-RB44 cells. ELISA assay was carried out to detect the IL-1β and IL-18 contents after compound treatment.

A Fluorescent Zn(II) Coordination Polymer: Sensitive Detection of Cr2O72- in Water and Prevention Activity On the Deep Vein Thrombosis in Orthopedic Nursing.

A novel coordination polymer (CP) based on Zn(II) of [Zn(tptc)0.5(bpy)(H2O)]n (1) was synthesized through utilizing the 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) chelating N donors and p-terphenyl-2,2'',5'',5'''-tetracarboxylate acid (H4tptc) as the co-ligands. The measurements of the fluorescence were implemented for the complex 1 in solution and solid state, and the result reveals that 1 has a strong fluorescence and it is a sensory material with great development space to determine the trace Cr2O72- (with the detection limit of 36ppb) in the water solutions via applying the fluorescence quenching effect. As the common disease in the orthopedic nursing, the deep vein thrombosis was the objective in this research. The weigh and length of the thrombus in the animals were measured and analyzed. In addition to this, the inflammatory response in the deep vein thrombosis animal was evaluated by RT-PCR. Molecular docking results indicate that only the carboxyl group could provide polar oxygen atoms for the formed hydrogen bonds to the protein.

RETRACTED: A fluorescent Zn(II)-based coordination polymer for selective detection of Fe3+ ion and treatment effect and mechanism against B.burgdorfert induced vulvar lichen sclerosus

Abstract A new Zn(II)-based coordination polymer (CP) [Me2NH2][Zn3(OH) (L)2(H2O)3]·6H2O (1) has been successfully prepared utilizing a ligand of 4,4′,4″-s-triazine-1,3,5-triyltri-m-aminobenzoate (H3L) with triazine backbone. Complex 1 could be applied as a Fe3+ sensor with high sensitivity and selectivity. Furthermore, the treatment activity of 1 against vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) was assessed and its particular mechanism was discussed in the study. Firstly, the titer of the Borrelia burgdorferi (B.burgdorfert) was measured. Then the flow cytometry was carried out to determine the relative content of the T cell subset in peripheral blood. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) method was used to measure the level of the SOD activity and MDA. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was carried out for the determination of the inflammatory genes nf-κb and p53 relative expression. The apoptosis of the vulvar disease tissue was evaluated.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: A fluorescent Zn(II)-containing coordination polymer for antibiotic sensing and treatment activity on periodontal tissue inflammation after orthodontics by inhibiting the growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis

A novel fluorescent zinc(II)-containing coordination polymer {[Zn(DIPT)](NO3)(H2O)3} (1) having the channel-type framework was generated via using rigid three-terminal nitrogenous hetero-ligand 5-(3,5-di(1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenyl)-2H-tetrazole (HDIPT) in solvent thermal reaction. Benefitting from its excellent fluorescent emission along with high water stability, complex 1 shows selective luminescence sensing for sulfonamide antibiotics with high sensitivity in water. In addition, the anti-bacterial activity of compound 1 against Porphuromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis ATCC 33277) in vitro and in vivo was evaluated. Firstly, the growth curves of P. gingivalis ATCC 33277 was measured after compound 1 treatment for the in vitro activity evaluation. Then, the in vivo protective effect of compound 1 was further explored, the IL-8 and TNF-α level in gingival fluid revealed the excellent inhibitory effect of compound 1 on the inflammatory response. The results acquired via pose scoring software as well as molecular docking indicated that the compound 1 might bind and inhibit the NF-κB protein function, this might provide a latent regulatory mechanism for compound 1.

A fluorescent Zn(II)-organic framework for selective detection of Pb2+ and a protective effect in osteoarthritis treatment by reducing ROS accumulation and apoptosis in chondrocytes

By using the π-electron rich 4,4′-stilbenedicarboxylic acid (H2sda), a Zn(II)-bearing metal-organic framework with the chemical formula of [Zn3(sda)3(H2O)2](H2O)4 (1) has been prepared through the reaction of the 4,4′-stilbenedicarboxylic acid with Zn(NO3)2·6H2O in the component solvent of H2O and MeOH with aid of HBF4. Considering its intensive fluorescent emission, 1 was studied as a fluorescent sensor for metal ions in water, and the results reveal that 1 can be developed into an excellent Pb2+ sensor in water by utilizing luminescence quenching with a detection limit of 32.6 nm. In biological research, we explored the protective effect of 1 in OA rats. First, the DCFH-DA staining assay was utilized to detect the ROS levels in primary chondrocyte. Then, the Annexin V-FITC/PI was conducted for evaluating the apoptotic cells percentage after treatment with 1. The results from molecular docking software exhibited a possible mode of the compound binding to Bcl2, indicating a potential modulation mechanism.

A novel Zn(II)-based metal-organic framework as a high selective and sensitive sensor for fluorescent detections of aromatic nitrophenols and antibiotic metronidazole

A novel fluorescent Zn(II)-based metal-organic framework (Zn-MOF), [Zn2(oba)4(4,4′-bpy)2]n, was successfully synthesized through a simple solvothermal route at 130 °C for 48 h, employing Zn(NO3)2·6H2O, 4,4′-Oxybis(benzoic acid) (oba) and 4,4′-Bipyridine (4,4′-bpy) as the initial reactants, dimethylacetamide (DMA) as the reaction medium. The as-obtained Zn-MOF was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and elemental analysis. The fluorescence tests showed that the as-obtained Zn-MOF emit a strong violet light centered at 445 nm under the excitation of 323 nm UV light. Intriguingly, the above strong violet emission could be highly selectively quenched by aromatic nitrophenols or antibiotic metronidazole (MET) in aqueous systems with fairly low detection limits. Other substituted phenols and antibiotics, as well as some cations, anions, amino acids and small organic molecules hardly affected the violet emission of the as-obtained Zn-MOF, indicating that this novel Zn-MOF could be prepared as a selective fluorescent probe for detections of aromatic nitrophenols and MET antibiotic in water solutions.

A New Zn(II)-containing Coordination Polymer for Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Dyes and Treatment Activity on Atherosclerosis via Reducing the Vcam-1 Expression.

By employment of a rigid tripodal nitrogen-containing heterotopic ligand tris(1-imidazolyl) benzene (Htib), a new fluorescent Zn(II)-containing coordination polymer {[Zn(tib)2](NO3)2(H2O)3}n (1) with a rare two-fold interpenetrating (3,6)-connected pyr network topology has been successfully prepared under the solvothermal reaction conditions. Under the condition of visible light irradiation, rhodamine B (RhB) and methylene blue (MB) could be degraded with good performance. In the biological function study, the cytotoxicity of the synthetic was evaluated with CCK-8 detection kit on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). The inhibitory effect of compound on vcam-1 expression in the vascular endothelial cells was evaluated by RT-PCR. The effect of the complex on the inflammatory response in the vascular endothelial cells was determined via ELISA test of IL-1β and TNF-α. The results of pose scoring software as well as molecular docking was conducted to explore the interaction between compounds and VCAM, which might provide latent regulatory mechanisms along with binding sites for compounds.

A FRET-based fluorescent Zn2+ sensor: 3D ratiometric imaging, flow cytometric tracking and cisplatin-induced Zn2+ fluctuation monitoring.

Monitoring labile Zn2+ homeostasis is of great importance for the study of physiological functions of Zn2+ in biological systems. Here we report a novel ratiometric fluorescent Zn2+ sensor, CPBT, which was constructed based on chelation-induced alteration of FRET efficiency. CPBT was readily cell membrane permeable and showed a slight preferential localization in the endoplasmic reticulum. With this sensor, 3D ratiometric Zn2+ imaging was first realized in the head of zebra fish larvae via Z-stack mode. CPBT could track labile Zn2+ in a large number of cells through ratiometric flow cytometric assay. More interestingly, both ratiometric fluorescence imaging and flow cytometric assay demonstrated that the labile Zn2+ level in MCF-7 cells (cisplatin-sensitive) decreased while that in SKOV3 cells (cisplatin-insensitive) increased after cisplatin treatment, indicating that Zn2+ may play an important role in cisplatin induced signaling pathways in these cancer cells.

Two-photon fluorescent Zn2+ probe for ratiometric imaging and biosensing of Zn2+ in living cells and larval zebrafish

As an essential transition-metal ion in organism, zinc ion (Zn2+) plays a significant role in cellular metabolism, apoptosis and neurotransmission. Herein, we reported a new intramolecular charge transfer-based two-photon probe, (E)-1-(6-(4-(2-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)eth-oxy)-3,5-dimethylstyryl)quinolin-2-yl)-N,N-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)methanamine (TEO-MPVQ), for ratiometric imaging and biosensing of Zn2+ in living cells and larval zebrafish. The maximum two-photon absorption cross-section values (δmax) of the developed probe increased from 115 ± 16 GM to 188 ± 27 GM, after the probe was chelated with Zn2+. The emission spectrum of TEO-MPVQ probe increased and red-shifted about 60 nm, resulting in the ratiometric determination of Zn2+ with high sensitivity and selectivity. The present fluorescent probe also demonstrated good biocompatibility, high spatial resolution and deep penetration depth for Zn2+ detection. Accordingly, TEO-MPVQ was able to track the endogenous Zn2+ release in neurons and also successfully applied for larval zebrafish imaging. By using of this effective probe, it was found that the endogenous Zn2+ was rapidly released from metallothionein under the stimulation of NO in neurons.

A New Bioactive Complex between Zn(II) and a Fluorescent Symmetrical Benzanthrone Tripod for an Antibacterial Textile.

A new fluorescent Zn(II) complex of symmetrical tripod form based on a 3-substituted benzanthrone (BT) has been synthesized and characterised. The basic photophysical properties of the new metal complex have been determined. It has been found by fluorescence spectroscopy that, one zinc ion forms a complex with the tripod ligand. The surface morphology of the ligand and its Zn(II) complex has been investigated by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) has been used for the characterisation of the chemical composition of the complex surfaces. The antibacterial activity of the Zn(II) complex has been investigated in solution and upon its deposition onto a cotton fabric. A reduction of biofilm formation on the surface of the cotton fabric has been observed compared to the non-treated cotton material. The results obtained demonstrate that the studied Zn(II) complex possesses good antimicrobial activity being most effective against the used Gram-positive bacteria.