Intracellular Al3 Research Articles

Turn-on detection of Al3+ ions using quinoline-based tripodal probe: mechanistic investigation and live cell imaging applications.

In this study, an easily synthesizable Schiff base probe TQSB having a quinoline fluorophore is demonstrated as a fluorescent and colorimetric turn-on sensor for Al3+ ions in a semi-aqueous medium (CH3CN/water; 4 : 1; v/v). Absorption, emission and colorimetric studies clearly indicated that TQSB exhibited a high selectivity toward Al3+, as observed from its excellent binding constant (Kb = 3.8 × 106 M-1) and detection limit (7.0 nM) values. TQSB alone was almost non-fluorescent in nature; however, addition of Al3+ induced intense fluorescence at 414 nm most probably due to combined CHEF (chelation-enhanced fluorescence) and restricted PET effects. The sensing mechanism was established via Job's plot, NMR spectroscopy, ESI-mass spectrometry, and density functional theory (DFT) analyses. Furthermore, to evaluate the applied potential of probe TQSB, its sensing ability was studied in real samples such as soil samples and Al3+-containing Digene gastric tablets as well as on low-cost filter paper strips. Fluorescence microscopy imaging experiments further revealed that TQSB can be used as an effective probe to detect intracellular Al3+ in live cells with no cytotoxicity.

A cyanobiphenyl-based fluorescent ''lighting-up'' sensor for highly selective and sensitive recognition of Al3+: Theoretical, practical and bioimaging studies.

The recognition of toxic Al3+ in foods and biosystems has of great interest to researchers. Herein, a novel cyanobiphenyl-based chemosensor CATH (E)-N'-((4'-cyano-4-hydroxy-[1,1'-biphenyl]-3-yl)methylene)thiophene-2-carbohydrazide was fabricated and shown to recognize Al3+ in HEPES buffer:EtOH (90:10, v:v, pH=7.4) by ''lighting-up'' fluorescence sensing. The CATH evidenced high sensitivity (LOD=13.1nM) and excellent selectivity to Al3+ over competing cations. The Job's plot, TOF-MS and theoretical computation studies were performed to probe the binding mechanism of Al3+ to CATH. Additionally; CATH was successfully utilized to practical applications and employed to recover of Al3+ from different food samples. More importantly, it was employed to intracellular Al3+ detection in living cells including THLE2 and HepG2.

Two rhodamine-azo based fluorescent probes for recognition of trivalent metal ions: crystal structure elucidation and biological applications.

Two rhodamine and azo based chemosensors (HL1 = (3',6'-bis(ethylamino)-2-((2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-(phenyldiazenyl)benzylidene)amino)-2',7'-dimethylspiro[isoindoline-1,9'-xanthen]-3-one) and HL2 = (3',6'-bis(ethylamino)-2-(((2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-(p-tolyldiazenyl)benzylidene)amino)-2',7'-dimethylspiro[isoindoline-1,9'-xanthen]-3-one) have been synthesized for colorimetric and fluorometric detection of three trivalent metal ions, Al3+, Cr3+ and Fe3+. The chemosensors have been thoroughly characterized by different spectroscopic techniques and X-ray crystallography. They are non-fluorescent due to the presence of a spirolactam ring. The trivalent metal ions initiate an opening of the spirolactam ring when excited at 490 nm in Britton-Robinson buffer solution (H2O/MeOH 1 : 9 v/v; pH 7.4). The opening of the spirolactam ring increases conjugation within the probe, which is supported by an intense fluorescent pinkish-yellow colouration and an enhancement of the fluorescence intensity of the chemosensors by ∼400 times in the presence of Al3+ and Cr3+ ions and by ∼100 times in the presence of Fe3+ ions. Such a type of enormous fluorescence enhancement is rarely observed in other chemosensors for the detection of trivalent metal ions. A 2 : 1 binding stoichiometry of the probes with the respective ions has been confirmed by Job's plot analysis. Elucidation of the crystal structures of the Al3+ bound chemosensors (1 and 4) also justifies the 2 : 1 binding stoichiometry and the presence of an open spirolactam ring within the chemosensor framework. The limit of detection (LOD) values for both the chemosensors towards the respective metal ions are in the order of ∼10-9 M which supports their application in the biological field. The biocompatibility of the ligands has been studied with the help of the MTT assay. The results show that no significant toxicity was observed up to 100 μM of chemosensor concentration. The capability of our synthesized chemosensors to detect intracellular Al3+, Cr3+ and Fe3+ ions in the cervical cancer cell line HeLa was evaluated with the aid of fluorescence imaging.

Detection to trace aluminum ion of pharmaceutical wastewater using synthesis of Schiff-based chemosensor

Background: The aim of this research was to develop a fluorogenic sensor for Al3+ions, which have been identified as a possible food and drinking water pollutant by the WHO and considered to be harmful to human health. Methods: The sensing mechanism was based on excited-state intramolecular proton transfer, with the intramolecular rotation restriction occurring after binding with the analyte. The probe attaches Al3+selectively and emits strong emission in 4:1 H2 O/MeOH (v/v) solution while irradiated at 400 nm in the presence of a wide number of cations, acting as a "turn-on" fluorescence chemosensor. The range of detection for Al3+is 3.3 nM (3 method), which is more than 200 times more responsive than the WHO suggested limit of 7.4 mM (3σ method). Mass spectra, job plot, and Benesi-Hildebrand plot were used to determine the formation of the 1:1 metal-to-ligand complex. Results: Aluminum (Al) ion content in effluent obtained from the pharmaceutical sector is 0.381 mM, which is a trace amount. A separate in vitro experiment indicates that the probe can precisely perceive Al3+ions in a cell line. The sensor-based method is developed to detect 3.3 nM of Al3+ions, which is significantly less than the WHO max. Conclusion: The probe to detect Al3+ions in live cells. HL becomes a flexible sensor for recognizing intracellular Al3+in human liver cancer cell line Hep G2 and human lung fibroblast cell lines by fluorescence cell imaging procedures, and the probe’s non-toxicity has been proven by MTT tests up to 100M.

Photochemical processing potential of a novel Schiff base as a fluorescent probe for selective monitoring of Al3+ ions and bioimaging in human cervical cancer HeLa cells

A novel efficient fluorescent probe 1,1′-((1E,1′E)-((4,5-dimethyl-1,2-phenylene)bis(azaneylylidene))bis(methaneylylidene))bis(naphthalen-2-ol) (PAMN) for the recognition of Al3+ was synthesized and extensively characterized using various physicochemical techniques. Free PAMN fluoresced weakly, but when aluminium added, it fluoresced dramatically against various metal ions. The recognition process was relied mainly on the chelation-controlled C=N isomerization combined with an inhibition of the excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT). The energies of both HOMO and LUMO for PAMN and PAMN-Al3+ complex were estimated by DFT calculations to elucidate the configuration of the complex. PAMN coordinated with Al3+ in [1:1] stoichiometry with an association-constant of 2.18 × 105 M−1. Upon coordination with Al3+ ions, PAMN displayed a good linear relationship in extremely low concentrations with a limit of detection of 7.05 × 10−9 M. The living-HeLa-cell imaging displayed that the probe had excellent cell membrane permeability, with great potential for intracellular Al3+ ion tracing via the fluorescence imaging technique.

Solvent-Regulated Fluorimetric Differentiation of Al3+ and Zn2+ Using an AIE-Active Single Sensor.

The absence of d-orbital electrons or presence of full-filled d-orbital electrons in metal ions is a well-known Achilles' heel problem for the detection of these metal ions by a simple UV-visible study. For this reason, detection of metal ions such as Al3+ with no d-orbital electrons or Zn2+ with filled d-orbital electrons is a challenging task. Herein, we report a 2-naphthol-based fluorescent probe [1-((E)-((E)-(5-bromo-2-hydroxybenzylidene)hydrazono)methyl)naphthalen-2-ol] (H2L) that has been used to sense and discriminate Al3+ and Zn2+ via solvent regulation. The probe exhibits excellent selectivity and swift sensitivity toward Al3+ in MeOH-water (9:1, v/v) and toward Zn2+ in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-water (9:1, v/v) among various metal ions. The respective detection limit is found to be 9.78 and 3.65 μM. The sensing mechanism is attributed to multiple processes, viz., the inhibition of photo-induced electron transfer (PET) along with the introduction of chelation-enhanced emission (CHEF) and excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) inhibition, which are experimentally well verified by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, emission spectroscopy, and NMR spectroscopy. The probe shows aggregation-induced emissive (AIE) response in ≥70% aqueous media as well as in the solid state. The experimental results are well corroborated by time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. An advanced-level OR-AND-NOT logic gate has been constructed from a different chemical combinational input and emission output. The reversible recognition of both Al3+ in MeOH-water (9:1, v/v) and Zn2+ in DMSO-water (9:1, v/v) is also ascertained in the presence of Na2EDTA, enabling the construction of a molecular memory device. The probe H2L also detects intracellular Al3+/Zn2+ ions in Hela cells. Altogether, our fundamental findings will pave the way for designing and synthesis of unique chemosensors that could be used for cell imaging studies as well as constructing molecular logic gates.

A novel dual chemosensor for selective heavy metal ions Al3+, Cr3+ and its applicable cytotoxic activity, HepG2 living cell images and theoretical studies

A new simple ‘dual’ chemosensor (3,3’-(1,3-phenylene)bis(quinoxaline-6,3-diyl))bis (phenylmethanone) L14, for distinguishing Al3+ and Cr3+ has been designed, synthesized and characterized. The designed compound revealed certified selectivity and sensitivity among a fluorescence enhancement to Al3+ and quenching to Cr3+ over commonly coexisting cations (such as Cu2+, Hg2+, Fe2+, Pb2+, Ag+, Ni2+, Zr2+, Mn2+, Mg2+, Sr2+, Cd2+, Sn2+, Bi3+ and Zn2+) in DMF-H2O (4/1, v/v). These are reversible with the addition of EDTA. The detection limit for Al3+/Cr3+ by L14 reached the 0.3 μM and 0.5 μM level. The binding process confirmed via UV–Vis, fluorescence measurements, 1H NMR, FE-SEM with EDS and color mapping and DFT calculation. Further, the applicability of the probe was used to the cytotoxic activity, and fluorescent sensors in overseeing intracellular Al3+/Cr3+ in HepG2 cells also demonstrated.

Highly sensitive chemiluminescent sensing of intracellular Al3+ based on the phosphatase mimetic activity of cerium oxide nanoparticles

Nanomaterials with enzyme-like characteristics (also called nanozymes) have attracted increasing attention in the area of analytical chemistry. Nevertheless, most of the nanozymes used for analytical applications are oxidoreductase mimics, and their enzyme-like activities are usually demonstrated by using chromogenic and/or fluorogenic substrates. Herein, the phosphatase mimetic activity of cerium oxide nanoparticles (nanoceria) was investigated by using CDP-star as the chemiluminescent (CL) substrate. Interestingly, we found that the phosphatase mimetic activity of nanoceria can be remarkably inhibited by the addition of Al3+. Based on this finding, a highly sensitive and selective CL method for Al3+ detection is proposed. The CL intensity of the nanoceria/CDP-star system decreased with the increasing Al3+ concentrations in the range from 30 nM to 3.5 μM. A detection limit as low as 10 nM was obtained. Finally, the CL detection of intracellular Al3+ was achieved, demonstrating the utility of the CL method in complex biological samples.

Development of Rhodamine 6G-Based Fluorescent Chemosensors for Al3+-Ion Detection: Effect of Ring Strain and Substituent in Enhancing Its Sensing Performance.

Four rhodamine 6G-based chemosensors (H3L1–H3L4) are designed for selective detection of Al3+ ion. They are characterized using various spectroscopic techniques and X-ray crystallography. All absorption and emission spectral studies have been performed in 10 mM N-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine-N′-ethanesulfonic acid (HEPES) buffer solution at pH 7.4 in H2O/MeOH (9:1, v/v) at 25 °C. In absorption spectra, chemosensors exhibit an intense band around 530 nm in the presence of Al3+ ion. Chemosensors (H3L1–H3L4) are nonfluorescent when excited around 490 nm. The presence of Al3+ ion enhances the emission intensity (555 nm) many times. The formation of complexes 1–4 is established with the aid of different spectroscopic techniques. The limit of detection value obtained in the nanomolar range confirms the high sensitivity of the probes toward Al3+ ion. It has been observed that the presence of aliphatic spacers in the diamine part and different halogen substituents in the salicylaldehyde part strongly influences the selectivity of the chemosensors toward Al3+ ion. The propensity of the chemosensors to identify intracellular Al3+ ions in triple-negative human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-468 by fluorescence imaging is also examined in this study.

A fluorescent light-up probe for selective detection of Al3+ and its application in living cell imaging

A new fluorescent probe NADH, namely N'1,N'3-bis((E)-(2-hydroxy- naphthalen-1-yl)methylene)isophthalohydrazide, derived from isophthalic dihydrazide and naphthaldehyde was synthesized and characterized. NADH displayed an excellent selectivity towards Al3+ over other cations with dual channel emissions (460 nm & 486 nm) in DMSO-Tris (v/v, 8:2) buffer solution. Job‘s plot analysis confirmed a 1:1 binding ratio between NADH and Al3+. NADH had a good anti-interference ability from most coexisted species according to competition study. The detection limit was estimated to be 0.219 μM by 3σ method, which was far below the acceptable limit in drinking water of WHO. A rational binding mode was proposed by means of Job’s plot and 1H NMR titration experiment. Furthermore, NADH was found to be biocompatible and it was applied to image intracellular Al3+ in living cells successfully.

Bifunctional probe for Cu2+/Al3+ based on a diarylethene with a 4, 5-[bis-(5-ethylacetate-yl)-2-thienyl]-1H-imidazole unit

A new asymmetric perfluordiarylethene (1O) was synthesized using 4, 5-[bis-(5-ethylacetate-yl)-2-thienyl]-1H-imidazole as a functional group. 1O exhibited favorable reversible cyclization and cycloreversion reactions upon alternating irradiation with UV and visible light. Both of its open- and closed-ring isomers were found to be highly selective towards Cu2+ with significant absorption and color changes, which could be used as a ‘naked-eye’ colorimetric sensor for Cu2+ detection. Upon exposure to acid, its fluorescence dramatically enhanced by 14-fold with a color change from dark to bright cyan due to the formation of the protonated compound. Moreover, 1O showed obvious fluorescence “turn-on” signal response towards Al3+, and the detection limit for Al3+ was determined to be 4.8 × 10−9 mol L−1. Based on the fluorescence signals of 1O, a combinational stimuli logic circuit were designed by using the fluorescence intensity as the output signal with the inputs of lights, Al3+ and EDTA. Finally, 1O could be used as a biological probe for detecting intracellular Al3+ in a physiological environmental.

Aggregation-Induced Emission-Active Hydrazide-Based Probe: Selective Sensing of Al3+, HF2 -, and Nitro Explosives.

(E)-N′-((2-Hydroxynaphthalen-1-yl)methylene)picolinohydrazide (H-PNAP) shows aggregation-induced emission (AIE) strictly in a 90% water/MeOH (v/v) mixture at 540 nm, and the solid-state emission is blue-shifted to 509 nm upon excitation at 400 nm. The AIE activity of H-PNAP is selectively quenched by 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP) and 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) out of different nitroaromatic compounds with a limit of detection (LOD) of 7.79 × 10–7 and 9.08 × 10–7 M, respectively. The probe is nonemissive in aqueous medium (4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid, HEPES buffer, pH 7.2); however, it shows a strong emission to Al3+ (λem, 490 nm) in the presence of 17 other biological metal ions, and the LOD is 2.09 nM which is far below the WHO recommended value (7.41 mM). The emission of the [Al(PNAP)(NO3)2] complex is quenched by HF2– (F– and PO43– are weak quencher), and the LOD is as low as 15 nM. The probable mechanism of the sensing feature of the probe has been authenticated by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance titration, mass spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Benesi–Hildebrand plot, and Job’s plot in each case. The probe has some practical applications such as recovery of Al3+ from the drinking water sample, construction of the INHIBIT logic gate, and detection kits for Al3+ and TNP/DNP by simple paper test strips. The probe, H-PNAP, has successfully been applied to the detection of intracellular Al3+ and HF2– ions in the human breast cancer cell, MDA-MB-468.

Selective and Sensitive Fluorescence Probe for Detection of Al3+ in Food Samples Based on Aggregation-Induced Emission and Its Application for Live Cell Imaging

A novel fluorescent probe L was designed for rapid detection of Al3+ with high selectivity in water-acetonitrile medium based on aggregation-induced emission (AIE). The recognition mechanism was investigated by fluorescence spectra, SEM, FI-IR, 1H NMR, and mass spectra. The detection limit of Al3+ was 5.3 × 10−8 M. The recoveries were within the range of 84.5–103.3% and the relative standard deviation (RSD) values were within the range of 1.7–6.4%. The AIE behavior could be attributed to the J-aggregates formation and the chelation-enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) in water-acetonitrile medium. The probe L can be used to detect Al3+ in food and environmental samples. What’s more interesting is that the L could detect intracellular Al3+ in live cells by bioimaging.

Vitamin B6 cofactor conjugated rhodamine 6G derivative: Fluorescent turn-on sensing of Al(III) and Cr(III) with bioimaging application in live HeLa cells

This manuscript introduced a new optically active chemosensor L containing rhodamine 6G as the fluorogenic unit and the vitamin B6 cofactor pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP) as the metal ions binding unit. Sensor L showed a significant turn-on fluorescence at 550 nm selectively in the presence of Al3+ and Cr3+ ions due to the complexation prompted opening of the spirocyclic ring. Using sensor L, the concentration of Al3+ and Cr3+ ions can be detected down to 0.41 µM and 2.33 µM, respectively. Sensor L formed a metal complex in 1:1 binding stoichiometry in solution with the estimated binding constant of 11,310 M−1 and 8373 M−1 with Al3+ and Cr3+, respectively. The probable 3D structure and the electronic properties of L and its complexes were proposed by semi-empirical PM6 method. Further, the bioimaging experiments were performed to examine the potential of L to detect the intracellular Al3+ and Cr3+ ions present in the live HeLa cells.

New Bifunctional Diarylethene Sensor for Multianalyte Detection and Al3+ Imaging in Live Cells

A novel photochromic diarylethene bifunctional chemosensor with a hydroxybenzylidene-2-naphthohydrazide group was synthesized with multicontrollable and photoswitchable properties, induced by UV–vis light, acid/base, and metal ions in acetonitrile. The deprotonated derivative of the compound showed good photochromism and notable fluorescence enhancement. It could serve as a “naked-eye” colorimetric sensor for Ni2+. Moreover, its fluorescence was enhanced by 75-fold, turning from dark to bright jade green, upon the addition of Al3+. The compound formed complexes with Ni2+ and Al3+ in a 1:1 stoichiometry and could detect these metal ions at concentrations as low as 1.67 × 10–5 and 9.45 × 10–8 mol L–1, respectively. Additionally, it can penetrate into HeLa cells and can be used for the detection of intracellular Al3+.

A highly sensitive and selective fluorescent probe for quantitative detection of Al3+ in food, water, and living cells.

Three novel β-pinene-based fluorescent probes 2a–2c were designed and synthesized for the selective detection of Al3+. Probe 2a showed higher fluorescence intensity toward Al3+ than the other two compounds. Probe 2a determined the concentration of Al3+ with a rapid response time (45 s), wide pH range (pH = 1–9), excellent sensitivity (LOD = 8.1 × 10−8 M) and good selectivity. The recognition mechanism of probe 2a toward Al3+ was confirmed by 1H NMR, HRMS and DFT analysis. Probe 2a was successfully used as a signal tool to quantitatively detect Al3+ in food samples and environmental water samples. Furthermore, probe 2a was successfully utilized to label intracellular Al3+, indicating its promising applications in living cells.

Anthracene- and pyrene-bearing imidazoles as turn-on fluorescent chemosensor for aluminum ion in living cells

A newly designed 2-(2-Aminophenyl)-1H-benzimidazole integrated anthracene/pyrene derivatives as efficient chemosensors were synthesized. The probes N-(anthracen-9-ylmethylene)-2-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)aniline (ANP) and N-(pyren-1-ylmethylene)-2-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-aniline (PYP) exhibited high selectivity and sensitivity towards Al3+ ion over other interfering and competing cations in aqueous solution. Job's plot analysis reveals that the interaction of ANP/PYP with Al3+ was 1:1 binding stoichiometry. The detection limit of probes ANP and PYP for Al3+ ions were found to be 1.85 × 10−7 M and 1.08 × 10−7 M, respectively. The DFT/TD-DFT calculations have also been revealed that the ICT mechanism is responsible for the observed photophysical changes. Moreover, the probes ANP and PYP were applicable to image intracellular Al3+ ions in living cells via confocal fluorescence microscopy technique.

Novel thiophene-based colorimetric and fluorescent turn-on sensor for highly sensitive and selective simultaneous detection of Al3+ and Zn2+ in water and food samples and its application in bioimaging

A novel bifunctional thiophene-based Schiff base TS as a colorimetric and fluorescent turn-on sensor for rapid and simultaneous detection of Al3+ and Zn2+ ions with high selectivity and sensitivity has been developed. The sensor shows remarkable fluorescence enhancement response for Al3+ and Zn2+ over a broad pH range with good anti-interference capability, which accompanied with an obvious color change easily detected by naked eyes. Sensor TS can detect as low as 3.7 × 10−9 M for Al3+ and 3.0 × 10−8 M for Zn2+, whereas respective association constants are 1.16 × 104 M−1 and 2.08 × 104 M−1. With the help of fluorescence titration and Job's plot, the stoichiometric ratio of TS with Al3+/Zn2+ was determined to be 1:1. The sensing mechanism of sensor TS with Al3+/Zn2+ based on the chelation-enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) was analyzed in detail through 1H NMR titration, FTIR, HRMS and DFT studies. Moreover, sensor TS has been applied to the detection of Al3+ and Zn2+ in real environmental water and food samples as well as the filter paper-based test strips. Furthermore, sensor TS has good cell-permeability and can be used to selectively sense intracellular Al3+ and Zn2+ by bioimaging.

A high performance 2-hydroxynaphthalene Schiff base fluorescent chemosensor for Al3+ and its applications in imaging of living cells and zebrafish in vivo.

Developing high performance fluorescent chemo-sensors for in vitro and in vivo Al3+ detection is highly desirable, because Al3+ accumulation has been involved to various diseases. Herein, we report a highly selective and sensitive Schiff base fluorescent probe, H3L, based on 2-hydroxynaphthalene, which can recognize aluminum ions and exhibit an "off-on" mode with high selectivity in methanol solutions. The detection limit of the probe for Al3+ is as low as 10-7 M which was determined by fluorescent titration. The high selectivity and high sensitivity of H3L for Al3+ are attributed to the inhibition of ESIPT. Additionally, the distribution of intracellular Al3+ ions could be observed under confocal fluorescence microscopy. Moreover, we also applied H3L for in vivo detection of Al3+ ions in living zebrafish larvae.

Hydrogen Bond‐Directed Molecular Packing and Dual Mechano chromic Luminescence of an Acylhydrazone‐Based Derivative in the Solid State and Its Application in Detection of Al3+ Ion

AbstractN‐(4‐Diethylamino‐2‐hydroxylbenzylidene)‐3‐hydroxy‐2‐naphthohyd‐ razide (H3L) was synthesized at 80 °C and 110 °C, and H3L80 and H3L110 crystals were obtained. They have the same composition. The structural analysis showed that H3L80 and H3L110 are composed of one dimensional supramolecular chains via intermolecular O‐H…O and C‐H…O hydrogen bonds, which are further assembled to supra‐molecular networks through intermolecular C‐H…O bonds between 1D chains, resulting in their unique molecular packing modes. H3L80 crystals emitted at 530 nm and H3L110 crystals emitted at 610 nm under 465 nm light. The largely red‐shifted emission for H3L110 is attributed to the enhancement of molecular planarization and π‐conjugation of H3L110 compared to H3L80. The dual mechanochromic luminescence of H3L80 and H3L110 fluorophor could be reversibly carried out by grinding of H3L80 and H3L110 crystals and subsequent recrystallization of H3L80 and H3L110 samples. The microstructural stability of H3L110 was concentration‐dependent in solutions, such as DMSO, DMF and THF, resulting in change of fluorescence property. But, H3L80 microstructure was stable in solutions. H3L80 could be used to detect Al (III) ion with high selectivity and sensitivity in aqueous medium. Also, H3L80 could detect intracellular Al3+ ions.