An activatable NIR turn-on fluorescent probe for copper (II) ion and live cell imaging

Abstract

Abstract Herein we have reported a fluorescent probe (MB-M) based on MB derivative for Cu2+ ions detection. The probe was well characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HR-MS spectrum. Probe MB-M showed naked-eyes recognition to Cu2+ as color change from colorless to indigo. The probe exhibited promising features such as high fluorescence and UV–vis selectivity, fast response (5 mint), workable at pH 2–7, and low limit of detection (LOD = 0.33 µM). Probe MB-M was also used for Cu2+ ions imaging in HepG-2 cells and detection in daily life (Test Strip and lake water). Moreover, non-covalent interaction (NCI) and quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) analysis were used to study the interaction between MB-M and Cu2+ ions. By examining the electronic characteristics of the complex using natural bond orbital (NBO), electron density difference (EDD), and frontier molecular orbital (FMO) analysis, the sensitivity of MB-M towards Cu2+ ions were investigated. The results illustrated that the interactions between MB-M and Cu2+ ions involved chemisorption.

Keywords

• Copper ions
• Cell imaging
• Methylene blue
• Detection limit
• Fluorescence
• DFT calculations