The highly selective and sensitive fluorescence probe for detection of copper (II) ions and its bioimaging in vitro and vivo

Abstract

We designed and developed the probe W-3 for detection of Cu²⁺. The results showed probe can selectively detect Cu²⁺, accompanied by noticeable color change. The probe can detect the Cu²⁺ in water samples and drinks based on absorption detection. In addition, the combination of portable test paper and the smartphone platform obtained great convenience for on-site and visual detection of Cu²⁺, with satisfactory sensitivity and reliability. More importantly, the fluorescence probe W-3 can be used for the detection of Cu²⁺ in cells and mice. Therefore, the W-3 provided potential chemical tools for detecting Cu²⁺ in vitro and vivo.

Keywords: Bioimaging; Cu(2+); Fluorescence; Probe; Visual recognition.