A Zn2+ fluorescent sensor derived from 2-(pyridin-2-yl)benzoimidazole with ratiometric sensing potential

Org Lett. 2009 Feb 19;11(4):795-8. doi: 10.1021/ol802537c.

Abstract

A fluorescent Zn(2+) sensor based on the 2-(2'-pyridinyl)benzoimidazole (2-PBI) fluorophore has been devised by incorporation with a Zn(2+) ionophore, bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amine. The sensor (PBITA) demonstrates a Zn(2+)-specific emission shift and enhancement with a 1:1 binding ratio. Due to the Zn(2+)-induced coplanation of 2-PBI via reversion/rotation, PBITA is shown to behave as a ratiometric sensor. The intracellular Zn(2+) imaging ability of the sensor has been tested in HeLa cells using a confocal microscope.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Benzimidazoles / chemical synthesis*
  • Benzimidazoles / chemistry
  • Benzimidazoles / pharmacology*
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemical synthesis*
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemistry
  • Fluorescent Dyes / pharmacology
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Molecular Structure
  • Pyridines / chemical synthesis*
  • Pyridines / chemistry
  • Pyridines / pharmacology*
  • Zinc / chemistry*

Substances

  • 2-(2'-pyridinyl)benzoimidazole
  • Benzimidazoles
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Pyridines
  • bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amine
  • Zinc