Single-atom switching as a general approach to designing colorimetric and fluorogenic probes for mercury ions. (February 2021) - Loredo, Axel
Abstract: By performing a single-atom replacement within common fluorophores, we have developed a facile and general strategy to prepare a broad-spectrum class of colorimetric and fluorogenic probes for the selective detection of mercury ions in aqueous environments. Thionation of carbonyl groups from existing fluorophore cores results in a great reduction of fluorescence. In the presence of mercury ions, the resulting thiocaged probes are efficiently desulfurized to their oxo derivatives, leading to pronounced changes in chromogenic and fluorogenic signals. Because these probes exhibit high selectivity, excellent sensitivity, good membrane-permeability, and rapid responses towards mercury ions, they are suitable for visualization of mercury in both aqueous and intracellular environments. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Single-atom replacement can quench fluorescent dyes via one-step modification. Mercury ions can activate thiocaged dyes in aqueous and cellular environments. Thiocaged dyes are applied to detect mercury based on colorimetric and fluorescent signals.