Pentafluoro-benzene functionalized AIEgen: A highly sensitive and fast responsive fluorescent nanoprobe for the detection of gold ions. (February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kim, Na Hee; Kang, Rae Hyung; Kim, Dokyoung
• Is Part Of: Dyes and pigments. Volume 198(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-02
• Subjects: Fluorescent probe -- Metal ion sensing -- Gold ion -- Aggregation-induced emission -- Pentafluoro-benzene; Dyes and dyeing -- Periodicals; Pigments -- Periodicals; 667.2
• DOI: 10.1016/j.dyepig.2021.110007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-7208

Abstract

Abstract: We disclosed a fluorescent nanoprobe for detecting gold ions (Au(III)). TPE (tetraphenylethylene)-based AIEgen (aggregation-induced emission luminogen) derivatives containing the variant electron-rich/-deficient moieties were designed and their photophysical properties were systematically analyzed. Among the derivatives, we found that the pentafluoro-benzene functionalized compound (named AuP-2 ) showed excellent sensing properties toward Au(III). AuP-2 exists as an aggregated form with strong fluorescence in an aqueous solution and has a turn-off emission response after Au(III) is added via Au(III) coordination-induced disturbing of the TPE stacking. The nanoprobe AuP-2 showed high selectivity and sensitivity (5.924 ppb), a fast response time (signal response within 10 s), and a superior biocompatibility. Sensing applications of Au(III) were also successfully demonstrated in cancer cells (COV-318, ovarian cancer cell), natural water samples, paper-based strips, and natural soil samples. We believe AuP-2 has a great potential to serve as a practical sensor for the Au(III) detection in basic researches and industrial applications. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: For the first time, we developed a fluorescent nanoprobe based on AIEgen to detect gold ions. The nanoprobe showed high selectivity, sensitivity, and fast response time. The nanoprobe showed real-time on-site sensing ability for the gold ions.