Fluorescent siderophore-based chemosensors: iron(III) quantitative determinations

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Iron(III) is crucial in biological systems and environmental monitoring.
• Accurate determination of iron(III) requires sensitive and selective methods.
• Siderophores and biomimetic ligands offer selective iron chelation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a rapid, sensitive, and selective fluorimetric method for iron(III) determination.
• To evaluate fluorescent siderophores and biomimetic ligands as chemosensors for iron(III).
• To assess the applicability of the method in biological and environmental samples.

Main Methods:

• Fluorimetric detection combined with siderophores and biomimetic ligands.
• Examination of azotobactin delta, NBD-, MA-, NCP-desferriferrioxamine B, and an anthryl-desferriferrichrome analogue.
• Analysis of static quenching mechanism and detection limits.

Main Results:

• Azotobactin delta and an anthryl-desferriferrichrome analogue showed high sensitivity and selectivity for iron(III).
• Detection limits of 0.5 ng mL-1 (azotobactin delta) and 0.6 ng mL-1 (anthryl analogue) were achieved.
• Linear calibration curves were obtained over specified ranges, with minimal interference from other cations.

Conclusions:

• Azotobactin delta is a highly promising chemosensor for ferric traces in water.
• The anthryl-desferriferrichrome analogue is effective under lipophilic conditions.
• The developed method is suitable for monitoring iron(III) in biological systems and natural waters.