BODIPY based colorimetric fluorescent probe for selective thiophenol detection: theoretical and experimental studies

Area of Science:

• Chemical sensing
• Fluorescent probes
• Organic chemistry

Background:

• Thiophenols are important analytes in biological and chemical systems.
• Selective detection of thiophenols in the presence of other thiols remains a challenge.
• BODIPY dyes offer favorable photophysical properties for probe development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a BODIPY-based fluorescent probe for the selective detection of thiophenol.
• To elucidate the sensing mechanism using theoretical calculations.
• To demonstrate the probe's application in live cell imaging.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a novel BODIPY-based probe.
• Spectroscopic analysis (fluorescence and colorimetric) to study probe response.
• Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations to understand the reaction mechanism.
• Live cell imaging experiments to assess probe performance in a biological context.

Main Results:

• The developed probe exhibits high selectivity for thiophenol over aliphatic thiols.
• A distinct fluorescence off-on response and a color change from red to yellow were observed upon reaction with thiophenol.
• A significant 63-fold enhancement in green fluorescence was achieved.
• Successful application of the probe for selective thiophenol detection in live cell imaging was demonstrated.

Conclusions:

• The BODIPY-based probe provides a sensitive and selective method for thiophenol detection.
• Theoretical calculations confirm the fluorescence off-on mechanism.
• The probe's ability to function in live cell imaging highlights its potential for biological and chemical sensing applications.