A highly selective fluorescence sensor for Tin (Sn4+) and its application in imaging live cells

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Fluorescence turn-ON chemodosimeters offer sensitive detection of metal ions.
• Naphthalimide and rhodamine B derivatives are widely used fluorophores.
• Selective detection of tin(IV) ions is crucial for biological and environmental studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize a novel naphthalimide-rhodamine B derivative.
• To develop a fluorescence turn-ON chemodosimeter for selective detection of tin(IV) ions.
• To investigate the potential application of the chemodosimeter in biological systems.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a naphthalimide-rhodamine B derivative.
• Spectroscopic analysis (UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy) for metal ion detection.
• Investigation of interference from other metal ions and the effect of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt (EDTA).

Main Results:

• The synthesized compound exhibited a fluorescence turn-ON response for Sn(4+).
• A color change and significant fluorescence enhancement were observed in the presence of Sn(4+), Cu(2+), and Cr(3+) due to rhodamine ring-opening and FRET.
• Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt (EDTA) partially released Sn(4+), restoring yellow fluorescence.

Conclusions:

• The naphthalimide-rhodamine B derivative functions as an effective fluorescence turn-ON chemodosimeter for Sn(4+).
• The chemodosimeter demonstrates potential for selective Sn(4+) detection in biological samples.
• This compound can serve as a valuable tool for studying tin's physiological roles and pathogenesis.