Probing chromium(III) from chromium(VI) in cells by a fluorescent sensor
Xiangquan Hu1, Jie Chai1, Yanfei Liu1
1Institute of Molecular Science, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Molecular Engineering of Education Ministry, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China.
Spectrochimica Acta. Part A, Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy
|September 29, 2015
Summary
A new fluorescent probe L detects chromium(VI) by sensing its reduced form, chromium(III). This method enables real-time monitoring of chromium(VI) metabolism in cells, crucial for understanding its biological roles.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is toxic, and its cellular reduction to trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) is key to its biological effects.
- Efficient methods for Cr(VI) monitoring are needed to understand its physiological and pathological roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a selective fluorescent probe for detecting Cr(III), the reduced form of Cr(VI).
- To establish a method for indirectly monitoring Cr(VI) in biological systems.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of a rhodamine hydrazide-based fluorescent probe (L).
- Fluorescence spectroscopy to detect Cr(III) formed from Cr(VI) reduction by various agents (glutathione, vitamin C, etc.).
- Confocal microscopy to visualize intracellular Cr(VI) reduction and Cr(III) detection.
Main Results:
- Probe L selectively detected Cr(III) with red fluorescence emission around 586 nm.
- The probe successfully monitored Cr(III) generated from Cr(VI) reduction by biological reductants like vitamin C and glutathione (GSH).
- An indirect detection limit of 0.06 μM for Cr(VI) was achieved using the L+GSH system at pH 6.2.
Conclusions:
- Probe L serves as an effective red chemosensor for Cr(III), enabling indirect Cr(VI) detection.
- The study demonstrates rapid intracellular reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) and timely imaging of the product.
- This approach offers a valuable tool for studying Cr(VI) metabolism and toxicity in cellular environments.
