Multivalent calix[4]arene-based fluorescent sensor for detecting silver ions in aqueous media and physiological
Behzad Lotfi1, Aliakbar Tarlani1, Peyman Akbari-Moghaddam2
1Faculty of Chemical Processes Development, Chemistry & Chemical Engineering Research Center of Iran (CCERCI), Tehran, Iran.
Biosensors & Bioelectronics
|December 9, 2016
Summary
A novel dipodal 1,3-calix[4]arene chemosensor (R) selectively detects silver ions (Ag+) using fluorescence shifts. Its structure and binding mode were confirmed by spectroscopy and computational methods for potential physiological monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Calix[4]arene derivatives are versatile scaffolds for designing chemosensors.
- Selective metal ion detection is crucial for environmental and biological monitoring.
- Developing sensitive and selective sensors for silver ions (Ag+) remains an active research area.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize a new dipodal 1,3-calix[4]arene-based chemosensor (R).
- To investigate the selectivity of sensor R for Ag+ among various metal ions.
- To explore the binding mechanism and suitability of sensor R for practical applications, including physiological environments.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization using NMR, IR, and LC-MS.
- Selectivity studies in aqueous methanol via fluorescence spectroscopy.
- Microstructural analysis using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM).
- Binding mode investigation using UV-Vis, LC-MS, FIR, fluorescence titration, Job's plot, and DFT calculations.
- Competitive experiments and evaluation in physiological cation matrices.
Main Results:
- The synthesized dipodal 1,3-calix[4]arene chemosensor (R) was successfully characterized.
- Sensor R exhibited selective fluorescence enhancement and recognition of Ag+ over 20 other metal ions.
- AFM clearly distinguished between the free sensor and its Ag+ complex.
- DFT calculations elucidated the role of the calixarene scaffold and molecular electrostatic potential in Ag+ selectivity.
- Sensor R demonstrated good performance in competitive assays and physiological environments.
Conclusions:
- The novel dipodal 1,3-calix[4]arene chemosensor (R) shows high selectivity and specificity for Ag+.
- The combined experimental and theoretical studies provide a comprehensive understanding of the sensor's recognition mechanism.
- Sensor R is a promising candidate for the sensitive and selective detection of Ag+ in various matrices, including physiological samples.
