A chromogenic and fluorogenic rhodol-based chemosensor for hydrazine detection and its application in live cell...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Chemical Sensing
• Fluorescence Spectroscopy

Background:

• Hydrazine is a toxic and reactive compound requiring sensitive detection methods.
• Existing hydrazine sensors often lack selectivity or sensitivity for practical applications.
• Fluorescent probes offer high sensitivity and potential for real-time monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel rhodol-based fluorescent probe for selective hydrazine detection.
• To evaluate the probe's sensitivity, selectivity, and response mechanism.
• To explore the probe's applicability in environmental and biological samples.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a rhodol levulinate probe (RL).
• Spectroscopic analysis (UV-Vis and fluorescence) for hydrazine detection.
• Testing probe performance in aqueous solutions and vapor phase.
• Cellular imaging of hydrazine in live HepG2 cells.

Main Results:

• The RL probe exhibited high selectivity and sensitivity towards hydrazine.
• A colorimetric change (colorless to pink) and a 53-fold fluorescence enhancement were observed.
• The detection limit was 26 nM (0.83 ppb), below the EPA's TLV.
• Successful detection of hydrazine vapor and bioimaging in live cells.

Conclusions:

• The rhodol levulinate probe is a highly effective chemosensor for hydrazine.
• RL demonstrates potential for environmental monitoring and biological imaging applications.
• The probe's mechanism involves hydrazinolysis-triggered spirolactone ring-opening and fluorescence enhancement.