UV-fluorescence probe for detection Ni²⁺ with colorimetric/spectral dual-mode analysis method and its practical...

Fluorescence probe combines with fluorescence imaging technology has become the most powerful analytical method with their great advantages of high sensitivity and selectivity and real-time monitoring. Ni²⁺ is widely distributed in food, environment and living animals, thereof, it is of great significance for detection Ni²⁺ with high selectivity. Herein, a simple strategy is proposed to design and synthesiz a small molecule fluorescent probe Y1 by using "one-pot" method. The spectroscopic behaviors including UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence emission spectrum have been used to verify the feasibility of probe towards Ni²⁺ in water/EtOH (v/v = 2:8) mixtures under neutral condition. As expected, Y1 offers high selectivity and sensitivity for detection Ni²⁺ in aqueous solution with a good linear relationship and low detection limit within Ni²⁺ concentration variation from 0 to 13 μM (DOL = 0.0038 μM, R² = 0.9983). It is remarkable that Y1 can be applied for real-time visualization Ni²⁺ change in sprouted potato and zebrafish with great photo-stability, highlighting that the practicability and feasibility of Y1 to detect and monitor Ni²⁺ in the field of food industry and biomedical field.