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Updated: Jun 26, 2025

Screening for Thermotoga maritima Membrane-Bound Pyrophosphatase Inhibitors
Published on: November 23, 2019
Selective pyrophosphate detection via metal complexes
Xiao Zhang1, Wenwen Sun1, Le Wang1
1College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai 201620, China.
Abstract:
Pyrophosphate (PPi) anions are crucial in numerous biological and ecological processes involved in energy conversion, enzymatic reactions, and metabolic regulation along with adenosine. They are also significant biological markers for various processes related to diseases. Fluorescent PPi sensors would enable visual and/or biological detection in convenient settings. However, the current availability of commercial sensors has been limited to costly enzymes that are not compatible for imaging. Sensor development has also encountered challenges such as poor selectivity and stability, and limited practical applications. In this review, we analyze the situation of PPi sensing via commercial kits and focus on sensors that use metal complexes. We address their designs, sensing mechanisms, selectivities and detection limits. Finally, we discuss limitations and perspectives for PPi detection and imaging.
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