Hydroxy-terminated tunable triazole scaffolds for selective and discriminative lead (II)/silver (I) detection and...

Lead (II) and silver (I) contamination pose serious risks to environmental and human health, requiring efficient detection and remediation strategies. Herein, a functionally tunable molecule with four hydroxy groups and two triazole moieties is introduced. The incorporation of a dansyl fluorophore enabled selective detection, with limits of detection of 38.5 nM for silver ions and 57.7 nM for lead ions. Silver (I) detection was visually apparent through a brownish-yellow color change and a UV peak at 448 nm, ensuring clear visual and spectral differentiation from lead (II) ions. A paper-based sensing strip was developed for rapid, on-site detection, and positive quenching observed in real water samples including lake and tap water further supports its practical adaptability. Time-resolved fluorescence lifetime studies confirmed static quenching, while molecular electrostatic potential mapping identified key metal-binding sites. Strong metal coordination by triazole and hydroxy groups facilitated the precipitation of toxic ions from water, serving as an effective removal agent for water decontamination. Beyond sensing, fine-tuning the molecular design by replacing the dansyl group with hydrogen enhanced water solubility, improving biological compatibility. Steady-state fluorescence and molecular docking studies with human serum albumin, bovine serum albumin, lysozyme, and ribonuclease A revealed strong binding affinities and favorable interaction energies, highlighting the biomedical relevance. This multifunctional platform offers a seamless bridge between environmental remediation and biological applications, demonstrating its broad potential.