A rapid and sensitive fluorescence sensor for detecting bisulfite and its multifaceted applications

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Chemical Sensing
• Materials Science

Background:

• Sulfite (HSO3-) is an important ion in biological and environmental systems.
• Sensitive and rapid detection methods for sulfite are crucial for monitoring and safety.
• Existing detection methods may lack portability, speed, or sensitivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel fluorescence sensor (SFBEJ) for rapid and sensitive sulfite detection.
• To investigate the sensing mechanism and performance of SFBEJ.
• To demonstrate the practical application of SFBEJ in real-world samples.

Main Methods:

• Construction of the SFBEJ sensor by combining quinolimide-thiophene and methylenemalononitrile.
• Spectroscopic analysis (fluorescence) to evaluate sensor response to sulfite.
• Mechanism elucidation using 1H NMR, HRMS, and theoretical calculations.
• Application testing in solutions, test strips, and various real-world samples.

Main Results:

• SFBEJ exhibited enhanced fluorescence response to sulfite with a color change from yellow to yellow-green.
• The sensor demonstrated rapid response (within 2 min) and high sensitivity (Φbisulfite = 0.57).
• The reaction mechanism was confirmed through spectroscopic and computational studies.
• SFBEJ was successfully applied for portable sulfite detection in water, food, medicines, and living cells.

Conclusions:

• SFBEJ is a highly effective fluorescence sensor for sulfite detection.
• The sensor offers advantages in speed, sensitivity, portability, and intuitiveness.
• SFBEJ holds significant potential for on-site and real-time sulfite monitoring.