Synthesis and In Situ Application of a New Fluorescent Probe for Visual Detection of Copper(II) in Plant Roots

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Copper ions (Cu²⁺) are essential micronutrients but toxic at high concentrations.
• Accurate monitoring of Cu²⁺ is crucial for plant physiology and environmental health.
• Existing detection methods often lack selectivity or sensitivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a highly selective and sensitive fluorescent probe for Cu²⁺ detection.
• To investigate the probe's performance in complex biological matrices.
• To enable visualization of Cu²⁺ distribution in plants.

Main Methods:

• Rational design and synthesis of a rhodamine-based derivative (RDC).
• Spectroscopic analysis (colorimetric and fluorometric) for Cu²⁺ detection.
• Job's plot analysis for binding stoichiometry.
• In vivo imaging of Cu²⁺ in plant root tissues.

Main Results:

• RDC exhibited high selectivity and sensitivity for Cu²⁺, with a limit of detection of 0.12 μM.
• Cu²⁺ induced a colorimetric change and fluorescence enhancement at 590 nm.
• 1:1 binding stoichiometry between RDC and Cu²⁺ was confirmed.
• Rapid response (<5 min) and non-destructive properties suitable for in vivo imaging.
• Cu²⁺ accumulation was visualized in plant root tips and other tissues.

Conclusions:

• RDC is a high-performance fluorescent probe for accurate and sensitive Cu²⁺ quantification.
• The probe facilitates plant Cu²⁺ studies, environmental monitoring, and phytoremediation research.
• This work advances rhodamine-based probes for biological and environmental applications.