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A Rhodamine Appended Iron-Recognizing Probe for On-Demand Theranostics in Anemic Drosophila
Debadutta Samal1, Madhuri Hembram1, Lokanath Mishra2
1Future Materials Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, School of Applied Sciences, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751024, India.
Inorganic Chemistry
|April 20, 2026
Summary
A new rhodamine-based fluorescent probe (RhB-A) selectively detects Fe3+ ions, acting as a reusable sensor. This probe and its Fe3+ complex also show potential for treating anemia by delivering iron.
Area of Science:
- Organic Chemistry
- Biomedical Engineering
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Functional organic molecules are crucial for biological and environmental applications, especially metal ion sensing and therapeutic delivery.
- Rhodamine-based fluorescent compounds are well-established for their optical properties.
- There is a growing interest in developing selective and sensitive probes for metal ions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and synthesize a rhodamine-appended fluorescent probe (RhB-A) for Fe3+ ion detection.
- To evaluate the probe's selectivity, sensitivity, and sensing mechanism.
- To investigate the potential of the Fe3+ complex in treating anemia.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of rhodamine-appended fluorescent probe (RhB-A).
- Spectroscopic analysis (fluorescence, UV-Vis) for metal ion sensing.
- X-ray crystallography to determine metal-to-ligand binding ratio.
- Computational studies for reactivity and bioactivity assessment.
- In vivo studies using *Drosophila melanogaster* to evaluate anemia treatment.
Main Results:
- RhB-A exhibited strong fluorescence and high selectivity for Fe3+ ions, with significant quenching in the presence of other metal ions.
- The probe demonstrated a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.285 ppm for Fe3+ in a semiaqueous medium, below WHO guidelines.
- X-ray crystallography confirmed a 1:2 metal-to-ligand binding ratio, and UV-Vis studies indicated a reversible binding mechanism.
- Computational studies supported the probe's sensing capabilities.
- The Fe3+ complex effectively treated lead-induced anemia in *Drosophila melanogaster*.
Conclusions:
- The designed RhB-A probe is a selective, sensitive, and reusable sensor for Fe3+ ions.
- The Fe3+ complex shows promise as a therapeutic agent for anemia, facilitating targeted iron delivery.
- This dual-functionality highlights the potential of rhodamine-based probes in both sensing and biomedical applications.
