In vivo bio-imaging of sodium meta-arsenite and hydrogen phosphate in zebrafish embryos using red fluorescent zinc complex

The photophysical behaviours of quinoline based red fluorescent zinc complex (QAZn) in the presence of the highly toxic AsO2- and biologically active H2PO4- ions have been explored in aqueous DMSO solution. The sequential detection of both the anions was examined using absorption and fluorescence techniques. As the zinc complex (QAZn) could form strong adducts with AsO2- and H2PO4- ions, it could be easier to recognize the ions. Moreover, successive addition of H2PO4 to QAZn-AsO2 solution caused the dissociation of Zn2+ from parent zinc complex (QAZn) and the liberated free ligand restored its original green fluorescence. Since the probe showed lowest mortality, it has been further exploited for live cell studies in zebrafish embryos. Moreover, the spectroscopic data of probe QAZn were utilized to construct the molecular logic circuits with AND and NOT gates.