A New Fluorescent Probe for Selective Cd2+ Detection and Cell Imaging

A new highly selective fluorescent probe, (E)-4-(4-([2,2 ' :6 ' ,2 ' ' -terpyridin]-4 ' -yl)styryl)-1-octadecylpyridin-1-ium bromide (ZC-F8), was designed and synthesized for cadmium detection and cell imaging. The fluorescence spectra of ZC-F8 exhibited its excellent response towards Cd2+ via intramolecular charge transfer effect and aggregation induced emission effect. The cell-imaging experiment was carried out to estimate the actual biological application of ZC-F8. The probe displayed ideal membrane permeable and labeled property for cadmium, indicating its promising application for metal ions detection and tracing in living cells.