Paper-Strip-Based Sensors for H2S Detection: A Proof-of-Principle Study

In this work, the authors explored the interaction of a suite of fluorescent zinc complexes with H2S. The authors provide evidence that HS- binds the zinc center of all the complexes under investigation, allowing them to possibly function as sensors by a 'coordinative-based' approach. Naked-eye color changes occur when treating the systems with HS-, so the fluorescence responses are modulated by the presence of HS-, which has been related to a change in the energy level and coupling of excited states through a computational study. The results show the potential of the systems to function as HS-/H2S colorimetric and fluorescent sensors. Paper-strip-based sensing experiments foresee the potential of using this family of complexes as chemosensors of HS- in more complex biological fluids.

Automated summary

The authors investigated the interaction between a set of fluorescent zinc complexes and H2S, showing that HS- binds to the zinc center of the complexes, enabling them to function as sensors by a coordinative-based approach. Color changes were observed when treating the systems with HS-, indicating that the fluorescence responses are affected by the presence of HS-, which is related to changes in energy level and coupling of excited states according to computational study. The results demonstrate the potential of these systems as HS-/H2S colorimetric and fluorescent sensors, with paper-strip-based sensing experiments showing promise for applications in complex biological fluids.