A cyclodextrin-based turn-off fluorescent probe for naked-eye detection of copper ions in aqueous solution

A novel fluorescent probe L consisting of beta-Cyclodextrin (beta-CD) and thiosemicarbazide moieties was designed for copper ions detection. Apparent fluorescence quenching of probe L in Tris-HCl(pH = 7.4)solution was observed only in the presence of Cu2+, among other interfering ions. The present probe L was 1:1 complexed with Cu2+ and the detection limit of probe L was calculated to be 1.37 mu M. The results demonstrate that the probe L may provide a convenient method for visual detection of Cu2+ in the environmental and biological systems.

Automated summary

A novel fluorescent probe L, composed of beta-Cyclodextrin (beta-CD) and thiosemicarbazide moieties, was designed for the detection of copper ions. The fluorescence of probe L was significantly quenched in the presence of Cu2+ in Tris-HCl (pH = 7.4) solution, while other interfering ions had no effect. The probe L formed a 1:1 complex with Cu2+ and the detection limit was calculated to be 1.37 µM. These results indicate that probe L may offer a convenient method for visual detection of Cu2+ in environmental and biological systems.