Design, Synthesis, and Cellular Imaging Application of a Fluorescent Probe Based on Fluoride Ion-Induced Cyclization of Phenothiazine Derivatives

Fluoride is both necessary and potentially harmful in excessive amounts, making its detection crucial. Fluorescent probes provide a sensitive and selective means for this purpose. In this study, we developed and synthesized a fluorescent probe for LDT using phenothiazine derivatives and aryl vinyl nitrile. Initially non-fluorescent, the probe undergoes a Si-O bond breakage in the presence of fluoride ions, resulting in the formation of a larger conjugated system and subsequent fluorescence emission. The probe exhibits superior selectivity and sensitivity towards fluoride ions, with a detection limit of 0.35 mu M. Moreover, cellular imaging experiments demonstrated the probe's effectiveness in recognizing fluoride ions within HepG2 cells.

Automated summary

In this study, a fluorescent probe was developed and synthesized for the detection of fluoride ions. The probe exhibited high selectivity and sensitivity, and was effective in recognizing fluoride ions within cells.