Development of europium(III) complex fluorescent probe for hydrogen sulfide detection and its application in water samples

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a crucial endogenous signaling component in organisms that is involved in redox homeostasis and numerous biological processes. Modern medical research has confirmed that hydrogen sulfide plays an important role in the pathogenesis of many diseases. Herein, a fluorescent probe Eu(ttbd)3abt based on europium(III) complex was designed and synthesized for the detection of H2S. Eu(ttbd)3abt exhibited significant quenching for H2S at long emission wavelength (625 nm), with rapid detection ability (less than 2 min), high sensitivity [limit of detection (LOD) = 0.41 mu M], and massive Stokes shift (300 nm). Additionally, this probe showed superior selectivity for H2S despite the presence of other possible interference species such as biothiols. Furthermore, the probe Eu(ttbd)3abt was successfully applied to detect H2S in water samples. Eu(ttbd)3abt showed high selectivity for hydrogen sulfide (H2S) over biothiols with a characteristic red emission of europium than other analytes, with high sensitivity for H2S, rapid response (less than 2 min) and remarkably large Stokes shift (300 nm). Furthermore, the probe Eu(ttbd)3abt was successfully applied to detect H2S in water samples.image

Automated summary

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an important endogenous signaling molecule involved in redox homeostasis and various biological processes. A fluorescent probe Eu(ttbd)3abt based on europium (III) complex was designed and synthesized for the rapid and sensitive detection of H2S. The probe showed significant quenching for H2S with a long emission wavelength, high selectivity despite interference species, and successful application in water samples.