The detection of Al3+ and Cu2+ ions using isonicotinohydrazide-based chemosensors and their application to live-cell imaging

A new Schiff base receptor (3) was synthesized by an equimolar reaction between isonicotinic hydrazide and 2,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde in ethanol. Receptor 3 demonstrated excellent selectivity and sensitivity towards Cu2+ ions and Al3+ ions by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy, respectively. Receptor 3 showed a detectable color change from colorless to yellow with a red-shift (Delta lambda approximate to 70 nm) in the absorption spectra in the presence of Cu2+. In the emission study of 3, Al3+ showed significant fluorescent enhancement (lambda(em) = 473 nm) over a wide range of tested metal ions. The quantum yield of receptor 3 (phi = 0.0021) increases similar to 230 folds in the presence of Al3+ ions to form receptor 3.Al3+ complex (phi = 0.484). Receptor 3 showed high selectivity for Al3+ with a K-a of 4.8 x 10(4) M-1 and LOD of 3.0 nM. In comparison, K-a for Cu2+ was 1.3 x 10(4) M-1 and LOD of 1.9 mu M. Receptor 3 is an excellent chemosensor for detecting Al3+ ions as indicated by its nanomolar range LOD. The quick response, easy-synthesis, and high sensitivity make receptor 3 an ideal sensor for detecting Al3+ ions in a semi-aqueous medium and living cells.

Automated summary

The newly synthesized Schiff base receptor 3 exhibits excellent selectivity and sensitivity towards Cu2+ and Al3+ ions through UV-vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, respectively. It shows detectable color changes and significant fluorescent enhancement in the presence of these ions, with a much lower limit of detection for Al3+ ions.