A ratiometric triazine-based colorimetric and fluorometric sensor for the recognition of Zn2+ ions and its application in human lung cancer cells

Herein, we introduce new ratiometric 2,4,6-triamino-1,3,5-triazine-based probes (R1 and R2) having three different binding sites for three metal ion binders, which can selectively detect Zn2+ ions and, particularly, the probe R1 strongly interacts with the human lung cancer cell line (A549). Both the probes R1 and R2 are competently selective towards the Zn2+ ions with the detection limits of 1.22 x 10(-7) M and 1.13 x 10(-7) M, respectively. The changes in the structure and absorption properties of the probes are explained by density functional theory (DFT) and time dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations. The absorption and fluorescence color change in the solid TLC plate makes it a brilliant Zn2+ sensor in a portable form.

Automated summary

New ratiometric probes based on 1,3,5-triazine have been introduced for selective detection of Zn2+ ions, with one probe showing strong interaction with lung cancer cells. These probes exhibit high selectivity with detection limits of 1.22 x 10(-7) M and 1.13 x 10(-7) M, respectively, and could serve as portable Zn2+ sensors with color changes in absorption and fluorescence.