A novel ICT-based chemosensor for F- and its application in real samples and bioimaging

A novel colorimetric and fluorescent chemosensor MQS-Si with intramolecular charge transfer character has been designed and synthesized. The chemosensor shows exclusively off-on fluorescence response toward F- at 620 nm in HEPES (pH 7.4): DMSO solution (7:3, v/v), which is attributed to the specific cleavage of Si-O bond. The ultrasensitive detection limit for F- in the fluorescence measurement is down to 30 nM. Application of the chemosensor has been demonstrated by selective detection of F- in drinking water, urine and serum samples and fluorescence imaging of F- in living cells and zebrafish, which proves that MQS-Si has a promising application in vitro and in vivo detection of F- and may be utilized for the diagnosis of fluorosis and esteofluorosis.

Automated summary

The novel fluorescent chemosensor MQS-Si shows highly sensitive detection of F- in solution, with a detection limit as low as 30 nM. Its application in selective detection in drinking water, urine, serum samples, as well as fluorescence imaging in living cells and zebrafish, demonstrates its potential utility in vitro and in vivo.