A selective fluorescent probe based on citrate doped polypyrrole for dual determination of VO2+/Fe3+ in biological samples

Vanadyl sulfate has been widely utilized in the medical field due to its physiological performance like muscle improvement, insulin-mimetic activity, and antitumor properties. Herein, we have developed a facile and highly selective fluorescence technique for dual detection of VO2+ and Fe3+ in aqueous and biological media using citrate doped polypyrrole as a highly bright fluorescent sensor. The fluorescent PPy-Cit sensor showed time-dependent responses to VO2+ and Fe3+ ions. The emission of PPy-Cit was quenched very quickly in response to VO2+, while Fe3+ quenched the probe after five minutes. This probe was then applied for VO2+ and Fe3+ determination in serum samples and vanadyl sulfate tablets. The response of the probe was linear over the concentration from 1 to 100 mu M and 5 to 80 mu M with a detection limit of 340 and 590 nM for VO2+ and Fe3+ respectively under optimum experimental conditions. The results obtained by using the PPy-Cit probe agreed well with ICP-EOS data. The fluorescent probe provides a promising strategy to rapidly screen VO2+ and Fe3+ in biological fluids for medical and pharmaceutical applications.

Automated summary

Vanadyl sulfate is widely used in the medical field due to its physiological benefits. A fluorescent sensor using citrate doped polypyrrole was developed for dual detection of VO2+ and Fe3+ ions, showing time-dependent responses and linear detection ranges for both ions. The probe provides a promising strategy for rapid screening of VO2+ and Fe3+ in biological fluids.