Pyridine derived organosilatranes and their silica nanoparticles as Turn-on fluorescence sensor for selective detection of Zn2+ ions and their cytotoxicity evaluation

Herein, we describe the synthesis of Schiff base derived organosilatranes having pyridine moiety in the scaffold by using the simple synthetic method. The structure of the newly synthesized heterocyclic compounds was deduced by using various spectroscopic studies. The Chemosensor demonstrated the high selectivity and sensitivity for Zn2+ ions by displaying a significant change in UV-vis and fluorometric spectroscopy spectra. The organosilatrane 3a was then immobilized on a silica nanoparticles surface, and the resulting nanohybrids were confirmed using a variety of analytical methods, including TGA, XRD, SEM, and EDX. The hybrid nanoparticles possess higher capacity to bind Zn2+ ions and low limit of detection in comparison to the organosilatranes. The usage of manufactured ligand in real water samples with a percentage recovery of > 95% has widened the possibilities for using such a sensor in water treatment applications. Further, to provide valuable information about the ligand interaction with Zn2+ metal ions the complex was synthesized and characterized by H-1 NMR spectroscopy, in addition DFT calculations were also performed. Also, the synthesized organosilatranes were tested for their use in the biological field by evaluating their pharmacokinetic profile and cytotoxicity using PreADMET, molinspiration software and SAF-1 cell line.

Automated summary

In this study, Schiff base derived organosilatranes with pyridine moiety were successfully synthesized using a simple method. The structure of the compounds was determined through various spectroscopic studies. The chemosensor exhibited high selectivity and sensitivity towards Zn2+ ions, as evidenced by significant changes in UV-vis and fluorometric spectra. Immobilizing the organosilatrane on silica nanoparticles surface enhanced its binding capacity for Zn2+ ions and showed potential for water treatment applications. Additionally, the synthesized organosilatranes showed promising pharmacokinetic profiles and cytotoxicity in biological field applications.