A sensitive ratiometric fluorescent chemosensor for visual and wearable mercury (II) recognition in river prawn and water samples

A novel ratiometric fluorescent probe p-RPT was prepared with triphenylamine and a rhodamine derivative. The probe displays high sensitivity and selectivity for Hg2+, which was applied in real water sample detection and biologic cell imaging. Hydrogel-coated paper sensors were fabricated with p-RPT, which displayed fluorescent colour change upon Hg2+ ion contact with a detection limit of 1.2 x 10(-8) M (similar to 10 ppb). In addition, flexible fluorescent p-RPT gloves were developed for visible and wearable Hg2+ detection and applied to detect mercury (II) in river prawn samples. In summary, the p-RPT probe not only shows great potential in mercury (II) detection for food and water, but also provides a new perspective for wearable sensing apparatus.

Automated summary

A novel ratiometric fluorescent probe p-RPT was developed for the sensitive and selective detection of Hg2+. The probe was successfully applied in real water sample and biologic cell imaging. Hydrogel-coated paper sensors and flexible fluorescent gloves were fabricated for visible and wearable Hg2+ detection, showing great potential for food and water safety monitoring.