Fluorescence detection of Al3+ ion in aqueous medium and live cell imaging by ESIPT probe (E)-N'-(5-bromo-2-hydroxybenzylidene)-4-hydroxybenzohydrazide

The molecule (E)-N'-(5-bromo-2-hydroxybenzylidene)-4-hydroxybenzohydrazide (BHHB) has been synthesized and its photophysical properties have been investigated by using steady state absorption, emission and time resolved emission spectroscopy. The molecule shows excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) process with characteristics large Stoke shifted emission. Fluorescence enhancement of BHHB only in presence of Al3+ ion is used as selective aluminium ion sensor in the sub-nano molar scale in aqueous solution. BHHB-Al3 thorn ion complex can penetrate through live Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HepG2) cell membranes and is capable for imaging of nucleus of live cells by fluorescence confocal microscopy.

Automated summary

The synthesis and photophysical properties of the molecule (E)-N'-(5-bromo-2-hydroxybenzylidene)-4-hydroxybenzohydrazide (BHHB) were investigated using steady state absorption, emission, and time resolved emission spectroscopy. The molecule exhibits excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) process with a large Stoke shifted emission. BHHB serves as a selective aluminium ion sensor in the sub-nano molar scale in aqueous solution, with fluorescence enhancement observed only in the presence of Al3+ ions. The BHHB-Al3+ ion complex can penetrate live Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HepG2) cell membranes and enable imaging of the nucleus of live cells using fluorescence confocal microscopy.