Linear Schiff base fluorescence probe with aggregation induced emission characteristics for Al3+ detection and its application in live cell imaging.
A simple Schiff base derivative with salicylaldehyde moieties as fluorescent probe 1 was reported by aggregation induced emission (AIE) characterization for the detection of metal ions. Spectral analysis revealed that probe 1 was highly selective and sensitive to Al3+ The probe 1 was also subject to minimal interference from other common competitive metal ions. The detection limit of Al3+ was 0.4 mM, which is considerably lower than the World Health Organization standard (7.41 mM) and the acceptable level of Al3+ (1.85 mM) in drinking water. The Job's plot and the results of 1H NMR and FT IR analyses indicated that the binding stoichiometry ratio of probe 1 to Al3+ was 1:2. Probe 1 demonstrated a fluorescence enhanced response upon binding with Al3+ based on AIE characterization. This response was due to the restricted molecular rotation and increased rigidity of the molecular assembly. Probe 1 exhibited good biocompatibility, and Al3+ was detected in live cells. Therefore, probe 1 is a promising fluorescence probe for Al3+ detection in the environment.
Analytica chimica acta