A selective BODIPY-based fluorescent sensor for the detection of Cu<SUP>2+</SUP> ions in biological and environmental samples

Eldem A., Kibris E., ÜÇÜNCÜ M.

SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY, vol.333, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 333
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.saa.2025.125909
  • Journal Name: SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Compendex, INSPEC, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database
  • Keywords: BODIPY, Cu2+ sensing, Cell imaging, Real water samples, Soil samples
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

In this study, we present the design, synthesis, and characterization of a 'turn-on' fluorescent probe, BOD-HDZ, for the selective detection of Cu2+ ions in semi-aqueous solutions, environmental samples (water and soil), and MCF-7 cancer cells. BOD-HDZ was synthesized by functionalizing meso-formyl-BODIPY (BOD-ALD) with a 2-hydrazinopyridine, resulting in fluorescence quenching via a photoinduced electron transfer (PET) mechanism. The 1:1 coordination between Cu2+ and the probe was confirmed through Job's plot analysis and 1H NMR spectroscopy, leading to a 210-fold fluorescence enhancement at 515 nm. BOD-HDZ demonstrated exceptional sensing properties, including a rapid response time (<1 min), a broad operational pH range (2-12), and high sensitivity with a detection limit of 141 nM.