A simple fluorescent probe for selectively detecting Al3+ and F- in living cells and growing tea plants

Anal Methods. 2024 Nov 21;16(45):7781-7788. doi: 10.1039/d4ay01419g.

Abstract

Aluminum (Al3+) and fluorine (F-) ions can be easily enriched in tea plants. When they excessively accumulate in tea, they can affect the health of tea lovers. Herein, a simple, highly sensitive and selective fluorescent probe (named BHMP) for Al3+ and F- detection was developed through a one-step condensation reaction, in which benzothiazole acted as a fluorophore and acceptor and hydrazine-Schiff base as a recognition unit. The probe was characterized comprehensively using spectroscopic methods, and the structure-activity relationship was systematically researched through crystal structure and theoretical calculations. Its sensitivity was measured via the fluorescent titration experiment, and the limit of detection (LOD) towards Al3+ was up to 1.04 × 10-8 mol L-1. Furthermore, we successfully utilized BHMP to visually detect the presence of Al3+ in living cells and tea tree roots through fluorescence confocal imaging. The successful detection of Al3+ in tea tree roots indicated that BHMP could be used as a candidate fluorescent chemosensor to dynamically monitor the variation in enriched Al3+ under the influence of the environment during tea tree growth. Our study provides a reference for the control of Al3+ concentration during the growth of tea plants and provides new insights into improving tea quality control.

MeSH terms

  • Aluminum* / analysis
  • Aluminum* / chemistry
  • Benzothiazoles / chemistry
  • Camellia sinensis / chemistry
  • Fluorescent Dyes* / chemistry
  • Fluorine / analysis
  • Fluorine / chemistry
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Limit of Detection
  • Optical Imaging / methods
  • Plant Roots / chemistry
  • Schiff Bases / chemistry
  • Spectrometry, Fluorescence / methods
  • Tea / chemistry

Substances

  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Aluminum
  • Fluorine
  • Tea
  • Benzothiazoles
  • benzothiazole
  • Schiff Bases