A Portable Zn²⁺ Fluorescence Sensor for Information Storage and Bio-Imaging in Living Cells

A fluorescence probe (Probe-ITR) was designed and synthesized for the rapid detection of Zn²⁺ based on the excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) mechanism. The specific recognition ability of Probe-ITR to Zn²⁺ was tested using UV-VIS and fluorescence emission spectroscopy. The results demonstrated a rapid response within 40s upon addition of an appropriate amount of Zn²⁺ into the mixed solution of the target probe molecules (DMSO/PBS = 5/5). Under 365 nm ultraviolet light irradiation, the colorless solution changed to yellow-green fluorescence with a 150-folds increase in intensity. Furthermore, the detection limit for specific recognition of Zn²⁺ by the probe molecule is only 17.3 nmol/L, indicating high sensitivity. The practical application potential of the probe molecules was enhanced by employing on information storage and conducting cell imaging experiments.