Novel fluorescent probes for sequential detection of Cu2+ and citrate anion and application in living cell imaging

In this study, we reported three novel probes L1, L2 and L3 for highly selectively and sensitivity detected Cu2+ ion through “turn off” response in DMF/H2O solution (v/v = 1/1, 0.01 M, Tris-HCl buffer, pH 7.30). Sequentially, the L1-Cu2+, L2-Cu2+ and L3-Cu2+ complexes detected citrate anion through “turn on” response, which could be applying as molecular logic gate. Furthermore, the in vivo sensitivity experiments of Cu2+ ion and citrate anion were demonstrated through fluorescence imaging in living cells.193