Colorimetric and fluorescent probe for real-time detection of palladium (II) ion in aqueous medium and live cell imaging

- A new fluorescent probe that can detect trace amounts of Pd(II) ions in real time in aqueous media was synthesized.
- The probe displayed the high selectivity towards Pd2+ over other metal ions (Cu2+ and Hg2+ in particular).
- The probe showed good cell permeability and Pd2+ could be detected within the cells.

A novel fluorescent and colorimetric sensor (WM-S) was synthesized from coumarin oxime and 2-chloroethyl methyl sulfide in a straightforward manner. The sensor displayed high selectivity for detection of Pd2+ over other metal ions (Cu2+ and Hg2+ in particular). The probe also exhibited high sensitivity for recognition of Pd2+ in aqueous media and can detect trace amounts of Pd2+ in real time, with a detection limit as low as 41.5 nM. Fluorescence imaging experiments of Pd2+ in HeLa cells indicated that the sensor can penetrate cell membranes and effectively detect intracellular Pd2+.

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