Bioimaging application of a novel anion selective chemosensor derived from vitamin B6 cofactor

• Vitamin B6 cofactor derived anion selective chemosensor L was reported.
• L showed F− and AcO− selective ‘turn-on’ fluorescence at 500 nm.
• L can detect cytoplasmic fluoride in HeLa cells through fluorescence imaging.
• Experimental results were complemented with DFT study.

The detection of intracellular fluoride was achieved by a novel Schiff base chemosensor derived from vitamin B6 cofactor (L) using fluorescence imaging technique. The sensor L was synthesized by condensation of pyridoxal phosphate with 2-aminothiophenol. The anion recognition ability of L was explored by UV–Vis and fluorescence methods in DMSO and mixed DMSO-H2O system. The sensor L showed both naked-eye detectable color change from colorless to light green and remarkable fluorescence enhancement at 500 nm in the presence of F− and AcO−. The anion recognition was occurred through the formation of hydrogen bonded complexes between these anions and L, followed by the partial deprotonation of L. The detection limit of L for the analysis of F− and AcO− was calculated to be 1.88 μM and 9.10 μM, respectively. Finally, the detection of cytoplasmic fluoride was tested using human cancer cell HeLa through fluorescence imaging.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide