Fluorescein derivative-based, selective and sensitive chemosensor for NADH

Fluorescein mercury acetate (FMA) derivative can be used as a chemosensor for NADH that plays key roles in cellular energy metabolism and dehydrogenase enzymatic reactions. The sensor recognizes NADH by two mercury metal ions in the compound using the metal-anion interaction and its subsequent binding-induced fluorescence changes of FMA. The FMA can detect an aqueous NADH concentration of approximately 1.0 μM and has a high selectivity over various anions including NAD+, the oxidized form of NADH.