A highly selective OFF-ON fluorescent sensor for D-3-HB in aqueous solution and living cells

• Probe 1 is highly selective towards D-3-HB.
• Probe 1 operates efficiently in pure aqueous media.
• Fluorescent imaging of D-3-HB within living cells.
• The detection mechanism was explored by ESI–MS and 1H NMR analysis.
• The probe 1 exhibited good selectivity and high sensitivity.

A novel probe, 4-(2-hydroxybenzylicene)thiosemicarbazide (1), was synthesized and shown a peculiar OFF-ON fluorescent response to D-3-HB in Tris-HCl (pH = 6.0). The probe 1 has exhibited a selective and sensitive response to the D-3-HB over other common metal ions, anions and amino acids. Moreover the mechanism was confirmed by 1H NMR and ESI–MS. Furthermore, this probe 1 successfully applied to bioimaging, demonstrating its value of practical applications in biological systems.

Fluorescein based “turn-on” chemodosimeter for monitoring D-3-HB in fully aqueous media and living cells.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide