Detection of alkali and alkaline earth metal ions by fluorescence spectroscopy

•Fluorescence sensing of alkali and alkaline earth metal ions of biological interest.•Both cyclic and acyclic receptors for selective binding a particular metal ion.•Different fluorophores and their modes of action are described.

Alkali and alkaline earth metal ions are important from biological perspectives. These ions play diverse roles in bio-systems and their concentration in extracellular as well as in intracellular fluids should be known to understand several physiological processes. Fluorescence spectroscopy being a sensitive and powerful analytical technique has been used to detect the presence of these ions. The fluorescence signaling systems comprise of fluorophore and receptor moieties that may be separated through spacers or integrated into one unit. The receptor unit is designed to bind a particular metal ion in presence of others. A large number of receptors are designed and connected to different fluorophores for signaling the presence of alkali and alkaline earth metal ions.

Graphical abstractLuminescent probes for monitoring alkali and alkaline earth metal ions from the viewpoint of recognition and signal transduction are considered here.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide