A Reaction-Based Scenario for Fluorescence Probing of Au(iii) Ions in Human Cells and Plants

Abstract

A BODIPY-based fluorophore decorated with a gold specific reactive handle (e.g., 2-alkynylallyl alcohol) displayed a ratiometric fluorescence change in response to Au3+ ions with extraordinary selectivity over other competing metal species, including Hg2+, Cu2+, Zn2+ and Pd2+. By way of a gold-catalyzed intramolecular cyclisation-isomerisation reaction sequence, a BODIPY construct with an extended p-conjugation transformed into a new structure with a relatively short p-system. This unique chemical transformation was accompanied by, and resulted in, a dramatic shift in the emission and absorption wavelength, which could be monitored as distinct changes in the color of the solution's emission. Apart from its outstanding analytical performance in solution, including a quick response time (<10 s), unique specificity, a high-fold ratio-metric change (62-fold), and a remarkably low detection limit (358 nM), the probe also proved useful in monitoring Au3+ ions in human cells and plants (e.g., Nicotiana benthamiana).