An efficient fluorescence chemosensor for sensing Zn(II) ions and applications in cell imaging and detection of Zn(II) induced aggregation of PrP(106-126) peptide

Zinc is one of the most vital components of the living system and is also involved in promoting various neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, direct monitoring of Zn2+ in biological systems is essential for human well-being. In this work, a chemosensor probe (HL) based on pyridine was synthesised, characterised, and re-ported for its highly efficient recognition of the zinc ions. The chemosensing behaviour of HL was determined by fluorescence spectroscopy. The probe was extremely sensitive for Zn2+, with an intensity enhancement of over 80-fold and a low detection limit (LOD) of 4 x 10-10 M (0.4 nM), which is remarkably low. In the presence of Co2+, Cr3+, and Cu2+ metal ions, HL shows fluorescence quenching, probably due to their paramagnetic nature. This chemosensor probe was used for applications in cell imaging and sensing of the Zn2+-induced prion (PrP106-126) peptide aggregation.