Characterization of Zn2+ Selective Fluorescence Probe Based on Pyrene Derivatives

A Zn2+-selective fluorescent probe derived from pyrene derivatives was synthesized and characterized based on c=N isomerization which indicated that the O and N atoms in P indeed played important roles in the course of binding with Zn2+. The fluorescence intensity of the probe at 522 nm was enhanced with the addition of Zn2+ over other metal ions. In the concentration range of 1-9 μM, there was an obvious linear correlation between the fluorescent intensity at 522 nm and the concentration of Zn2+. The limit of detection (LOD) was obtained as low as 0.33 μM of Zn2+. The UV-vis spectra also indicated the binding of between the probe and Zn2+. The design concept will provide ideas for the development of fluorescent probes.