A fluorescence turn-on probe for the recognition of Al3+ and its application in cell image

Abstract An easy prepared benzothiazole-based probe (E)-5-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-2-hydroxy-3- methoxybenzaldehyde benzoyl hydrazone (BHMBH) was designed and synthesized, which displayed a significant fluorescence enhancement (over 500-fold) and obvious color changes in the recognition of Al3+. The binding ratio of probe BHMBH to Al3+ was determined as 1:1 according to Job's plot. The binding mechanism was fully clarified by the experiments such as FT-IR spectrum, ESI-MS analysis, and 1H NMR titration. The limit of detection (LOD) for Al3+ was determined as low as 0.232 μM based on the fluorescence titration of BHMBH. Moreover, the results of real sample experiments including real water sample, test papers, and cell image were all well demonstrated that BHMBH was capable of sensing Al3+ in environmental and biological system as well.