Novel rapid “turn on” tetrahydro-[5]helicene-based fluorescence sensor for selective detection of Cd2+ with a remarkable large Stokes shift and its applications in food samples and living cell

Abstract A new tetrahydro-[5]helicene-based fluorescence sensor (PM) was conveniently synthesized for rapid detection of cadmium ion (Cd2+). PM, which has a tetrahydro-[5]helicene derivative, provided a highly sensitive “turn on” fluorescence sensing recognition for Cd2+, with a remarkable large Stokes shift of 163 nm (1.01 eV). The sensor exhibited a fluorescence enhancement toward Cd2+ via photo-induced electron transfer (PET) quenching, a process related to Cd2+-sensor complexation. PM permitted a high selective response to Cd2+ over other interfering metal ions, such as Zn2+. The application of sensor for detection of Cd2+ in commercial food products, including drinking water and rice, were performed and acceptable results were obtained. In addition, this fluorescence sensor could be efficiently applied as a fluorogenic label for tracking Cd2+ in living cells. The potential Cd2+ determination of PM ensures that this sensor can be utilized as fluorescence materials or devices for the real-time monitoring and control of Cd2+ contamination outbreak.