A fluorescent probe based on hydroxylnaphthalene 2-cyanoacrylate: fluoride ion detection and its bio-imaging in live cells

A novel ratiometric fluorescent probe based on hydroxylnaphthalene 2-cyanoacrylate was developed to act as a luminescent probe for biological fluoride ion detection. The probe is responsive and highly selective for fluoride ions over other common anions; it also exhibits a very low detection limit of 8.54 μM. The deprotonation of the phenol moieties leads to a fluorescent change in the probe. The biological applications of the probe were also evaluated and it was found to exhibit a low cytotoxicity, a good water solubility and membrane permeability. The probe was, therefore, employed as a sensing probe for the detection of fluoride ions in living cells.