In vivo bio-imaging of sodium meta-arsenite and hydrogen phosphate in zebrafish embryos using red fluorescent zinc complex

Abstract The photophysical behaviours of quinoline based red fluorescent zinc complex (QAZn) in the presence of the highly toxic AsO 2 − and biologically active H 2 PO 4 − ions have been explored in aqueous DMSO solution. The sequential detection of both the anions was examined using absorption and fluorescence techniques. As the zinc complex (QAZn) could form strong adducts with AsO 2 − and H 2 PO 4 − ions, it could be easier to recognize the ions. Moreover, successive addition of H 2 PO 4 to QAZn-AsO 2 solution caused the dissociation of Zn 2+ from parent zinc complex (QAZn) and the liberated free ligand restored its original green fluorescence. Since the probe showed lowest mortality, it has been further exploited for live cell studies in zebrafish embryos. Moreover, the spectroscopic data of probe QAZn were utilized to construct the molecular logic circuits with AND and NOT gates.