Recognition of copper and hydrogen sulfide in vitro using a fluorescein derivative indicator

Abstract

We report the development of a fluorescein-based chemosensor (L1) for monitoring ions or micromolecules (H₂S). Copper ions are known to be toxic at high concentrations and hydrogen sulfide induces various problems. Herein we develop a simple method for detecting Cu(II) and H₂S with high selectivity and sensitivity. The chemosensor L1 displays on–off–on type fluorescence change with alternately added Cu(II) and H₂S to the media along with reversible forming–separating of the complex. The potential biomedical relevance of the chemical mechanisms involved in the detection of L1 is described.