A blue/red dual-emitting multi-responsive fluorescent probe for Fe3+, Cu2+ and cysteine based on isophorone-antharecene

Fe3+, Cu2+ and cysteine play important roles in many metabolic processes. Therefore, the selective and sensitive sensing of them are in ever-increasing demand for human health. The sensing of analytes through multi-responsive probes is a promising strategy. In the present study, a novel multi-responsive fluorescence probe (AIP) based on anthracene and isophorone units is reported. The structure of AIP was elucidated and its sensing properties were examined. AIP displayed a remarkable emission enhancing response for Fe3+ (LOD:87.3 nM) and quenching for Cu2+ (LOD:30.1 nM) in the mixed aqueous medium with quick response times. Moreover, AIP-Cu(II) complex could selectively sense cysteine (LOD:0.25 μM) among other tested amino acids and anions. Test strips including AIP were produced for the detection of Fe3+and Cu2+, practically. Theoretical calculations indicated that ICT and MLCT processes are responsible for fluorescence sensing. The results demonstrated potential that the novel sensory AIP can be used as a multi-analyte fluorogenic probe toward Fe3+, Cu2+ and cysteine.