A new water soluble mitochondria targeted ESIPT active acylhydrazone for the specific detection of Zn2+and S2-ions and bioimaging in HeLa cells
Journal
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
Date Issued
2026
Author(s)
Mathivanan, Moorthy
Villaman, David
Shanmugaraj, Krishnamoorthy
Sathish, Manda
Haribabu, Jebiti
Muena, Juan Pablo
Novoa, Nestor
Abstract
The development of multifunctional fluorescent organic materials capable of selective ion detection, subcellular targeting, and logical operations is a burgeoning area in chemical biology and materials science. Herein, we report the design and development of a novel acylhydrazone based fluorescent ligand (HSN & sdot;"Cl), which exhibits a distinct ""turn-on"" emission response toward Zn2+ ions and a subsequent ""turn-off"" response in the presence of sulfide ions (S2-). The molecular design incorporates structural elements that facilitate the ESIPT feature, conferring the probe with unique photophysical properties. This dual-responsive fluorescence ""off-on-off"" behaviour allows the construction of a molecular INHIBIT logic gate system. Further, the practical applicability of the probe was extended via fluorescent test strips for visual detection and bioimaging. The mitochondrial localization of HSN & sdot";"Cl was confirmed via co-staining experiments with MitoTracker red dye in live HeLa cells, demonstrating efficient accumulation in the organelle. Fluorescence microscopy further verified the capability of the probe for high-contrast imaging of intracellular Zn2+ ions distribution and its dynamic response to S2-ions."


