Double-detecting fluorescent sensor for ATP based on Cu and Zn response of hydrazono-bis-tetraphenylethylene.

Although all kinds of sensors with unique detecting ability for one guest were reported, the fluorescence sensor with multiple detecting abilities was seldom presented. This work designed and synthesized a novel AIE fluorescence probe bearing double detecting for ATP based on Cu and Zn response of hydrazono-bis-tetraphenylethylene (Bis-TPE). Bis-TPE was prepared in 82% yield with simple procedure. It exhibited strong red AIE fluorescence based on the large conjugated electron effect in aqueous media. It showed outstanding selective sensing abilities for Cu by strong fluorescence quenching and for Zn by red-orange fluorescence change. The sensing mechanism of 1:1 stoichiometric ratios was confirmed by H NMR and MS study. The strong red fluorescence of Bis-TPE + Cu system could be recovered by adding ATP. The orange fluorescence of Bis-TPE + Zn system could be quenched by adding Cu and then was recovered by adding ATP. These double detecting abilities for ATP with the "off-on" red fluorescence in Bis-TPE + Cu system and "allochroic-off-on" orange fluorescence in Bis-TPE + Zn+Cu system were successfully applied to test Cu, Zn and ATP in test paper and living cell imaging, displaying the good application prospects for sensing Cu, Zn and double detecting ATP in the complicated environment.