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Graphical abstract Highlights • A new ESIPT-based fluorescent probe for Hg2+ has been designed and developed. • The probe exhibits high sensitivity for mercury ions in aqueous solution. • The probe was successfully used for fluorescence imaging of Hg2+ in live cells. Abstract A new Excited-State Intramolecular Proton Transfer (ESIPT) based fluorescent probe for the detection of Hg2+ has been rationally designed and developed. Based on the specific reactivity of mercury-promoted hydrolysis, the probe exhibits high selectivity and sensitivity for mercury ions in almost pure aqueous solution (containing only 1% DMSO) with a low detection limit of 1.9 ppb. Furthermore, the probe was also successfully used for fluorescence imaging of Hg2+ in live cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new benzothizole-based fluorescent probe 1 for Hg 2+ recognition utilizing “ESIPT+AIE” strategy has been developed. In THF/H 2 O (1:1, v/v, PBS 20 mM, pH = 8.5) mixed solution, probe 1 displays rapid fluorescence responses to Hg 2+ ions with high selectivity and sensitivity through Hg 2+ -triggered releasing of a compound possessing “ESIPT+AIE” characteristics. Cell imaging investigations indicate that probe 1 is cell permeable with low toxicity to MCF-7 cells, and applicable to detect Hg 2+ ions in living MCF-7 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We presented the design, synthesis and preliminary evaluation of the 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonate (DNBS) of imidazo[1,5- α ]pyridine derivative, NIPY-DNBS , as a turn-on fluorescent probe for the detection of thiols in aqueous solution. The reaction mechanism was confirmed by means of fluorescence, absorption and HRMS. The large Stokes shift (201 nm), high sensitivity (the detection limit for Cys was calculated to be as low as 0.17 μM) and fast response (10 min) of NIPY-DNBS make it a practical and reliable method for fluorescence imaging. Furthermore, application of NIPY-DNBS for the selective detection of intracellular thiols has been successfully demonstrated in living A549 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We developed a near-infrared fluorescence probe, TMN-NH 2 -Cys. • The probe exhibited a large stokes shift. • The selective detection of Cys was confirmed by a visible colour change. • The probe exhibited a low cytotoxicity. • It could be applied to the imaging of endogenous Cys with fluorescence enhancement. Cysteine (Cys) is a sulfur-containing nutritional amino acid that plays an important role in the physiological function of living systems. We developed a near-infrared fluorescence probe, TMN-NH 2 -Cys. Upon the treatment with Cys, TMN-NH 2 -Cys exhibited a large Stokes shift (180 nm) and a visible colour change. TMN-NH 2 -Cys can selective detect Cys over homocysteine and glutathione. The probe was synthesised by a simple and high yielding three-step reaction. In addition, the probe exhibited a low cytotoxicity, and could be applied to the imaging of endogenous Cys with fluorescence enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A highly sensitive phenolphthalein Schiff-base turn-on fluorescent probe was reported. • A lowest detection limit of 9.79 × 10−9 M for Al3+ was achieved. • Highly sensitive sensing system for evaluation of Al3+ in living cells. An efficient fluorescent probe, 3, 3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-benzofuran-1-one-isoquinoline-1-carbohydrazide hydrazine (L), has been prepared for the selective sensing of Al3+ in DMSO-H 2 O (90:10, v/v) solution. The 1:2 stoichiometry of L and Al3+ was determined from Job's plot experiments and ESI-MS. The binding constants was observed as 7.106 × 1010 M−2, and the detection limit is 9.79 × 10−9 M. Moreover, the as-prepared probe shows high sensitivity to Al3+ both in acidic and neutral conditions. In addition, the as-prepared probe with good biological compatibility shows effective imaging of Al3+ in living cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]