First fluorescent sensor for curcumin in aqueous media based on acylhydrazone-bridged bis-tetraphenylethylene.

This work designed and synthesized the first organic fluorescent sensor for curcumin in aqueous media based on red-to-green fluorescence change of acylhydrazone-bridged bis-tetraphenylethylene (Bis-TPE). Bis-TPE was prepared by condensation of formyltetraphenylethylene with dihydrazide oxalate in 86% yield. It has the large conjugated electron effect with strong red AIE fluorescence in aqueous solution. It displayed high selective sensing ability for curcumin with red-to-green fluorescence change in THF-H 2 O (5:95). The detection limit was as low as 1.15 × 10−7 M. The sensing mechanism was confirmed as 1:1 stoichiometric ratio based on quadruple hydrogen bonds. Bis-TPE was successfully applied for analyzing curcumin of ginger and living cell imaging, supplying a new detecting strategy for curcumin in real sample and living environment. The first organic fluorescent sensor for curcumin in aqueous media based on red-to-green fluorescence change of acylhydrazone-bridged bis-tetraphenylethylene was reported. Unlabelled Image • The first fluorescent sensor for curcumin in aqueous media was reported. • The obvious red-to-green fluorescence change was observed after sensing curcumin. • The detection limit was as low as 1.15 × 10−7 M. • This sensor was applied in detecting curcumin in real sample of ginger. • This sensor exhibited good fluorescent response for curcumin in living bioimaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]