The highly selective and sensitive fluorescence probe for detection of copper (II) ions and its bioimaging in vitro and vivo.

[Display omitted] • We designed and developed the probe W-3 for selectively detecting Cu2+. • The combination of test strips and a smartphone facilitates on-site testing of Cu2+. • The W-3 can be used for the detection of Cu2+ in cells and mice. We designed and developed the probe W-3 for detection of Cu2+. The results showed probe can selectively detect Cu2+, accompanied by noticeable color change. The probe can detect the Cu2+ in water samples and drinks based on absorption detection. In addition, the combination of portable test paper and the smartphone platform obtained great convenience for on-site and visual detection of Cu2+, with satisfactory sensitivity and reliability. More importantly, the fluorescence probe W-3 can be used for the detection of Cu2+ in cells and mice. Therefore, the W-3 provided potential chemical tools for detecting Cu2+ in vitro and vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]