Converting pH probes into “turn-on” fluorescent receptors for anions

Abstract

The feature article outlines the design concept for the construction of “turn-on” fluorescent receptors for anions using fluorescent pH probes. Applications of this concept for the construction of fluorescent receptors for anions are described.

Cinchona alkaloids – acid, anion-driven fluorescent INHIBIT logic gates with a receptor1–fluorophore–spacer–receptor2 format and PET and ICT mechanisms

“… 35 The adaptation of fluorescent dye-appended azacryptands as turn-on probes for anions nicely illustrates further opportunities for the development of H + , anion-driven logic gates for selective acid-anion detection. 36 …”

Fluorescent styryl pyridine-N-oxide probes for imaging lipid droplets

“…The amine oxides are weak bases that could lead to pH-sensitive changes. Monitoring pH is crucial for several environmental and biochemical processes, [42][43][44] and therefore, to assess the utility of N-oxide derivatives, we carried out pHdependent studies. Compound TNO exhibits an absorption peak at 400 nm at pH 7.0.…”

Rational Design of the β‐Bulge Gate in a Green Fluorescent Protein Accelerates the Kinetics of Sulfate Sensing**

“…[1][2][3][4] Synthetic hosts can be used to recognize, transport, and transform anionic guests in aqueous media for basic research and practical applications. [5][6][7][8][9] However, these remain underdeveloped for operation in pure water primarily due to the physical challenge of anion dehydration. [10][11][12][13] In this context, biomolecular hosts such as proteins typically inspire new synthetic designs but can in fact be used and adapted to achieve supramolecular functions.…”

“…Halides and oxyanions are omnipresent in the environment and biology [1–4] . Synthetic hosts can be used to recognize, transport, and transform anionic guests in aqueous media for basic research and practical applications [5–9] . However, these remain underdeveloped for operation in pure water primarily due to the physical challenge of anion dehydration [10–13] .…”