A highly sensitive and selective fluorescence chemosensor for Fe3+ based on rhodamine and its application in vivo imaging

Abstract We synthesized a rhodamine-based fluorescent probe 1 , which could be used for the optical detection of Fe 3+ . Compared with other commonly coexistent metal ions in aqueous system, it exhibited high sensitivity and selectivity for Fe 3+ , and the detection limit was only 4.2 × 10 −8  M. In addition, the rapid enhancement of fluorescence intensity on addition of Fe 3+ provided a good method for the detection of Fe 3+ . What’s more, the colour change was visible and distinct, so it could be used for the naked-eye detection of Fe 3+ . Furthermore, the fluorescent probe was proved to be effective when used for sensing Fe 3+ in living cells and zebrafish. These results showed its values in biological aspects.