A near-infrared fluorescent probe for rapid and on-site detection of sulfur dioxide derivative in biological, food and environmental systems
Zhuye Shang, Miaomiao Wu, Qingtao Meng, Yang Jiao, Zhiqiang Zhang, Run Zhang
Abstract
Emission of toxic gaseous sulfur dioxide (SO2) and its derivative bisulfite (HSO3–) from various industrial applications, like food processing, transportation, and the coking process, has raised substantial concerns regarding environmental quality and public health. The probes for specific and sensitive detection of SO2 derivatives plays an essential role in their regulation, and ultimately mitigating their environmental and health implications, but the one that can detect SO2 derivatives onsite by end users remains limited. Herein, we report a new near-infrared fluorescence probe (SL) for rapid and onsite detection of SO2 derivative, HSO3– in industrial wastewater, food samples and for sensing its interaction with biological organisms. The SL is developed through coupling of quinolinium and coumarin moiety through an electron deficit C=C bond that can specifically react with HSO3− via a Michael addition. By recording the blue shift of absorption and emission spectra, SL can sensitively detect HSO3– (limit of detection, 38 nM) in aqueous solution within 40 seconds. SL is biocompatible, can be used for evaluating toxicity of SO2 derivatives in living organisms. The preparation of SL-stained test paper allows the colorimetric/fluorometric analysis for quantification of HSO3– onsite in food, river and coking wastewater samples using a smartphone. The successful development of SL not only provides a new tool to investigate HSO3– in biological, food and environmental systems, but also potentially promotes the application of fluorescence technique for rapid and onsite analysis of real-world samples by end users. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a major contributor to air pollution, especially in areas with high industrial activity. Toxicity of SO2 is primarily attributed to its bisulfite derivative, the chemical has various detrimental effects on both human health and the environment but has been extensively used as the additive in food processing and transportation. The development of new tools for detecting SO2 derivatives is of great importance to mitigate their adverse effects. Herein, we report a new near-infrared fluorescence probe and corresponding colorimetric/fluorometric sensing approach for fast, sensitive, and specific detection of SO2 derivatives in biological, food and environmental systems.