A dual-functional specific fluorescent bio-sensor based on triphenylamine for “turn-off” recognition of copper and mercury: Application in real samples and living system

Accurately monitoring the content of Cu²⁺ and Hg²⁺ in real samples and biological systems is of great significance in ensuring food safety and human health. Therefore, developing efficient methods for simultaneously detecting Cu²⁺ and Hg²⁺ is of great significance in living organisms and real samples. In this work, a bifunctional ratiometric and colorimetric fluorescent bio-sensor DPT-1, was designed and synthesized using triphenylamine to specifically and concurrently detect Cu²⁺ and Hg²⁺ exhibited varying degrees of fluorescence quenching through “turn-off” fluorescence. Furthermore, DPT-1 effectively detected Cu²⁺ and Hg²⁺ in various real samples, encompassing tap water, Songhua River water, and honeysuckle extract. In addition, DPT-1 exhibited remarkable performance in detecting Cu²⁺/Hg²⁺ in rice roots, living cells and zebrafish. As research progressed, the discoveries outlined in this article offered the versatile potential for holding promise for food safety monitoring and biological research.