Selective recognition of fluoride as a CBRN toxic agent by a non-symmetric pillar[5]arene and Bodipy combination

The CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) materials caused to serious health risks that the effective detection of these agents is very important. Macrocyclic fluorescent sensors based on Pillar[5]arene bearing multi Bodipy units have been designed for toxic agents in the CBRN area. The prepared non-symmetric Pillar[5]arene derivative (Pillar[5]-Bodipys) was characterized by NMR, elemental analysis, FT-IR and melting point methods. The macrocyclic sensor exhibits a strong emission around 510 nm, which is used to monitor the interaction of toxic anions. Ion-binding experiments of the chemosensor have been examined in half-aqueous medium with a wide range of anions and the detection process is monitored by UV–vis and fluorescence spectroscopies. The results demonstrated that the chemosensor, Pillar[5]-Bodipys, has a sensitivity and selectivity toward toxic F^- ion. The fluorescence intensity of Pillar[5]-Bodipys quenched significantly in the presence of F^- anion and LOD was determined as 2.1x10^-7 M. In the detection of F^- ion, Pillar[5]-Bodipys has also an ideal response time and good stability in a range of pH’s. The biological imaging was examined for the detection of F^- ion by Pillar[5]-Bodipys, that the fluorescent macrocyclic sensor has a low toxicity. It can be successfully used in the recognition of F^- ions on living cells.