Selective Hg2+ Detection Using an Aza-BODIPY-Derived NIR Fluorescence Sensor: Environmental and Biological Applications
- 1Silpakorn University , , ,
- 2Suranaree University of Technology , , ,
Abstract
Mercury contamination in natural environments poses severe threats to ecosystems and human health, emphasizing the urgent need for reliable Hg2+ detection methods. In this work, a novel near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent aza-BODIPY derivative (BT) was synthesized as a potential fluorescence sensor. BT exhibited dual colorimetric and “turn-on” NIR fluorometric responses toward Hg2+ in H2O:EtOH (3:7 v/v), achieving a detection limit of 1.7 ppb. The sensor displayed high selectivity through rapid BT–Hg2+ complexation, with reversible sensing enabled by the addition of potassium iodide (KI). Practical applicability was demonstrated by quantifying Hg2+ in environmental water and fertilizer samples. BT-based paper test strips provided a specific colorimetric response for Hg2+, while bioimaging in human liver cancer cells revealed effective visualization with low cytotoxicity. Collectively, these findings establish BT as a versatile and reliable platform for Hg2+ detection, offering significant promise for environmental monitoring and sustainable health protection.
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BibTeX
@article{kaewnok2026selective,
title = {{Selective Hg2+ Detection Using an Aza-BODIPY-Derived NIR Fluorescence Sensor: Environmental and Biological Applications}},
author = {Nirawit Kaewnok and Jitnapa Sirirak and Natdhera Sanmanee and Anyanee Kamkaew and Krit Setthakarn and Nantanit Wanichacheva},
journal = {ACS Omega},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1021/acsomega.6c05627},
url = {https://pubs.acs.org/acsodf/article/doi/10.1021/acsomega.6c05627/5456828/Selective-Hg2-Detection-Using-an-Aza-BODIPY},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Selective Hg2+ Detection Using an Aza-BODIPY-Derived NIR Fluorescence Sensor: Environmental and Biological Applications
AU - Nirawit Kaewnok
AU - Jitnapa Sirirak
AU - Natdhera Sanmanee
AU - Anyanee Kamkaew
AU - Krit Setthakarn
AU - Nantanit Wanichacheva
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/23
JO - ACS Omega
DO - 10.1021/acsomega.6c05627
UR - https://pubs.acs.org/acsodf/article/doi/10.1021/acsomega.6c05627/5456828/Selective-Hg2-Detection-Using-an-Aza-BODIPY
AB - Mercury contamination in natural environments poses severe threats to ecosystems and human health, emphasizing the urgent need for reliable Hg2+ detection methods. In this work, a novel near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent aza-BODIPY derivative (BT) was synthesized as a potential fluorescence sensor. BT exhibited dual colorimetric and “turn-on” NIR fluorometric responses toward Hg2+ in H2O:EtOH (3:7 v/v), achieving a detection limit of 1.7 ppb. The sensor displayed high selectivity through rapid BT–Hg2+ complexation, with reversible sensing enabled by the addition of potassium iodide (KI). Practical applicability was demonstrated by quantifying Hg2+ in environmental water and fertilizer samples. BT-based paper test strips provided a specific colorimetric response for Hg2+, while bioimaging in human liver cancer cells revealed effective visualization with low cytotoxicity. Collectively, these findings establish BT as a versatile and reliable platform for Hg2+ detection, offering significant promise for environmental monitoring and sustainable health protection.
SN - 2470-1343
ER -