Six-Membered Spirocycle Triggered Probe for Visualizing Hg²⁺in Living Cells and Bacteria–EPS–Mineral Aggregates

Abstract

A novel rhodamine based probe with a unique six-membered spirocycle was rationally designed for detection of Hg(2+) with greatly improved selectivity, sensitivity, and photostability. The probe has been shown to be suitable for Hg(2+) imaging in living cells and mapping Hg(2+) distribution in living cell-EPS-mineral aggregates under anoxic conditions.