A novel dual-responsive colorimetric/fluorescent probe for the detection of N2H4 and ClO− and its application in environmental analysis and bioimaging

Abstract

Hydrazine (N₂H₄) and hypochlorite (ClO^-) are both reactive chemical substances extensively utilized across various industrial domains. Excessive hydrazine (N₂H₄) and hypochlorite (ClO^-) can pose significant risks to the environment, ecosystems, and human health. In order to assess and control the environmental hazard caused by N₂H₄ and ClO^-, there is an imperative need for efficient methods capable of rapid and precise detection of these contaminants. This paper introduces a novel dual-responsive colorimetric/fluorescent probe (MDT) for the detection of N₂H₄ and ClO^- in environmental and biological samples. The probe exhibits turn-on fluorescent responses to N₂H₄ or ClO^- with low detection limits (N₂H₄: 8 nM; ClO^-: 15 nM), large Stokes shifts (N₂H₄: 175 nm; ClO^-: 203 nm), short response time (N₂H₄: 4 min; ClO^-: 5 s) and broad pH range (5-10). In practical applications, MDT has been successfully employed in detecting N₂H₄ and ClO^- in water and soil samples from diverse locations. Test strips loaded with MDT offer a visual and convenient means to track N₂H₄ vapor and quantify N₂H₄ and ClO^- concentrations in solutions. Finally, MDT has been utilized for sensing N₂H₄ and ClO^- in Arabidopsis thaliana roots and living zebrafish. This study presents a promising tool for monitoring N₂H₄ and ClO^- in the environment and living organisms.