Unique isophorone-based NIR fluorescent probe with a high fluorescence quantum yield and larger stokes shift for Al and Zn level simultaneous monitoring in biological system.

Given the profound implications of Al and Zn in the ecosystem and organism, there is a compelling demand for a robust method to simultaneously detect these ions. The novel near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe DDLH based on isophorone, offers efficient in vivo monitoring capabilities for Al/Zn. Simultaneously, DDLH displayed excellent selectivity, anti-interference, a low detection limit and rapidity responsiveness to Al/Zn, coupled with a high fluorescence quantum yield and substantial Stokes shift (220 nm). The binding mechanisms of DDLH to Al (ESIPT effect)/Zn (ICT effect) were unambiguously established through a series of comprehensive analytical techniques. Furthermore, the probe DDLH was also applied for bioimaging in Hela cells. Critically, DDLH exhibited remarkable performance in detecting Al and Zn in zebrafish. Therefore, the study demonstrated enormous potential in environmental monitoring and ecosystems, showing broad application prospects in living organisms.