4-4-difluoro-4-bora-3a-4a-diaza-s-indacene and dithiane

A dithiane derivative of BODIPY is synthesized. This new reagent could be used for the specific and instantaneous detection of Hg(2+) in physiological condition. This dithiane reagent reacts specifically with Hg(2+) to regenerate the parent BODIPY-aldehyde with consequential change in visually detectable optical responses and this provides the possibility of using this reagent as a colorimetric probe or as a fluorescent biomarker/imaging reagent. Further, non-covalent interactions could be utilized for formation of an inclusion complex with biologically benign β-cyclodextrin for enhancing its solubility in aqueous environment and this included adduct could be used as a fluorescent marker and imaging reagent for Hg(2+). Uptake of Hg(2+) ions in live HeLa cells, exposed to a solution having Hg(2+) ion concentration as low as 2 ppb, could also be detected by confocal laser microscopic studies.

Topics: Boron Compounds; Cell Survival; Fluorescent Dyes; HeLa Cells; Humans; Mercury; Molecular Imaging; Quinolizines; Sulfur Compounds