A rhodamine based fluorescent chemodosimeter for the selective and sensitive detection of copper (II) ions in aqueous media and living cells

A rhodamine-based fluorescent probe, integrated with phosphonate group, demonstrated highly selective and sensitive recognition towards copper (II) ions over other metal species. Operating via ring opening reaction, the probe molecule (RhP) offered extensive properties such as “turn-on” fluorescence response, naked-eye detection, low detection limit (15 nM) and fast response time (<15 s). Detection of copper (II) ions in living cells as a biological application is also successfully reported.