Recent Developments in Colorimetric and Fluorimetric Chemosensors for the Detection of Mn 2+ Ions: A Review (2010–2024)

Manganese is an essential metal ion involved in various biological and environmental processes, but its excess can lead to toxicity, particularly affecting the nervous system. Therefore, developing selective and sensitive detection methods for Mn²⁺ ions is of paramount importance. Colorimetric and fluorimetric chemosensors have emerged as promising tools for the detection of Mn²⁺ due to their simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and real-time monitoring capabilities. This review discusses recent advances in the colorimetric and fluorimetric chemosensors that exhibit distinct color or fluorescence changes upon interaction with Mn²⁺ ions. The review explores different organic and nanomaterials, focusing on their mechanisms of sensing, sensitivity, selectivity, and practical applications in environmental monitoring, healthcare, and food safety. The article also provides insights into future research directions aimed at overcoming these challenges, improving chemosensor performance, and expanding the applicability of colorimetric and fluorimetric chemosensors for Mn²⁺ detection in diverse real-world scenarios.