Rapid detection of aspartic acid and glutamic acid in water by BODIPY-Based fluorescent probe: Live-cell imaging and DFT studies

Abstract Strategically modified4-(diethylamino)-2-(pyridin-2-ylmethoxy)benzaldehyde appended BODIPY-based probe N,N-SP-BPY detects aspartic acid (Asp) and glutamic acid (Glu) by inhibition of Photoinduced electron transfer (PET) process in water. The probe shows considerable and rapid fluorescence enhancement upon addition of Asp and Glu. Additionally, a distinct colorimetric change from pink to a colorless solution can be observed to recognize traces of Asp and Glu. The probe detects Asp and Glu as low as 1 μM and 5 μM respectively. Furthermore, the probe can efficiently detect intracellular Asp and Glu in live HeLa, A549, MDA-MB-468 and HEK-293T cells under fluorescence microscope without showing any cytotoxic effect. Two model BODIPY derivatives are also synthesized to establish strategic modification. 1H NMR titration and theoretical calculations strongly supports experimental findings.