A new quinoline-based fluorescent probe for Cd2+ and Hg2+ with an opposite response in a 100% aqueous environment and live cell imaging

A new quinoline-based dual fluorescent probe L was synthesized for the detection of Cd²⁺ (turn-on) and Hg²⁺ (turn-off) in a 100% aquatic system. Its in vivo sensitivities to Cd²⁺ and Hg²⁺ were demonstrated in the EC9706 cell line.