A Novel Fluorescent Probe for Zn2+ Detection in Aqueous and Application in Environmental Samples and Cells Bioimaging

A novel salicylaldehyde-benzohydrazide–based fluorescent probe L was designed and synthesized. The probe displayed excellent specificity and sensitivity for Zn 2+ detection in aqueous media (HEPES buffer, pH = 7.40), accompanied by a remarkable colorimetric fluorescence change from colorless to green under a 365 nm UV lamp. The detection mechanism of probe L for Zn 2+ was elucidated by 1 H NMR, HRMS, and DFT calculation. Moreover, the probe was effectively applied in the detection of Zn 2+ in both environmental samples and biological imaging in living cells.