Double-detecting fluorescent sensor for ATP based on Cu2+ and Zn2+ response of hydrazono-bis-tetraphenylethylene

Although all kinds of sensors with unique detecting ability for one guest were reported, the fluorescence sensor with multiple detecting abilities was seldom presented. This work designed and synthesized a novel AIE fluorescence probe bearing double detecting for ATP based on Cu 2+ and Zn 2+ response of hydrazono-bis-tetraphenylethylene ( Bis-TPE ). Bis-TPE was prepared in 82% yield with simple procedure. It exhibited strong red AIE fluorescence based on the large conjugated electron effect in aqueous media. It showed outstanding selective sensing abilities for Cu 2+ by strong fluorescence quenching and for Zn 2+ by red-orange fluorescence change. The sensing mechanism of 1:1 stoichiometric ratios was confirmed by 1 H NMR and MS study. The strong red fluorescence of Bis-TPE  + Cu 2+ system could be recovered by adding ATP. The orange fluorescence of Bis-TPE  + Zn 2+ system could be quenched by adding Cu 2+ and then was recovered by adding ATP. These double detecting abilities for ATP with the “off-on” red fluorescence in Bis-TPE  + Cu 2+ system and “allochroic-off-on” orange fluorescence in Bis-TPE  + Zn 2+ +Cu 2+ system were successfully applied to test Cu 2+ , Zn 2+ and ATP in test paper and living cell imaging, displaying the good application prospects for sensing Cu 2+ , Zn 2+ and double detecting ATP in the complicated environment.