On–off Bodipy chemosensor for recognition of iron(III) ion based on the inner filter effect and its applications in cellular and bacterial imaging

One strong fluorescent Bodipy-containing derivative was synthesized and characterized using 1 H NMR, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. Its electrochemical and photophysical properties were investigated. In addition, the Bodipy derivative could be used as an on–off fluorescent probe for the detection of Fe 3 + ions based on the inner filter effect because the absorption band of the Fe 3 + ion overlaps the excitation band of Bodipy very well upon irradiation with UV light. Furthermore, the Bodipy-based sensor has obvious advantages including simplicity, rapid response, high selectivity, sensitivity and a detection limit of 1.2 μ mol/L, and has been demonstrated in real water samples including tap water, mineral water and water from Lake Tai. Moreover, the fluorescent probe could also be used as a probe for the determination of Fe 3 + in cellular and bacterial imaging. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.