A new generation of fluorescent chemosensors demonstrate improved analyte detection sensitivity and photobleaching resistance.

Molecular chemosensors have found increased utility in the development of precise and sensitive detection devices. However, chemosensors that report binding via fluorescence through UV excitation are susceptible to destruction via photodegradation of the fluorophore. In the following report, the dansyl fluorophore in a previously reported chemosensor for peptides is replaced with an acridone derivative that is highly resistant to photobleaching. Its spectral properties are closely matched to those of the original dansyl fluorophore, and although quite structurally dissimilar, the new more photostable acridone chemosensor analogue exhibits only minor differences in binding/detection characteristics.