A selective 'Off-On' fluorescent sensor for Zn(2+) based on hydrazone-pyrene derivative and its application for imaging of intracellular Zn(2+).

A simple and effective fluorescent sensor based on hydrazone-pyrene has been synthesized. This probe displays a highly selective fluorescent enhancement with Zn(2+), and application of this probe to detect the intrinsic Zn(2+) ions present in pancreatic beta-cells was successfully demonstrated. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.