Fluorescence turn-on chemodosimeter for rapid detection of mercury (II) ions in aqueous solution and blood from mice with toxicosis.

The heavy metal mercury (Hg) is a threat to the health of people and wildlife in many environments. Among various chemical forms, Hg(2+) salts are usually more toxic than their counterparts because of their greater solubility in water; thus, they are more readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract into circulation. Therefore, new chemical receptors for detecting Hg(2+) ions in circulation are needed. In this study, we developed a rhodamine-based turn-on fluorescence probe to monitor Hg(2+) in aqueous solution and in blood of mice with toxicosis. The chemodosimeter responds to Hg(2+) ions stoichiometrically, rapidly, and irreversibly at room temperature as a result of a chemical reaction that produces strongly fluorescent oxadiazole. The new fluorescent probe shows good fluorescence response, with high sensitivity and selectivity, toward Hg(2+) ions in aqueous solution and in blood from mice with toxicosis and facilitates the naked-eye detection of Hg(2+) ions.