A novel colorimetric/fluorometric dual-channel probe for selective detection of Sn2+ with long-wavelength emission and its bioimaging applications

Tin is a crucial trace element in the human body, playing a significant role in various physiological activities and overall human health. In this study, we present a novel fluorescent probe (CDM) capable of detecting Sn2+ through both colorimetric and fluorometric channels. The probe allows for visual detection by the naked eye and exhibits long-wavelength fluorescence emission. With a detection limit of 4.72 x 10-8 M and 9.95 x 10-9 M, respectively, CDM surpasses the World Health Organization's specified limit of 8.4 x 10-4 M and outperforms previously reported probes. As far as we know, this is the first fluorescent probe to enable naked-eye and longwavelength emission-based detection of Sn2+. Additionally, a smartphone-based sensing platform was developed to recognize Sn2+. CDM not only demonstrates sensitive detection of Sn2+ in common food products but also successfully imaging Sn2+ in 4T1 cells, Caenorhabditis elegans, and mice.