Recent development in chemosensor probes for the detection and imaging of zinc ions: a systematic review

Zinc is an essential and second most abundant transition element in the human body after the iron (Fe3+). Chemosensors have unique nature for detection of various selective metal ions [including Zinc (Zn2+ ion)]. On the other hand, zinc is required for a variety of biological activities and enzymatic reactions proceed in the human body. However, the presence of certain of them in the environment, such as cadmium, lead, mercury, and others, poses health concerns and dangers. Fluorescent imaging has been shown to be the best tool for in vivo monitoring of zinc, a vital biological element for all living things. Which are in cell death, gene expression control, brain signal transmission, pathogenic, and other physiological activities. However, the question of how quickly to detect Zn2+ in biology remains difficult and important. Using appropriate fluorescent chemosensors, here, we aim to highlight current developments in detecting and bioimaging physiologically, ecologically, and industrially relevant metal ion(s) such as Zn2+. Additionally, this review has given a brief account of various detection methods Zn2+ sensors such as an internal charge transfer, photo induced electron transfer, fluorescence resonance energy transfer, chelation-enhanced fluorescence, and the importance of fluorescent chemosensors and their photophysical properties. This review will helpful to environmental chemists.