New chemodosimetric probe for the specific detection of Hg2+ in physiological condition and its utilisation for cell imaging studies.

A dithiane derivative of BODIPY is synthesized. This new reagent could be used for the specific and instantaneous detection of Hg(2+) in physiological condition. This dithiane reagent reacts specifically with Hg(2+) to regenerate the parent BODIPY-aldehyde with consequential change in visually detectable optical responses and this provides the possibility of using this reagent as a colorimetric probe or as a fluorescent biomarker/imaging reagent. Further, non-covalent interactions could be utilized for formation of an inclusion complex with biologically benign β-cyclodextrin for enhancing its solubility in aqueous environment and this included adduct could be used as a fluorescent marker and imaging reagent for Hg(2+). Uptake of Hg(2+) ions in live HeLa cells, exposed to a solution having Hg(2+) ion concentration as low as 2 ppb, could also be detected by confocal laser microscopic studies.