Aza-BODIPY-based logic gate chemosensors and their applications.

Dimethylaniline-substituted aza-BODIPY dyes (DA, DM, DP) were designed and synthesized aiming for ion detection. The Zn recognition ability was found in all compounds and the binding mechanism was possibly via dimethylaniline sites linked to the aza-BODIPY core. Upon Zn addition, the new absorption band and the color change occurred due to the altered charge transfer of the adducts. The custom-made colorimeter was successfully integrated into the dye's application, demonstrating a good linear relationship between resistance values and Zn concentration. The chromophore test strips were fabricated and exhibited distinct color changes upon aqueous Zn exposure. The compound DA also exhibits logical behavior with DA-Zn-Cu system. In terms of environmental hazards, the compounds exhibited no adverse effect on Pseudomonas putida at the concentration level of 0.2 mg/mL. These findings indicated that all synthesized aza-BODIPYs might be suitable for chemosensor probes for Zn detection with possibly low environmental risk.