A carbohydrate modified fluoride ion sensor and its applications Original Research Article

A new fluorescent probe for the detection of F− (TBA+ and Na+ salts) has been developed, which is based on a desilylation triggered chromogenic reaction in water. This probe exhibits excellent F− ion selectivity as well as significant color changes visible to the naked eye at the concentration of 1.5 mg L−1, the WHO recommended level of F− ions in drinking water. This new carbohydrate modified probe can be used directly in aqueous medium without using organic co-solvents. Furthermore, the probe presents high sensitivity and selectivity for the imaging of F− ions in HepG2 cells.