Synthesis and characterization of new selective Zn2+ fluorescent probes for functionalization: in vitro Cell imaging applications

Herein the synthesis and characterization of new, lipophilic highly Zn2+-selective fluorescent probes are reported. High affinity for zinc (Kd 1.1–8.0 nM) over other biologically relevant metals and mixtures of metals was observed. Excitation at 360 nm afforded an emission spectrum with maximum at 530 nm for the zinc bound complex. The linear relationship between fluorescence intensity and zinc concentration indicates that FZnA-probes can be used for quantification. The probes have been synthesized in 28–45% overall yield and the feasibility for further functionalization with biologically relevant side chains has been demonstrated. In vitro studies using PC12 cells and 10 μM of one of the novel probes (FZnA-Ada) visualized endogenous labile Zn2+ after 45 min incubation time.