A colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent probe for rapid, sensitive and visual detection of metabisulfite in food and living cells

摘要

Sodium metabisulfite (Na2S2O5) is widely used as a bleaching agent and food preservative. However, excess of S2O52? can irritate and damage the human body. In this study, we report a colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent probe for visual detection of S2O52?. The probe can quantitatively determine S2O52? with high specificity and sensitivity, fast response (30 s) as well as a low detection limit (6.8 nM). A 1,4-Michael addition reaction was proposed for the sensing mechanism of this probe, which was confirmed by 1H NMR and HR-MS spectra. The probe has been successfully utilized to determine S2O52? in food with good recovery, from the remarkable colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescence changes. The probe was also employed to visualize S2O52? in live cells. Furthermore, the probe has been successfully prepared into a portable kit for real-time visual detection of S2O52? in food. Therefore, this probe has great potential application for the detection of S2O52? in food and living cells.