A nitrobenzoselenadiazole-based fluorescent probe for visualizing cadmium distribution in Artemisia argyi and cadmium-exposed mice.

Cadmium (Cd2+) contamination poses serious threats to environmental safety and public health, necessitating the development of sensitive and reliable detection tools. Herein, a novel fluorescent probe CdTS-Se, based on a nitrobenzoselenadiazole fluorophore coupled with a di-2-picolylamine (DPA) recognition unit, is reported for Cd2+ detection. CdTS-Se exhibits ultrafast response (<0.5 s), high sensitivity (LOD = 10.7 nM), and excellent selectivity for Cd2+. It exhibits a far emission and excellent photostability, making it ideal for both in vivo and environmental applications. CdTS-Se was successfully applied to portable test strips, enabling rapid and on-site detection of Cd2+ in water, soil, and herbal samples. Most importantly, the probe was applied to in situ fluorescence imaging of Cd2+ uptake and transport in Artemisia argyi, while also detecting Cd2+ in mouse liver. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that CdTS-Se is a powerful tool for sensitive Cd2+ detection and in situ visualization in living plants systems, offering a reliable methodological tool for studying heavy metal transport and its biological impacts.