Dual-response fluorescent triphenylamine chemoprobe HN2 for the detection of Cu2+ ions and H2S: Applications in real samples and biological imaging.

The pervasive presence of the heavy metal ion Cu2+ and the harmful gas H2S in the environment and foodstuffs constitutes a significant health hazard. To address this issue, we developed a novel dual-response, multifunctional fluorescent chemoprobe, HN2, based on triphenylamine. This probe facilitates the continuous detection of Cu2+ and H2S through an "on-off-on" fluorescence response mechanism. HN2 demonstrates exceptional selectivity, rapid response, reversible interaction capabilities, and a high quantum yield (42.54 %), coupled with remarkably low detection limits (0.550 nmol L-1 for Cu2+ and 0.074 nmol L-1 for H2S). Moreover, HN2 has shown great promise in detecting these substances in authentic wine samples and has been successfully employed for visual monitoring of gaseous H2S emissions from decaying shrimp and pork. Importantly, the probe's efficacy in detecting Cu2+ and H2S has been corroborated through imaging techniques in HeLa cells and zebrafish.