Unique isophorone-based NIR fluorescent probe with a high fluorescence quantum yield and larger stokes shift for Al3+ and Zn2+ level simultaneous monitoring in biological system.

Given the profound implications of Al3+ and Zn2+ in the ecosystem and organism, there is a compelling demand for a robust method to simultaneously detect these ions. The novel near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe DDLH based on isophorone, offers efficient in vivo monitoring capabilities for Al3+/Zn2+. Simultaneously, DDLH displayed excellent selectivity, anti-interference, a low detection limit and rapidity responsiveness to Al3+/Zn2+, coupled with a high fluorescence quantum yield and substantial Stokes shift (220 nm). The binding mechanisms of DDLH to Al3+ (ESIPT effect)/Zn2+ (ICT effect) were unambiguously established through a series of comprehensive analytical techniques. Furthermore, the probe DDLH was also applied for bioimaging in Hela cells. Critically, DDLH exhibited remarkable performance in detecting Al3+ and Zn2+ in zebrafish. Therefore, the study demonstrated enormous potential in environmental monitoring and ecosystems, showing broad application prospects in living organisms.