Fabrication of a New Coumarin Based Fluorescent “turn-on” Probe for Distinct and Sequential Recognition of Al 3+ and F − Along With Its Application in Live Cell Imaging

A new coumarin based fluorescent switch PCEH is fabricated which displays high selective sensing towards Al 3+ among other metal cations at physiological pH. On gradual addition of Al 3+ , PCEH shows a brilliant “turn-on” emission enhancement in MeOH/H 2 O (4/1, v/v) solution. This new fluorescent switch is proven to be a reversible probe by gradual addition of F − into the PCEH-Al 3+ solution. Detection limit as well as binding constant values are calculated to be in the order of 10 –9 M and 10 4 M −1 respectively. We have also explored its potential as a biomarker in the application of live cell imaging using breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231 cell). Graphical Abstract