Small molecule sensors

Rhodamine, a fluorescent molecule often used in small molecule sensors

Small-molecule sensors are an effective way to detect the presence of metal ions in solution.[1] Although many types exist, most small molecule sensors comprise a subunit that selectively binds to a metal that in turn induces a change in a fluorescent subunit. This change can be observed in the small molecule sensor's spectrum, which can be monitored using a detection system such as a microscope or a photodiode.[2] Different probes exist for a variety of applications, each with different dissociation constants with respect to a particular metal, different fluorescent properties, and sensitivities. They show great promise as a way to probe biological processes by monitoring metal ions at low concentrations in biological systems. Since they are by definition small and often capable of entering biological systems, they are conducive to many applications for which other more traditional bio-sensing are less effective or not suitable.[3]

  1. ^ Tomat, Elisa; Lippard, Stephen J (April 2010). "Imaging mobile zinc in biology". Current Opinion in Chemical Biology. 14 (2): 225–230. doi:10.1016/j.cbpa.2009.12.010. PMC 2847655. PMID 20097117.
  2. ^ Formica, Mauro; Fusi, Vieri; Giorgi, Luca; Micheloni, Mauro (January 2012). "New fluorescent chemosensors for metal ions in solution". Coordination Chemistry Reviews. 256 (1–2): 170–192. doi:10.1016/j.ccr.2011.09.010.
  3. ^ Domaille, Dylan W; Que, Emily L; Chang, Christopher J (March 2008). "Synthetic fluorescent sensors for studying the cell biology of metals". Nature Chemical Biology. 4 (3): 168–175. doi:10.1038/nchembio.69. PMID 18277978.