A Simple Selective Probe for Lysine Detection in Tablets, Food Samples and Cells

A novel probe ITQ ( 9-(((E)-1 H-inden-1-ylidene)methyl)-8-(3-(((E)-1 H-inden-1-ylidene)methyl)phenoxy)-2,3,6,7-tetrahydro-1 H,5 H-pyrido[3,2,1ij]quinolone ) was successfully designed and synthesized to detect amino acid lysine (Lys). The selective sensing behavior of the probe ITQ was observed using absorption and emission spectral results. Further, the probe ITQ exhibits a strong binding affinity for Lys [1.4 × 10 4 M − 1 ] and detects and quantifies Lys even in its nanomolar concentration. Moreover, the probe ITQ detects Lys at 1:2 binding stoichiometry with suitable biological pH [ 4 – 11 ]. Furthermore, the probe ITQ was also successfully utilized to detect Lys in tablets, real samples (avocado, soyabean and pork) and in live HeLa cells.