Six-Membered Spirocycle Triggered Probe for Visualizing Hg2+in Living Cells and Bacteria–EPS–Mineral Aggregates

A novel rhodamine based probe with a unique six-membered spirocycle was rationally designed for detection of Hg2+ with greatly improved selectivity, sensitivity, and photostability. The probe has been shown to be suitable for Hg2+ imaging in living cells and mapping Hg2+ distribution in living cell–EPS–mineral aggregates under anoxic conditions.