Paper-based fluorescent sensors from quinoline ligands for distance-based quantification of Zn2+

A series of aminoquinoline derivatives with different N-alkyl substituents were synthesized and used in the development of paper-based fluorescent sensors. In aqueous solutions, the quinoline ligands show strong green fluorescence selectively upon binding to Zn2+ that is clearly observed by naked eyes under blacklight illumination. The paper-based sensors were prepared by depositing the amidoquinoline derivatives in wax-printed channels on filter paper. Developing of Zn2+ samples, deposited below the ligand spots, with an aqueous buffer solution creates green fluorescent lines suitable for distance measurement. The ligands with a tertiary amino group showed better-defined fluorescent lines than those of ligands containing primary and secondary amino groups. The length of the fluorescent lines increases linearly with the amounts of Zn2+ in the range of 2.5–80 nmol that can be easily determined by naked-eye observation or an image processing software. The increase in hydrophobicity of the ligands results in a wider dynamic concentration range of the detection. The paper-based sensor can accurately and conveniently quantify Zn2+ in drinking water, dietary supplement, and fertilizer samples.