Organoselenium-based quinoline sensor for superoxide detection and its antitumor activities

Quinoline-based “turn-on” fluorescent probe was successfully synthesized using 5-amino quinoline and 2-(phenylselanyl)benzaldehyde. The probe was found to be selective for superoxide over other reactive oxygen species (ROS) and biothiols. The probe can detect superoxide in the presence of other ROS and biothiols. The detection limit of the probe for superoxide was found to be 37 nM with a Stokes shift of 150 nm. The probe quickly detects superoxide with a 21-fold increase in fluorescence intensity. The probe exhibited anticancer activity on HeLa cells that was comparable to the standard drug (Cisplatin).

Organoselenium based quinoline probe was developed. The probe was selective for superoxide with instant response and possess good anticancer activity.