Fluorescent Probes for Quantification of Free Copper

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This invention describes a method and new class of fluorescent probes for detecting and quantifying free metal ions, such as copper, zinc, lead, mercury, and others, in liquid samples. The probes work by changing their fluorescent properties (increase or decrease in fluorescence) when they interact with specific metal ions. The method is especially suitable for biological samples, including bodily fluids and cells, and provides a convenient means to monitor metal ion levels with high specificity and sensitivity.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Clinical diagnostics for disorders linked to abnormal metal ion concentrations, such as Wilson's disease, hemochromatosis, and neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
• Monitoring heavy metal contamination in environmental or food samples (e.g., water, beverages).
• Research tool for studying metal ion homeostasis and signaling in cells and tissues.
• Assessment of nutrient supply and deficiency by measuring biologically relevant metal ions in bodily fluids.
• Drug development or therapy monitoring for treatments targeting metal metabolism or chelation therapies.
• Point-of-care devices for rapid field testing of free metal ions.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Highly specific detection of free (unbound) metal ions, including toxic heavy metals and essential biological metals.
• Sensitive and quantitative measurement capabilities.
• Simple and fast detection via fluorescence, suitable for high-throughput and real-time analysis.
• Compatibility with a wide range of sample types, especially biological fluids and live cells.
• Ability to distinguish between different metal ions based on distinct fluorescent changes.
• Probes are cell-permeable and enable live-cell imaging and intracellular quantification.
• Versatile and can be engineered for specific applications or metal selectivity.

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Patent Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for detecting free metal ions in a sample comprising, providing a liquid sample potentially comprising free metal ions, adding to said sample a fluorescent probe comprising an organic fluorescent core and one or more metal binding functional group, wherein the one or more metal binding functional group is selected from the group comprising a phosphonic acid group and an arsonic acid group and is covalently linked to a sp or a sp2-carbon atom or a nitrogen atom of the fluorescent core via a P or As atom, and measuring fluorescence of said sample. In embodiments, presence of the metal ions leads to a concentration-dependent decrease, increase or shift of fluorescence compared to a reference sample, wherein the method preferably involves determining a concentration of metal ions in said sample. In embodiments, the liquid sample is a biological sample, such as a bodily fluid, a tissue sample or a sample comprising cells.