Characterization of an Al$^{3+}$-selective fluorescent probe based on a benzoyl hydrazine derivative and its application in cell imaging

A fluorescent probe based on benzoyl hydrazine was synthesized and characterized as an Al$^{3+}$-selective fluorescent probe. This probe showed good selectivity towards Al$^{3+\, }$compared to other common ions. Under optimized experimental conditions, the probe exhibited a linear dynamic response for Al$^{3+}$ from 5.0 $\times $ 10$^{-7}$ to 4.5 $\times $ 10$^{-6}$ M with a detection limit of 1.3 $\times $ 10$^{-7}$ M in ethanol-water solution (9:1, v:v, pH 6.8, 20 mM HEPES). Furthermore, it was used for imaging of Al$^{3+}$ in living cells with satisfying results.