Exploiting Polypeptide Motifs for the Design of Selective Cu(II) Ion Chemosensors

The production of fluorescent devices for the sensing and reporting of chemical events is currently of significant importance for both chemistry and biology. More specifically, sensors directed toward the detection and measurement divalent copper have enjoyed particular attention. Our focus has been on the production of robust, small-molecule chemosensors that exhibit reversible signaling and operate in aqueous solution at neutral pH, without the requirement for organic cosolvents. Because the intended use for such a sensor is ultimately for the measurement of environmental or biological samples, sufficient detection selectivity is of prime concern to ensure that a measurement in the appropriate concentration range can be made, even in the presence of elevated levels of competing divalent cations.