A Smart Molecule Detects Dangerous Ions in Our Food and Body

Scientists have created a special molecule that can detect harmful ions in our food and inside our cells. This molecule, called H2L, is made from a unique chemical structure that makes it glow when it finds certain ions. H2L can detect zinc ions in a mixture of water and a solvent called DMSO. Even when other metal ions are present, H2L can still find zinc. This is because zinc binds to H2L and makes it glow brighter. The smallest amount of zinc that H2L can detect is 0. 18 micromolar. H2L can also detect cyanide ions in DMSO. Cyanide is a poison that can be found in some foods. H2L can find cyanide even when other anions are present. The smallest amount of cyanide that H2L can detect is 0. 94 micromolar. In a mixture of water and DMSO, H2L can detect iron and copper ions. These ions make H2L glow less brightly. The smallest amount of iron that H2L can detect is 3. 92 micromolar, and the smallest amount of copper that H2L can detect is 0. 17 micromolar. Scientists have also shown that H2L can be used to detect cyanide in food samples. They used a simple paper strip to test for cyanide in foods that we eat every day. H2L is not harmful to cells. Scientists have tested it in cells and found that it is safe to use up to a concentration of 100 micromolar. H2L can also be used to detect ions inside cells. Scientists have used fluorescence microscopy to show that H2L can find zinc, iron, copper, and cyanide ions in cells.