A Naphthalimide‐Based Fluorescent Probe for the Detection and Imaging of Mercury Ions in Living Cells

The selective and efficient monitoring of mercury (Hg(2+)) contamination found in the environment and ecosystem has been carried out. Thus, a new 1,8‐naphthalimide‐based fluorescent probe NADP for the detection of Hg(2+) based on a fluorescence enhancement strategy has been designed and synthesized. The NADP probe can detect Hg(2+) with high selectivity and sensitivity and a low detection limit of 13 nm. The detection mechanism was based on a Hg(2+)‐triggered deprotection reaction, resulting in a dramatic change in fluorescence from colorless to green at physiological pH. Most importantly, biological investigation has shown that the NADP probe can be successfully applied to the monitoring of Hg(2+) in living cells and zebrafish with low cytotoxicity.