An efficient fluorescence chemosensor for sensing Zn(II) ions and applications in cell imaging and detection of Zn(II) induced aggregation of PrP(106–126) peptide

[Display omitted] •A chemosensor probe HL based on pyrimidine was designed and synthesized.•The chemosensory behaviour of HL was determined by fluorescence spectroscopy.•HL was found to selectively recognise Zn+2 ions over other metal ions.•The probe HL showed a low detection limit (LOD) of 0.4 nM for Zn2+.•For cell imaging and sensing Zn2+-induced PrP (106–126) aggregation, HL was used. Zinc is one of the most vital components of the living system and is also involved in promoting various neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, direct monitoring of Zn2+ in biological systems is essential for human well-being. In this work, a chemosensor probe (HL) based on pyridine was synthesised, characterised, and reported for its highly efficient recognition of the zinc ions. The chemosensing behaviour of HL was determined by fluorescence spectroscopy. The probe was extremely sensitive for Zn2+, with an intensity enhancement of over 80-fold and a low detection limit (LOD) of 4 × 10-10 M (0.4 nM), which is remarkably low. In the presence of Co2+, Cr3+, and Cu2+ metal ions, HL shows fluorescence quenching, probably due to their paramagnetic nature. This chemosensor probe was used for applications in cell imaging and sensing of the Zn2+-induced prion (PrP106-126) peptide aggregation.