Triphenylamine Derived Radical Cations for Colorimetric Cu²⁺ Sensors and as an Antibacterial Agent

He, Luqi; Tan, Jiao; Liu, Chun; Wu, Shouting; Zhang, Qi Long; Redshaw, Carl; Ni, Xin Long

Abstract

Herein, a series of triphenylamine derivatives (TPAs), which are comprised of electron donor and acceptor moieties, have been exploited as sensitive colorimetric sensors for Cu2+, operating via the formation of the corresponding organic radicals through a redox reaction in a mixed solvent system (acetonitrile/water). Further studies indicated that the Cu2+ recognition triggered organic radical cations were stable in aqueous solution, and can be used as an antibacterial agent for both Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) at very low concentrations (10−7 M). On comparison with light irradiated photodynamic therapy triggered radicals, the present work reveals that the direct use of radical cations of TPAs is more convenient for practical applications in killing bacteria. This work thus provides new insight into the design of sensitive colorimetric sensors and antibacterial agents.

Citation

He, L., Tan, J., Liu, C., Wu, S., Zhang, Q. L., Redshaw, C., & Ni, X. L. (2022). Triphenylamine Derived Radical Cations for Colorimetric Cu2+ Sensors and as an Antibacterial Agent. ChemistrySelect, 7(20), Article e202201155. https://doi.org/10.1002/slct.202201155

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 11, 2022
• Online Publication Date: May 23, 2022
• Publication Date: May 25, 2022
• Deposit Date: Jun 2, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: May 24, 2023
• Journal: ChemistrySelect
• Electronic ISSN: 2365-6549
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 7
• Issue: 20
• Article Number: e202201155
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/slct.202201155
• Keywords: Antibacterial agent; Chemosensor; Copper ion; Radical; Triphenylamine
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4006690