METHOD FOR SELECTIVE DETECTION AND ESTIMATION OF HISTIDINE AND CYSTEIN

Abstract

The Invention relates to a novel receptor molecule for estimation of amino acids based on florescence enhancements. Particularly, the invention relates to a novel Cu (II)-complex as a turn-on luminescence probe for selective detection of cysteine and histidine in pure aqueous environment and in biological sample as well as for detection of cyanide ions among various anions under physiological conditions.

Claims

1. A compound of formula R ##STR00016##

2. The compound as claimed in claim 1 is useful as a fluorescent probe for selective detection and estimation of amino acids.

3. The compound as claimed in claim 1, wherein the amino acids is selected from the group consisting of cysteine and histidine.

4. A process for synthesis of the compound as claimed in claim 1, comprising the process steps as: a) refluxing the mixture of solution of 5-amino-N,N-bis(2-aminoethyl) naphthalene-1-sulfonamide and 2-pyridine carboxaldehyde in a solvent at a temperature ranging between 60 to 80° C. for a period of time ranging between (1±0.5) hr followed by adding reducing agent in a solvent with stirring at a temperature ranging between room temperature for a period of time ranging between (20±4) hr. to get the reaction mixture; b) treating the reaction mixture obtained in step (a) with aqueous solution of base followed by extracting and drying to get crude product L; ##STR00017## c) dissolving the crude product obtained in step (b) in a solvent with catalyst followed by stirring at a temperature ranging between 30 to 35° C. for a period of time ranging between (8±2) hr to get the compound R ##STR00018##

5. The process as claimed in claim 4, wherein the solvent is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-dichloro methane, methanol and tetrahydrofuran.

6. The process as claimed in claim 4, wherein the aqueous solution of base is selected from the group consisting of sodium bicarbonate.

7. The process as claimed in claim 4, wherein the reducing agent is selected from the group comprising of Sodium triacetoxyborohydride, Sodium bhorohydride and Sodium cyano bhorohydride.

8. A method for detection of total cysteine and histidine present in a biological sample using the compound as claimed in claim 1, comprising; i. providing a biological sample consisting an ensemble of all natural amino acids; ii. adding N-Ethylmaleimide (NEM) to the biological sample obtained in step (i); iii. spiking the biological sample pre-treated with NEM obtained in step (ii) with known amount of histidine; iv. adding bis-Cu(II) complex reagent (R) to the above solution of step (iii); providing control comprising pure aqueous HEPES buffer solution having pH of 7.4 of histidine; v. illuminating the sample solution and pure aqueous HEPES buffer solution having pH of 7.4 of histidine; vi. quantifying the amount of histidine and cysteine present in the sample solution.

9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the concentration of HBP is in the range of 15-25 μM.

10. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the concentration of NEM is in the range 7.5-12 mM.

11. The method according as claimed in claim 8, wherein the concentration of bis-Cu(II) complex reagent (R) is in the range 15-25 μM.

12. A method for detecting intracellular cysteine using the compound as claimed in claim 1, comprising; i. incubating live Hct116 cells with bis-Cu(II) complex reagent (R) in aq.-HEPES buffer solution or optionally pre-treating the cells with NEM; ii. washing the solution obtained in step (i) with phosphate buffer solution (PBS); iii. providing a control comprising of live Hct116 cells without bis-Cu(II) complex reagent (R) in aq.-HEPES buffer solution; iv. illuminating the above solution and determining the bright-red fluorescent image of reaction of R with intracellular Cysteine.

13. A method for detecting cyanide ions among various anionic analytes under physiological conditions comprising reacting the solution containing various anions in aq.-HEPES buffer pH 7.4 with bis-Cu(II)-complex (R) of claim 1 and illuminating the sample and detecting the luminescence spectra.

14. A kit for carrying out the method for selective detection of cysteine and histidine without any interference from other amino acids according to claim 8 comprising; i. bis-Cu(II)-complex (R) of receptor ligand bis-dipicolyl amine derivative (L) of concentration 10 μm as fluorescence probe, excitable by spectrally separated wavelength of light, in pure aq.-HEPES buffer (pH 7.4) medium; ii. 1 mM NEM solution; iii. standard solution of histidine of concentration of 200 μM and 300 μM in pure aq.-HEPES buffer (pH 7.4) medium; and iv. instruction manual for performing the method.

15. A kit for carrying out the method for detection of cyanide ions among various anions under physiological conditions according to claim 8 comprising; i. bis-Cu(II)-complex (R) of receptor ligand bis-dipicolyl amine derivative (L) of concentration 10 m as fluorescence probe, excitable by spectrally separated wavelength of light, in pure aq.-HEPES buffer (pH 7.4) medium; ii. one or more standard solution in pure aq.-HEPES buffer (pH 7.4) medium; and iii. instruction manual for performing the method.

16. Use of bis-Cu (II)-complex (R) of receptor ligand bis-dipicolyl amine derivative (L) as fluorescence probe for detection of cyanide ions among various anions under physiological conditions.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] FIG. 1 depicts (a) Absorbance spectra of L (2.0×10.sup.−5 M) and R (2×10.sup.−5 M) (b) Absorbance spectra of R (2.0×10.sup.−5 M) in presence of His and Cys were performed in 10 mM HEPES buffer (pH 7.4) medium.

[0056] FIG. 2 depicts Electronic and luminescence (λ.sub.Ext=350 nm) spectra of L (2×10.sup.−5 M) in aq. HEPES buffer acetonitrile (96:4 (v/v); pH 7.4).

[0057] FIG. 3 depicts Emission spectral responses of L (2.0×10.sup.−5 M) towards varying [Cu(ClO.sub.4).sub.2](0 to 4.6×10.sup.−5 M) in aq.-HEPES buffer-CH.sub.3CN (96:4 (v/v); pH 7.4) medium using λ.sub.Ext=350 nm and Slit width 3 nm. Inset titration profile. 7 (a) B-H plot of L (2×10.sup.−5M) for varying [Cu.sup.2+] (0 to 4.6×10.sup.−5 M) λ.sub.ext=350 and λ.sub.Mon=552 nm. Good linear fit confirms the 1:2 binding stoichiometry in aq.-HEPES buffer-CH.sub.3CN (96:4(v/v); 10 mM, pH 7.4) medium. (b) Luminescence titration profile.

[0058] FIG. 4 depicts Luminescence spectra of R (2.0×10.sup.−5 M) in the absence and presence of various amino acids (AAs); e.g. tryptophan (Trp), leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile), methionine (Met), threonine (Thr), tyrosine (Tyr), valine (Val), alanine (Ala), serine (Ser), glycine (Gly), cysteine (Cys), Glutathione (GSH), homocysteine (Hey), proline (Pro) and arginine (Arg) in pure aq.-HEPES buffer medium.

[0059] FIG. 5 depicts Changes in luminescence spectra for R (2.0×10.sup.−5 M) in presence of varying [Cys] (0 to 2.8×10.sup.−3 M). Studies were performed in aq.-HEPES buffer (10 mM, pH 7.4) medium using λ.sub.Ext=350 nm and Slit width 3 nm.

[0060] FIG. 6 depicts Changes in luminescence spectra for R (2.0×10.sup.−5 M) in presence of varying [His] (0 to 3.1×10.sup.−3 M); Studies were performed in aq.-HEPES buffer (10 mM, pH 7.4) medium using λ.sub.Ext=350 nm and Slit width 3 nm.

[0061] FIG. 7 depicts X-Band EPR spectrum of complex R recorded in aqueous medium at room temperature.

[0062] FIG. 8 depicts (a) X-Band EPR spectrum of complex R in presence of His (b) R in presence of Cys recorded in aqueous medium at room temperature.

[0063] FIG. 9 depicts Plot of ΔI=(I.sub.0−I) vs. [His], where I.sub.0 and I are emission intensities of receptor R at 552 nm (I.sub.Ext=350 nm) inpresence of known [His] and blood plasma samples spiked with a known [His]+10 mM NEM.

[0064] FIG. 10 depicts Plot of ΔI=(I.sub.0−I) vs. [Cys], where I.sub.0 and I are emission intensities of receptor R at 552 nm (I.sub.Ext=350 nm) in the absence and presence of known [Cys] and blood plasma/blood plasma samples spiked with a known [Cys].

[0065] FIG. 11 depicts confocal laser fluorescence microscopic images of Hct116 cells treated with 10 μM of R in HEPES buffer; (ii, v). DAPI is added for nucleus staining agent; (iv). The cells were pre-incubated 1 mM of N-ethylmaleimide (NEM); (iii, vi). Overlay of the merged images.

[0066] FIG. 12 depicts Luminescence spectra (λ.sub.Ext=350 nm) of R in absence and presence of various anions (X.sup.−=F.sup.−, Cl.sup.−, Br.sup.−, I.sup.−, CN.sup.−, CH.sub.3CO.sub.2.sup.−, H.sub.2PO.sub.4.sup.−, P.sub.2O.sub.7.sup.4−, HSO.sub.4.sup.−, NO.sub.3.sup.−, NO.sub.2.sup.−, N.sub.3.sup.−, ClO.sub.4.sup.−, PhCO.sub.2.sup.− and IO.sub.4.sup.−) were performed in aq.-HEPES buffer pH 7.4.

[0067] FIG. 13 depicts a schematic depicting the estimation of Histidine and Cysteine. The diagram shows the estimation from human blood.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0068] The invention will now be described in detail in connection with certain preferred and optional embodiments, so that various aspects thereof may be more fully understood and appreciated.

[0069] Accordingly, to achieve the objectives of the invention, novel bis-dipicolyl amine derivative (L) and its corresponding binuclear Cu (II)-complex (R) are disclosed for instantaneous and selective detection of cysteine and histidine in HBP as well as endogenous cysteine.

[0070] Among the biothiols cysteine has lower pKa value of the thiol group in the side chain (8.00), as compared to that in homocysteine (Hcy; 8.87) and glutathione (GSH, 9.20). This factor is used in the present invention for the specific detection of cysteine without any interference from these two commonly interfering biothiols at pH 7.4. At pH 7.4, cysteine exists predominantly in its thiolate form and thus acts as a better coordinating ligand for Cu (II) than other biothiols. Further, histidine is known to form a stable complex with Cu (II) and is utilized in the present study for its recognition.

[0071] Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention discloses novel bis-Cu (II)-complex (R) of ligand bis-dipicolyl amine derivative (L) as ‘turn on’ fluorescence probe for selective detection of cysteine and histidine in pure aqueous environment and in a biological sample as well for specific imaging of endogenous Cysteine in live Hct116 cells without any interference from other amino acids;

##STR00009##

[0072] The present invention discloses novel bis-Cu (II)-complex (R) of ligand bis-dipicolyl amine derivative (L) as ‘turn on’ fluorescence probe for detection of cyanide ions among other various anions under physiological conditions.

[0073] The present invention relates to novel ligand bis-dipicolyl amine derivative (L) that can coordinate with a metal ion for fluorescent sensing;

##STR00010##

[0074] In an aspect, the purity of ligand (L) and the reagent (R) was determined by analytical and spectroscopic studies. The studies with ligand (L) were performed in the aqueous HEPES buffer-acetonitrile (96:4 (v/v); pH 7.4) medium, while studies with reagent (R) were performed in pure aq.-HEPES buffer (pH 7.4) medium. The said novel receptor (L) and the reagent (R) were characterized by mass spectroscopy, Uv-vis spectroscopy as depicted in FIGS. 1-2.

[0075] Accordingly, Uv-vis spectrum of ligand (L) showed two distinct bands at 256 nm and 329 nm and two bands for reagent (R) appeared at 252 and 324 nm, respectively. The band at 256 nm for (L) was attributed to a charge transfer (CT) transition involving N.sub.Amine as a donor and a dansyl moiety (5-naphthalene-1-sulfonyl chloride) as an acceptor. The other band at 329 nm was ascribed to a dansyl-based CT transition. Observed blue shifts in (R) were ascribed to a less favored CT process, as compared to those in (L).

[0076] Reagent R is a Cu (II)-complex. Being a d.sup.9 (paramagnetic) system, no sensible NMR spectra is obtained either in absence or in presence of His and Cys. Whereas L without Cu (II)-centere doesn't not bind to Cys or His.

[0077] The Novel bis-Cu (II)-complex (R) and ligand (L) are characterized by emission spectra under excitation at 350 nm.

[0078] X-band EPR spectrum of probe R (1.0 mM) in the absence and presence of Cys (3.0 mM) and His (3.0 mM) were recorded. All studies were performed in aq.-HEPES buffer (10 mM, pH 7.4) medium at 298±20 K

[0079] Further, Fluorescence responses of L (2.0×10.sup.−5 M) towards varying concentration of Cu.sup.2+ [Cu(ClO.sub.4).sub.2; at 0 to 4.6×10.sup.−5M) was performed in aq.-HEPES (4-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine-1-ethanesulfonic acid) buffer-CH.sub.3CN (96:4 (v/v); pH 7.4) medium at room temperature (FIG. 3). A strong emission band at λ.sub.max of 552 nm (Φ=0.068 for λ.sub.Ext of 350 nm and dansyl amide as a standard) was observed. Hypsochromic shift (□λ.sub.F) of 52 nm in emission maxima was observed upon binding of L to Cu.sup.2+ with quenching of the dansyl-based fluorescence. Binding of the Cu.sup.2+ (d-system) was accounted for the observed luminescence quenching. The new but weak CT-based emission band with maxima at ˜500 nm confirmed formation of a bis-Cu (II) complex with ligand (L).

[0080] The B-H (Benesi-Hildebrand) plot revealed al: 2 binding stoichiometry and a binding constant of (4.2±0.02)×10.sup.8 M.sup.−2 for formation of R upon interaction of L with Cu.sup.2+ (FIG. 3b).

[0081] The Luminescence spectra for R (2.0×10.sup.−5 M) (λ.sub.Ext=350 nm) in the absence and presence of 200 mole equivalent of various amino acids were recorded in pure aq.-HEPES buffer medium (pH 7.4) and are shown in FIG. 4. The studies revealed that increase in emission intensity was observed at 552 nm when Cysteine or Histidine was added to the aq.-buffer solution of R. Unlike Cysteine/Histidine, other thio-amino acids such as Hey and GSH could not induce such emission enhancement. Electron Spin resonance spectroscopy (ESR) spectra of R in absence and presence of Cysteine and Histidine in pure aq.-HIEPES buffer media (pH 7.4) are shown as an inset in FIGS. 7&8.

[0082] The emission spectra of R (2.0×10.sup.−5 M) in presence of Histidine and Cysteine were recorded under excitation at 350 am in 10 mM HEPES buffer pH (7.4) medium.

[0083] The present invention discloses a process for the synthesis of L and R comprising the steps of:

a. heating solution mixture of compound (1), 2-pyridine carboxaldehyde and sodium triacetoxyborohydride for several hours until completion of reaction to obtain ligand (L); and
b. reacting ligand (L) with Cu(ClO.sub.4).sub.2.6H.sub.2O at (25±3)° C. in a solvent to obtain Cu(II) complex (R).

[0084] The process is depicted in Scheme I below:

##STR00011##

[0085] The compound (1) was obtained by refluxing solution of diethylene triamine with phthalic anhydride to obtain compound (a); reacting compound (a) with dansyl chloride (5-naphthalene-1-sulfonyl chloride) in presence of base and solvent to obtain compound (b) followed by hydrolysis with hydrazine monohydrate to yield the desired compound (1).

[0086] The process is shown below in Scheme 2.

##STR00012##

[0087] Systematic luminescence titrations were carried out for R (2.0×10.sup.−5 M) with varying [Cysteine] (0 to 2.8×10.sup.−3 M) and [Histidine] (0 to 3.2×10.sup.−3 M) concentrations in pure aq.-HEPES buffer medium (10 mM, pH 7.4). Increase in [Cysteine] or [Histidine] caused a concomitant increase in emission intensity at ˜552 nm (FIGS. 5 and 6). The two independent titrations revealed linear range of 90-2800 μM and 200-3200 μM, for Cysteine and Histidine, respectively.

[0088] The increase in emission intensity as observed in systematic luminescence titrations encouraged the present inventors to use the reagent (R) for quantitative estimation of total [Cysteine] and [Histidine] present in a solution.

[0089] The present invention discloses a method for quantitative estimation of total [Cysteine] and [Histidine] present in a biological sample comprising;

i. providing biological sample consisting an ensemble of all natural amino acids;
ii. adding N-Ethylmaleimide (NEM) to the biological sample;
iii. spiking the biological sample pre-treated with NEM with known amount of histidine;
iv. adding the bis-Cu(II) complex reagent (R) to the above solution of step (iii);
v. illuminating the sample solution and pure aqueous HEPES buffer solution having pH of 7.4 of histidine;
vi. quantifying the amount of histidine and cysteine present in the sample solution.

[0090] Alternately, the amount of cysteine and histidine present in biological sample was estimated by the method which comprises;

i. providing biological sample consisting an ensemble of all natural amino acids;
ii. reacting the above biological sample with bis-Cu (II) complex reagent (R) and subjecting the solution to illumination and recording the emission spectra;
iii. treating the above solution with NEM and recording the emission spectra; and
iv. quantifying the amount of histidine and cysteine present in the sample solution.

[0091] In an aspect, the biological sample according to the preceding aspects is human blood sample (HBP).

[0092] Accordingly, the quantitative estimation of histidine in the solution mixture was performed in presence of N-Ethylmaleimide (NEM).

[0093] NEM is known to react irreversibly with Cysteine and yield a non-fluorescent compound (Scheme 3 shown below). Then this resultant solution was used for quantitative analysis of Histidine.

##STR00013##

[0094] Literature studies reveal that the respective concentration levels of Cysteine and Histidine in human blood plasma are typically 240-360 μM and 15-75 μM. Since, the concentration of Histidine in HBP is low and to avoid any error in its detection, HBP samples (pre-treated with excess NEM) were spiked with two known concentration of Histidine (200 μM and 300 μM, respectively. Emission intensities (I.sub.HBP+200 and I.sub.HBP+300, respectively) were recorded for these two solutions.

[0095] Average of the difference (I.sub.HBP+200−I.sub.200) and (I.sub.HBP+300−I.sub.300) led to evaluation of actual [Histidine] in HBP sample and was found to be (23±2.1) LM (C.sub.His). Then the difference CT−C.sub.His yielded the actual [Cys] (239±7.5) μM in HBP sample. The evaluated [Cys] and [His] in HBP were observed within the allowed limit for a healthy human being.

[0096] In the alternate method, C.sub.Cys was evaluated from the experiments with NEM, which reacted specifically with Cysteine. Emission intensity for HPB samples treated with bis-Cu (II) complex reagent (R) was evaluated (I.sub.T), which reflects the total concentration of Cysteine and Histidine present in HBP sample. Then this solution was treated with NEM. NEM reacted with Cysteine present in HBP sample and the product was non emissive. The emission intensity (I.sub.NEM) for the resulting solution was evaluated and the difference in intensities (□I=I.sub.T−I.sub.NEM) was used for evaluation of [Cysteine] in HBP sample.

[0097] The source of illumination is Xenon lamp. In fluorescence studies excitation source is 350 nm for compound R and L. The concentration of HBP used in the above process is in the range of 15-25 μM; NEM in the concentration range of 7.5-12 mM and bis-Cu(II) complex reagent (R) in the concentration range of 15-25 μM.

[0098] The results are presented in FIG. 4 and the results confirmed that the reagent R can be used for selective detection for Cysteine and/or Histidine in ensemble of all other natural amino acids in pure aq. buffer medium.

[0099] The above process for the reaction of ligands L and R with Cysteine and Histidine is shown below in Scheme 2:

##STR00014##

[0100] The present invention relates to flourimetric analysis and detection of intracellular cysteine present in live Hct116 cells comprising;

i. incubating live Hct116 cells with bis-Cu(II) complex reagent (R) in aq.-HEPES buffer solution or optionally pre-treating the cells with NEM;
ii. washing the solution with phosphate buffer solution (PBS);
iii. providing a control comprising of live Hct116 cells or without bis-Cu(II) complex reagent (R) in aq.-HEPES buffer solution;
iv. illuminating the above solution and determining the bright-red fluorescent image of reaction of R with intracellular Cysteine,

[0101] Accordingly, the flourimetric analysis employing R as ligand for detection of intracellular Cysteine that could be present in live Hct116 cell was studied by confocal laser microscopy. Live Hct116 cells were incubated with reagent R (10 μM) in aq.-HEPES buffer solution (pH 7.4) at 37° C. and washed repeatedly with phosphate buffer solution (PBS) to remove the surface adhered probe molecules. Control experiments were performed without exposing live Hct116 cells to the probe reagent solution; otherwise maintaining the identical experimental conditions. The bright-red fluorescence images were observed from Hct116 cells treated with R, while no such fluorescence images were observed from Hct116 cells used in control experiments (FIG. 11). These results confirmed the cell membrane permeability of this reagent and its ability to react with the intracellular Cysteine to initiate the demetallation reaction (Scheme 2) and regenerate L with fluorescence on response.

[0102] In vitro cytotoxicity of R on Hct116 cells (Colon cancer cell) was determined by conventional MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, a yellow tetrazole) assay. The assay revealed insignificant cytotoxicity towards Hct116 cells with IC.sub.50 of 200 μM.

[0103] The present invention relates to a method for detecting cyanide ions among various anionic analytes under physiological conditions comprising solution with various anions in aq.-HEPES buffer pH 7.4 with reagent (R) and illuminating the sample and detecting the luminescence spectra.

[0104] Accordingly, the Luminescence spectra of the Ligand R in the absence and presence of 100 mole equivalents of various anionic analytes like F.sup.−, Cl.sup.−, Br.sup.−, I.sup.−, CN.sup.−, CH.sub.3CO.sub.2.sup.−, H.sub.2PO.sub.4.sup.−, P.sub.2O.sub.7.sup.4−, HSO.sub.4.sup.−, NO.sub.3.sup.−, NO.sub.2.sup.−, N.sub.3.sup.−, ClO.sub.4.sup.−, PhCO.sub.2.sup.− and IO.sub.4.sup.− in buffer media (pH 7.4) were recorded. Among all these anions, only CN.sup.− showed a turn-on emission response with maximum at 552 nm. Thus, along with Histidine and Cysteine, this reagent could also be used for detection of cyanide under the physiological condition.

[0105] The present invention provides a kit for carrying out the method for selective detection of cysteine and histidine in pure aqueous environment and in biological sample as well as for detecting endogenous Cysteine present in live Hct116 cells, without any interference from other amino acids comprising the following;

i. bis-Cu(II)-complex (R) of receptor ligand bis-dipicolyl amine derivative (L) of concentration 10 μm as fluorescence probe, excitable by spectrally separated wavelength of light, in pure aq.-HEPES buffer (pH 7.4) medium;
ii. 1 mMNEM solution;
iii. standard solution of histidine of concentration of 200 μM and 300 μM in pure aq.-HEPES buffer (pH 7.4) medium; and
iv. Instruction manual for performing the method.

[0106] The present invention provides a kit for use in carrying out the method for detection of cyanide ions among various anions under physiological conditions comprising;

i. bis-Cu(II)-complex (R) of receptor ligand bis-dipicolyl amine derivative (L) of concentration 20 μm as fluorescence probe, excitable by spectrally separated wavelength of light, in pure aq.-HEPES buffer (pH 7.4) medium;
ii. one or more standard solution in pure aq.-HEPES buffer (pH 7.4) medium; and
iii. Instruction manual for performing the method.

[0107] In another aspect, the present invention relates to use of novel bis-Cu(II)-complex (R) of receptor ligand bis-dipicolyl amine derivative (L) as fluorescence probe for selective detection of cysteine and histidine in pure aqueous environment and in human blood plasma as well as for detecting endogenous Cysteine present in live Hct116 cells without any interference from other amino acids.

[0108] The present invention relates to use of novel bis-Cu(II)-complex (R) of receptor ligand bis-dipicolyl amine derivative (L) as fluorescence probe for detection of cyanide ions among various anions under physiological conditions. The following examples, which include preferred embodiments, will serve to illustrate the practice of this invention, it being understood that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purpose of illustrative discussion of preferred embodiments of the invention.

EXAMPLES

[0109] The following examples are given by way of illustration and should not be construed to limit the scope of the present invention.

Example 1

Synthesis of L:

[0110] Compound 1 (210 mg, 0.625 mmol) and 2-Pyridinecarboxaldehyde (401 mg, 3.75 mmol) were dissolved in 7 ml of 1, 2 dichloromethane and refluxed it for 1 h. To this reaction mixture, Sodium triacetoxyborohydride (791 mg, 3.75 mmol) in 1,2 dichloromethane (10 mL) was added. The reaction mixture was allowed to stirring at room temperature for 48 h. Progress of the reaction was monitored by checking the TLC and stopped when no further change was observed. The reaction mixture was treated with saturated aqueous sodium bi carbonate solution and subsequent extraction using chloroform was performed. The organic layer was recovered, dried over anhydrous Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was subjected to neutral alumina gel chromatography using chloroform:methanol (99.5:0.5, v/v) as eluent. Major fraction was collected and dried under vacuum, which afforded a sticky oil solid. Yield: 270 mg, 61.78%.

Characterization Details:

[0111] ESI-Ms (m/z) calculated for C.sub.40H.sub.44N.sub.8O.sub.2S: 700, observed: 701 [M+H.sup.+]. .sup.1H NMR [500 MHz, CDCl.sub.3: δ (ppm)]: 8.45 (5H, d, J=3.5 Hz, ArH); 8.17 (1H, d, J=8.5 Hz, ArH); 8.01 (2H, d, J=7.00 Hz, ArH); 7.60 (4H, t, J=15 Hz, ArH); 7.46 (2H, t, J=8.5 Hz, ArH); 7.39 (4H, t, J=7.5 Hz, ArH); 7.11 (4H, t, J=6.00 Hz ArH); 3.66 (8H, s, CH.sub.2); 3.38 (4H, t, J=7.0 Hz, CH.sub.2); 2.85 (6H, s, CH.sub.3); 2.52 (4H, t, J=7.0 Hz, CH.sub.2). .sup.13C NMR (500 MHz, CDCl.sub.3, δ (ppm173.6, 161.18, 145.80, 138, 137, 135.17, 129, 127.74, 124.24, 119, 50.24, 40.17, 32 and 31.60.

Example 2

Synthesis of R

[0112] The compound L (120 mg, 0.17 mmol) was dissolved in 7.5 mL methanol, to this Cu (ClO.sub.4).sub.2.6H.sub.2O (126 mg, 0.342 mml) was added. Solution colour was changed immediately. The reaction mixture was stirred for 8 h and then transferred into a beaker and allowed to evaporation at room temperature to precipitate the desired compound. Light bluish white solid compound was isolated through filtration and was further carefully washed with cold Dichloromethane. Yield 120 mg, 42.25%. ESI-Ms (m/z) calculated for C.sub.40H.sub.44Cu.sub.2N.sub.8.2H.sub.2O: 862, observed: 863 [M+H.sup.+].

Example 3

Detection of Histidine in Human Blood Plasma

[0113] Pretreatment of the Healthy Human Blood Plasma for Estimation of C.sub.Cys & C.sub.His:

[0114] Fresh and human blood samples (5 mL) with added Lithium anticoagulant were centrifuged in a vacutainer tube at 3000 rpm for 15 min. The supernatant solution (plasma), which contains proteins and amino acids, was collected. 2 ml of collected plasma was vigorously mixed with appropriate amount of NaBH.sub.4 and incubated for 5 minutes at room temperature in order to hydrolyse the disulphide bond. Proteins present in the sample after reduction were precipitated by the addition of methanol, followed by centrifugation (18500 g) of the sample for 15 minutes. The supernatant liquid, which contained Cysteine and Histidine in blood plasma, was used for the spectroscopic studies.

[0115] Evaluation of C.sub.Cys and C.sub.His, in Human Blood Plasma Sample

Methodology 1:

[0116] Calculation of the C.sub.His in Human Blood Plasma (HBP) sample that contains Cysteine and Histidine. To the 20 μM HBP sample 10 mM NEM was added. NEM is known to react irreversibly with Cysteine and yield a non-fluorescent compound (Scheme 2 shown below). The resultant solution was used for quantitative analysis of Histidine.

##STR00015##

[0117] Concentration of Histidine in HBP is low and thus to avoid any error in its detection, HBP samples (pre-treated with excess NEM) were spiked with two known concentration of His (200 μM and 300 μM, respectively). The fluorescence intensity of such HBP samples spiked with 200 and 300 μM of His were I.sub.HBP+200 and I.sub.HBP+300, respectively. Fluorescence intensities for pure aqueous HEPES buffer solution having pH of 7.4 was evaluated for [His] of 200 and 300 μM and these values were I.sub.200 and I.sub.300, respectively.

[0118] The difference between I.sub.HBP+200 and I.sub.200 led to the actual concentration of Histidine ([His].sub.1) in HBP sample. Similarly, the difference between I.sub.HBP+300 and I.sub.300 led to the actual concentration of His ([His].sub.2) in HBP sample. Arithmetic mean of [His].sub.1 and [His].sub.2 led to the value ((23±2.1)μM) for C.sub.His in HBP sample. The data reported for C.sub.His is an average of three independent evaluations for [His].sub.1 and [His].sub.2.

[0119] Emission intensity measurements for HBP samples treated with the reagent R directly gave the summation of concentration of C.sub.Cys and C.sub.His (C.sub.T=C.sub.Cys+C.sub.His). Thus, C.sub.T−C.sub.His=C.sub.Cys.

Methodology 2:

[0120] C.sub.Cys was also evaluated from the experiments with NEM that reacted specifically with Cys. Emission intensity for HPB samples treated with R was evaluated (I.sub.T), which reflected the total concentration of Cysteine and Histidine present in HBP sample. The solution was then treated with NEM. NEM reacted with Cysteine present in HBP sample and the product was observed non emissive. The emission intensity (I.sub.NEM) for the resulting solution was evaluated and the difference in intensities (ΔI=I.sub.T−I.sub.NEM) was used for evaluation of [Cys] in HBP sample. Values evaluated for [Cys] in HBP sample, following this methodology, agreed well with the value that was evaluated by adopting the methodology 1.

Example 4

Cell Culture and Fluorescence Imaging: Confocal Laser Fluorescence Microscopic Images of Hct116 Cells.

[0121] Hct116 cells (3×10.sup.5) (procured from national repository of National Centre for Cell Science, Ganeshkind Road, Pune: 411007, Maharashtra, India) were seeded on coverslips placed in 6 well plates. After 24 hours cells were treated with R (10 μM) for 30 minutes or pre-treated with N-Ethyl Maleimide (NEM, a thiol specific blocking reagent (1 mM) for 30 minutes before adding R (10 μM) for 30 minutes. Cells were then washed thrice with Phosphate Buffer Saline (1×PBS) and fixed with 4% PFA for 20 minutes and washed again with 1×PBS. Permeabilization of the cells was done using 0.2% Triton X 100 for 5 minutes. Again three washes were given and then coverslips mounted using Fluor shield with DAPI (Sigma) mounting medium. Nail paints was used to seal the coverslips mounted on the glass slides. Images were acquired in Olympus Fluoview Microscope. Overlay of the merged images confirms the intracellular fluorescence. (FIG. 11)

Example 5

MTT Assay for Evolution of Cytotoxicity of the Reagent R Towards Hct116 Cells

[0122] The in vitro cytotoxicity of R on Hct116 cells (Colon cancer cell) were determined by conventional MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, a yellow tetrazole) assay. Hct116 colon cancer cells (7×10.sup.3) were seeded in each well of a 96 well plate and cultured in a 37° C. incubator supplied with 5% CO2. Cells were maintained in DMEM medium, supplemented with 10% Fetal Bovine Serum and 100 Units of Penicillin Streptomycin antibiotics. After 24 hours the cells were treated with different concentrations of the R in triplicates for 12 hours. After treatment cells were added with 0.5 μg/ml of MTT reagent. The plate was then incubated for 4 hours at 37° C. and then later added to each well with 100 μl of Isopropyl Alcohol. The optical density was measured at 570 nm using Multiskan Go (Thermo Scientific) to find the concentration of the cell inhibition. IC.sub.50 value was calculated to be 200 μM.

[0123] The formula used for the calculation of the MTT assay for evaluation of the cell viability is as follows:

Cell viability (%)=(means of Absorbance value of treated group/means of Absorbance value of untreated control)×100.

Advantages of the Present Invention

[0124] Novel bis-Cu (II)-complex (R) of ligand, bis-dipicolyl amine derivative (L) as ‘turn on’ fluorescent probe.

[0125] Quick process for selective detection and estimation of cysteine and histidine in pure aqueous environment and in a biological sample as well as for detecting endogenous Cysteine present in live Hct116 cells, without any interference from other amino acids. The reagent bis-Cu (II)-complex (R) can also be used for detecting cyanide ions among various anions under physiological conditions.