Chromo-fluorogenic sensing using vitamin B6 cofactors and their derivatives: a review

Abstract

Chromo-fluorogenic chemosensors designed by using a signaling unit (chromophore/fluorophore) and a recognition unit are extensively developed for the sensing of various bioactive and toxic analytes owing to their low-cost, simplicity, and high selectivity and sensitivity. Recently, vitamin B₆ cofactors like pyridoxal and pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP) have been employed as a recognition unit for the design of chromo-fluorogenic chemosensors using various organic dyads and functionalized nanomaterials. This review summarizes the chromo-fluorogenic chemosensors developed using the cofactors pyridoxal and PLP. The design of sensors, sensing mechanisms and practical applications of the developed sensors are also discussed. The main aim of this review is to provide future scope for developing chemosensors using the bioactive cofactors as the recognition unit by presenting the results from our research group and the contributions from other groups.