Development of a Rhodamine‐Based Chemosensor for Cd 2+ Ions: A Combined Approach of Colorimetric, Fluorescent Detection, and Computational Modelling

This paper presents the design and synthesis of a new rhodamine-based Schiff base chemosensor (L) with exceptional selectivity and sensitivity for Cd2+. An analysis of L was conducted using various spectroscopic techniques, thereby validating its structure and activity. The chemosensor exhibited a clear turn-on fluorescence response and significant colour change with Cd2+ ions in acetonitrile. Binding investigations confirmed that L interacts with Cd2+ ions in a 1:1 ratio, as shown by Job's plot and Benesi-Hildebrand (B-H) analysis. The binding constant (Ka = 0.107 × 104) highlights the strong and specific interactions between L and Cd2+ ions.The limit of detection was found to be (LOD = 2.01 nM) for Cd2+ ions. DFT studies confirmed the stability of the L-Cd2+ complex, indicating the coordination of Cd2+ to the four atoms in L. The reversible properties of L in the presence of EDTA illustrate its potential as a reusable chemosensor and emphasise its INHIBIT molecular logic gate functionality. Molecular docking analyses of L with the human DNA-binding protein 5VBN were performed to assess its binding affinity and interaction characteristics. The practical application was demonstrated by the effective detection of Cd2+ in actual water, vegetable and fruit juice samples, solid-state sensing tests and filter paper-based assays, highlighting its potential for environmental monitoring.