Selective Identification of Ferric Ions in Ecological and Biological Samples Using Rhodamine Chemosensors

Abstract

Rhodamine chemosensors are extremely beneficial to identify and assess the quantity of iron ions (Fe3+) in environmental and biological samples. In the recent past, several rhodamine based chemosensors are specifically developed to detect Fe3+ ion. Among the ferrous and ferric ions, the ferric ion is expected to display more toxicity, if present, abundantly beyond the limit in the biological system. Similarly, ferric ion in the environment is also a major threat because it can affect both plant and animal kingdoms. The sources of ferric ion in the environment are through corrosion of pipes, supplemental pills from the counter, and municipal wastes. Therefore, specific detection of ferric ion is essential and rhodamine chemosensors play a crucial role in detecting such pollutants. The present review summarizes the rhodamine chemosensors that are recently developed to specifically identify ferric ion in both environmental and biological samples. Rhodamine chemosensors offer a cost-effective approach to detect the ferric ions distributed in various biological and environmental systems.