Mercury is not biodegradable just like many other heavy metals, and therefore it is very difficult to remove it from the body. It is an extremely dangerous and poisonous metal even in very small quantities. For this reason, it is crucial to promptly and continuously monitor trace amount of mercury in the environment and in living cells. In the project study, Prof. Dr. İsmail Yılmaz and his research group will develop new Hg²⁺-chemodosimeters based on chromelinium-cyanine containing indoline ring. The chemodosimeters will absorb/emit in the near-infrared (NIR) region and exhibit high selectivity and sensitivity. The chemodosimeters will be utilized o visually determine Hg²⁺ in real samples using paper strip, smartphone, and fluorescence microscopy. The chromelinium-cyanine-based Hg²⁺-sensors designed within the scope of the project are the first Hg²⁺-sensors based on indoline ring-containing chromelinium-cyanine and chemodosimeters.

The main objective of this project is to selectively and sensitively measure mercury ions in the environment and in living cells, as they pose a serious threat to human health and the environment. In this way, the dangers that may arise from Hg²⁺ will be minimized.