Scientists of the University of Silesia have designed new quinoline derivatives. Their solution will be used primarily to create fluorescent dyes allowing to detect heavy metal ions in human and animal cells. The invention has been patented.

Quinoline derivatives are useful e.g. in the design of drugs with antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial and anticancer properties. They can also be used as fluorescent sensors in cancer diagnostics and in the detection of ions of various elements. Thanks to them, scientists can assess the size or location of the neoplastic tumor or determine the concentration of heavy metals in the cells.

Changes in the level and distribution of zinc, iron or copper ions are associated with the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, compounds that fluoresce as a result of binding such ions can be used in diagnosing diseases and monitoring the progress of treatment.