A novel flavone-based fluorescent probe for hydrazine detection in aqueous, soil and cell environments

• A novel ESIPT-based fluorescent probe (ARYA) was developed for hydrazine sensing. • ARYA exhibits rapid fluorescence response and a very low detection limit of 71 nM. • It shows excellent selectivity for N₂H₄ against other potentially interfering agents. • Practical use confirmed in real water, soil, and living cells for hydrazine detection. Hydrazine, a colourless and highly reactive chemical, is commonly used in various fields such as industry, agriculture, and medicine. While it serves important roles, it is also highly toxic and can cause severe health issues, including cancer and neurological disorders. Providing a simple, reliable, and practical approach to monitoring hydrazine levels will be imperative due to its essential roles. Herein, we report a novel flavone-based fluorescent probe, ARYA, which exhibits a “turn-on” fluorescence response with high selectivity and sensitivity (LOD = 71 nM). The probe effectively detects hydrazine in aqueous solutions, soil, and living cells, providing a practical and versatile tool for environmental and biological monitoring. These results highlight ARYA as a promising platform for rapid and sensitive hydrazine detection in complex media.